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And that’s not an attempt to be light-hearted, or provide comedic relief — an unseasonal wave of bitter frost and ice hit France after a bout of warm weather. The result? Vines and fruit crops have been devastated, wiping out a third of French wine essentially — that’s almost €2 billion in sales lost (around $3 billion AUD).
The French government have had to declare it an agricultural emergency, and have begun putting emergency financial measures in place. This is a big deal. French agriculture minister, Julien Denormandie, was quoted in The Guardian saying the event “is probably the greatest agricultural catastrophe of the beginning of the 21st century.”
Some of the places hit by this environmental destruction include our favourite wines regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley and Provence. And it’s not just the vines, but also other growths — kiwis, apricots, apples, beet, rapeseed and more have suffered.
Attempts were made to save the vineyards, with thousands of small fires and candles lit near vines and trees in an attempt to heat them up — French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted an image of one such vineyard, expressing support for the farmers.
À vous, agriculteurs qui, partout en France, avez lutté sans relâche, nuit après nuit, pour protéger les fruits de votre travail, je veux vous dire notre soutien plein et entier dans ce combat. Tenez bon ! Nous sommes à vos côtés et le resterons. pic.twitter.com/uaW9TmPxYh
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 10, 2021
Michel-Henri Ratte, who produced up to 30,000 bottles a year, told The Guardian that the weather incident was “catastrophic” and that the cold snap wasn’t “normal cold” but more so a “polar cold, much more intense than usual.”
Adding to that, he says they were also damaged by cold snaps in 2017 and 2019, and that the period regularity of it “raises questions about climate change.” He’s looking at a 100% loss on this year’s harvest, and may not produce a single bottle of wine.
And for those reading this, relying on South Australian or Tasmanian wine to pull through — well, wine grapes are at risk of extinction due to climate change here in Australia. In fact, one study found the possibility that 73% of our land could become unsuitable for growing grapes by 2050.


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IMF slashes global growth output as inflation, omicron threaten recovery
US economic outlook trimmed as inflation surges
Red-hot inflation and the fast-spreading omicron variant are hindering the global economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday.
The Washington-based IMF projected in its latest World Economic Outlook that global domestic gross product will grow by 4.4% this year – 0.5 percentage points lower than its October estimate.
SURGING INFLATION TAKES HOLD IN MOUNTAIN STATES, WITH RATES NEAR 9%
"The global economy is entering 2022 in a weaker position than anticipated," the report said, citing an unprecedented increase in COVID-19 caseloads worldwide and rising cost pressures.
The slowdown is even more pronounced in the U.S. and China, the IMF said, though it warned that few countries will be spared. The organization slashed its growth estimates for the U.S. to 4% in 2022, down 1.2 percentage points from October. It marked the biggest reduction suffered by any G-7 nation and comes as the Federal Reserve prepares to begin aggressively normalizing policy in order to combat rising inflation.
The IMF also reduced its growth outlooks for both China by 0.8 percentage points, with Beijing expected to now grow by 4.8% this year as the government enforces a strict "zero-COVID" policy and the country grapples with "projected financial stress" among its real estate developers.
Inflation has accelerated as the economy recovers from the brief but extremely severe recession in 2020, and is expected to remain elevated for "longer than envisioned" amid ongoing supply-chain disruptions and high energy prices, the IMF said. However, the organization predicted that prices will begin to subside as "supply-demand imbalances wane in 2022 and monetary policy in major economies responds."
The dramatic rise in consumer prices over the past 12 months – in December, inflation hit a fresh 40-year high – has forced the Federal Reserve to dramatically shift its policy stance, including rapidly slowing its bond purchases, ending the buying program earlier than expected and setting the table for a March interest rate hike.
While Chairman Jerome Powell initially predicted that inflation would be transitory and would dissipate as pandemic-induced disruptions in the supply chain abated, he has since acknowledged the price spike has been higher and longer-lasting than the Fed anticipated.
"Monetary policy is at a critical juncture in most countries," Gita Gopinath, chief economist at the IMF, wrote in an accompanying blog. "Where inflation is broad based alongside a strong recovery, like in the United States, or high inflation runs the risk of becoming entrenched, as in some emerging market and developing economies and advanced economies, extraordinary monetary policy support should be withdrawn."
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The IMF raised its growth outlook for 2023 by 0.2 percentage points to 3.8%, but warned that the estimate relies on the equal distribution of vaccines worldwide excludes the emergence of any new COVID-19 variant.
"The emphasis on an effective global health strategy is more salient than ever," the organization said.

domain: news


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Sales of new cars in July climbed to 172,907, a rise of 6.6% on the same month in 2013, and kept up a run a of growth stretching back more than two years.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “July saw the new car market extend its record period of growth to a 29th month, as confident consumers took advantage of an array of new products and attractive finance deals on the latest fuel-efficient new cars.
“The continued positivity has led to an uplift in the SMMT full-year forecast to 2.45 million passenger car registrations, a rise of 8.1%. However, the more moderate growth of the last three months shows that overall demand is beginning to stabilise.”
Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers, commented: “It is extremely encouraging that new car sales continued to improve in July with year-to-date growth now at 10.1%.”
She added: “With such strong manufacturer and finance offers currently available, dealers are reporting that it is proving much easier to close a sale. However competitive pricing and strong incentives remain important if the sales trend is to continue throughout 2014.”


text: According to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the growth rate of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) from the United States (US) into China over the first four months of 2019 dropped noticeably year-over-year (YOY). Beijing moves to tighten controls over technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and industrial security systems to bolster national information security. Expansion of American tariffs on Chinese goods drives more companies out of China. US Commerce Department’s proposed ban on hardware and service exports to Huawei could severely affect the firm and its American suppliers. Japanese companies working to use more foreign directors to enhance corporate governance and benefit from new thinking. Japan’s Toyota expresses dismay at US President Trump’s statement that “the US needs to defend itself against foreign cars and components.” FDI flows into South Korea for the first quarter of 2019 plummet YOY with some attributing it to the end of tax breaks. Hoping to position itself for the time when subsides for new energy vehicles (NEV) end, South Korea’s SK Innovation plans to open a second battery factory in China.


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Top 10 Stories From Our Archives
HARDTOP CONVERTIBLES—HOT NEW TREND?
Although convertible hardtops have been around for some time, this past year has seen a huge influx of less expensive niche models with folding hardtops, according to a recent AutoWeek article. The article states, as hardtop convertible variants were introduced on vehicles, such as the Volvo C70, Pontiac G6, Volkswagen Eos, Chrysler Sebring, Mazda MX-5 and BMW 3 Series, automakers pushed their benefits: protection from the weather and theft, a quieter ride and even better body stiffness. Automakers are saying that these convertibles are selling well, perhaps signaling a growing trend for convertible hardtops.
Volkswagen says that its Eos, the automakers convertible hardtop-only model, which went on sale last fall, just posted its best month in April and is on track to meet its target of 12,000–13,000, reports AutoWeek. Sales of Pontiac’s G6 convertible have exceeded the company’s expectations and have contributed to a 38% sales increase of the G6 during the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same time last year. Mazda has reeled in additional MX-5 buyers by offering its two-seat roadster with a folding hardtop. In April, nearly a third of MX-5 sales were power-retractable hardtop models.
Automakers who have been in the market with folding hardtops for several years, such as Lexus with its SC and Cadillac with its XLR, say that the new and less expensive convertible hardtops are only boosting interest in the overall segment.
Source: Gritzinger, Bob and Wong, Jonathan. (May 9, 2007). “Folding Hardtops Hot: Bargain Convertibles Spark Renewed Interest in Segment.” AutoWeek. Retrieved May 11, 2007 from www.autoweek.com.


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Shares of the three Detroit automakers fell sharply in March, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. All were hit hard by the drastic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on their industry.
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU) was down 42.2%.
- Ford Motor Company (F 1.13%) was down 30.6%.
- General Motors (GM 2.19%) fell 31.9%.
March was a month unique in the auto industry's long history. Never before have all three of the Detroit auto giants shut down all of their North American factories at the same time, as FCA, Ford, and GM (and others) did in mid-March as part of broad efforts to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Because automakers record revenue when vehicles are shipped to dealers, the decision to suspend production also meant abruptly suspending a large portion of their revenue -- meaning all three companies had to move immediately into cash-preservation mode.
While all three companies have hefty cash reserves, auto investors didn't like the implications.
Fiat Chrysler was already dealing with the coronavirus' effects on its business when March began -- in Italy, where the outbreak has been severe. Northern Italy, where FCA has several factories, has been hit especially hard, and the company was forced to halt production there (and shortly thereafter, throughout Europe) early in the month.
Ford also halted its production in Europe early in March as supply lines started to falter, and then in several other factories around the world as well. To conserve cash, Ford suspended its dividend, drew down its credit lines, and cut salaries (but not jobs). The moves cost Ford its hard-won investment-grade credit rating for the time being, but the increased liquidity should help Ford keep its future-product programs going through the shutdown period.
GM's month unfolded much like Ford's, with factory shutdowns and moves to conserve cash. But there were two significant differences. First, unlike Ford, GM hasn't (yet) suspended its dividend. Second, GM has maintained its investment-grade credit rating, though Moody's and Standard & Poor's both said in late March that GM's rating is under review.
With factories and many dealers shut down, April is expected to be a very tough month for the automakers. The good news is that we won't have to wait long to get detailed updates from the three CEOs and their teams. FCA and GM will report their first-quarter earnings results before the market opens on May 5; Ford will report a bit earlier, after the market closes on April 28.


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Organisers of Raglan’s Spirit of Christmas exhibition are going the extra distance this year to ensure there’s something for everyone – with a big name from out of town set to drop by on the middle weekend of the two-week show.
Santa’s visit from the North Pole on Saturday week will give parents the opportunity to take a photo of their youngsters with the man in red while doing a spot of Christmas shopping themselves, says exhibition co-ordinator Susanne Giessen-Prinz.
This will be the seventh annual staging of an exhibition which last year netted a record $9000-plus in sales.
This is money which “stayed” in the community, Susanne points out. She’s proud that money which might otherwise have been spent at the likes of The Base in Te Rapa has instead been retained locally.
Much of this funding is poured back into the Old School Arts Centre’s new two-storey clayshed-cum-creative space, which is now awaiting final sign-off. The clayshed’s 18 artists also get some recompense for their donated works.
Everything on display at the Old School Arts Centre for the fortnight starting this Saturday is locally produced and plastic-free, Susanne emphasises. “And every year more new artists and ‘crafty’ Raglanites get involved,” she adds.
The artworks include pottery, plants, candles, jewellery, multimedia creations and edible goodies, all priced between $5 and $500. Suzanne’s message to Raglan residents is to “come along and be surprised at how creative and quirky our awesome arts and crafts community is”.
For the third consecutive year orders will also be taken for the homemade Christmas cakes baked in Bing Ceramics’ unique clay pots, Susanne says, adding it’s a gift that’s useful long after the cake is eaten.
The cakes, made with good quality ingredients and to a well-trialled local recipe, are being produced this year out of the Raglan Artisan Bread bakery in Electric Ave.
Suzanne says that besides providing people with a great opportunity to continue supporting the new build at the arts centre, the cakes and pots make beautiful gifts ideal for those “tricky people you just don’t know what to buy”.
*The Spirit of Christmas exhibition runs at the Old School in Stewart St from Saturday Nov 28 to Dec 12, opening daily 10am-4pm. Santa will drop in on Saturday December 5, 11am-1pm.


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Shoei Kisen of Japan, owner of EverGiven cargo ship operated by EverGreen representative, apologized to the world for the congestion incident at Suez Canal.
But economically, this mistake is not exactly Kisen’s. Even if the blame was solely on EverGiven, EverGreen and Shoei Kisen, there will be more and more similar incidents.
So what is the real cause of accidents like EverGiven?
As big as possible
For the shipping industry, building bigger and bigger cargo ships is an inevitable trend. In fact, technology development has made the tonnage of these ships getting bigger and bigger.
Between 1955-1975, the average tonnage of container ships increased 100% and continued to increase by 100% in every two decades that followed. The main reason is that all shipping companies believe that the trend of globalization is unstoppable and cargo ships need to scale up to increase profits.
Size comparison of EverGiven ships
This is completely understandable in economic theory when businesses try to increase their profit margins. Obviously large ships carrying more cargo will have better margins than conventional cargo boats.
Another factor driving large shipping companies is the price of oil. Before 2016, oil prices were too high, making the use of large ships much more cost-effective than small ships. The race to build big ships has resulted in a time when 18% of the world’s container ships had to stay idle at sea because no one hired them.
The economic advantage of size, also known as incremental profitability, is revealed when long-term average costs decrease with increasing output.
But a study by the Organization for Economic Development Cooperation (OECD) shows that the economies of scale with super-tonnage ships are now 4-6 times smaller than in the period. previous paragraph. Currently about 60% of the economic advantage of the size of the cargo ships comes from engine technology rather than payload.
In other words, it is more profitable to build small ships with good engines than super ships. But neither company cares. Introducing a trucking company with a large fleet of ships still attracts more customers than small-sized cargo boats despite the use of high technology.
Fatty prey for pirates
Super-tonnage ships today are very expensive, up to $ 200 million and if you include the shipping containers, a train can be worth up to $ 1 billion.
This is an attractive bait for many groups of pirates or terrorists, thereby costing the company a lot of money to hire experienced employees and pay high premiums if they want them to work.
Moreover, these super-tonnage ships can only be moored in large international ports, causing inconvenience and cost in the transportation process.
At these ports, employees who need larger equipment to transport containers, such as bridges or suspension bridges, and even container yards may have to rearrange to unload cargo from “beasts”. this. As a result, shipping companies pay higher fees for mooring and unloading of super-tonnage ships.
In recent years, the super-tonnage ships have caused many traffic jams at sea as well as at seaports. The Suez Canal incident is just one example. In addition, the fact that loading and unloading workers have to work overtime to unload thousands of containers and wait for other cargo ships to increase costs, both for ports and shipping companies.
In particular, super-tonnage ships are less likely to dock at seaports than small ships, so many seaports do not want to spend maintenance costs on specialized equipment for this type of ship.
So according to economic theory, shipping companies should have reduced super-tonnage ships. However, the fear of being underestimated compared to the competitor in terms of the number of large tonnage ships and wanting to “show off” the massive super-tonnage ships to customers has led companies to do the opposite.
It is forecasted that the total tonnage of the shipping industry will increase 4-5% in the coming years, mainly due to the super-tonnage ships. In 1996, the largest cargo ship could carry only 7,000 containers, and in recent years, a ship like EverGiven can carry more than 20,000 containers.
Not only that, a number of transport companies are also implementing mergers and acquisitions to facilitate the operation of super-tonnage ships, which require huge amounts of costs.
Number of containers transported through seaports per day (million containers)
Overloaded by Covid-19 translation
Another reason why incidents like the Suez Canal will continue is that ports are now severely overloaded. The Covid-19 translation has disrupted many contracts and the demand for consumption surged again after the epidemic, making transport activities more bustling.
In fact, the maritime trade has accelerated again as oil prices are low and the global economy recovers from the 2008 crisis. In 2010, there were only about 8.4 billion tons of cargo floating at sea. This has reached 11.1 billion tons in 2019.
The excitement of the maritime industry has caused seaports to try to upgrade to catch up. In 2015, a project worth $ 8 billion was started to expand the Suez Canal. Unfortunately, the EverGiven accident site was not part of that expansion that congested trade.
In 2016, the Panama Canal also completed an expansion to accommodate the size of 79% of the world’s cargo ships, higher than the previous 45%.
But at the current speed of building ships, the seaports are gradually finding it difficult to catch up, and then there are accidents such as the Suez Canal that make it difficult for the authorities to save. Up to now, the EverGiven vessel has been rescued, but it is unclear whether the Suez Canal will be able to resume operation and resolve the congestion of more than 400 ships on both sides of the canal.
#irrationality #super #big #super #huge #cargo #ships


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The 2017 Autumn edition of the Asia Tax Bulletin looks at the latest tax developments over the past three months in the Far East of Asia including India.
The State Council of the PRC announced new measures to encourage foreign investments, and the tax authorities issued a new decree on tax incentives for high and new technology enterprises, while Taiwan issued proposals for a new tax reform, and Hong Kong issued a consultation report on measures to counter tax avoidance. It looks more and more that Hong Kong is stepping up its actions against international tax avoidance. India saw an interesting High Court case about the general anti avoidance rules, which may give a hint how the newly effective GAAR provisions will be applied in practise.
The new GST Law took effect on 1 July 2017, and you will read more about this new tax in this edition of the Asia Tax Bulletin. Indonesia amended its conditions for tax treaty application which have introduced new criteria which foreign companies have to satisfy in order to enjoy the reduced Indonesian withholding tax rates. Also, Indonesia amended its CFC provisions, which have widened the scope of situations for Indonesian persons investing abroad being subject to Indonesian taxation on the income of the foreign company/ies they control. Korea is proposing new tax provisions as a result of the OECD’s BEPS reports. Malaysia clarified the tax position of Malaysian REITs. Thailand proposes to introduce new tax provisions on e-commerce transactions, and Vietnam issued a new transfer pricing circular.


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Samsung has confirmed that it has completed its Android Oreo beta tests and has officially begun sending out the software updates to Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices in the US. “After completing extensive testing and beta tests that are standard when we launch a new Android update or product, we are beginning to roll out Android Oreo to select US Galaxy smartphones, starting with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+,” a Samsung spokesperson mentioned in the report.
Three of four major US carriers – Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint – are all pushing the big Android 8.0 Oreo system update to 2017’s Samsung’s flagship smartphone.
So far this new software rollout doesn’t include the Galaxy Note 8, but that’s coming soon, too, according to an official statement we received from Samsung.
What does Oreo brings in Galaxy S8?
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus on Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile are going to be able to take advantage of several new features after updating to Android Oreo.
You can use picture-in-picture to run two supported apps at once (great for tracking directions on in a small corner Google Maps window while looking up email to double-check the address). And Google’s software will better be able to remember logins and passwords thanks to enhanced autofill functions.
Today’s update also includes the newest version of Samsung Experience 9.0 that just debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. You’ll get keyboard shortcuts, smarter internal search and a more informative Bixby AI thanks to Bixby briefing.
The Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and 8+ will also arrive with Samsung Experience 9.0, which brings features like new keyboard shortcuts, improved search interface, and Bixby updates — assuming you haven’t disabled it yet. Most importantly, Samsung Experience 9.0 will mark the official end to its set of emoji that aren’t just different from nearly every other device that supports emoji, but are also fug as hell.


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A pharmaceutical scientist who spent 30 years with the FDA affirmed the safety and efficacy of generic medications in a report appearing online on October 8, 2012, in the Washington Post.
According to the report, which cited an interview conducted by Consumer Reports, pharmaceutical scientist and consultant for the US Pharmacopeia Vinod P. Shah, PhD, helped develop the guidelines for approving generic drugs during a 30-year tenure at the FDA.
Dr. Shah explained portions of the approval process, including strength, dosing, and administration requirements, while also clarifying the tests used to determine bioequivalence. He also explained the standards for purity and manufacturing quality expected of generic drug manufacturers.
“For all these reasons, I feel very confident that the generic products approved in this country are safe and effective,” Dr. Shah said in the interview. “My gut feeling is that people think brand-name products must be better because they’re more expensive, but that’s a psychological effect, not a real effect. The body does not know whether the drug came from a brand name or a generic company.”
Although the active ingredients must be identical, consumers should be aware that inactive ingredients in oral capsules and tablets do not have the same requirement, Dr. Shah added. Many manufacturers may not know the inactive ingredients in a brand-name medication, he said.
The interview clarifies why certain medications, typically narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs, such as antiseizure medicines, blood thinners, and thyroid replacements, cause trouble for patients who switch between brand name and generic drugs, or even between different generic manufacturers.
“For them to work properly, you have to maintain a specific concentration in the blood,” Dr. Shah noted. “You have to regularly check blood levels to make sure the concentration is right. Either a brand name or generic NTI drug can work, but once you have identified a suitable version, it may not be advisable to switch back and forth, even between 2 generics, because the formulation characteristics might be different and affect the blood concentration.”
Dr. Shah also addressed draft guidelines for bioengineered treatments used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, which rely on living organisms to work. “The generics that we’re accustomed to seeing are small molecules that can be easily synthesized without living organisms,” he said. “But these biotech drugs are large molecules that have to be prepared with living organisms in a very complex manufacturing process. The generic manufacturers don’t know how the original manufacturer does it, so they will have to figure it out on their own. It remains to be seen how much cheaper these biosimilars will be than the brand name originals.”


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This year, we are anticipating the launch of the much-awaited Pixel Fold, along with the regular A-series upgrade featuring the Pixel 7a. A recent leak has shed light on the possible release date for both phones, giving us an idea of when to expect them in stores.
Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser has released a video with all the potential details for the highly anticipated Google Pixel Fold, and it’s got fans of the tech giant buzzing. As expected, with the Google I/O event just around the corner, rumors and early details about the upcoming device have been swirling for some time now, and Prosser’s latest video offers a deep dive into what we can expect from Google’s first foldable phone.
In a recent video, Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech revealed some highly anticipated details about the upcoming Google Pixel Fold. Prosser confirmed that the foldable will be priced at $1,799 and will be available in two colors: Chalk and Obsidian, with 256GB storage. For those looking for more storage space, there will be a 512GB option available in Obsidian only for $1,919. Despite the high price tag, Google plans to sweeten the deal by offering a free Pixel Watch to everyone who pre-orders the device.
In addition to the pricing and pre-order information, Prosser also provided a summary of what was previously reported about the Pixel Fold’s launch. According to his sources, the device will be announced on May 10th, and pre-orders will be available through Google’s online store. However, if you plan to purchase the Pixel Fold through a carrier or retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy, you’ll have to wait until May 30th. The foldable is expected to hit store shelves on June 27th.
Prosser’s latest video also reveals that the Pixel Fold’s design will be similar to the OPPO Find N2. The foldable will feature an inner display with a 7.6-inch OLED panel and a 6:5 aspect ratio. The panel is said to have a resolution of 2208×1840 with a 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother display experience.
Prosser also revealed that the Pixel Fold’s outer display will feature a 5.8-inch OLED screen with a 17.4:9 aspect ratio. It will have a resolution of 2092 x 1080 (FHD+) and a 120Hz refresh rate, which will make for smooth scrolling and better overall performance. This outer display is intended for quick tasks such as checking notifications, while the inner display is for more immersive experiences such as streaming videos and playing games.
This seems to indicate that the Pixel Fold will be a high-performance device, with plenty of processing power, storage, and memory for multitasking and running demanding applications. The Tensor G2 chip, which is also expected to power the upcoming Pixel 7a, is Google’s latest custom-designed system-on-chip, and is said to offer improved AI and machine learning capabilities. The generous amount of storage and RAM should also help ensure smooth performance and speedy app launches.
Just to clarify, the Tensor G2 chip is being paired with 256GB or 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM on the Pixel Fold, as per the information provided by Jon Prosser. The same chip is also used in the Pixel 7 series.
Prosser’s report on the Pixel Fold’s camera is quite detailed. To complement the foldable device’s hardware, Prosser suggests that the Pixel Fold will have two cameras on the rear. The primary camera is reported to be a 48MP sensor with 0.8 μm pixel width, f/1.7 aperture, and a sensor size of 1/2″. The telephoto lens is a 10.8MP sensor with a 1.22 μm pixel width, f/3.05 aperture, and a 1/3.1″ image sensor size. The telephoto lens will have 5x optical zoom with up to 20x digital zoom. Lastly, the ultrawide lens is a 10.8MP sensor with 1.25 μm pixel width, f/2.2 aperture, 121.1° field of view, and a 1/3″ image sensor size.
According to Prosser, Google’s decision to include two selfie cameras is a bit surprising. The outer display will feature a 9.5MP Fixed Focus camera with an f/2.2 aperture, while the inner display will have an 8MP Fixed Focus camera, which is a more traditional approach compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s Under Display Camera technology.
The sensor configuration is the most intriguing aspect of this camera setup. Initially, we were anticipating the identical camera sensors used in the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel Fold, just like the Pixel 7 series, will come equipped with Google One VPN.
Prosser did not provide specific details about the Pixel Fold’s battery capacity. However, he did mention that the device is expected to offer a battery life of “beyond 24-hours,” and in Extreme Battery Saver Mode, it can last for up to 72 hours. It is unclear if this mode will significantly limit the device’s functionality.
Indeed, the Pixel Fold is expected to be one of the most expensive foldable phones on the market, with a starting price of $1,799 for the 256GB version and $1,919 for the 512GB version. According to Prosser, the Pixel Fold will be quite heavy, weighing 283g, which is even more than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 that’s rumored to weigh just 254g. Additionally, Prosser also notes that the Pixel Fold will be about half an inch thick, making it feel bulky in pockets, particularly as we head into the warmer shorts season.
Here’s a quick specs recap for the Google Pixel Fold:
- 7.6-inch foldable inner display with 2208×1840 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 380ppi
- 5.8-inch outer display with 2092×1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Tensor G2 chip with 12GB of RAM
- 256GB or 512GB of storage
- Dual rear camera setup: 48MP main sensor with OIS and f/1.7 aperture, 10.8MP ultrawide sensor with 121-degree FoV and f/2.2 aperture
- 9.5MP fixed focus front camera on outer display, 8MP fixed focus front camera on inner display
- Battery life expected to last “beyond 24 hours” with up to 72 hours in Extreme Battery Saver Mode
- Comes with Google One VPN
- Price: $1,799 for 256GB model, $1,919 for 512GB model in Obsidian color; comes with free Pixel Watch for pre-orders
- Available for pre-order on May 10, in stores on June 27.
Naturally, it’s important to take any leaked information with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to details like availability, pricing, and bonus offers for purchasing the Fold. While hardware specs are unlikely to change significantly this close to launch, other details such as pricing and announcement plans can be altered at the last minute. Prosser himself cautions in his video that some of the information he’s sharing may not be entirely accurate or could change before the official announcement.


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Billion pound commitment to power UK auto sector to the future
- The government and automotive industry are investing £500 million each over the next ten years in an Advanced Propulsion Centre
- Automotive Council members aiming to recruit more than 7,600 apprentices and 1,700 graduates over the next five years
- The Automotive Investment Organisation is aiming to double the number of jobs created or secured in the automotive supply chain through Foreign Direct Investment over the next three years to 15,000
- Technology Strategy Board launches new £10 million competition for research and development low carbon vehicle projects
The government and automotive industry are investing £500 million each over the next ten years in an Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) to research, develop and commercialise the technologies for the vehicles of the future.
Backed by 27 companies in the sector, including supply chain companies, the commitment is expected to secure at least 30,000 jobs currently linked to producing engines and create many more in the supply chain.
The announcement was made today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by the Business Secretary Vince Cable and Professor Richard Parry-Jones who both co-chair the Automotive Council.
It forms part of Driving success – an industrial strategy for growth and sustainability in the UK automotive sector published jointly by the government and industry. It follows the recent plans for construction, aerospace and other key sectors to secure sustainable future growth in the economy.
With £6 billion of investment in the UK over the last two years, 1.58 million vehicles produced in 2012, and four out of five vehicles exported to 100 countries worldwide, the automotive sector has transformed itself into a real UK success story.
This strategy sets out how the UK can secure the long term future of the industry over the next 20 to 30 years by growing the UK share of the value chain and by getting ahead of the game in research and development (R&D) on low carbon vehicles.
The report looks at four key themes:
- technology: how our vehicles are powered in future; from 2040 they will no longer have the traditional petrol or diesel engines as we know them
- supply chain: how government and industry can work together to grow the UK supply chain and win more overseas business
- skills: how the right skills are in place to build on the success of the sector
- business environment: how to maintain the UK’s competitiveness in the global auto industry
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
The UK automotive sector has been incredibly successful in recent times, with billions of pounds of investment and new jobs. This has been achieved by government and industry working together.
With the next generation of vehicles set to be powered by radically different technologies we need to maintain this momentum and act now. Our industrial strategy will ensure we keep on working together to make our automotive industry a world leader.
Professor Richard Parry-Jones said:
Businesses prefer consistency, stability and a clear path to the future in order to make investment plans. Driving Success, the automotive industrial strategy, sets out how industry will work together with the government over the next 20 or 30 years. This is critical to sustaining and growing a thriving UK automotive sector in a highly competitive global industry.
Last month Vince Cable announced the setting up of the Automotive Investment Organisation, headed up by Joe Greenwell, the former chairman of Ford of Britain, to lead on attracting inward investment in the UK. Over the past three years we have seen just over 7,500 jobs created or safeguarded in the automotive supply chain through foreign direct investment. It was announced today that the Automotive Investment Organisation is aiming to double this figure to more than 15,000 jobs created or secured over the next three years.
The strategy also outlines some of the challenges the sector faces including the need for a skilled workforce. Industry members of the Automotive Council and its working groups expect to recruit more than 7,600 apprentices and 1,700 graduates over the next five years.
The Technology Strategy Board launched a £10 million competition today that could see successful projects fast tracked for commercialisation through the Advanced Propulsion Centre. Businesses are being invited to bid for support on innovative collaborative low carbon vehicle projects.
Notes to editors:
1.Driving success – an industrial strategy for growth and sustainability in the UK automotive sector is available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-success-uk-automotive-strategy-for-growth-and-sustainability.
2.Responses to the automotive industrial strategy:
3.Irene Graham from the British Bankers Association (BBA) said:
The banking industry welcomes this focussed automotive industrial strategy. As part of it, the BBA has established an automotive forum to enable the two sectors to work together in creating solutions and activities that support this critical growth industry to the UK and its supply chain. We are pleased that through that forum a tooling finance framework has been agreed which can allow the respective commercial entities to take forward product ideas and solutions. The BBA looks forward to continuing the constructive engagement with the Automotive Council and supporting the Government’s industrial strategy announced today.
4.Lord Drayson, Chief Executive Officer of Drayson Racing Technologies said:
It is great to see that the government recognises that the UK has a world-leading motorsport sector that invests significantly in R&D to optimise performance and efficiency.
The support announced today to accelerate the development of green propulsion technologies – such as electric powertrains is very welcome. Innovations such as the high performance electric and hybrid powertrains that we see on the racing cars of today will filter down to the road cars we will all be driving tomorrow.
5.Nigel Stein, Chief Executive, GKN plc said:
GKN has fully played its part in the creation of the Automotive Industrial Strategy but more importantly will continue to support the initiative through the delivery phase ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of the global automotive industry.
6.Dick Elsy, Chief Executive Officer of High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) said:
HVMC is pleased to have been involved in the development of the APC (Advanced Propulsion Centre) concept and plan. HVMC is central to the manufacturing development process for the new technologies through the capabilities we have within our centres. I see this as an excellent initiative to develop the automotive supply chain in the UK. It is also an example of collaboration across the industry – a model which the HVMC supports through its centres.
7.John Martin, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe, said:
Nissan was involved with the UK government in developing the UK Automotive Industrial Strategy which is being published today. As the largest car manufacturer in the history of the UK motor industry we are fully committed to supporting its implementation.
The leadership and support from the government at all levels in developing the strategy has been fantastic and has really helped to understand and prioritise the long term issues that the nation and the industry have to tackle to maintain the UK’s leadership in vehicle and engine manufacturing.
8.Richard Hill, Head of Automotive Sector at RBS and member of the Automotive Council, said:
The automotive strategy highlights the lead that RBS has taken to support the auto sector and address the funding challenges within the supply chain.
To support the growth of this vital sector RBS has invested in building a dedicated auto team with excellent understanding of the industry and which is developing bespoke funding facilities to meet the needs of each car manufacturer’s supply chain structure.
As a key representative on the UK Automotive Council, we have played a pivotal role in establishing a joint banking and automotive industry forum through the British Bankers’ Association.
9.Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive said:
The motor industry is a major contributor to the UK economy and has been increasing that contribution in a challenging economic environment. In partnership with government, we have now developed a roadmap to secure further long-term growth that is detailed in the strategy document launched today. Our goals are to grow vehicle production and component supply with more investment, jobs and advanced technology developed in the UK.
The Automotive Council is an exemplar of industry and government working together to build long-term success and it is through the Council that we will implement the roadmap. I am confident that the strategy and the joint investment by government and the industry will make the UK an even more attractive place to design, build and sell automotive components and vehicles.
10.Welcoming the Strategy, Iain Gray, the Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, the UK’s innovation agency, said:
This automotive strategy is the result of a great deal of effort over a number of years from all parties in the automotive sector and the government. We have an agreed way forward which will give stability and momentum to the transport industry in this country. It will give businesses – large and small – the confidence to plan for the future in the UK.
11.The 27 companies backing the Advanced Propulsion Centre are: Bentley, BMW Group, Bosch, BP, Castrol InnoVentures, Caterpillar, Ford, GKN plc, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Intelligent Energy, JCB, JLR, Lotus, MAHLE Powertrain, McLaren, Millbrook Proving Ground, MIRA, Morgan, Nissan, Optare, Productiv, RDM Ltd, Ricardo, SMMT, Tata Motors, Transport Systems Catapult Ltd, and West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium Ltd.
12.On 12 June 2013, Vince Cable announced the Automotive Investment Organisation (AIO) which will be led by Joe Greenwell, the former Chairman of Ford. Funded with up to £3 million over the next two years, the AIO will spearhead the campaign to attract inward investment to the UK. Led by UK Trade & Investment, it will take strategic direction from the Automotive Council, to develop a strategy to increase the supply chain and build on the opportunities identified in the UK. A report published by the Council in 2012 found that there was an additional £3 billion of new business that could be won by suppliers.
13.The automotive sector is one of 11 key areas that the government is working collaboratively with industry on a long term plan to deliver economic growth and prosperity. More information on the Industrial Strategy can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/using-industrial-strategy-to-help-the-uk-economy-and-business-compete-and-grow
14.The joint industry/government Automotive Council was set up in 2009 as part of the government’s response to recommendations made in the industry-led report from the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (NAIGT). It is co-chaired by the Business Secretary Vince Cable and Professor Richard Parry-Jones. Its main aims are to enhance the attractiveness of the UK as a location for global automotive investment, promote UK-based manufacturers and technologies, strengthen the supply chain and position the UK as a leading global player in developing, manufacturing and using ultra-low carbon technologies. More information on the Automotive Council can be found at: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/.
15.The Automotive Council report Growing the UK automotive supply chain – the road forward 2012 update can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/growing-the-automotive-supply-chain-the-road-forward-2012-update.
16.The government’s economic policy objective is to achieve ‘strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is more evenly shared across the country and between industries.’ It set four ambitions in the ‘Plan for Growth’, published at Budget 2011:
- to create the most competitive tax system in the G20
- to make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business
- to encourage investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy
- to create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe
Work is underway across government to achieve these ambitions, including progress on more than 250 measures as part of the Growth Review. Developing an Industrial Strategy gives new impetus to this work by providing businesses, investors and the public with more clarity about the long-term direction in which the government wants the economy to travel.


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Google has been anticipating this update for years and now the time is finally here! Google has officially announced the use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal that will be rolled out from April 21st of this year. This is expected to have a major impact on Google’s mobile search results and will see a significant drop in search engine rankings for websites that are not mobile-friendly. This was strongly hinted at back in November when Google launched mobile-friendly labels in their search results and started to warn users through Webmaster Tools that their website is not optimised for mobile.
If you are achieving great results from organic traffic you don’t want to see your rankings suddenly drop out at the end of April because your website has not been optimised for mobile.
After this announcement there is no time to be waiting around! Our Surrey marketing agency are experts in responsive web design – you can read more about our web design services here, or even browse our case studies to see some of the responsive websites we have created.
to discuss your requirements and ensure you stay visible online. Give us a call on 01483 863338 or drop us an email.
By Kath Goward 06 March 2015


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Intel's Z68 Chipset to Bring SSD Caching to Sandy Bridge
) that Intel has begun production of its new "Z68" chipset for Sandy Bridge-based processors, with availability set for May. Most notably in light of rumors regarding the new MacBook Pro that failed to materialize, the Z68 chipset will support Intel's Rapid Storage Technology SSD caching.
Interestingly, Intel has also started production of their Z68 chipset this week along with other Cougar Point SKUs like H61 and Q65. All of them are based on the new B3 stepping therefore the SATA port 2-5 issue is fixed before they hit the market. Judging from the specs, it seems Intel has catered Z68 specially for enthusiasts which allows better processor overclocking, discrete graphics support and SSD caching capability.
SSD caching marries a conventional hard drive to a relatively small solid-state drive (SSD), with the most frequently-accessed data automatically placed on the SSD for fast access while the two drives appear to users simply as a single drive. The functionality serves to bring users much of the speed benefit of SSDs but with the storage capacity and lower cost of traditional hard drives.
Several rumors in the days leading up to last week's MacBook Pro refresh claimed
that the updated models would offer a dedicated SSD to host the operating system and other essential files. The claims did not, however, come to fruition.
Update: To be clear, the Z68 chipset is for desktop implementations.
Apple released iOS 16.3 in late January following nearly six weeks of beta testing. The software update is available for the iPhone 8 and newer, and while it is a relatively minor update, it still includes a handful of new features, changes, and bug fixes.
Below, we've recapped new features in iOS 16.3, including support for physical security keys as a two-factor authentication option for...
Apple's VP of hardware engineering Matthew Costello and product marketing employee Alice Chan recently spoke with Men's Journal and TechCrunch about the new second-generation HomePod in wide-ranging interviews about the smart speaker.
Apple discontinued the original full-size HomePod in March 2021 after multiple reports indicated that sales of the speaker were lackluster, but Chan told Men's ...
Apple's next device with an Apple silicon chip may not be a Mac or an iPad, but rather an advanced external display, according to recent reports.
The display, which is rumored to arrive this year, is expected to sit somewhere between the $1,599 Studio Display and the $4,999 Pro Display XDR – but more exact information about the device's positioning and price point is as yet unknown. While ...
Apple appears to be preparing an iOS 16.3.1 update for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software in our website's analytics logs this week. It's unclear when the update will be released, but it will likely be available at some point in February.
The same logs have accurately foreshadowed the release of several previous updates, including iOS 16.0.3 and iOS 16.1.1 most recently, so they...
Apple has previously announced several upcoming iOS features that are expected to be added to the iPhone this year. Some of the features could be introduced with iOS 16.4, which should enter beta testing soon, while others will arrive later in the year.
Below, we have recapped five new iOS features that are expected to launch in 2023, such as an Apple Pay Later financing option for purchases ...
The Apple Pay Later service that Apple has in the works is set to launch "soon," Apple CEO Tim Cook told CNBC ahead of today's earnings call for the first fiscal quarter of 2023.
Cook said that Apple employees are beta testing the Apple Pay Later feature, which will help Apple boost services revenue. "It will be launching soon," Cook said.
Apple Pay Later was first previewed at the...
Google's Chromium developers are working on an experimental web browser for iOS that would break Apple's browser engine restrictions, The Register reports.
The experimental browser, which is being actively pursued by developers, uses Google's Blink engine. Yet if Google attempted to release it on the App Store, it would not pass Apple's App Review process.
Apple's App Store rules dictate...


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Apple Will Start Production of iPhone X in India
OREANDA-NEWS Apple will launch the release of iPhone X models in India by the local division of the Taiwanese concern Foxconn, the largest collector of "Apple" smartphones. This is reported by sources Reuters. According to this information, iPhone X, XS, XS and XR Max will be assembled at the plant in Sriperumbudur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
The first iPhone Assembly in India since the beginning of 2019 was reported by the Hindu, the issue was discussed on December 25 at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. At the same time, the government did not specify which models of smartphones will be collected in the Indian Territory. In an interview with Reuters, industry Minister Tamil Nada spoke about Foxconn's investment of $356 million to expand the plant in the state and create up to 25 thousand new jobs.
So far, Apple has only produced iPhone SE and 6S in India. SE Assembly started in May 2017, when the American company released the first test batch of smartphones produced at the factory of the Taiwanese Corporation Wistron Corp. in the southern state of Karnataka.
In the summer of 2018, Apple began production of the iPhone 6S in Bangalore, Karnataka, also at the Wistron plant, the economic Times reported. To do this, according to the newspaper, the factory has created a new Assembly line. The representative of Apple noted that SE and 6S collected in India are sold only on the territory of this country.
Reuters points out that Apple's sales in India until recently focused on low — end iPhone models-for example, last year more than half of the company's sales came from modifications released before the release of the iPhone 8.
Earlier, a court in China ordered Apple to stop selling some iPhone models in the country. This is stated in the message of the American chip manufacturer Qualcomm Inc. who filed a lawsuit against the iPhone manufacturer. The company accused Apple of patent infringement.


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Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures and Deutsche Bank have achieved a momentous milestone, marking the successful completion of the first Proof of Concept (PoC) for the Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN).
This pioneering initiative is poised to redefine the landscape of digital payments by establishing connectivity across various Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and blockchain networks, akin to the messaging system employed by Swift.
In the world of cryptocurrency, a POC is a bit like a test run for a new cryptocurrency or a feature within a cryptocurrency.
It is a way for developers and creators to try out their ideas and see if they actually work before launching them to a wider audience.
Let us say someone has an idea for a new cryptocurrency that they believe is faster and more secure than the ones that already exist.
Before releasing it to the public, they might create a smaller version of their cryptocurrency to test if it is as fast and secure as they think.
This smaller version, the PoC, helps them find out if their idea is practical and if it actually provides the benefits they claim.
In a bid to showcase the potential of UDPN, Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures and Deutsche Bank embarked on a comprehensive trial.
At its core, SC Ventures established a development ecosystem, harnessing UDPN Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to forge decentralised identities and interconnect digital currency wallets.
Following seamless onboarding, SC Ventures executed multiple transfers and swaps involving synthetic USDC and EURS (Stasis Euro stablecoin) assets to Deutsche Bank’s digital currency wallets.
These transactions, bearing the digital signature of SC Ventures’ private key, materialised in real-time, with their pathways visible on public EtherScan.
Conversely, Deutsche Bank reciprocated by initiating multiple transfers and swaps to SC Ventures’ digital currency accounts, using a user-friendly graphical interface seamlessly integrated within its exclusive UDPN environment.
Rafael Otero, CTO & CPO of Deutsche’s Corporate Bank division, stated that:
“The industry pilot on the UDPN platform is an opportunity to investigate and research how we can enable our clients to actively participate in the decentralised future global economy and benefit from applications that are built on top of the network.”
This collaboration between two financial juggernauts hinged on UDPN business nodes, interfacing with the UDPN permissioned Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) consensus network.
The transmission of payment messages traversed through two transaction nodes, each supporting USDC and EURS transactions respectively, thereby exemplifying how UDPN has the potential to expedite cross-border transactions from a matter of days to mere minutes.
This breakthrough also addresses the ongoing challenge of interoperability among various technologies within the cryptocurrency realm.
The UDPN trial, the first in a series of 12 PoCs, was dedicated to unravelling the interoperability puzzle in cross-border payments, while documenting key insights pertaining to CBDC, digital assets, custody, and compliance, among other facets.
Thorsten Neumann, CTO of SC Ventures, expressed his delight:
“We are pleased to partake in the first industry pilot on the UDPN platform. This initiative brings the industry together to identify opportunities to unlock economic value in newly emerging digital currencies. Tokenised forms of currency will inevitably become a part of the new financial landscape.”
The UDPN trial orchestrated by SC Ventures and Deutsche Bank marks just the inception of a transformative journey.
UDPN’s roadmap includes a dozen PoCs, each exploring distinct use cases, such as enabling banks to issue deposit tokens for client use and facilitating interbank wholesale settlement.
Another pivotal PoC delves into supporting gasless transactions on a public blockchain.
As the UDPN initiative advances, it has the potential to usher in a paradigm shift in the realm of cross-border payments.
Its focus on security, compliance, and interoperability makes it a riveting development in the ever-evolving landscape of digital currencies and financial technology.


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Billboards might be about to get a little less passive, as a number of startups begin adding cameras to them to record just who is looking at them. Yes, billboards are going to start watching you to see if you're watching them. The future is now!
The companies claim, of course, that the cameras won't store pictures of you almost getting into an accident when you drive past that Victoria's Secret ad, instead just registering your gender and how long you look at the ad. But if there are cameras there that can train on your face there's no guarantee that in the future they won't somehow link up what billboards you look at with the profile stored on the internet hooked up to the picture of you that was secretly taken of your with your iSight camera. They'll be able to create a total consumer profile of you, the marketers wet dream.
I'm kidding, of course. That would never happen. People would protest as soon as the little invasions of privacy added up to something that large. Right? Right, guys?
But in any case, the companies behind this tech have visions of targeting billboard ads to specific demographics. You know, like Metamucil ads to old ladies and iPods to young men. Cool? [CNET]


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18 May 1998
Women want better GM labelling
By FWi staff
NINETY-three per cent of British women want genetically modified food to be labelled, according to a survey carried out by Britains largest womens organisation.
The National Federation of Womens Institutes said there are grave fears among British women about the rapid developments in GM foods.
So much so, that 99% of respondents said there was a lack of public awareness about GM foods and that there should be greater public debate about the subject. Only 14% had seen information available in supermarkets and 77% feel unable to make an informed choice.
Mrs Eileen Meadmore, NFWI chairman, said: “The survey reflects concerns most women clearly have about genetically-modified foods in the absence of greater knowledge and debate.
“We intend to press the UK and European Parliaments, producers and supermarkets to see that clear and accurate information is made widely available so that consumers can make informed choices on the products they buy.
Copies of the survey have been sent to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, agriculture minister, Dr Jack Cunningham, and Lord Simon, chair of the EU internal market council.


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It’s important to us to serve our payday loans online customers
(PRWEB) January 28, 2012
Today, USAPaydayForever.com has finally released the place for their payday loans online question and answer session. The place they have decided upon to do this question and answer session has to do with their online social media strategy for their payday loans online promotional campaign. The place they have picked for this event will be their Facebook page they created for their payday loans online services. While they have picked a place to host the question and answer session, they have not yet announced the time that this event is will end up being.
USAPaydayForever.com takes this step as way to help them connect with their payday loans online customers. Their goal in this endeavor is to build relationships with these people. They feel this is important to helping them, as well as conducting business. This is why they have been engaged in their payday loans online social media strategy. This social media strategy is part of their overall payday loans online promotional campaign. They have reported in the recent past that they achieved enough success with this campaign to launch the online social media campaign.
USAPaydayForever.com has released a statement regarding their payday loans online social media strategy, Facebook question and answer event, and their overall payday loans online promotional campaign. The statement they released states, “We at USAPaydayForever.com have decided that our question and answer session will be held on our Facebook group page. This is just one part of our social media strategy. We think this piece is integral to our payday loans online promotional campaign.”
Their released statement continued, “It’s important to us to serve our payday loans online customers. We cannot stress enough that this is the most important thing, and our only reason for being.”
About USAPaydayForever.com – USAPaydayForever.com is an online company that helps consumers to find and obtain payday loans online. For more information about USAPaydayForever.com, please visit their website at http://www.usapaydayforever.com.


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Independent.ie, Published: 04/05/2014
Google has regained the position as Ireland’s top exporter, nudging out competition from other multinationals including Microsoft and Dell.
The Irish Exporters’ Association (IEA) issued the league table in association with Investec.
It said that Google Ireland saw its export turnover increase 36pc to €17bn last year.
The figure is so big because Google books is international sales revenue in Ireland. It then funnels billions of that to other entities in the form of royalties.
Last year, Google’s Irish unit reported “administrative expenses” of €11.9bn compared to €11bn in 2012. Much of those expenses consist of royalties that are paid to an offshore unit.
Microsoft’s Irish office also acts as a conduit for international sales, but both it and Google have significant presences here. Microsoft came second in the list of top exporters, with exports of €15bn.
Healthcare company Johnson & Johnson was third with export turnover of €10.5bn, while computer-maker Dell Products was fourth with €8.6bn.
Irish packaging company Smurfit Kappa made the fifth spot, with export turnover of €7.3bn. It has operations around the world and generates just a very small part of its revenue in Ireland.
Within the food and drink sector, Kerry Group was the biggest exporting company with exports of €5.2bn. In life sciences, Johnson & Johnson was top, with Pfizer second at €5bn of exports.
“It is no surprise that the ICT sector continues to perform as the leading export sector in the industry,” said IEA chief executive Simon McKeever. “The sector houses nine of the top 10 global software companies and 10 of the top global internet companies in Ireland.”
But he warned that growth in the Eurozone, where over 40pc of Ireland’s exports go, looks “increasingly uncertain”.
“We therefore must do more to diversify our export risk to focus on new and higher growth markets,” said Mr McKeever. “Recent calls for wage hikes are simply premature, however a cut in income taxes is badly needed, and we still need to get finance moving from our banks into our SMEs.”
– See more at: http://www.independent.ie/business/tech-firms-dominate-irelands-league-of-top-exporters-30560592.html#sthash.yCNnxABu.dpuf


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Shares in Yahoo! got a bump yesterday on rumours that the company is considering getting rid of most of its Alibaba stake and all its stake in Yahoo! Japan. Those folks familiar with the matter told Reuters that the ailing web firm could offload the Asian assets in a deal worth around $17bn, a step in the right direction as far …
Your Yahoo emails are now property of the Chinese government. Just wait for them to let their cyber army access all your business and personal emails
As long as Yahoo! provides weather for the iPhone...
...they have a place in my heart.
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- George Clooney, WikiLeaks' lawyer wife hand out burner phones to wedding guests


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Everyone loves a bargain. After all, there's a reason that nearly every retailer worth its salt runs a loyalty program or offers percentage discounts -- it draws in business.
But it can be more difficult to find bargains in the stock market. Nevertheless, they are there -- if you know where to look. Here are three stocks that have revealed themselves to be bargain buys.
1. Meta Platforms
Topping the list of bargain buys is MetaPlatforms(NASDAQ: META). As the operator of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta is a digital advertising powerhouse. In fact, in its most recent quarter (the three months ending on June 30, 2023), the company generated $31.5 billion -- or 98.5% of its revenue -- from advertising on its networks.
The strength behind Meta's business segments is its vast number of users, which generates a massive network effect. The company boasts over 2 billion daily average users. To put that in perspective, that's roughly 25% of the entire world population.
At any rate, Meta's recent performance is all the more impressive given the state of the digital ad market. With the global economy still on shaky ground, the company has posted fantastic revenue and earnings growth so far in 2023. Looking ahead, analysts anticipate the company to grow sales a further 13% in 2024, while earnings growth is projected to rise to 24%.
Considering that Meta shares still trade at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio roughly 9% below their five-year average, the stock looks like a bargain buy.
2. Super Micro Computer
Next up is a company you may not know, but you should. It's Super Micro Computer(NASDAQ: SMCI). Super Micro Computer is a cloud services company. But rather than focusing on services, Super Micro Computer provides the nuts and bolts that make the cloud float, so to speak.
The company offers customized hardware and storage solutions, such as motherboards, power supplies, and networking gear. And since the cloud market remains one of the hottest tech subsectors around, business is booming.
In its most recent quarter (the three months ending on June 30, 2023), Super Micro Computer posted year-over-year revenue growth of 34%. Similarly, earnings per share soared 38%.
Better yet, shares remain quite affordable, trading at a P/S ratio of 2. That's a bargain for a tech stock -- a sector where the average stock trades at a P/S ratio north of 4.
Rounding out the list of bargain tech buys is Intel(NASDAQ: INTC). Intel is an iconic company and a long-standing market leader in the semiconductor field. However, in recent years, the stock has underperformed as Intel's management struggled to adapt to a weak personal computer (PC) market and the growth of the cloud market.
Yet, a new management team headed by CEO Pat Gelsinger has set a new strategic vision. Intel is set to deprioritize PC chips and ramp up innovation. Gelsinger wants Intel to become a leader in artificial intelligence, data center computing, and quantum research.
All that said, it will take time to execute this plan. The company is investing in new plants, including two in Ohio and one in Germany.
In the meantime, Intel remains a bargain buy. Shares trade at a price-to-book ratio of 1.4. That's significantly below the company's 10-year average of 2.6.
And if that weren't enough, Intel sports a solid 3.5% dividend yield. All in all, it adds up to a stock that long-term investors should consider scooping up from the bargain bin.
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Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Jake Lerch has positions in Intel and has the following options: short November 2023 $27 calls on Intel. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool recommends Intel and Super Micro Computer and recommends the following options: long January 2023 $57.50 calls on Intel and long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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Azerbaijan’s import of Ukrainian-made products down
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 20
By Fidan Babayeva - Trend:
The share of Ukraine in the total import of Azerbaijan increased from 3.2 percent to 4.18 percent of the total volume from January through August 2020, Trend reports citing the statistical bulletin of the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee.
The export of products from Ukraine to Azerbaijan decreased by 6.8 percent, amounting to $279.5 million.
From January through August 2020, the export of Azerbaijani products to Ukraine countries remained almost unchanged compared to the same period of 2019.
According to the committee, the export of Azerbaijani products to Ukraine for the first eight months of this year amounted to $276.3 million, while a year-earlier - $276.4 million.
The share of Ukraine in the total export of Azerbaijan increased from 2.04 to 2.8 percent of the total volume.
The volume of foreign trade operations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine amounted to $555.8 million from January through August 2020, which is 3.5 percent less than in the same period of last year.
Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover amounted to $16.6 billion from January through August 2020, which is 27.6 percent less than in the same period of 2019.
The balance of foreign trade turnover on an annualized basis decreased by 22.9 percent, but nevertheless remained positive, amounting to $3.2 billion.
(1 USD = 1.7 AZN on Sept. 19)
Follow the author on Twitter: Fidan_Babaeva


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'We're here to stay' promises burger boss after advertising board torn down
- Credit: Les Donohue-Bronley
Lockdown burger entrepreneur Les Donohue-Bronley says whoever destroyed his advertising board alongside the A47 “have only served to promote my business”.
Twice within a fortnight his hand built wooden sign was ripped apart and dumped into nearby water.
“It took time, and effort for me to make it – and it must have taken time, and effort for someone to destroy it,” he said.
Les is mystified by the attacks, which he says will only incentivise him to expand faster.
He says he had permission from a landowner to put them up two miles before the turn off to his A47 catering van near the truck wash.
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A builder by trade, he said: “I made them quite strong, using extra steel with spikes going into the ground.
“Whoever did it was very keen to destroy them. I will go down and put it back again as a symbol of the phoenix rising from the ashes.”
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He launched his first outlet before Christmas at Smiths farm shop in Cromwell Road, Wisbech, and the second outlet soon after off the A47.
Now a third Herbie Hut outlet is planned – a catering trailer at the Horsefair shopping centre in Wisbech.
It will be next to the car park where he hopes soon to be able to re-start Sunday indoor car boot sales that he launched before lockdown.
He says starting the car boot sales was his reason for moving to Wisbech.
“During lockdown, it's been amazing,” he said. “I have built a regular customer base and we offer good food and good service.
“Customers unable to get out of their cars can toot the horn and we’ll bring the food over to them”
His speciality is vegetarian food but he predominantly caters for the meat-eating market for now. He hopes once word gets round more will appreciate his vegetarian offerings.
He added: “Whoever wrecked my signs has simply re-affirmed my determination that we are here to stay”.
Lee hopes to offer training to young people, is proud of the 5-star food hygiene rating from Fenland Council, and has ambition expansion plans.
“The idea is to eventually offer franchises to our staff,” he said.
“Despite the setbacks, we are going forward and not looking at the negatives but the positives.”


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Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi Mi 6 has been quite into limelight due to its leaked images and news. CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun confirmed that the Xiaomi Mi 6 will be launching in April. Since then it was rumored that Xiaomi is going to launch this flagship smartphone on April 11. However there is no truth in such news and Xiaomi had no such plans. Now Xiaomi has officially confirmed the date and Mi 6 will be launched on April 19.
The smartphone will be unveiled on 19th April in Beijing University Of Technology Gymnasium. Mi 6 is the one of the most awaited device of this year and Xiaomi fans are desperately waiting for it. However we already have witnessed few of it’s images which were leaked on Weibo. It is quite evident that Mi 6 will be having slimmer bezels with a higher screen to body ratio. It is also expected that there will be two variants of this smartphone.
Xiaomi Mi 6 Specifications
The Mi 6 will be sporting a 5.2 inch display with full-HD (1080p) resolution in the standard variant and quad-HD (1440p) resolution in the premium variant. Both will be running on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat update with the upcoming MIUI 9 skin on top.
The device may either sport a Snapdragon 821 chip-set or a Snapdragon 835 chip-set. Both will be having 4GB of RAM and 32GB of on-board storage on standard variant and 64GB on premium variant. There will also be a ceramic body variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM.
It will be housing a 12MP Sony IMX386 sensor with OIS on the rear and a 8MP IMX268 with 5P lens and f/2.0 aperture camera on the front. It will be backed by a bigger 4,000mAh battery with fast charging. Other features like dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, NFC, Infrared and GPS are also going to be present.
Pricing and Availability
The basic variant will be reportedly priced at $320 or Rs. 22,550 approx. The cost of the high-end ceramic variant may go upto $380 or Rs 26,500. However, it’s still a lot of speculation, except the launch date. Given that the launch is scheduled in the next week, we should know more soon.


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Gongos Reseach Launches i°Communities Mobile: “The App That Pays You Back”
Apple Approves Online Research Community App for U.S. Market
AUBURN HILLS, MI – September 24, 2010 – Gongos Research, a Honomichl Top 50 U.S. marketing research firm, has launched its i°Communities mobile app today, as announced by Vice President, Research Innovation & Technology Greg Heist. The emergence of the app is a testament to the company’s commitment to create immersive methods to engage consumers in marketing research. More specifically, the app was developed to offer a new dimension in online research communities, making them a more vivid reflection of consumers’ lives.
The i°Communities mobile app will be offered to the 30,000 consumers currently registered in the company’s client-sponsored communities. Additionally, it will serve as a gateway for the public to participate in the company’s proprietary Consumer Village online community of over 20,000 consumers.
“Mobile communities are the next generation of intimacy between consumers and corporations,” states Heist. “In the same way the iPhone has changed the way we think about mobile devices, we believe i°Communities mobile will change the way research fits into people’s lives.”
Consumers that participate in sponsored activities through i°Communities mobile will earn points that transfer into Amazon.com® gift certificates—making it “the app that pays you back.” In addition, Gongos Research donates a 5% match on points earned in Consumer Village to charities including Save the Children and Plan U.S.A.
In helping Fortune 500 companies develop new products and the way they market them, i°Communities mobile offers consumers the ability to:
- Participate in discussions, flashpolls and mobile-enabled online surveys
- Connect with other like-minded consumers about topics of interest
- Capture and instantly upload images and video to the community
- Discover active discussions among members with “Shake it Up” feature
“This is just the beginning of our mobile research strategy,” adds Heist. “We will soon extend it beyond Apple’s ecosystem.”
The i°Communities mobile app becomes available today as a free download for the iPhone and iPod touch in the iTunes App Store.
Gongos Research manages Consumer Village, its proprietary metaCommunity®—a large-scale “community of communities” used for qualitative and quantitative research. Consumers participating via i°Communities mobile will automatically become a member of Consumer Village Airwaves, a sub-community of mobile users. Non-smartphone users can also join Consumer Village on the company’s website.


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As the current year marches towards it fourth quarter, the coming year 2011 marks a commencement of new collaboration. By this, we are referring to the partnership between Nokia Push and the world's biggest snowboarding company, Burton Snowboards.
The rumors were circling for quite a while, where a new type of connected snowboarding is likely to be the outcome of the venture between the two.
A sneak preview of the Push Burton announcement film has been made available that certainly gives an idea as to how it would be. Go through the video below:
Image Source: blogs.nokia.com/pushburton, Dailymobile


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Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Agreement With Brightwell Payments To Deliver Positive Crew Payroll Ex
Agreement brings new technology advancements such as mobile payroll management to 16,000 crew members
ATLANTA, Jan. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightwell Payments, Inc. ("Brightwell"), a leading maritime payments and technology company, announced today that Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its agreement and will leverage the Brightwell Navigator payments platform, a web-based technology that delivers access to money transfer services and Brightwell's OceanPay® Visa® Prepaid Card, to meet the needs of 16,000 geographically dispersed, multinational shipboard employees across its fleet.
Already a client for six years, Norwegian Cruise Line's decision to extend its agreement with Brightwell will further simplify its payroll process and bring new technology advances, including online wage statements and a mobile app for managing and transferring payroll funds from virtually anywhere in the world, to crew members. The Brightwell Navigator platform enables crews to self-manage how they wish to be paid by maintaining instructions for automatic transfers to home bank accounts, payment directly to the OceanPay Card, and/or the transmission of funds to over 500,000 retail money transfer agents around the world.
"We're excited to continue our longstanding, positive partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line," said John Markendorf, SVP Client Services and Implementations, Brightwell Payments. "Last year brought opportunities for us to take part in Norwe....


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Lynx Music signee and Ghanaian singer Kidi has slammed some Twitter followers for harshly complaining about the price packages for his upcoming event.
According to some Twitter followers, the prices are outrageous as compared to some international artists like Drake. Drake’s highest ticket price was in Las Vegas where he charged $178 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“And Kidi is charging Ghanaians 150,000ghs that’s 2,533 US Dollars. Can We All Agree Kidi is bigger than Drake”.
Reacting to these comments, the ‘Say Cheese’ hitmaker also tweeted that, “the negativity some of you ooze dey bore. If you won’t come, keep scrolling. It’s very simple. If you can’t afford tables there are standard ticket prices. You people for stop the negativity smh”.
THE NEGATIVITY SOME OF YOU OOZE DEY BORE. IF YOU WON’T COME, KEEP SCROLLING. IT’S VERY SIMPLE.
IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD TABLES THERE STANDARD TICKET PRICES. YOU PEOPLE FOR STOP THE NEGATIVITY SMH
— KIDI (@KIDIMUSIC) JULY 6, 2021
Kidi’s event dubbed ‘Live with Kidi’ charges ranging from GH₵ 15,000 ($2,533) with the least price costing GH₵ 3,000 per table. The event is slated for July 29, 2021, at Coco Vanilla.
He recently drops the “Golden Boy” Album, which came in a package of 14 Solid and mind-blowing tracks featuring Headie One, Kuami Eugene, Joey B, and Nigerian singer-songwriter, Patoranking.


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Singapore has one of the highest rates of mobile and Internet penetration in the world, and households worldwide. Its government sets aside over S$1 billion yearly on ICT tenders and recognizes the importance of "skills, innovation and productivity" in ensuring economic growth.
Articles about Singapore
Singapore is bubbling over with tech startups as seed money, talent, and interest are all coming together within its borders. Zopim is a Singapore startup that has achieved success in the online customer interaction space. Abhiroop Basu shares the general and cultural-specific challenges that Zopim faced as a startup.
Already holding the dubious honor of causing Singapore's worst network outage, the mobile operator suffers yet another outage this week, clearly indicating it seriously needs an internal review for its own survival.
Akamai's latest State of the Internet report for Q3 2013 shows Australia's average connection speed slowly picking up, as South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong continue to race ahead.
The Singapore telco has moved to a social customer relationship management software which offers an integrated dashboard that tracks online sentiment, Facebook complaints, tagged tweets, and etc.
MyRepublic announces plans to enter the New Zealand market and will begin offering its services to home and business subscribers from mid-2014.
As confidence levels in the Singapore economy jump, businesses are expected to pick up their hiring activities to fuel expansion plans, according to recruitment firm Robert Half.
Singapore ICT regulator reiterates its pledge to develop local capabilities in data analytics and announces the appointment of the country's first chief data scientist.
The Australian network interconnection provider is set to invest up to SG$50 million in expansion plans for its services in Singapore.
The partnership involving BlueTel Networks will see a neutral peering point sited in Digital Realty's data center, which will complement the current two in the east under the Singapore Internet Exchange.
KPMG in Singapore introduces a six-month cybersecurity development programme, which will include simulated wargames, to help businesses better prep their employees amid increasingly sophisticated attacks.
MobileStats Technologies, which developed an emergency mobile clinic app, has dropped its lawsuit against Singapore's Ministry of Defence due to the lack of funds.
Land Transport Authority unveils plans to extend the country's free Wireless@SG service to 28 MRT stations, but the announcement is met with much skepticism online over the platform's bad reputation.
Singapore bank will invest S$15 million in the IBM cognitive computing technology, targeted for rollout by year-end, to improve customer interaction, becoming the region's first Watson customer.
Singapore's tax authority has outlined where tax is payable on Bitcoin transactions made by its local businesses.
Singapore telco launches country's first prepaid mobile plan that allows subscribers to access the social networking site from 50 cents a day or S$6 a month.


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Account Services Director Roos Resigns to Pursue Consulting
SAN FRANCISCO–Saying he has tired of running an agency, Eric Roos is leaving Swirl, the Bay Area shop he helped found in late 1997.
The agency will continue with Martin Lauber as partner and chief creative director. Roos, 39, who served as partner and director of account services and planning, will remain on board while the shop looks for his replacement.
“There’s a big change in the agency business, and long-term relationships seem to be going out of vogue,” Roos said. “It’s been interesting getting to know so many different clients, but it is also dispiriting and disheartening that things have changed to the degree they have.”
Roos said he is planning a new career outside of the agency world working as a marketing consultant. “With the new economy, people can do something on their own,” he said.
“I’m happy for Eric personally and professionally,” Lauber said. “This will allow him to focus on an area of business that he’s amazing at, and we’ll use this as a way to add some interesting staff and investigate new opportunities.
“I don’t see it as a loss,” Lauber added. “If it was based on animosity, I would say it’s disappointing, but this is just based on his desire to focus on different skills.”
Swirl claimed roughly $40 million in billings last year. The agency has been aggressive in pitching dot-com clients but also works with several traditional businesses.
Roos’ departure is not expected to have a major impact on business. The agency is involved in two pitches now, and will continue building the client list. It will also expand its consulting duties along with the creative work, Lauber said.
Roos was formerly an account director at Black Rocket in San Francisco. Lauber worked at Northern Lights Interactive, San Francisco, before leaving to start Swirl. The third founder, Colin Cook, came with Roos from Black Rocket as production director.
Swirl has been successful from the start. Shortly after it opened, it was tapped to redesign all of Levi’s in-store interactive kiosks nationwide and handle several other retail tasks. K
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ARS Investment Partners LLC cut its stake in shares of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) by 7.5% during the fourth quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 42,199 shares of the company’s stock after selling 3,424 shares during the period. ARS Investment Partners LLC’s holdings in General Mills were worth $2,607,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Penserra Capital Management LLC boosted its position in General Mills by 100.0% in the third quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 1,728 shares of the company’s stock valued at $110,000 after buying an additional 864 shares during the period. Lenox Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in General Mills by 0.7% in the third quarter. Lenox Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,790 shares of the company’s stock valued at $114,000 after buying an additional 12 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its position in General Mills by 2.5% in the third quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 1,985 shares of the company’s stock valued at $127,000 after buying an additional 48 shares during the period. Jacobi Capital Management LLC boosted its position in General Mills by 400.0% in the third quarter. Jacobi Capital Management LLC now owns 2,500 shares of the company’s stock valued at $158,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Finally, Washington Trust Bank boosted its position in General Mills by 3.5% in the third quarter. Washington Trust Bank now owns 2,550 shares of the company’s stock valued at $163,000 after buying an additional 87 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.77% of the company’s stock.
Shares of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) opened at 60.66 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $35.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.65 and a beta of 0.56. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $61.33 and its 200 day moving average is $62.51. General Mills, Inc. has a 52-week low of $58.70 and a 52-week high of $72.95.
The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.48 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.17%. General Mills’s payout ratio is 71.64%.
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Several research analysts have recently weighed in on GIS shares. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of General Mills from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $69.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 22nd. Barclays PLC reduced their price target on shares of General Mills from $66.00 to $64.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 21st. Wells Fargo & Co reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of General Mills in a report on Tuesday, December 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of General Mills in a report on Sunday, March 12th. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG started coverage on shares of General Mills in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. They issued a “hold” rating and a $61.00 price target for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $66.35.
In other General Mills news, Director Robert L. Ryan sold 20,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.83, for a total transaction of $1,216,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 54,676 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,325,941.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.
General Mills Company Profile
General Mills, Inc is a manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods sold through retail stores. The Company is a supplier of branded and unbranded food products to the North American foodservice and commercial baking industries. The Company has three segments: U.S. Retail, International, and Convenience Stores and Foodservice.
Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GIS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS).
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SOCIAL MEDIA A BLACK HOLE FOR ONE IN THREE CUSTOMERS
A third of consumers never receive a response when they contact a firm with a customer service question via social media, according to a report. The Northridge Group found that although 26 per cent of consumers head to sites like Facebook and Twitter when other channels fail, 33 per cent do not receive a reply.
When brands do respond, more than 30 per cent do not meet customers’ expectations, and social media has the lowest issue resolution rate and follow-up of all channels.
“When it comes to customer service, social media just isn’t living up to the hype,” said The Northridge Group’s executive practice lead for customer experience and contact centre management Pam Plyler.
Only three per cent of customers said social media is the fastest channel for issue resolution, and only two per cent say it is their preferred channel.
63 per cent said they have to engage with a brand two or more times on social media before their query is answered or their problem is resolved.
42 per cent of consumers expect a resolution within an hour on social media, but 39 per cent of respondents said companies can take a week or longer to do this.


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CE Pro Podcast: What to See at ISE 2013
Representatives from CEDIA, Control4, KNX and CE Pro discuss ISE 2013, including product trends and education.
Integration Systems Europe (ISE 2013) takes America’s Infocomm and CEDIA and wraps them into one big show in Amsterdam, 29-31 January 2013.
CE Pro talked to some European experts to get some pre-show scoop on the event, with a mostly residential bent.
In this podcast, you’ll hear from
- Geoff Meads, principal of Web developer Presto AV and CEDIA trainer for region 1
- Casto Cañavate, marketing manager, KNX Association
- Paul Williams, VP security and communications, Control4
You’ll also hear from yours truly, as I’ve scoured the virtual trade show floor looking primarily for residential products and showfloor spots that resi-focused integrators should investigate.
ISE is no longer “that Europe show” as it bridges a big gap in worldwide product introductions. With residential products being introduced at CEDIA U.S. in September and commercial solutions at Infocomm in June, the January ISE time frame is crucial for the vendors who wish to introduce products at the beginning of the year.
Just as it was at CES 2013, ISE should be a big event for video, says Meads. “Certainly we’re expecting some big changes in the video landscape in the next couple of years,” he says, citing 4K in particular.
He notes that “everything in the video stream has to be able to cope with those signals,” so we’ll also see infrastructure products such as those based on HDBaseT and fiber optics.
Control4 partner Wyrestorm is one HDBaseT partner that will showcase a one-wire Class D amplifier at ISE. The $795 AMP-001-010 is a single-zone solution with local amplification that complements its larger matrix switches.
For its part, Control4 is again playing host to numerous partners at Stand 8-H180. (Wyrestorm is exhibiting separately at stand 5-U110). Partners there include ADI-AV, AmBx, Atlona, Card Access, Extra Vegetables, Global Cache, ihiji, Leaf Audio, Lilin, Nyce Control, Ivorvegg/KNX and Zektor.
Control4’s Williams says, “The international market as a whole has grown significantly for Control4. ISE has become a very important show for us. Each year we continue to up the ante as far as the amount of dedication, devotion and even the size of the show floor.”
Check out the complete podcast below.
Having trouble accessing the podcast or on a mobile device? Click here.
Julie Jacobson, recipient of the 2014 CEA TechHome Leadership Award, is co-founder of EH Publishing, producer of CE Pro, Electronic House, Commercial Integrator, Security Sales and other leading technology publications. She currently spends most of her time writing for CE Pro in the areas of home automation, security, networked A/V and the business of home systems integration. Julie majored in Economics at the University of Michigan, spent a year abroad at Cambridge University, earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and has never taken a journalism class in her life. She's a washed-up Ultimate Frisbee player currently residing in Carlsbad, Calif. Email Julie at email@example.com