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Consumers want local content. It's that simple. With the power of localization increasing due to the growth in mobile and digital marketing, now is the time for national brands to focus on it. But why are some global and national brands not reciprocating?
Our SVP of Digital Marketing Jason Tabeling answered that question in his latest article published on Search Engine Watch. In it, Tabeling explains why national brands are hesitant to zeroing in on local, and offers four ideas for brands to kick start local marketing efforts.
"There is a lot of talk recently about personalization as Google, Facebook and others continue to roll our new targeting features. These features, like Customer Match and Custom Audiences, allow advertisers to target consumers based on previous data captured. These targeting capabilities have been incredible at driving improved return on investment. I think these features are not only better for advertisers, but also consumers. However, what I continue to find interesting in these campaigns is the lack of focus on localization."
Our recently published State of Local Marketing Report emphasized the importance of local digital marketing and offered tips for capitalizing on the opportunity, and Jason's byline solidifies the research as he dives into examples and insights of his own.
"Now I understand why localization is often overlooked. It’s harder to manage ads at local levels. Things are just easier to manage at scale, one bid, one keyword, one ad. Localizing still requires a tremendous amount of effort, but effort that is well worth it, even for those brands that are truly national or online only. So, if we know that consumers want localized content/ads and performance varies significantly by state and city, what is the best way to take advantage of this knowledge?"
Want more information on local digital marketing for your brand? Contact us today to learn more.


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The year 2017 could be the year of bezel-less smartphones, lots of brands is going to release a three side bezel-less smartphone. Elephone is also working on a concept smartphone – Elephone S8. Apart from Elephone S7 which was the bezel-less smartphone from both sides with a curved display, Elephone S8 will be the bezel-less smartphone from three sides.
After Sharp and Xiaomi, Elephone S8 is going to be the third smartphone in the world with the tri-sided bezel-less display. Besides the bezel-less display, Elephone S8 will also be going to feature a scratch resistant back panel made of a new set of engineering. This back panel is achieved through an incredibly precise 15 step process.
The display is 6 inches, and the resolution is Full HD which looks stunning with no bezel on the all the three sides. It fits perfectly in hands and looks futuristic turning the display on. Elephone S8 supports internal storage of up to 128 GB, there is still no clue for RAM, but Elephone sure will install more than 4 GB RAM.
Apart from the two tri-side bezel-less smartphones released before, Elephone S8 doesn’t come with any home button on the front. But Elephone added a home button on the display and it can be a positivity that there is also a fingerprint sensor built into it. There is still no clue about the fingerprint sensor and the camera on Elephone S8. Tell us what you want to see in the new three sides bezel-less smartphone.

domain: news


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Among retailers’ numerous concerns these days: fall 2020 deliveries. How much of their fall orders should they cancel? Will they even get the goods they want from factories in Italy that are now closed? And why even take in fall goods when store closings now preclude selling spring?
David Rubenstein from Rubenstein’s in New Orleans believes that many stores will now want smaller and later fall deliveries because they have lots of carryover. “Since so many better Italian manufacturers are shutting down production, this ‘pushing back’ the calendar makes perfect sense for everyone, especially southern stores that have warm weather year-round.”
Jonathan Torjman from Stone Rose agrees. “Let’s use this current situation as an opportunity to re-set our retail calendars to actually line up with the seasons. Let’s extend spring/summer selling to the end of August and push the launch of fall to September. Not only would this make sense from a buy-now, wear-now perspective but it might salvage what’s left of this season, helping us maintain margins through the summer and flow-through current inventory on-hand.”
Adds James Costa, “I think if we band together as an industry, we can make this happen and help consumers adjust. It’s not only a great financial move but also a logical one in light of widespread climate change.”
Ken Shaia from Shaia’s in Alabama elaborates. “We certainly don’t need fall goods in August so I like the idea of pushing back deliveries. But we can’t allow Italy to collapse. European makers buy fabric and pay upfront. The big brands will survive this but the majority of small family businesses might not. Retailers are understandably asking for dating and discounts but why not split the discount between this year and next? This way, the Italian brands will know they’re going to get paid and can plan their businesses accordingly.”
Of course, this calendar change can only work if the major stores (those that survive) also agree to push back deliveries and hold off on early clearance sales, something that has never happened in my 30+ years in the industry. That said, the big stores are now suffering at least as much as the independents and might finally be ready to give this common-sense calendar adjustment a try, thereby improving margins for all.
A final thought from David Rubenstein, which I’m tightly holding on to: “The stock market will rebound and people with money will want to reward themselves, whether it’s with a new Rolex, a new Ferrari, or a new Zegna suit.”


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Several hardware-encrypted USB memory sticks are now part of a worldwide recall and require security updates because they contain a flaw which could allow hackers to easily gain access to the sensitive information contained on the device.
Joan Goodchild |
07 Jan |
There is no doubt that cloud computing is dominating today's IT conversation among C-level security executives. Whether it's due to the compelling cost saving possibilities in a tough economy, or because of perceived advantages in provisioning flexibility, auto-scaling, and on-demand computing, CSOs are probing the capabilities, costs and restrictions of the cloud. At the same time, security and compliance concerns are at the forefront of issues potentially holding large enterprises back from capitalizing on the benefits that cloud computing has to offer.
Jim Hietala |
07 Jan |
Forrester often gets inquiries such as, "What requirements should we keep in mind while developing our disaster recovery plans and documents?" and, "Which strategies work best for managing our disaster recovery program once it's in place?"
Stephanie Balaouras |
17 Dec |
Trade secrets are increasingly becoming a company's most valuable assets, and not surprisingly, threats to those assets have increased concomitantly. The greatest threat to company data is, of course, not outsiders but a company's own employees A company's ability to protect against rogue employees (as well as against unintentional harm) is governed by both federal and state laws, which vary by jurisdiction and, worse, are in a state of flux in many of those jurisdictions.
Russell Beck and Matt Karlyn |
12 Nov |
Social networking services like Facebook and Twitter foster a false sense of security and lead users to share information which can be used by cybercriminals and social engineers. The very concept of social networking is based on connecting and sharing, but with who?
Tony Bradley |
28 Aug |
More Data Security features
Gartner* believes that by 2020, 60% of organisations will use active social identity proofing and let consumers bring in social identities to access risk-appropriate applications. It also predicts that by 2020 new biometric methods will displace passwords and fingerprints for access to endpoint devices across 80% of the market.
Sumal Karunanayake |
31 Aug |
There are many reasons for security attacks. Attackers may be looking for payment card data or other sensitive commercial information, or they may simply wish to disrupt an organisation’s operations.
Whatever their motive, data breaches have a significant impact on a business. Protecting an organisation from an unwanted intrusion can save tens of millions of dollars, and help maintain customer loyalty and shareholder confidence. But can we really quantify the true cost of a data breach?
Robert Parker |
07 Jul |
Walls of greenery, circadian lighting and workspaces specially designed to accommodate activity-based working are just some of the features of Medibank’s new Docklands headquarters in Melbourne.
Chris Woodroffe |
03 Jul |
Data breaches have hit the news recently for all the wrong reasons. A major grocery chain has recently suffered a major data leak, the latest in a long line of businesses that have been forced into damage control mode after widespread dissemination of information that should never have entered the public domain.
Kieran O’Shaughnessy |
18 Jun |
Late last year, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission chairperson, Greg Medcraft called for Australia to focus on "cyber resilience" to prevent destabilisation of financial markets. Coincidentally, a day later, the Australian Government announced the formation of a cyber security expert panel to review the nation’s cyber security efforts. This came in the wake of the Australian Signals Directorate reporting a 37 per cent increase in cyber security incidents on the previous year.
John Ellis |
15 Jun |
More Data Security opinons


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Mills Discount Pharmacies plans to open its 10th and 11th locations in Gordo and Woodlawn on July 29.
Robert Mills, owner of Mills, a Birmingham-based chain of drug stores, told me that the Gordo location will occupy an existing building at 515 Hudson Drive while the other branch will be inside the Piggly Wiggly at 6501 1st Ave. N. in Woodlawn. The Gordo location will occupy about 2,000 square feet, while the Woodlawn location will occupy about 300 square feet, he said.
As I previously reported, Mills opened a ninth location in Warrior earlier this year. About five years ago, the chain, which will celebrate 11 years in August, began an aggressive expansion plan slated to culminate with 20 stores by 2017, Mills said.
The chain, which doesn't build new locations, usually spends about $40,000 to move into existing spaces, Mills said.
"We try to go to underserved areas, whether it be rural or areas in Birmingham that don't have an independent pharmacy," he said. "Those are areas we like to go to."
Mills said he began pushing the expansion, in part, because he believes independent pharmacies have certain qualities that the larger, nationwide chains do not.
"We see opportunity in areas that perhaps had an independent pharmacy and maybe that independent pharmacy went out of business," he said. "We feel we can offer something the chains can't, which is personal service and knowing people by name."


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It's been known for a while that Netflix and Roku's four-month-old relationship isn't exactly a monogamous one. But it looks like Roku is hoping to play the video-streaming field even more than we initially thought.
Roku makes the $100 Netflix Player, which enables customers to stream movies from the Netflix site to their TVs. It's a product that could be a hit, if only Netflix could secure partnerships with more of the major movie houses and seriously beef up its "Watch it Now" library.
But Roku isn't waiting around for Netflix to make … Read more


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Kids discreetly buy gifts for family at annual Secret Santa Shop
Dozens of local kids visited the Cyber Cafe last Thursday and Saturday for Secret Santa Shop, an annual event aimed at offering children a chance to discreetly buy gifts for their families.
"They get to take their wrapped presents home and put them under the Christmas tree," said Becky Costner, president of the Wadena Area Volunteers, a group of women more commonly known as WAVe, which organized the festivities. "The kids have an opportunity to shop in secret so nobody in their family knows what their presents are."
The gifts - from fishing lures for dads and screwdrivers for brothers to travel mugs for mom and puzzles for sisters - ranged in price from 25 cents to $5. There were different stations set up for each family member, "so it's just like they're shopping in a store," Costner said. "There's a huge variety."
Each WAVe member donated a minimum of 10 items for the Secret Santa Shop, while other Wadena residents and organizations offered up many more items. In total, Costner said, the group sold at least 600 gifts over two days.
"We were super, super busy," she said.
All of the money raised, Costner said, is donated to local causes and charities, including Empty Stocking, the Maslowski Wellness Center and an annual scholarship.
It's a good time for both volunteers and children, too.
"We always have a lot of fun," Costner said. "It's always exciting to help kids pick out presents. They are definitely excited when they leave."


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WASHINGTON China's top central banker said on Saturday that potential escalation of trade tensions and policy uncertainty were the major risk factors facing the world economy, and market forces were keeping China's yuan at an appropriate level.
SHENZHEN, China/SHANGHAI Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's third-quarter revenue jumped 27%, driven by a surge in shipments of smartphones launched before a trade blacklisting by the United States expected to hammer its business. | Video
WASHINGTON The White House is warning Chinese shipping companies against turning off their ships' transponders to hide Iranian oil shipments in violation of U.S. sanctions, two senior administration officials said.
WASHINGTON A U.S.-China currency agreement being floated as a symbol of progress in this week's trade talks between the world's two largest economies would largely repeat past pledges by China, currency experts say, and will not change the dollar-yuan relationship that has been a thorn in the side of President Donald Trump.
WASHINGTON/SHANGHAI The U.S. government widened its trade blacklist to include some of China's top artificial intelligence startups, punishing Beijing for its treatment of Muslim minorities and ratcheting up tensions ahead of high-level trade talks in Washington this week. | Video
BEIJING Chinese mainland tourists cut back on trips and spending abroad during the long "Golden Week" holidays in early October, with a weaker yuan, political turmoil in Hong Kong and global tensions dampening their enthusiasm to travel too far from home.
BRUSSELS President Donald Trump has hailed a ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that gives the United States the right to hit Europe with tariffs, but his new-found satisfaction with the WTO's rules-based approach is expected to prove short-lived.
BEIJING/HONG KONG China, having let the yuan cross the once sacred red line of 7 per dollar, will allow its currency to fall further and may even risk U.S. anger by using it as a bargaining chip in already thorny trade talks, market participants believe.
HONG KONG Huawei Technologies' device business, comprising mainly smartphones, made a 11 billion yuan ($1.55 billion) profit in the first half of this year - as much as it earned in all of 2018 - a rare regulatory filing showed.
(Corrects issuer name to Huawei Investment Holdings from Huawei in paragraph 2 of this Sept. 11 story.)
The yuan charge
The Obama administration is taking China head on over the yuan. As Congress comes closer to punishing Beijing for not letting the currency strengthen more rapidly, Reuters explains the factors behind the yuan's sudden gains. Document


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It’s called “resistant starch” or the “skinny carb” — and it’s being hailed as a fat-burning breakthrough.
Nutrition experts say what you do, or don’t do at breakfast is key.
Illusionist Penn Jillette is looking slim and trim these days without the help of any magic tricks.
Connecticut lawmakers are considering whether to create a new commission that would devise ways to increase physical activity among students.
Shedding pounds is hard enough, but now new research shows there could be something else standing in your way.
Tests found that tapping the forehead was the most effective method and neutralized cravings by up to 10% more than the other exercises.
For years we’ve been taught that when it comes to losing weight, crash diets are bad and that slow, steady weight loss is the best approach.
We all know losing weight takes more than just a diet. Now even your fork and plate are being engineered to help you slim down.
This pineapple smoothie recipe from JJ Smith will give your body a total cleanse, making a happier and healthier you.
A new study published by the American Diabetes Association shows something as simple as lowering your thermostat can boost your metabolism, CBS 2’s Kristine Johnson reported.
A popular weight loss drug is being pulled from U.S. and Puerto Rico retailers over tampering concerns.
A new capsule from Europe may help obese patients slim down. It’s a pill called Obalon, that, when swallowed, expands to become a balloon in your stomach.
High-intensity interval training is in; Zumba is out.
If you’re looking for a way to slim down the answer could be as easy as re-arranging your food.
Many of us are guilty of “stress eating” or experiencing emotional food cravings. But how do you stop them in order to lose weight? Dr. Susan Albers stopped by to talk about her new book on the subject, ‘Eat. Q.’


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Kanpur: Gold, diamonds and jewels worth as much as Rs 140 crore were stolen from a jewellery store in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, the police on Wednesday said. The incident occurred at the shop situated on Birhana Road. The shop was reportedly shut since past five years due to a dispute between the business partners.
A police complaint was registered and Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj Kumar Agarwal said that an investigation into the matter has begun. The CCTV footage recovered from the shops and establishments situated around the store where the theft took place is being examined, the police told news reporting agency IANS.
The shop where the alleged theft took place was closed on May 30, 2013, after a dispute between the equal business partners, said a police official. A Kanpur court had ordered the police to reopen the shop in the presence of both the partners sometime back. The theft allegedly occurred just before the store could be reopened.
As per the police complaint, as many as 10,000 carats of diamonds, 100 kg of gold, 500 kg of silver and 5,000-carat jewels were allegedly looted from the shop alongside some other important business-related documents.


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Although raw potatoes are grown across Africa, many of the most established foreign restaurants there still source frozen produce from Europe and elsewhere. This is a huge business opportunity for local firms that can meet the requirements of global fast-food chains, says Humphrey Mburu, managing director of Kenya-based Sereni Fries.
Mburu: “It is an untapped market. Besides South Africa and Egypt, frozen chip factories in Africa are few and far between. There are a lot of new fast-food restaurants like KFC and Burger King setting up in Kenya. Many of them import from the Netherlands or Egypt. We think there is a gap in the market for locally produced frozen chips.”
The decision to target international fast-food chains only came in the later stages of the business, after nine years of operation. The first stage of the business was processing fresh-cut potatoes for local establishments. As uncooked fries do not require expensive machinery, the entrepreneur was able to scale and increase the number of factories from an original plant in the capital city of Nairobi to four more across the rest of Kenya.
Mburu’s main customers include local fast-food chains such as Chicken Inn, Kenyan supermarkets like Naivas and informal shops.
Sereni Fries’ latest venture is the move into frozen fries, which are often used by large-volume restaurants as a more economical option and because they always have the same starch content, compared to fresh-cut fries that change according to the temperature.


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Producer Prices in Slovakia
Slovakia - Producer Prices
Inflation comes in at highest level since October 2008 in October
Consumer prices rose 0.59% in October over the previous month, slowing down from September's 0.82% increase. The cooling of price pressures was primarily driven by a softer rise in prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Inflation increased to 5.1% in October, above September’s 4.6%. October's reading represented the highest inflation rate since October 2008. Annual average inflation rose to 2.5% in October (September: 2.2%). Finally, harmonized inflation rose to 4.4% in October, from the previous month's 4.0%.
FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists expect harmonized inflation to average 3.0% in 2022, which is up 0.5 percentage points from last month’s estimate, and 2.2% in 2023.
Slovakia - Producer Prices Data
|Inflation (PPI, annual variation in %)||-4.3||-4.3||1.9||5.0||2.6|
5 years of economic forecasts for more than 30 economic indicators.
Slovakia Producer Prices Chart
Source: Slovakia Statistical Office (SOSR) and FocusEconomics calculations.
|Bond Yield||0.13||-4.12 %||Dec 31|
|Exchange Rate||1.12||0.65 %||Dec 31|
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November 16, 2021
According to a preliminary estimate, GDP growth moderated to 1.3% year-on-year in the third quarter from 9.6% in the second quarter, undershooting market expectations.
November 15, 2021
Consumer prices rose 0.59% in October over the previous month, slowing down from September's 0.82% increase.
November 10, 2021
Industrial output declined 4.9% in year-on-year terms in September, which contrasted August's 0.7% increase.
October 14, 2021
Consumer prices increased 0.82% in September over the previous month, picking up from August's 0.38% rise.
October 11, 2021
Industrial production rose 0.9% year-on-year in August (July: +7.8% yoy).


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It made perfect sense that Tim Armstong’s AOL would purchase HuffPo for $315MM. HuffPo is so expensive to run, it had to have a buyer, and AOL is such a relentless chewer-up of talent and shredder of acquired companies that it had to have powerful new products to put ads on. In other words, a match made in Heaven.
But I think Arianna Huffington is shrewd enough to know that the deal is better for AOL–and hopefully, for her investors and staff–than it is for HuffPo per se. While moving onto the AOL backend will save thousands in hosting costs, and a unified ad sales team will put AOL almost back to the glory days of being a must-buy service in terms of additional ad revenue,, that doesn’t mean HuffPo is going to be a better service because of this deal. It’s more likely that AOL corporate will suck up Huffington’s attention and focus after the sale in a way that takes away from her business and that, a year from now, HuffPo will be diminished while other competitors–some of them, like Salon, also up for sale, are getting far more attenton and press.
Of course, on the other hand, perhaps Ariana Huffington is the editor Tim Armstrong has always dreamed of, the one who an make his revenue visions based on strong products and hit stories come true.


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Efforts by the management of the Nigerian Customs Service to get protesting clearing agents and maritime workers back to work appeared to have run into a deadlock as the meeting between the two parties ended in a stalemate. The freight forwarders operating both at the Tin Can Island and the Customs command began an indefinite protest last week following the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum it issued given to the Nigerian government to review the electronic valuation system for imported vehicles and cargo. The government in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria had recently introduced the e-valuation and e-invoicing policy for imported goods using a vehicle identification number for the valuation system. However, this new scheme has not been well received by the maritime workers, owing to issues of overestimation that skyrockets clearing fees and other levies. After the meeting, they insisted that members of their unions will continue to down tools until the Nigerian government yields. Business Edge on Thursday looks at these face-offs with a view to break down the impact of the strike on the fledgling Nigerian economy, if there’s a possibility for the deadlock to be resolved and Nigeria’s maritime industry in general. Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun is joined by Dr Bolaji Akinola, a maritime expert and spokeman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria.
“The vehicle identification number is the contentious issue”, Dr Akinola says, explaining the policy was in fact introduced last year and that the Customs Service is only now just using it for the purpose of imposing value on imported vehicles, in order to determine the import duty payable on those goods. When the VIN was newly introduced, it served as a way to track the history of used cars being imported into Nigeria. The fact that the Customs Service has deployed it as a way to collect increased import duty is what irks the maritime workers and this has led to the industrial action. The implication of this is that cost of imported used cars has tripled.
Watch the full conversation above.
Copyright: News Central TV
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Year-on-year online sales growth slowed to 14.8% in September but shoppers are still splashing out on clothes online - spending 23.6% more in September against the previous month.
The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, which measures online spending patterns, said that September was now the third consecutive month where year-on-year online sales growth had fallen below 20% although shoppers still spend £4.8 billion online during the month. Growth in September 2007 was 73.2%.
However online fashion, footwear and accessories shoppers took advantage of early winter deals because of the unseasonal cold weather at the start of the month.
IMRG managing director Jo Evans said: "The current economic climate will prove a testing time for UK online retailers and consumers alike. For shoppers looking to make the most out of their squeezed spending resources, buying online gives them the opportunity to find and compare products and prices easily and efficiently. Online retailers will need to ensure that they are prepared and ready to meet their customers' requirements by providing good product display and availability, with easy to follow payment and delivery information, in order to make the most of the current situation."


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Forum of Private Business welcomes Government announcement to review terms
The Forum of Private Business is welcoming the announcement today by Paul Uppal, the Small Business Commissioner, and Margot James, the Small Firms Minister, that a complaints handling service has been launched by the Small Business Commissioner to focus on unfair payment practices which disadvantage small businesses.
Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business said, 'Late payment and unfair terms of trade forced onto small businesses by the high street giants frequently cause major cashflow problems for them. The Forum's Hall of Shame, showcasing those corporates demonstrating worst practice, has been in place for several years now, and this albeit overdue action to address the issue is very welcome. Late payment was a key area of discussions when the Forum met with the Commissioner in November and we look forward to working closely with him as the complaints service is established.'
Notes to Editor
Ian Cass; Leanda Hickman
Forum of Private Business
Government announcement details:


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Apple and Amazon, rivals in the technology and home entertainment industries, may finally be friends again as reports claim that an Amazon Prime Video app will soon be launched for the Apple TV.
The move will end one of the biggest problems that users have with the Apple TV.
Amazon Prime Video On Apple TV
According to a report by Recode, people familiar with the matter revealed that Apple and Amazon are close to reaching an agreement to bring an Amazon video app into the Apple TV.
The app will allow Amazon Prime Video subscribers to watch movies and TV shows offered by the service using Apple TV.
Previously, users who wanted to watch streaming content on the Apple TV had to utilize the AirPlay feature to to connect another Apple device, such as an iPhone, to the set-top box. The iOS version of the Amazon video app is also not a fully functioning one, as users still had to visit the Amazon website to buy or rent content.
A dedicated Amazon Prime Video app for the tvOS will make it much easier for users to navigate the service’s offerings directly on the Apple TV. The app may even be integrated with other Apple offerings such as Siri.
Employees of Amazon believe that the app will be released to the Apple TV in the third quarter of 2017.
Apple, Amazon Dispute
The conflict between Apple and Amazon, particularly in relation to the Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video, is highlighted by Amazon’s decision to remove the listing of the Apple TV from its online store, along with Google’s Chromecast. This is because Amazon did not want to sell competitors to its Fire TV line of products, and because the company wanted to sell only third-party devices that support Amazon Prime Video such as the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Roku.
Last year, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos even said that the company’s Prime Video service will not come to Fire TV competitors unless an acceptable financial model is put in place. Judging from these statements, it would appear that an agreement has been made, perhaps involving Bezos and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
There is no indication on whether Apple and Amazon will end their disputes beyond bringing an Amazon Prime Video app to the Apple TV. However, it is already good news for Amazon to open up its video streaming service to loyal Apple users through the Apple TV. Apple, meanwhile, will make the Apple TV a better set-top box option with the addition of content from Amazon Prime Video, especially as Apple’s plans of creating original content have not yet gotten off the ground.
Apple Siri Smart Speaker vs. Amazon Echo
However, just as Apple and Amazon have apparently come to an agreement on the Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video issue, it would seem that the two companies will soon be headed to another rivalry.
It was previously reported that Apple may be planning to unveil a Siri-powered smart speaker at its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference. The device, which would challenge the Amazon Echo, is claimed to have the same computing power as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s.
© 2017 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.


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L’Oreal China achieved a historically high growth of 33%, with accelerated performance in 4 divisions, continued leading six major market segments. Six brands exceeded annual sales of 1 billion RMB, and achieved top performance in e-commerce.
“Chinese innovation is becoming an inspiration for the rest of the world, and China is already a key engine in L’Oréal’s efforts to transform itself and become a ‘global leader in beauty tech’. A growing number of innovations from China have ‘set sail’ and opened up new channels for the future development of the global beauty industry.” Said Agon: “Compared to the rest of the world, Chinese consumers are more familiar with digital technologies. The level of professional competency is also higher. We believe that L’Oréal China will be able to stand at the forefront of beauty tech developments around the world, and that Chinese consumers will be the first to welcome an even better future made possible by beauty tech.” — Said Agon, CEO of L’Oreal.


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What’s Next for the US electric drill industry?
- by admin
The US electric industry is a big winner.
But that’s not the only one.
The electric drill is a growing business, but is also facing a lot of challenges as a result of the shale revolution.
As we wrote last year, there’s a lot to be said for a big investment in a new product and a big bet on technology.
But how do you make sure that you get the right product to the right customers?
That’s where we come in.
With our partnership with the US Department of Energy, we’ve developed a new roadmap to help you make that investment.
This roadmap will help you plan your investment and identify what you need to be sure you’re getting the right products to meet your customers’ needs.
As part of the roadmap, we’re providing the tools you need for you to develop the best electric drill in the industry.
We’ve developed an expert advisory board that will help guide you in all the research and development activities that you need.
This advisory board includes experts in the field, including leading electric drill companies, energy analysts and regulatory experts.
They’ll help you understand the challenges and opportunities that electric drill will face in the future, and they’ll help guide your investment decisions.
In addition, we’ll give you the latest news on the state of the electric drill market, including the latest reports and trends.
This partnership with DOE is a major win for the electric industry and the US economy, and it will help us to continue building the best products that meet the needs of our customers.
The US electric industry is a big winner.But that’s not the only one.The electric drill is a growing business, but…


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Nissan Motor Co.’s NSANY third-highest ranked executive and vice chief operating officer, Jun Seki, has abruptly resigned from the company just weeks after taking up the job. Resultantly, the company’s shares fell to a eight-year low, declining 3.1% to 633 yen as of Dec 25, 2019, in the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Notably, Seki plans to become the president and COO of the major electric components maker, Nidec Corp. NJDCY. He was one of the contenders to take over as the chief executive officer of Nissan in October but lost to Makoto Uchida. Following the surprise resignation of Seki, Nissan has chosen executive vice president Hideyuki Sakamoto as a board candidate.
Seki’s decision to resign is seen as yet another potential blow to Nissan’s turnaround plan. The company is also struggling to recover from the ousting of former chairman Carlos Ghosn, industry downturn, decade-low profits and strained ties with French partner Renault SA RNLSY.
Notably, earlier this month, the company faced a fine of $22 million for underreporting Ghosn’s compensation.
Shares of Nissan have underperformed the industry it belongs to over the past year. Its shares have declined 26.8% against the industry’s growth of 13%.
Nissan, in November, in a three-way partnership with Mitsubishi Motors MSBHY and France's Renault, cut its full-year sales and profit outlook as it struggles with weak demand in Japan, the United States and Europe as well as the aftermath of Ghosn’s arrest.
For 2019, the Zacks Rank # 3 (Hold) company projects consolidated revenues of ¥10.6 billion, suggesting an 8.4% drop from the prior-year figure. Operating income is estimated at ¥150 million, indicating a fall of 52.9% from that reported in 2018. The company projects earnings per share (EPS) of ¥28.11 for 2019.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.
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The critically acclaimed game developed and published by StudioMDHR, Cuphead, is headed for a Nintendo Switch port on April 18. The video below was released for the announcement of the Switch so check it out.
Cuphead and his brother Mugman must fight their way through multi-able levels to repay their debt to the devil. The game has a unique style, one that closely resembles 1930’s cartoons from Walt Disney.
It’s release in September 2017 came with high praise for it’s unique style and received multi-able awards including ‘Best Indie Game’ and ‘Best Xbox One Game’.


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3-D Secure: The Force for CNP Fraud Prevention Awakens
Card-not-present (CNP) fraud is on the rise across the globe, fueled by a perfect storm. E-commerce is growing at a rapid clip, outpacing physical store sales in many areas. Chip cards are replacing the ineffective mag stripe in countries around the world, making counterfeit card fraud much more difficult to perpetrate and prompting a migration to CNP fraud. At the same time, data breaches are rampant, providing criminals with a robust supply of stolen card data.Download
Merchants and issuers alike are increasingly looking to add 3-D Secure (3DS) to their CNP fraud-prevention toolkits. Merchants are driven by the desire to stem rising fraud losses, while issuers are motivated by a desire to rein in fraud and also maintain consumer confidence in the security of online transactions. While 3DS stumbled out of the gates in its original incarnation, significant changes to the protocol have been realized in the ensuing years to make it much more user friendly.
This white paper provides an overview of the current CNP threat environment and discusses 3DS’ progression from a clunky attrition machine to a valued tool in merchants’ and issuers’ fraud-mitigation arsenals.


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Dublin Port on course for fifth year of consecutive growth
The Port has recorded an increase in trade volumes of 4.2% so far this year
The MV Celine will begin sailing from Dublin Port at the end of this month
Dublin Port is on track for its fifth consecutive year of growth, recording trade volumes up 4.2 per cent in the first nine months of this year.
While the impact of Brexit was seen earlier this year with passenger numbers dipping, a recovery has been seen in that category, with the port recording 1.49 million passengers in the third quarter, an increase of 2.4 per cent on the same period last year. Additionally, the number of tourist vehicles passing through the port increased 2.7 per cent to 411,921.
However, as more prospective car buyers opt to travel to the UK to pick up a second-hand car as the euro/sterling exchange rate remains weak, trade vehicles passing through Dublin Port dropped 5.5 per cent to 73,252.
In the face of potential Brexit challenges, a new roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) service will launch at the end of this month. The MV Celine will “provide additional capacity and flexibility for customers trading with markets in continental Europe, particularly post-Brexit”, a statement said. The new vessel from Luxembourg-based CLDN will operate between Dublin Port and the ports of Zeebrugge in Belgium and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
The MV Celine can carry more than 600 freight units and is almost twice the size of the largest ferry currently operating from Dublin Port.
“Brexit is creating a lot of uncertainty and the introduction of the new ship shows the shipping sector beginning to provide additional capacity to create more options for importers and exporters. We expect to see more new services to Continental Europe during 2018,” said Eamonn O’Reilly, chief executive of Dublin Port.
The biggest percentage change in Dublin Port’s volume in the third quarter was for cruise ships. Some 127 cruise ships used the port in the period, up 23.3 per cent on the same period in 2016.
Imports through Dublin Port continued to outweigh exports in the third quarter by around 4.8 million tons. However, the volume of exports had increased 5.2 per cent.
In light of the increasing volumes, Dublin Port said it planned to develop more of its available space to bring unused lands on the Poolbeg peninsula into play.
“Before year end, we will commence construction of a bridge over the Covanta and ESB cooling water outfall on the Poolbeg peninsula, now that the construction of the waste to energy plant is complete,” Mr O’Reilly said. “This bridge will bring unused port lands on the Poolbeg peninsula into use and allow us to increase the capacity of our berths on South Bank Quay.”


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Assets owned by car seat manufacturer, TS Tech in Swindon which once supplied the now-closed Honda car assembly factory, are up for sale.
Gordon Brothers, a global advisory, restructuring and investment company, has been appointed as sole asset selling agent.
“This specialised sale presents the opportunity to acquire state-of-the-art automotive seat manufacturing equipment,” it said in a statement.
The assets are for sale by private treaty and an online auction sale in October.
TS Tech is a Japanese manufacturer of seats for cars and motorcycles. Its Swindon-based site was the car seat supplier for the nearby Honda manufacturing plant which closed permanently in July 2021, the same month production ceased at the TS Tech plant.
The assets include specialist automotive seat manufacturing equipment and machinery including 19 robotic MIG welding cells, spin rivet machines, tube bending system, chemical foam injection, maintenance equipment and compressors.
There are also two assembly lines with Yoshikawa hydraulic spin rivet machines, rail frame marriage conclusion machines, pallet seat assembly, Estic nut runners, Atlas Copco and Yokota wireless torque wrenches, the 19 robotic MIG welding cells with Panasonic and Yaskawa 6 axis robots (2007 – 2016), Keiyo automated tube bending and pressing system (2011), Ingersoll Rand ML-75 and N75 air compressor and Link 51 pallet racking.
Duncan Ainscough, managing director, commercial & industrial at Gordon Brothers, said: “The site presents a unique selection of car seat manufacturing equipment for purchase, and a rare opportunity for relevant companies to acquire specialist equipment at highly competitive prices.”


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Charged Electric Motor Company Reportedly Received New Funding of 49 Billion Rupiah
Funding was obtained from global electric vehicle company Vmoto Soco Group
The developer of Charged Indonesia electric motorbikes reportedly received new funding worth $ 3,2 million or more than IDR 49 billion from global electric vehicle company Vmoto Soco Group. This investment is a form of Vmoto's trust in Charged after collaborating in developing the EVAaS (Electric Vehicle as a Service) business.
Reporting from Data Vantage, the result of this investment is that Vmoto gets an 8% stake in Charged Indonesia. Previously, Charged had pocketed early stage funding from DeClout Ventures for $4,5 million.
Since its establishment, the development of Charged electric motorbike products has been supported by an industrial complex zero energy (using sustainable energy resources) covering an area of 16.000 square meters in Greater Jakarta. Later the location will be used as a research and development center, experiential center, as well as a production center.
In the early stages, the company released 3 practical and affordable electric motorcycle models, namely Rimau, Anoa and Maleo. Previously, Charged electric motorbikes were available with a flexible subscription mechanism at a cost of IDR 1,65 million per month and flat for all types of electric motors. This year, Charged has added an ownership option as of January 1, 2023.
Charged electric motorbikes are offered at various prices according to the capacity and quality in their class. For example, the Rimau variant costs IDR 48 million, Anoa IDR 46 million and Maleo IDR 38 million. The company also provides a three-year battery warranty or 1.500 battery cycles whichever comes first.
Charged starts a business with a small team of only 5-6 people. Until now, the company is increasingly developing its business and has employed around 100 employees. Another player that also offers a similar product is Alva One which recently also received an injection of funds from Standard Chartered Indonesia.
Impact of using electric vehicles
The government's ambitious project to transition to electric vehicles (EV) has begun to be intensively carried out to reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce the negative impact on the environment. The world has also begun to realize the potential of electric vehicles, both as a solution for the sustainability of the earth and as an opportunity to advance the economy.
Not long ago, the government officially issued regulations regarding the provision of subsidized assistance for the purchase of Battery-Based Electric Motorized Vehicles (KBLBB), namely electric motorbikes and electric cars, which will start on March 20, 2023.
For the proposed 2023 program, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang revealed that the government will provide subsidy assistance for the purchase of two-wheeled electric motorbikes in the amount of IDR 7 million per unit and 200 thousand motorcycle units have been proposed by December 2023.
The incentive is intended to accelerate the KBLBB industry in the country. Meanwhile, this acceleration is in the context of encouraging energy efficiency and security, as well as the realization of clean and environmentally friendly air quality
In his official statement, Agus also revealed some of the benefits of purchasing and using EVs in Indonesia. First, Indonesia has nickel with the largest amount of reserves in the world which allows the country to develop electric vehicle batteries with nickel as a raw material.
Second, an increase in electric vehicles can help the country fiscally because it will reduce fossil fuel subsidies. Third, this incentive will 'force' electric car/motorcycle manufacturers to accelerate investment realization in Indonesia. Then, as part of the global community, Indonesia can prove our commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Even so, behind the positive impacts mentioned, there are still a number of things that should be considered. On the one hand, the industrialization of batteries for electric vehicles can strengthen the country's economy. But on the other hand, massive mining can have a permanent impact on the environment of the surrounding community.
In addition, the provision of this incentive can be regarded as one of the government's strategies in expediting the spread of EVs in Indonesia by making them affordable. However, what happens when the number of private vehicles on the road will increase? Some of these things can be taken into consideration for preparing further solutions in related industries.


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Porsche tests the 911 Turbo convertible at the NürburgringMay 17, 2019
It is expected that the new Porsche 911 Turbo will be presented closer to the end of the year. Meanwhile, while the company continues to test various versions on the track. A few days ago a Cabriolet was spotted at the Nürburgring.
The prototype demonstrates a wider back end. It should be noted that all new 911 became wider, while earlier this body was used only for versions with all-wheel drive. It is assumed that the test cabriolet received a set of aerodynamic skirts.
If we talk about the technical equipment, Porsche has not yet disclosed official information. Most likely, the 3.8-liter boxer twin-turbocharged engine, which is now equipped with the 911 Turbo, will be upgraded. There is also a high probability that at least one hybrid model will appear.
- Electric Ford F-150 will receive a generator to increase the range
- Tesla Model 3 electric cars will be equipped with batteries without cobalt
- Bis Industries will launch the Rexx dump truck
- Nissan has begun restructuring its business
- Fiat is preparing to release a new version of the electric car 500 EV


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Marc Andreessen, the co-founder of the VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, is also a major shareholder and board member at Facebook. He has disclosed in an SEC filing that he has sold over 2.3 million shares of Facebook at prices that range from $22.85 to $23.83 per share. This adds up to around $54.1 million.
Margit Wennmachers Posts
Mar 21, 2011
OutCast Agency co-founder Caryn Marooney is joining Facebook to head up their tech public relations strategy. She will be the director of technology communications at Facebook.
Continue reading →


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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will be getting a Wii U release, thanks to supporters on Kickstarter whose funding helped the project surpass its $3 million stretch goal.
Developer Armature Studio will be handing the port for Nintendo's home console, which will feature Pro Controller support, off-TV play, Miiverse integration, and several other handy features exclusive to the Wii U version. Plus, it will be getting both digital and disc-based releases.
On top of that, two new stretch goals were added. Asynchronous online multiplayer will be added if the Kickstarter reaches $3.25 million, and port for PlayStation Vita, developed also by Armature, will be green lit should the campaign's funding hit $3.5 million.
Earlier this month, former Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi pulled back the curtain on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which has been incredibly well received by the gaming community ever since it was first unveiled.
At the time of this posting, the Kickstarter is currently sitting pretty at $3,024,218 with another 12 days to go. Not too shabby.
Alex Osborn is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.


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BAGUIO CITY, June 4 (PNA) — The Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation (BPIF) will launch the BPI Sinag Challenge, a partnership with the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt) in Baguio City on June 9 before members of the media.
The BPI Sinag Challenge is open to young social entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years old who have business ideas or existing businesses or enterprises that address social issues affecting the country today.
“The BPI Sinag Challenge aims to discover, capacitate, recognize and support young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 with innovative and creative business ideas, or young start-ups (less than three years), who can create solutions to specific social problems,” BPI Foundation executive director Fidelina A. Corcuera said, June 3.
“This program is in collaboration with ACSEnt, our technical partner and training arm,” Corcuera added.
Apart from receiving cash prizes, the top business plan writers or business owners will be treated to workshops, mentoring, and financing.
The top five entries will receive Php200,000 each as cash prize, six months’ worth of mentoring and access to the Ateneo business incumbent center.
The main media launch was conducted at the Mind Museum in Taguig City on May 21 with Corcuera giving the background of the competition as well as the mechanics of the contest.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and chief executive officer of the Ayala Corporation, gave an inspiration message, while Ateneo Graduate School of Business Dean Rudy Ang advised contestants to think outside the box and go beyond livelihood programs in their business proposals.
Entries and queries about the competition may be sent to http://sinag.bpifoundation.org.
Deadline for applications is on July 20. (PNA)


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Cyber crime is set to cost global economies $10.5 trillion by 2025 (that’s £8.2 trillion)
The logistics industry has been forced to adapt to an increasingly digital world. New technologies like AI and automation promise to streamline operations and enhance operations, but digitisation creates vulnerabilities as cyber criminals seek to exploit these advances for their own financial gain.
Sensitive information, like financial transactions and client data, is valuable to criminals. A single attack can cause significant disruption across supply chains by compromising systems and forcing downtime.
Balancing the benefits of digital transformation with the need for robust cyber security is one of the key challenges facing the logistics industry today. Organisations need to be aware of the threats facing them and what they can do to protect their operations and partners.
The Importance of Cyber Security in Logistics
The global logistics network forms an intricate, interdependent system where delays or interruptions in one part can ripple across the entire chain. Cyber attacks threaten this delicate balance. Ensuring robust cyber security measures to protect these digital supply chains is more than just a proactive approach – it’s an absolute necessity.
A cyber attack can cause significant operational disruption. When key software applications or digital tools become compromised, logistics firms may struggle to track inventory, manage transport, or even communicate effectively internally.
NotPetya was one of the most damaging and widespread ransomware attacks in history, causing around $10 billion in damages and affecting companies around the world, including FedEx’s European subsidiary, TNT Express and Maersk.
Maersk was effectively rendered inoperable after a single company computer was compromised in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. From there, the ransomware spread throughout Maersk’s network. Its entire booking system was shut down, loading systems went offline, port facilities were closed and tens of thousands of truckloads of goods were turned away. Maersk couldn’t process shipping orders until its servers were rebuilt, causing global disruption for weeks.
The average cost of a data breach in 2022 was $4.35 million.
The direct costs include response and recovery efforts, which can involve system repairs, data recovery, and possibly paying a ransom in the case of ransomware attacks. Indirect costs can be even higher, with losses stemming from interrupted operations, contractual penalties, or lost business opportunities.
The aforementioned NotPetya attack resulted in losses of around $300 million for Maersk.
Damage to Reputation
In a highly competitive industry like logistics, trust is paramount. Customers entrust logistics providers with their valuable goods and sensitive data, and a cyber breach damages this trust.
A loss of trust can lead to customers taking their custom elsewhere and potentially damage relationships with stakeholders and partners. The associated loss in business could compound financial losses suffered in the attack. Rebuilding this trust can take significant time and resources, with no guarantee of regaining lost custom.
Common Cyber Threats in Logistics
Phishing attacks take the form of malicious emails disguised as coming from a legitimate source. Cyber criminals impersonate companies, charities, or even individuals, and typically try to get the victim to take a second action, such as downloading a malware file (disguised as something else) or clicking a link to a spoof website.
Phishing is the most common form of cyber crime. An estimated 3.4 billion spam emails are sent every day, and while many are caught by filters, plenty fool cyber defences to end up in the inboxes of unsuspecting victims. 83% of UK businesses that suffered a cyber attack in 2022 reported the type as phishing.
Malware is malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage or disrupt systems. This broad category includes viruses, worms and trojans. In logistics, malware can be used to interrupt supply chain processes, steal sensitive data, or provide a backdoor for future attacks.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, with the attacker then demanding a ransom to restore access. The logistics industry has seen a rise in such attacks due to the critical importance of timely information and operations.
DNV, a world-leading classification society, suffered a ransomware attack in early 2023 that targeted its ShipMaster software. ShipMaster allows shipping customers to monitor their fleets, checking technical, operational and compliance features. It’s used by more than 7000 vessels globally.
The ransomware attack forced DNV to shut its servers down. While ships could still use ShipMaster’s onboard, offline functions, full functionality was reduced. Around 1000 vessels were affected in the attack.
Insider threats refer to security threats that originate from within an organisation. This includes employees who intentionally misuse their access and those who unintentionally cause a breach, for instance downloading malware from a phishing email.
In one example, an employee at Boeing risked the data of 36,000 of his coworkers after emailing a document containing the information to his spouse. This wasn’t a malicious act; the employee simply wanted help formatting the document. While the data wasn’t compromised, it’s still a lesson in how seemingly innocent actions can pose significant risks.
Best Practices for Enhancing Cyber Security in Logistics
Protecting logistics operations from cyber threats is complex. No single measure can provide complete security. Robust cyber security requires a comprehensive, layered approach that combines various strategies and measures.
Employee carelessness directly contributes to 48% of cyber attacks.
Employees are often the first line of defence against cyber threats, so they need to understand the importance of maintaining stringent cyber security practices. Effective training programs equip them with the knowledge to identify and respond to threats like phishing or suspicious behaviour.
If employees understand the benefit of using strong passwords, know how to handle data and can recognise suspicious emails and other forms of phishing, they become crucial assets in an organisation’s cyber security strategy.
Robust Cyber Security Policies
Developing and implementing robust cyber security policies is crucial in protecting digital supply chains. These policies should define acceptable and safe use of internal systems, outline procedures for identifying and reporting threats, and establish protocols for regular updates and patches to software systems.
Measures like Zero Trust ensure that employees only have access to the data and systems relevant to their jobs. If their account is compromised, Zero Trust policies minimise the damage criminals can do with that account.
Organisations should also include partner and supplier vetting when creating their cyber security policies. By 2025, an estimated 60% of organisations will use cyber risk as a factor when determining transactions and business engagements with third parties.
Encryption and Firewalls
Encryption is one of the strongest cyber security measures available – it’s even used by hackers as a way to ensure victims can’t access their data. Encryption scrambles data into unreadable code that can only be unlocked with a key. As such, it’s perfect for protecting valuable and sensitive data.
Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, providing a first line of defence against threats. Firewalls are a basic form of defence but still have value.
Regular Security Audits
Regular security audits can help identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This might include penetration testing, where an authorised simulated attack is carried out to evaluate the security of the system, or regular assessments of practices and procedures to ensure they align with current best practices.
Incident Response Plans
Unfortunately, it’s a matter of when, not if, an organisation will suffer an attempted cyber attack. Robust cyber security measures can prevent its success, but having an incident response plan to prepare for the worst case scenario is essential.
An incident response plan prepares an organisation to effectively manage a breach, minimising disruption and damage. This includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities, communication plans, and procedures for identifying and isolating the breach.
Cyber Security is Crucial for a Technology-Driven Logistics Industry
Cyber security has become an integral component of logistics infrastructure. As digitisation increases, so does the potential for cyber threats. The consequences of these threats are far from trivial – disruption and downtime can cripple organisations.
However, with proactive investment in cyber security measures and training, logistics organisations can safeguard their digital infrastructure and supply chains, ensuring continuity of operations and peace of mind.
Emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are opening up new frontiers in cyber security, helping to detect and prevent threats with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. At the same time, fundamental practices like employee training and incident response plans are more important than ever.
Cyber security is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, adaptability, and proactive planning. It’s clear that cyber security will play an essential role in the logistics industry as digital transformation takes place. Robust protection will ensure that the logistics industry is prepared for a digital future.
Would you like to learn more about Cyber Crime and preventive measures?
Book a call with the AAG IT team today and we will be happy to discuss this, and any other questions you have, in further detail.
Browse more articles from our experts and discover how to make better use of IT in your business.
As the most common form of cyber crime, phishing affects both individuals and businesses. Find out how attack vectors and trends are developing with the latest phishing statistics. Read More
Read the latest cyber crime statistics, updated for December 2023, and see how the threat landscape has changed in recent years. Read More


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New Lexus hybrid: No price premium over itself
When it comes to luxury hybrids, the cost/benefit equation generally shows ugly results.
Perhaps the most extreme example would be the Lexus LSh, which starts at $106,910. That's a roughly $22,600 premium over the non-hybrid, fully loaded LS, despite only a 3 mpg bump up in efficiency. That means it would take several decades, at least, to break even on cost, based on normal driving and today's gas prices.
Carmakers hate those kinds of comparisons, since they tend to convince shoppers to go for the cheaper car and instead find other ways to be green. It may help explain why the non-hybrid LS outsells the hybrid by a ratio of 30 to 1.
Toyota has a proven solution: eliminate the possibility of comparison. It worked wonderfully for the Prius, which is the world's best-selling hybrid and happily has no non-hybrid version to rival it.
Now the Japanese auto giant is trying it with a new Lexus dedicated hybrid, the HS 250h, which it announced in Detroit earlier this year and has since been EPA rated at a combined 35 mpg.
Set to hit dealerships late next month, it has no conventionally powered doppelganger and will start at $34,200, Toyota said today.
That's more expensive than a fully loaded Prius or a Camry hybrid, yet comfortably under the least expensive Lexus hybrid. The closest thing Toyota makes, in price point, is the Lexus ES, but at 22 mpg combined, it doesn't really compare.
Whether putting the HS on the road alone will prove a winner in the way it has for the Prius -- or not so much for the Honda Insight, which has faced tepid sales to date -- remains to be seen. Last month, it was reported that Toyota was downgrading its annual sales expectations for the HS to 25,000 units from 30,000.
According to Lexus's general manager, Mark Templin, the niche market the HS 250h serves is "forward-thinking, well-informed entry luxury consumers" who are "seeking a social statement and technology with a clear benefit."
The question, then, is a clear benefit over what?
-- Ken Bensinger
Photo: Lexus HS 250h
Credit: Toyota Motor Corp.


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- United States government to investigate video game loot boxes
- News comes as Square Enix prepares to shut down Kingdom Hearts Union in Belgium over the same game mechanic
The United States Federal Trade Commission has announced today that it will begin investigating video game loot boxes at the request of United States Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire.
The request came during a hearing today with FTC chairman Joe Simons. According to Polygon, Senator Hassan noted that loot boxes are in all forms of video games, and that they will "represent a $50 billion industry by the year 2022."
Loot boxes, which are consumable virtual items which can be redeemed for other in-game items and can be acquired during the game or through real-world money, have had a mixed reputation. Some games, such as Electronic Arts's FIFA series, have seen enormous success, while others, such as Electronic Arts's Star Wars Battlefront II, have seen enormous backlash. Critics say loot boxes represent a form of gambling. The Entertainment Software Association, which represents video game publishers on the government level and is the parent organization of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), insists that loot boxes are not a form of gambling because it is voluntary.
The news comes on the heels of news from Square Enix that Kingdom Hearts Union χ would be shutting down in Belgium, as the in-game jewels are loot boxes, which have now been banned in all video games in the country.
While the news doesn't necessarily mean that loot boxes will be banned or that Kingdom Hearts Union χ will be shut down, it definitely could result in legislation or regulations that could negatively affect games like Union χ in the United States and possibly worldwide. We will continue to follow the news and investigation to see what the American regulatory agency finds.
How do you feel about loot boxes: have they enhanced or worsened your experience in games like Kingdom Hearts Union χ? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion section!


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Year 2020 most unusually interesting
Higher powers were definitely at work when
2020 arrived since it has been one of the most erratic years that I have ever experienced, especially since the covid19 global pandemic suddenly hit the world out of nowhere, some say certain countries prepared for this event, others are not taking it seriously enough and the rest pay the price.
I think it's hard to distinguish fact from fiction regarding this pandemic when it comes to the statistics in case numbers, as there is no viable proof of what the media is posting so people take the news being reported at face value.
Before this pandemic began, I was on the road long haul trucking across Canada/US for about four years with my boyfriend of 25yrs, each week and trip was a new destination and adventure for us, I enjoyed this immensely since we spent all our time together and went through the joys and challenges of trucking; then suddenly it all came to a halt when the Canada/US border shut down for whats termed as non-essential travel, which meant that I had to remain behind at home whenever my boyfriend leaves on a trip. I was responsible for all the administration that came with trucking which was 70% of the work, now it became part of his job.
I honestly feel like a significant part of my life was abruptly taken away from me and I am waiting to get it back, the worst part is when or will I get it back, how different will it be?
I help as much as possible remotely, but it is not the same at least for me, since we started trucking I was on every trip without exception, both of us experienced events of trips as they happened, and let me say things change on a dime when long haul trucking, especially planning aspects, like where to stop, which routes to take.
Around April which was the start of the pandemic, people were afraid, no one really had a clear grasp of what was happening. Then the world went on lockdown/quarantine for almost two months around that time until about June 2020, and people were advised to stay at home and only go out to buy necessities such as food, medicine; in order to at least minimize the spread. Hospitals were overwhelmed with cases, bans were issued for all recreational travel, and businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, bars and clubs that have gatherings of people took a financial hit as they were forced to close down. Also festivals and outdoor activities were also cancelled. Prices were hiked up more than usual on basic items like sanitizers, household cleaners and much more, at times these items were not even available as people overstocked out of fear.
The looming question is when will life resume to the new form of normal? Can we accept this new normal and what will come with it?
Honestly, it seems this pandemic is a looming reminder of what life has and will become in the future, since to me the carefree days of social gatherings at festivals, parties, malls are in the past.
Social distancing was introduced as well in the beginning of the pandemic, people were advised to stay home and when they ventured out to keep a distance of 6ft or 2 meters from another person, as well the mandatory law of wearing a mask in all indoor public places was also put in place.
Months later, this is now becoming a norm, some people are divided on this issue, it depends who takes it seriously and who thinks it's a joke. There are people arguing that wearing a mask should be their freedom of choice and not forced; some even go so far to say that putting masks on children is a form of abuse, others complain of breathing/respiratory ailments and they want to be exempted from wearing a mask.
Obviously, science and logic is not an integral part of these individual's lives and minds as they are wearing blinders and are brainwashed to the point of no return. As a result a rise of covid19 cases has hit the Toronto, Ontario area and new restrictions were placed on restaurants, bars as well and wearing a mask is mandatory province wide when in indoor public places.
The smart and vigilant person will exercise caution and follow rules such as practice social distancing, wear a mask in indoor public places as directed by health officials and not take this pandemic with a grain of salt or think it's over because of some rules eased slightly and things appear to be returning to normal.
I pose the question and this applies to the areas in particular where the government is placing tighter restrictions in regards to public gatherings, but still protests are happening during a pandemic total contradiction! Stupidity and negligence at its best!
Right now, in all public indoor places such as stores, malls they limit the number of people inside and lineups are formed outside, in addition to the requirement of a face covering or mask to be worn.
There is a positive side I noticed about wearing the mask is at least people born with little to no common sense will not be coughing or sneezing all over food in supermarkets and in general in public places, also putting their hands on items they have no intention of buying, which spreads common influenza/ flu in addition to covid19.
A few other positive things to note, my boyfriend and I were able to get 95% of our ever growing "to do list" which was a milestone achievement as both of us being on the road rendered our time at home very short and not enough to tackle a fraction of this chore list. It was unfathomable that one of us, namely me, would actually stay behind from a trip.
We have since bought a new car, new furniture, fixed up the apartment and much more all by online shopping, which now is the new norm even though some of these carriers need to be more efficient and streamline their deliveries by providing proper and accurate info on their site.
Calling customer service to track a package is as ancient as the 8 track tape, we are in the 21st century after all, this should be updated online as the delivery happens.
In the past, if you went to a store wanting to purchase a specific item then leave there were people aimlessly walking, some with kids running around making noise and touching merchandise in the store, these individuals have no intention of spending any money, but are wasting time and it takes twice the time to buy your item than needed due to needless traffic, online shopping is preferable in that sense, maybe now people will learn to be more efficient with their time and shop if and when they actually need something.
A new era has come to pass in 2020 and it's based on efficiency and less social interaction; one thing I noticed is the past experiences when I went shopping to a mall with the bus or just went out and to have a day out of fun has now shifted to the risky side of getting sick. Before, no one really had a reason to think too much about what they were doing, or if there were any health risks to an ordinary life activity. Life was a collection of daily activities that were done routinely absent of thought.
Retail industry seems to have shifted to the online realm which is nice as you do it from the comfort of your own home without sales people coming up to you asking if you're looking for something or my personal pet peeve "are you doing okay"? and once you get to the cash "is that all for you today"? One can take time to browse and decide what to buy, without the judging eyes on the items you choose and avoiding lineups. I recently learned that when you order an oversize item online such as furniture, there are no delivery people to help bring it into your house, you are on your own all because of Covid19.
The question I pose is why did this happen now at this time? Several theories come to mind, have higher elite powers decided to change human life as it's known and provide the world’s limited resources only to those deserving? Is efficiency now a top priority?
It's also become more apparent that certain jobs became licenced professions and as a result change in terms of thinking about the manner in which we do things is now certainly an important factor since cost of living is continuing to rise and income is staying the same this applies to businesses as well.
Another surprising twist is people who have been employed in the same job position for years with high seniority, are now slowly being replaced with people who can actually do the job more efficiently without excuses or their positions are being phased out as things move to the online or automation stage which mainly applies to giants such as Walmart, Amazon where consumers can get a large variety of bargain priced items for low prices all from the comfort of their own home.
Covid19 is a main target to smaller businesses which sell the same products as giants like Walmart, Superstore but are forced to serve their customers with curb side pick-up or close doors; the giants have some non essentials placed around essential items so people can purchase these items as they pass through isles.
A few of these smaller businesses that were ordered by health officials to close doors defied those orders and remained open with indoor dining; and patrons showed up and ate without fear of safety for covid19. The owner of one such restaurant was arrested for disobeying health Canada orders to shut down.
I am thinking that people are tired of the constant changing rules to restrictions, will there be an end in sight? And when will this happen?
Supporters for one particular restaurant owner in Ontario were saying people who owned small businesses are scared to go against the closure laws, so they end up complying. Others such as this place pose the question, why is the government allowing giants such as Loblaws, Walmart Costco to remain open and sell all their items simply because its too much of a hassle to move non essentials out of the way, or cordon them off as they are placed. This has since changed, as Walmart cordoned off non essentials such as toys, CDs, books, but, these non essentials can and are sold online, so profits are never lost.
Maybe this is an indication that from now on all consumer needs will now be met from ISO stores, namely the big names as well the right people need to be in their respective jobs, few businesses ended up shutting down as they were unable to cope with the pandemic and unexpected surging costs, others who were more efficient and cost effective in their operations are coping but adapted to
Elaborating on this point, I noticed there are people who are simply unhappy with their job and do it out of necessity, or have strong connections to higher ups and their low competence level goes unnoticed. The pandemic accelerated businesses and people toward an unprecedented level of efficiency which changed dynamics for those who take spots in the wrong job positions, and eliminates businesses that the system deems unnecessary.
Christmas is officially cancelled this year, no lights or festivities happening, maybe people will have self isolated dinners at home, any contact with outside family will be virtual.
Any holiday shopping if any will be done online as money is beyond tight for most people.
To conclude, the world and life is on its way to another era and direction which highlights efficiency, specific standards when it comes to consumer products and services, as well technology will assist in controlling the masses and classification of people determining quality of life.


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Emerald Health Therapeutics (TSXV:EMH,OTCQX:EMHTF) obtained approval from PEI and Manitoba to supply recreational marijuana products.
As quoted in the press release:
Emerald has also fulfilled its first shipments of premium cannabis products to PEI Cannabis and to licensed private retailers in Saskatchewan.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve additional provinces,” said Dr. Avtar Dhillon, President and Executive Chairman of Emerald. “We believe that our growing nationwide presence reflects the recognition of Emerald as a reliable and consistent cannabis supplier. We look forward to continuing to expand our supply of quality Emerald cannabis products to the Canadian adult-use market.”
Emerald is currently delivering cannabis to the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation, Cannabis Retail Store (CRS), the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Board (BCLDB), the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation, and the Yukon Liquor Corporation. It has also signed a letter of intent with the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC) to supply cannabis to Quebec and a sales agreement with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to supply cannabis to Alberta.


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Victorian Premier, John Brumby, has promised every doctor in the state's public hospital system would be issued with an Apple iPad if his incumbent Labor Government was returned to power in the state's upcoming election.
After all the hype about the new MacBook Air releases, all the oohing and aahing over the engineering that slipped a significant amount of power and capability into such a tiny package, I was ready to be somewhat disappointed by the new 13.3-inch Mac...
Up until now, the Australian version of Apple's eBook marketplace, the iBookstore, has been fairly sparsely populated compared with rivals. But yesterday it appeared as if the company has added half a dozen major new publishers to its catalogue in a ...
Apple's 11-inch MacBook Air may create a conundrum for prospective Mac owners: should they buy a petite Apple laptop or an iPad? When Apple launched the Air, it said it was a hybrid device combining the best aspects of the MacBook with the iPad. Jus...
In the largest survey on tablet devices to be undertaken in Australia, GfK Australia has found that 188,000 tablets have been purchased in the last six months, with the majority of these being Apple iPads.
Telstra has become the first carrier in Australia to release its own branded portable Android tablet, citing a gap in the entry-level market as a core reason behind its aggressive pricing.
When Apple's iOS 4.2 debuts next month, it will offer enough features to make the iPad tablet a device that's safe for business if IT security teams take the right steps.
An iPad app that acts as a menu for restaurants will be launched at a food and hospitality trade expo next week in Sydney.
An Australian-designed application that allows users to order take away food via an iPhone, iPod Touch or Apple iPad launched this week.
Apple's iOS and Google's Android OS dominate the new non-BlackBerry installations in enterprises across the globe between July and September 2010, according to Good Technology's tally of what the mobility management vendor's customers are deploying. ...
When it comes to iOS downgrading, most people talk about reverting to an older version of the operating system, like going from iOS 4 back to 3.2. The guy who posted this video to YouTube clearly has an entirely different definition.
The Tasmanian Department of Education and Training has revealed over 30 iPads are being trialled in a number of schools across the state, with plans in the works to also examine the potential for Android- and Windows-based tablets to be used as an ed...
Schools and universities right around Australia had jumped headfirst into trials of Apple's hyped iPad tablet as they rush to discover exactly what the device's use will be in the educational field - sometimes with the support of their overarching ed...
Google said on Monday that Apple iPad owners would soon be able to edit Google Docs files on their tablets.
The death of the PC industry at the hands of Apple's iPad has been greatly exaggerated, analysts said today.
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Table of Contents
This time final 12 months, Costco (NASDAQ: Price tag) was nonetheless benefiting from a period of time of heightened foods income as men and women cooked much more at residence and stocked up on goods to cope with uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This puts the wholesaler in a rough place this 12 months, as its 12 months-in the past gross sales comparisons usually are not easy.
But somehow Costco is nevertheless growing its revenue quickly, posting expansion charges as if past 12 months was just a typical 12 months. The wholesaler’s just-described June revenue reiterate Costco’s remarkable momentum.
Picture source: Getty Photographs.
Exact same-retailer product sales stay strong
Costco claimed 14.1% year-about-yr growth in very same-shop profits, or 7.9% when adjusted for the impacts in gasoline rates and international exchange. With no any context, this may possibly appear like a significant deceleration from Costco’s 14.4% modified exact same-retail store product sales progress in Could. The reality, having said that, is that these June final results seize substantial enterprise momentum.
Initial, take into consideration that Costco’s Could retail month integrated a single further working day of purchasing as opposed to May well 2020 — a gain Costco estimates aided strengthen gross sales by two to two and a 50 percent per cent. Also, Costco’s June retail thirty day period had one much less buying working day than it did in the yr-in the past period, negatively impacting product sales by around a single and a 50 % to two p.c, administration estimates.
Of system, Costco’s modern gross sales momentum is specially powerful in light of the hard comparisons the corporation is up towards in 2020, when buyers flocked to the retail outlet to inventory up and goods as they envisioned to be spending a lot more time at residence. Even e-commerce profits keep on to increase to report highs. Costco’s June e-commerce exact same-store product sales rose 18% yr in excess of 12 months on an altered basis — and that is on prime of about 87% altered progress in June 2020.
What analysts are declaring
Analysts are cheering the company’s June benefits, with at minimum a few analysts raising their 12-month selling price targets for the firm’s stock on Friday.
MKM Associates analyst Bill Kirk noted that Costco’s adjusted similar-retailer income growth fee on a two-year stack foundation really accelerated through the month, increasing to 24% — up from 22% in May.
Oppenheimer analyst Rupesh Parikh explained the effects continue on to spotlight how Costco is ready to lap challenging yr-ago comparisons.
Costco’s income momentum is encouraging information as the corporation heads into the second 50 percent of the calendar year and the holidays, when year-in the past comparisons grow to be specially complicated. September, October, and November adjusted very same-keep gross sales advancement prices, for instance, have been 16.9%, 16.5%, and 14.6%, respectively. Lapping these comps will be hard. But Costco’s recent profits momentum indicates the business will probable still take care of to mature similar-retail store revenue all through these durations.
10 shares we like greater than Costco Wholesale
When our award-profitable analyst workforce has a stock tip, it can pay back to pay attention. After all, the e-newsletter they have operate for about a 10 years, Motley Idiot Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*
They just exposed what they think are the 10 best stocks for investors to purchase appropriate now… and Costco Wholesale was not a person of them! That is right — they feel these 10 shares are even superior buys.
*Inventory Advisor returns as of June 7, 2021
Daniel Sparks owns shares of Costco Wholesale. His shoppers may possibly individual shares of Costco. The Motley Idiot owns shares of and endorses Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and viewpoints expressed herein are the views and viewpoints of the writer and do not necessarily mirror people of Nasdaq, Inc.


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Published: Mon, 23 Jan 2017 21:24:33 GMT2017-01-23T21:24:33Z
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 21:24:33 GMT2017-01-23T21:24:33Z
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 20:02:55 GMT2017-01-23T20:02:55Z
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 18:45:04 GMT2017-01-23T18:45:04ZSEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Samsung says a thorough investigation into the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 phone has confirmed widely held suspicions that its batteries were to blame, marking a first but important step toward restoring consumer confidence.
Sun, 22 Jan 2017 15:19:34 GMT2017-01-22T15:19:34Z
Fri, 20 Jan 2017 20:20:30 GMT2017-01-20T20:20:30Z
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 21:14:40 GMT2017-01-19T21:14:40ZWASHINGTON (AP) - Tesla Motors Inc. won't face a recall or fine as a result of a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system, but U.S. safety regulators are warning auto manufacturers and drivers not to treat semiautonomous cars as if they were fully self-driving.
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:39:38 GMT2017-01-19T17:39:38ZBetween packing chores, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama found time to make and post an immersive and informative tour of the White House residence and the West Wing produced by Facebook, its Occulus VR company and major content producers Felix & Paul Studios.
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 15:18:04 GMT2017-01-19T15:18:04ZWASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly three years after a Malaysian airliner vanished, it's still possible, if unlikely, for a plane to disappear. But that's changing with new satellites that will soon allow flights to be tracked in real time over oceans.
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:00:13 GMT2017-01-19T14:00:13ZDETROIT (AP) - Thirteen automakers are recalling more than 652,000 vehicles in the U.S. in the latest round of dangerous Takata air bag inflator recalls.
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 12:52:38 GMT2017-01-19T12:52:38ZBERLIN (AP) - Germany's anti-trust agency says it's dropping its investigation of Amazon subsidiary Audible and Apple after the two companies agreed to end exclusivity deals for audiobook supply and distribution.
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 11:04:02 GMT2017-01-19T11:04:02ZCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Facebook will build a 56,500 square meter (608,161 square foot) data center in central Denmark, its third such center outside the United States.
Wed, 18 Jan 2017 20:15:08 GMT2017-01-18T20:15:08ZThe Towers family bought Alexa, Amazon Echo's intelligent personal assistant, just before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. So their first request of her was to hear the civil rights leader's most famous speech.
Wed, 18 Jan 2017 19:47:05 GMT2017-01-18T19:47:05Z
Wed, 18 Jan 2017 05:00:05 GMT2017-01-18T05:00:05ZOverheard amid the caffeinated networking of the UP Conference at the Waterfront Technology Center in Camden: "We do T-shirts." "It's about creative engagement."
Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:49:39 GMT2017-01-17T11:49:39ZSAN FRANCISCO (AP) - After a relative suffered a heart attack a few years ago, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Adrian Aoun got an unsettling look at a health-care system that he diagnosed as an inefficient and outdated mess.
Sun, 15 Jan 2017 12:40:44 GMT2017-01-15T12:40:44Z
Sun, 15 Jan 2017 11:43:36 GMT2017-01-15T11:43:36Z
Fri, 13 Jan 2017 01:49:45 GMT2017-01-13T01:49:45Z


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Hyundai is always seeking different ways to one-up its Japanese competitors. They have announced that a brake override system will be standard equipment on its full line of vehicles, starting this month.
In all actuality, all 2012 Hyundai models with the exception of the Elantra Touring were already equipped with a brake override system. So why the announcement, and why now? The announcement may be a little jab at Toyota, whose unintended acceleration problems led to a Congressional investigation, widespread recalls, and prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to push the requirement of brake override systems on all new cars. However, the announcement is more likely about the end of Elantra Touring production than anything else.
Hyundai Elantra Touring Will Be Reborn
The previous Hyundai i30, on which the Elantra Touring was based, has been redesigned. Reviews of the new model have already began to show up on foreign automotive websites. The U.S. market will not receive its version of the i30, dubbed the Hyundai Elantra GT, until later this summer.
Be on the lookout for the GT in June at Orlando Hyundai! Of course, we will issue a full report. Until then, stay posted with the latest news via Facebook and Twitter!
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WASHINGTON: After two years and five months in development, the mobile DTV standard had been approved. The Advanced Television Systems Committee said today it has approved the ATSC Mobile DTV Standard, A/153. The ballot, tallied at midnight Oct. 15, was approved with overwhelming support by the full ATSC membership.
“Development and adoption of the ATSC Mobile DTV Standard is a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of digital television,” ATSC President Mark Richer said “We have been fortunate to have strong and active industry support, including thousands of person-hours of technical volunteers, for this work which enabled us to develop the standard in an efficient manner.”
A/153, also known as ATSC M/H, defines the technical specifications necessary for broadcasters to provide new services to mobile and handheld devices using their digital television transmissions. The new services for mobile and handheld devices are carried along with current DTV services without any adverse impact on legacy receiving equipment.
ATSC M/H supports a variety of services, including advertiser-supported television, real-time interactive media, subscription-based TV, and file-based content download. The standard can also be used for transmission of new data broadcasting services. It will give broadcasting access to the mobile video arena of cell phones, small handheld DTVs, laptop computers and in-vehicle entertainment systems.
Stations across the country began field testing ATSC M/H earlier this year. Some 33 are expected to be transmitting the mobile format by the end of this month, though many lack the prototype handhelds necessary to test reception. LG, Samsung, Kenwood and Dell are the lead manufacturers for A/153-compatible devices. Receivers ready for prime time are expected to be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CEA, said, “As a founding ATSC member, CEA congratulates ATSC on achieving this new standard, which will help chipmakers and equipment manufacturers proceed with product development and deployment.”
ATSC M/H is based on vestigial sideband modulation, with enhanced error correction and other techniques to improve robustness and reduce power consumption in portable receivers, coupled with a flexible and extensible IP-based transport system, MPEG AVC video, and HE AAC v2 audio coding. It will carry existing digital broadcast channels in addition to new services such as interactive TV, available on broadband-enabled ATSC M/H receivers.
Paul Karpowicz, NAB Television Board chairman and president of Meredith Broadcast Group had this to say: “This will introduce the power of local broadcasting to a new generation of viewers and provide all-important emergency alert, local news and other programming to consumers across the nation.”
Glenn Reitmeier, ATSC chairman:: “It is particularly noteworthy that ATSC Mobile utilizes Internet Protocol, which will enable broadcast services to be easily integrated with wireless broadband consumer devices and applications, further reinforcing the significant role of terrestrial television broadcasting in the media landscape for decades to come.”
From Dennis Wharton of the NAB: “We strongly believe that all Americans will benefit from the advanced capabilities of mobile DTV and broadcasters’ innovative use of over-the-air spectrum.”
The new standard document will be available online on the ATSC Standards page.
More on mobile TV:
October 7, 2009: “Wireless Carriers Build Mobile TV as Broadcasters Prepare for Launch”
Verizon Wireless has 87.7 million subscribers; though it doesn’t provide numbers on how many handsets are VCast-enabled and how many of those have activated subscriptions. The service is one of the first mobile TV offerings to go live in the United States after the roll-out of the originator, MobiTV.
October 7, 2009: “Qualcomm Rolls out Handheld FLO TV”
Qualcomm unveiled its handheld FLO TV this week, in time for the holiday season.
September 3, 2009: “Gray Conducts Successful Mobile DTV Tests”
Gray Television commenced its first successful mobile DTV signal at WOWT-TV, its NBC affiliate in Omaha, Nebr., on July 24.
August 26, 2009: “Free Analog Mobile TV Bode Well for Digital Version”
The global uptake of free analog mobile TV is a good sign that the digital iteration will be successful.
June 29, 2009: “More on Mobile from Overseas”
Korean wireless carriers said that some 22 million people are using mobile television in the country, according to The Korea Times. The population of South Korea is estimated at a little less than 48.4 million.
April 20, 2009: “NAB: Broadcasters Target D.C. for Mobile TV Consumer Trials”
The Open Mobile Video Coalition said Washington, D.C. has been selected as a product showcase market for Mobile DTV technology.
April 20, 2009:“City of Raleigh Initiates First Public Mobile DTV Deployment”
Officials in this Tech Triangle corridor city teamed up with WRAL-TV for the first public deployment of mobile DTV.
March 20, 2009: “Mobile DTV Poised for Rising Revenue Wave”
Mobile advertising revenues will hit $3.1 billion in 2013, up from $160 million last year, according to research from The Kelsey Group, a division of BIA.
February 17, 2009: “MobiTV Tops 6 Million Subscribers”
MobiTV announced today at the Mobile World Congress event, being held in Barcelona, Spain, that it had surpassed the six million mark in subscribers for its managed mobile media services.
January 12, 2009: “Mobile DTV to Launch in 22 Markets Immediately”
Sixty-three TV stations across the country will launch mobile TV this year, the Open Mobile Video Coalition announced in Las Vegas during the Consumer Electronics Show there.
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