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AUSTIN — Texas will miss out on millions in revenue from this year's holiday shopping season because it hasn't adopted rules to collect state and local sales tax on internet purchases.
For at least several more months, it also will maintain a decades-old approach to administering the tax that confers a competitive advantage on certain online vendors beyond state lines.
Retailers with walk-in stores in Texas long have resented how their online competitors could sell to state residents without charging sales tax.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a huge victory to the "bricks and mortar" stores in a lawsuit, South Dakota vs. Wayfair Inc. In a 5-4 decision, the court's majority said states may collect sales tax on internet shopping, even if sellers don't have a physical presence in the taxing state.
Retailers who have buildings and lots of workers in Texas are eager for the state to start slapping its 6-1/4-percent sales tax — plus up to 2 percent more in local levies — on all e-commerce by Texas consumers, said George Kelemen, the traditional merchants' top lobbyist in Austin.
"The whole Wayfair decision was a big deal for us," said Kelemen, president and chief executive of the Texas Retailers Association. "It was about creating a level playing field for the industry."
Still, grocery company executives and soft goods retailers he represents grasp that the court's decision requires some complex governmental machinery to be set in motion, such as new state regulations and laws, he said.
"Obviously, if our Legislature had been in session when this came down, it probably would have been easier to move a little quicker," Kelemen said. "Some of these other states have the benefit of more full-time legislatures."
Within weeks of the high court's ruling, key state GOP leaders signaled they'd be in no rush.
Comptroller Glenn Hegar would confer with affected parties and lawmakers before issuing rules, and legislative leaders would propose needed bills for the 2019 regular session.
Kevin Lyons, a Hegar spokesman, acknowledged that Hegar is moving with caution -- and deliberately so.
"We do want to get it right," Lyons said.
He stressed, though, that Amazon, Wayfair and some other large online sellers already are remitting to Hegar's office the state and local sales taxes due on purchases by Texans.
"We're obviously missing out on some" revenues, he said. "But we just had a record fiscal year in sales tax revenue. November was a record month, with almost $3 billion that we collected. I wouldn't be surprised if it tops that" for December.
In late 2014, then-Comptroller Susan Combs estimated that if Congress passed a proposed federal law to lower barriers to state and local taxation of internet sales, Texas could gain $840 million annually and its local governments, $200 million.
But a settlement reached with online giant Amazon and voluntary compliance by other e-commerce companies means much of the predicted revenue bump already has occurred, Lyons said.
Hegar -- not only chief tax collector, but lead prognosticator of state revenue -- probably will give next session's budget writers only a modest amount of additional money from ramped-up collections of online sales tax, the spokesman said.
Hegar has laid out a timetable to collect sales tax on more internet retailers' transactions with Texans, beginning Oct. 1.
Under a regulation recently proposed by the comptroller's office, "remote sellers" would look at their previous 12 months' worth of sales to Texas residents. If they exceeded $500,000, then they'd have to begin collecting and remitting the state and local levies to Hegar's office.
If not, they'd have a "safe harbor." They wouldn't have to pay.
Previous language in sales-tax regulations about physical presence or "nexus" -- the subject of fierce lawsuits nationwide, for decades -- would be scrapped.
According to the retail federation's Kelemen, the $500,000 threshold is "a well-balanced figure."
He noted that an out-of-state bookseller might never hit the $500,000 mark, though an online purveyor of jewelry, cameras or computers might hit it -- and start having to pay -- in the first few months of the 12-month cycle.
South Dakota and a number of states that already have moved to capture more online retailers used a threshold of $100,000 a year, or 200 transactions in the state, as the trigger for having to collect and remit the state's tax.
Still, "Texas is a big state. It's a huge economy and retail sales and sales tax remittance is a big part of our state's economy," Kelemen said. "To [state leaders'] credit and to the comptroller's credit, they want to get it right."
He said the federation "understands" that Hegar intends to make third-party marketplace sellers such as eBay, Amazon and Etsy to pay on their "aggregate sales" from small vendors.
"If I'm a guy in Arkansas selling comic books into Texas and I'm going through eBay, you as my customer are going to pay sales tax on that because I'm going through eBay, [which] has to remit sales tax" on all third-party transactions, he said.
Meanwhile, the Legislature is moving to give remote sellers fewer hassles when it comes to computing how much local tax to remit to the Texas comptroller.
Under a bill prefiled by Flower Mound Republican Sen. Jane Nelson, the Senate's chief tax-policy writer, the remote retailers wouldn't have to figure out the local sales tax in each of Texas' nearly 1,500 sales tax jurisdictions. They could opt to pay a flat 1.75 percent of local tax on all sales to Texas residents.
CORRECTION, Jan. 2, 2019: An earlier version of this story used the wrong name for the trade group the Texas Retailers Association.


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The McLaren 720S GT3X represents the pinnacle of design and development for track performance based on the 720S platform.
McLaren Segestria Borealis 600LT Spider supercar is inspired by an actual arachnid, is aggressively aerodynamic and obsessively light.
In this “Top Gear” video join Chris Harris in the super-slippery, 250mph McLaren Speedtail vs the RAF in their 1200mph F35 jet.
This is why McLaren Elva without a windscreen, keeps you comfortable at 70mph.
Watch the race between the electric Volkswagen ID.R and the McLaren 720s.
McLaren’s new Speedtail hypercar achieved 250 mph at the Kennedy Space Center.
McLaren’s 2021 hybrid supercar will go from 0-to-60 MPH in just 2.3 seconds, becoming the world’s quickest car.
McLaren Elva extreme new roadster, with 800 horsepower, designed for Ultimate driving enjoyment.
The new McLaren GTA. Grand Tourer has never been so light, beautiful and agile.
McLaren unveiled images and video of its new No. 66 IndyCar, driven by Fernando Alonso at the Indianapolis 500 on May 26th.

domain: news


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Growing trees and plants have taken up about a quarter of all fossil fuel emissions since 1960, with the Amazon playing a major role as the largest tropical forest. Losing the Amazon’s power to capture CO2 is a stark warning that slashing emissions from fossil fuels is more urgent than ever, scientists said.
The research used small planes to measure CO2 levels up to 4,500m above the forest over the last decade, showing how the whole Amazon is changing. Previous studies indicating the Amazon was becoming a source of CO2 were based on satellite data, which can be hampered by cloud cover, or ground measurements of trees, which can cover only a tiny part of the vast region.
The scientists said the discovery that part of the Amazon was emitting carbon even without fires was particularly worrying. They said it was most likely the result of each year’s deforestation and fires making adjacent forests more susceptible the next year. The trees produce much of the region’s rain, so fewer trees means more severe droughts and heatwaves and more tree deaths and fires.


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Concerned by the increasing plastic waste issues in Indonesia, two women are taking on the environmental menace by converting rejected plastics into paving bricks! Their company, Rebricks has been making these paving bricks out of multi-layered plastic, which is used to package everything from instant coffee to liquid soap. They spent over one and a half years trying to perfect their method and formula. Meet one of the two women running Rebricks, Ovy Sabrina who tells us more about the plastic waste issue in Indonesia, their vision for Rebricks and how you can help tackle the plastic waste issue starting from your homes!
We want to hear your pollution stories.
We want to amplify your stories.
We believe your stories can change the world.


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Tata Chemicals (TCL)’s financial profile is expected to get a boost post decision to sell urea business to Norwegian company Yara International, Fitch Ratings today said.
The Tata Group firm last week agreed to sell urea plant in Babrala, Uttar Pradesh, to the Indian unit of Yara International for Rs 2,670 crore.
TCL’s divestment of low-margin urea business is driven by the company’s strategy to focus on the higher margin fertiliser and consumer products businesses, which include pulses and spices, it said while giving stable outlook (BB+ rating) to the Indian company.
The divestment of the low-margin urea business would improve TCL’s EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation and restructuring or rent costs) margin, the rating outfit said.
According to Yara, TCL’s urea business registered an EBITDAR margin of about 10 per cent in the financial year to end-March 2016 (FY16) and revenue of Rs 23.36 billion (13 per cent of consolidated revenues).
In comparison, TCL’s FY16 consolidated margin was 12.2 per cent and revenue was Rs 177.08 billion.
Fitch expects TCL to use the divestment proceeds to repay debt and to fund capex. Hence, consolidated interest expenses would also decline from FY18 onwards, it added.
As part of the transaction, Yara, the world’s largest urea manufacturer by output, will also acquire the urea fertiliser subsidy receivables due from the Government.
Consolidated fertiliser receivables stood at Rs 19.01 billion as of March 31, 2016, of which about a fourth of the fertiliser subsidies (Rs 4.70 billion) has been delayed for more than six months.
The sizable fertiliser subsidy outstanding lengthened TCL’s working capital cycle and contributed to its high financial leverage, the rating agency said.


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Skoda Auto Volkswagen (SAVW) India has provided a Mobile Health Clinic Van to the Karanjvihire Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Pune. The medical clinic van will provide health care to around 12 villages.
These villages include the ones that are located around the surrounding of the company's plant in Pune. Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, has handed over the Mobile Health Clinic Van to Khed Taluka medical officials at the company's corporate headquarter in Pune.
The van has been provided to the medical institute for a period of six months, as a temporary replacement to the 15-year-old ambulance that is currently being used by the hospital. The Mobile Health Clinic Van will be exclusively used to transport pregnant women to hospitals in a clean, safe and sanitised environment.
In addition to this, Skoda Auto Volkswagen has also donated medicines and essential medical equipment worth Rs 14 lakhs to the Mahalunge care centre in Pune. The facility is currently being used to treat Covid-19 patients.
Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd said, "At Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, we are strongly committed towards our community and its well-being. We are humbled to be a part of such humanitarian initiatives and contribute to society. As defined in our community charter, we will continue to support healthcare as one of the key pillars of our CSR initiatives."
Skoda Volkswagen group have been an active participant in helping the government to tackle the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in the country. The company announced a financial aid of Rs 1 Crore to Pune-based Sassoon General Hospital to help set up a dedicated facility for Covid-19 patients.
The donation made by the company was also used to procure medicines, (PPEs) Personal Protective Equipments and other medical devices needed to treat the patients. They have been producing face masks at their facility in Chakan, which were distributed to healthcare professionals.
Thoughts About Volkswagen & Skoda Auto Providing Mobile Clinic Van To Help Villages
Automotive companies have really come forward in helping the government to control the spread of Covid-19 virus. Skoda & Volkswagen group has donated PPEs, provided financial aid and other support to help treat patients affected by the deadly virus. Company's employees in Aurangabad facility raised over Rs 1.2 Crore to help during these unprecedented times by donating their day's salary as well.


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Allmost every PlayStation® Vita owner dreams about a Grand Theft Auto game on the Vita! A few days ago somebody found this information on a GTA forum. The gamesite "Play.com" confirmed of selling the game (Pre-Order): GTA Vice City Nights.
There is no official information and nothing is confirmed yet, and the only information that RockStar gave is that there will be a GTA for the Vita coming, but will it be Vice City Nights?
(This Image is not real, but the one above is)


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Netflix and Microsoft recently announced that 4K content streaming from Netflix will now be available on compatible PCs and 2-in-1 devices running Windows 10.
But the news comes with an asterisk: in order to stream 4K content to your Windows 10 device, said device will need a 4K-capable screen and a 7th gen Intel Core processor.
As The Verge points out, this isn’t just a trick to get Windows users to upgrade their hardware. Rather, the hardware decryption needed isn’t found in older Intel processors.
The announcement comes just as the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life reunion series is set to debut on Netflix and Microsoft is promising that viewers will be able to burn through more episodes without plugging in their devices if they use the Edge browser instead of Google Chrome.
As Netflix continues to build device compatibility for its 4K content streams, the SVOD giant is nearing the finish line for a 4K content goal it set back in January. The SVOD service said it will deliver 600 hours of 4K video on its platform by the end of 2016 while also putting the new seasons of Marco Polo and Daredevil in the High Dynamic Range (HDR) format.
Earlier this year, Netflix made it clear that HDR is much more compelling to it than 4K. Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt said HDR is now a greater industry priority than 4K.
"I think HDR is more visibly different than 4K," Hunt told Digital Trends. "Over the past 15 years, we have had plenty of increments of pixels on the screen, and from what we saw with digital cameras, pixel count eventually stopped being interesting."


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A survey conducted in Accra between 2003 and 2004 revealed that about 26.6 per cent of the population practice skin bleaching.
Out of this number, 81 per cent use only hydroquinone- the most common bleaching agent, which is not proven to be safe even in concentrations of 2%.
However, most bleaching creams found in Ghana contain hydroquinone concentrations of 4 to 6 per cent. These were contained in a presentation made in Accra on the topic: "Skin Bleaching in Accra: A Growing Epidemic" by Ms. Kathleen Robinson a U.S. Fulbright Research Student.
The presentation was about findings of a survey that she did of over 600 market women, interviews with persons bleaching their skin, government and medical experts in Accra.
The purpose of the study was among others, to assess the prevalence and severity of skin bleaching in Ghana, uncover its socio-economic determinants and explore ideologies underlying the behaviour. Also among the objectives of the study is to determine if action must be taken against the epidemic, as well as make recommendations to the Ghana Standards Board, the Food and Drugs Board and other branches of government.
According to the survey, people bleach for different reasons- to find boyfriends and husbands, because they think it is okay to tone, they accidentally bleach, to get a job, to appear to be of higher class, or because of influence from friends and adverts among others.
Meanwhile the search for beauty does not appear to be an important factor. The survey revealed that the unemployed and unskilled workers bleach more while the educated bleach less.
According to Ms. Robinson some of the common medical consequences of skin bleaching include dyschromia, irritant dermatitis, scabies, acne, striae, and thinning and weakening of the skin among others.
She said of those bleaching, 40.1 per cent complained of side effect. She mentioned some of the side effects as discoloration, burning, rash, pimples, and texture change or stretch marks among others.
To check the epidemic Ms. Robinson noted that Ghana has already banned the use of hydroquinone with a concentration greater than 2 per cent in creams but recommended the government to enforce regular testing of creams at the manufacturer's expense.
She recommended the government to enforce prescription legislation more effectively and enforce border controls. She advised adverts to be limited in terms of frequency and contents and should be related to medically necessary cases.
She advised the government also to publish a list of creams that are unsafe in the interim while working to get them off the market because "this will help people to avoid accidental bleaching".


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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Olympians from the United States hope to make their country proud next month at Sochi by doing something different from most Americans -- and not just when it comes to winter sports.
The U.S. Olympic Team will wear opening- and closing-ceremony outfits made in the USA.
Outfits for the 2012 Summer Olympics ceremonies – white pants, blue blazers -- in London were manufactured in countries including China, to the consternation of U. S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and other lawmakers.
But in 2013, clothier Ralph Lauren Corp., which made the 2012 outfits, committed to domestic design and manufacturing for the opening and closing uniforms in the upcoming Winter Olympics. Lauren unveiled made-in-the-USA opening-parade outfits on the Today Show on Thursday, and the closing ceremony outfits last October.
The opening outfits feature white fleece athletic pants, black leather boots with red laces, and cardigan sweaters of red, white and blue, with a patchwork of the United States flag, the Olympics’ interlocking rings, the initials “USA” and the year 2014. Team USA will wear knit caps to match.
The closing-ceremony outfits feature a variation of a blue, double-breasted pea coat with a broad red stripe near the bottom.
“Ralph Lauren Corp.’s decision was the right thing for America’s manufacturers, athletes, and fans of the Olympic Games,” said a statement on Friday from Brown. The Ohio Democrat is a longtime critic of off-shoring and a sponsor of several bills that would require more domestic manufacturing of products made for the United States government.
The U.S. Olympic Committee, which sponsors the athletes, is not an arm of the government. But the 2012 controversy, sparked after an ABC News report on the made-in-China labels, was nevertheless embarrassing to Americans, Brown said.
He praised Lauren’s decision, saying that as a result, “our athletes — and the apparel they wear — will represent America.”
Most clothiers don’t make such high-profile outfits, but Ralph Lauren’s decision is nevertheless somewhat unusual for a clothing company. More than 90 percent of clothes and shoes sold in the United States are made abroad, according to Consumer Reports.


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MANILA, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alipay+ and its e-wallet partner GCash were featured last week at the Philippines launch of SHEIN, the leading fashion and lifestyle global e-retailer’s first-ever popup store. The event showcased how Alipay+ utilized its payments and marketing solutions to engage the e-commerce giant and e-wallet users in a variety of online to brick-and-mortar scenarios through exclusive incentives.
GCash users who visited the offline popup store and completed online payment through Alipay+ on SHEIN’s website or app enjoyed extra PHP130 off at checkout with promotion codes provided on site. Users whose online orders exceeded PHP2999 also won an exquisite magic blind box exclusively designed by Alipay+ for the four-day popup event, which started on October 20.
The SHEIN event also attracted broad attention and participation from the public as those Alipay+ magic blind box winners enthusiastically shared their joyful moments at the popup store on social media, including Instagram to strike their best poses on the runway and at the photo booth with eye-catching clothes and accessories from the popup.
Introduced by Ant Group in 2020, Alipay+ is a suite of cross-border digital payment, marketing and merchant digitization solutions connecting global brands with mobile-savvy consumers worldwide, with an aim to enable businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to process a wide range of mobile payment methods and reach more than 1 billion regional and global consumers.
“SHEIN is excited about its first popup store in the Philippines as SHEIN is dedicated to exploring new ways to better serve customers by providing more exciting events and opportunities for them,” the company said. “SHEIN is also keen to working with business partners to enable smooth payment experience for SHEIN's users, and maximize the impacts of its marketing campaigns through offering designated offers with its partners that are attractive to the participants,” it added.
As a global leading fashion and lifestyle e-retailer committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, SHEIN currently has reached customers in more than 150 countries and regions across the world.
Apart from GCash (The Philippines), several other popular Asian e-wallets powered by the Alipay+ cross-border payment technology, such as TrueMoney (Thailand), Touch ’n Go eWallet (Malaysia) and Kakao Pay (South Korea), are also accepted on SHEIN’s website and mobile app.
Jing Yin, General Manager of Acquiring Service and Global Strategic Accounts of Ant Group, said: “Alipay+ is committed to helping merchants reach more than 1 billion consumers and assist consumers in making easy and smooth payments when they place orders from our merchant partners. We are excited to partner with SHEIN at its first-ever popup store in the Philippines and we are looking forward to bringing more exclusive offers and benefits to SHEIN and other Alipay+ merchant partners as well as our partner wallet users across the world in the future.”
Alipay+ and SHEIN has been exploring partnership around payment and marketing since mid-2021. SHEIN has also been piloting the Alipay+ marketing solutions, including Alipay+ Rewards and cashier-based marketing service to reach potential consumers and improve transaction conversion rate in markets such as the Philippines.
Alipay+ offers unified global mobile payment and marketing solutions that connect merchants with multiple e-wallets and payment methods from different countries and regions by collaborating with global partners. Consumers can conveniently use their preferred local payment methods while transacting seamlessly in a different market and be able to enjoy marketing solutions offered by the merchants through Alipay+. Alipay+ is developed by Ant Group, the owner and operator of Alipay, one of the world’s leading digital open platforms.
Founded in 2012, SHEIN is a leading global online retailer with operations in Guangzhou, Singapore and Los Angeles, along with other key markets. SHEIN reaches consumers across more than 150 countries and regions around the world. We place a premium on choice, delivering more than 6,000 new fashion, beauty and lifestyle products daily with more than 600,000 items available. Our mission is to help people express their individuality through the latest trends that are accessible and affordable. The SHEIN app is available for free on iOS and Android.
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 69M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.
GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.


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The Food and Drug Administration is punishing a number of companies that make and distribute kratom, a supplement with pain-relieving and psychoactive qualities that's been connected to a current salmonella outbreak.
In a letter released on Tuesday, FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb called on 3 companies in different states to stop selling unapproved kratom items with unproven health claims. In a statement, Gottlieb stated the business were participated in "health fraud rip-offs" that " posture serious health dangers."
Stemmed from a plant belonging to Southeast Asia, kratom is typically offered as pills, powder, or tea in the United States. Advocates say it assists curb the signs of opioid withdrawal, which has led individuals to flock to kratom in the last few years as a method of stepping down from more effective drugs like Vicodin.
However because kratom is classified as a supplement and has not been established as a drug, it's not subject to much federal regulation. That indicates tainted kratom pills and powders can quickly make their way to keep racks-- which appears to have actually taken place in a current break out of salmonella that has so far sickened more than 130 individuals across numerous states.
Outlandish claims and little scientific research
The FDA's recent crackdown appears to be the current action in a growing divide between advocates and regulatory firms regarding using kratom The companies the agency has actually called are Front Range Kratom of Aurora, Colorado; Kratom Spot of Irvine, California and Revibe, Inc., of Kansas City, Missouri.
The claims these three business have actually made include marketing the supplement as "very reliable against cancer" and suggesting that their items could assist reduce the signs of opioid dependency.
There are few existing scientific research studies to back up those claims. Research study on kratom has discovered, however, that the drug use some of the very same brain receptors as opioids do. That stimulated the FDA to categorize it as an opioid in February.
Professionals say that since of this, it makes sense that individuals with opioid use condition are turning to kratom as a way of abating their symptoms and stepping down from more powerful drugs like Vicodin.
However taking any supplement that hasn't been evaluated for safety by doctor can be dangerous.
The threats of taking kratom.
Previous FDA testing found that a number of items dispersed by Revibe-- among the three business called in the FDA letter-- were polluted with salmonella. Last month, as part of a demand from the firm, Revibe destroyed several tainted items still at its center, however the business has yet to validate that it remembered items that had actually already shipped to shops.
Last month, the FDA issued its first-ever mandatory recall of kratom items after those produced by Las Vegas-based Triangle Pharmanaturals were discovered to be contaminated with salmonella.
As of April 5, a overall news of 132 individuals throughout 38 states had actually been sickened with the bacteria, which can cause diarrhea and stomach discomfort lasting up to a week.
Besides handling the danger that kratom products could bring damaging germs, those who take the supplement have no trusted way to determine the proper dosage. It's also hard to discover a confirm kratom supplement's complete component list or account for potentially harmful interactions with other drugs or medications.
Kratom is presently banned in Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and several US states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin). Across the United States, a number of reports of deaths and addiction led the Drug Enforcement Administration to put kratom on its list of "drugs and chemicals of issue." In 2016, the DEA proposed a restriction on kratom but backtracked under pressure from some members of Congress and an protest from kratom supporters.


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The T-Mobile G2 — direct successor to the original Android smartphone — officially hits store shelves this Wednesday, but gadget fiends who live on the west coast of the United States can get their hands on one this weekend, if they're crafty.
RadioShack announced a few days ago that it would start handing its customers G2s on Sunday, Oct. 3, three days before the official launch date, and consumer electronics blog Engadget has confirmed that some west coast RadioShack locations are already selling the handset. The RadioShack reps the Engadget team spoke with confirmed that most of the stores that aren't already selling the phones will join the club tomorrow.
By this time most RadioShack stores are closed, but you should be able to grab one tomorrow morning if you've been anxiously awaiting the launch of the T-Mobile G2. You might not be the first, though; some lucky pre-order customers already saw their phones ship last week.
The T-Mobile G2 is a rejiggered version of the European HTC Desire Z smartphone. It has a 3.7-inch, 480 x 800-pixel display and a physical, QWERTY keyboard that flips out on what HTC calls "a Z-Hinge." Add to that a microSD slot, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recording and you've got a very modern smartphone, but nothing about it is revolutionary.


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Los Angeles-based Geni, the Web 2.0
online genealogy and family tree web site, has rolled out a number of
updates today, including a bundling of its virtual gifts with its "Pro"
subscription. According to Geni, all Geni Pro subscriptions now include
unlimited virtual gifts, the firm's virtual items which can be sent to
other members of the service. The gift items include special graphics
and messages around birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other
events. Geni had launched an effort to generate revenue on the site
through virtual gifts back in 2008, and later added "Pro" accounts with
more features as a subscription offering. Geni is venture backed by the
Founders Fund and Charles River Ventures.


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- Bed Bath & Beyond has tapped Walgreens' Chief Merchandising Officer Joe Hartsig to become its chief merchant, CNBC has learned.
- Hartsig will also become president of Bed Bath & Beyond's Harmon Stores business.
- This notably marks CEO Mark Tritton's first major hire since he joined the company in late 2019, from Target.
Hartsig will also become president of Bed Bath & Beyond's Harmon Stores business — which oversees shops that sells cosmetics, health essentials and beauty items — effective immediately. The company plans to announce the hiring publicly Wednesday morning.
"To rebuild our business, we need leaders of change," Tritton said in a statement. "Improving the curation and differentiation of our assortment is our number one strategic priority, and Joe will be the driving force behind our ambition to make it easy to feel at home with Bed Bath & Beyond, while also providing the leadership and vision needed to grow our Harmon business."
This notably is Tritton's first major hire since he joined the company in late 2019, after a successful stint as chief merchandising officer at Target.
In the midst of this past holiday season, Tritton essentially blew up Bed Bath & Beyond's executive circle. He ousted six executives, including the company's chief merchandising officer, marketing officer, digital officer, its general counsel and chief administrative officer.
Hartsig will, in part, be responsible for helping Bed Bath & Beyond revamp its private label brands and launch new ones. This is something Tritton, given his experience, has said he is focused on. Before Walgreens, Hartsig worked nearly five years for Walmart's Sam's Club division, according to his LinkedIn profile.
"The opportunity to help rebuild an iconic brand like Bed Bath & Beyond was too good to miss," Hartsig said in a statement.
Bed Bath & Beyond late last month announced it was cutting about 500 jobs, or 10% of its corporate workforce, as part of a larger restructuring plan in a bid to trim expenses. It said it expects to reduce expenses by roughly $85 million annually, as a result of this plan. It says it plans to trim several hundred million dollars in costs over the longer term.
The job cuts came after Bed Bath & Beyond earlier in February said it was planning to spend up to $400 million on store remodels and supply chain upgrades, along with about $600 million this fiscal year on share repurchases and debt reduction.
Tritton, who became CEO in November, has said he is focused on fixing Bed Bath & Beyond's stores, with a focus on baby, home and beauty. Some of the company's other banners include Christmas Tree Shops, World Market and buybuy Baby.
Bed Bath & Beyond also announced a deal in February to sell its PersonalizationMall.com business, known for selling gifts for special occasions and holidays, to 1-800-Flowers.Com for $252 million.
The company is set to report fourth-quarter and full-year results on April 15.
Bed Bath & Beyond shares are down more than 40% over the past 12 months. The company has a market cap of about $1.23 billion.


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KUALA LUMPUR (July 2): Against the backdrop of increased trade protectionism and slower global economic activity, Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to ease further in the second half of 2019, according to RHB Investment Bank Bhd.
In a research note today, RHB economist Vincent Loo Yeong Hong wrote that the global economic outlook continues to be clouded by escalating trade tensions and heightened uncertainty. As a result, he expects Malaysia’s real exports to moderate to a lacklustre growth of 0.5% for 2019, slowing from 2.2% in 2018.
"Malaysia will therefore need to look to the domestic sector to sustain the economy’s pace of growth in 2H19. The domestic economy remains relatively resilient, but there appears to be some headwinds on private investment, as business sentiment softened in the face of trade uncertainties," he said.
Following this, Loo noted that RHB Research has tweaked its gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to 4.5% and 4.3% for 2019 and 2020 respectively, from 4.6% and 4.8%.
"The increased willingness of global central banks to provide policy support may, however, provide some mitigation," Loo added.
On a sectoral basis, Loo forecasts that the growth in the manufacturing, services and agriculture sectors will slow down in the second half of the year due to weaker trade demand, base effects from last year’s tax holiday, and high crude palm oil (CPO) inventory levels.
"However, construction and mining activities will likely pick up on the back of a revival of infrastructure projects and the resumption of oil & gas supply, following unplanned closures," he added.
On inflation, Loo said that inflationary pressure remains muted, aided by the cap on fuel prices and the replacement of the goods and services tax (GST) with a narrower sales and services tax (SST).
He expects headline inflation to average at 0.9% for 2019, from 1% in 2018.
"The OPR (overnight policy rate) will likely be kept stable for the remainder of 2019, but we do not rule out another rate cut, given the worsening global trade outlook.
"The worsening global trade outlook will likely weigh on Malaysia’s external trade and economic growth, while increasing the downside risk on interest rates," he added.
Meanwhile, the ringgit is expected to recover towards the end of 2019, as the US Fed is poised to ease its monetary policy amidst a potential slowdown in the US economic growth in the second half of 2019.


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The Morning After: It’s Amazon Prime Day and 5G iPhone Day
Later today, we’ll meet the iPhone 12 (& company — we can fill you in on the details of what to expect), but thanks to the iPad Air unveiled last month, we already know a lot about the chip inside. Ahead of this unveiling, Chris Velazco spoke to Tim Millet, Apple’s VP of platform architecture, and Tom Boger, senior director of Mac and iPad product marketing to find out more about the company’s A14 Bionic chipset.
Like its predecessors, the A14 Bionic has a six-core CPU and four-core GPU setup, but the new processor is built on a 5nm that allows to significantly raise the transistor count. Aside from making the chip more powerful and more efficient, it also informed a redesign of the AI-boosting Neural Engine, which has gone from six trillion operations per second last year to 11 trillion. That’s enough to make the iPad Air potentially more powerful than Apple’s iPad Pro for certain tasks, and the new 5G iPhone is getting a version of that same chip.
We’ll find out all of the important details later today at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET, check back on Engadget.com as we cover the event live.
— Richard Lawler
Here are the best tech deals you can buy on Amazon during Prime Day 2020.
Amazon Prime Day has begun, and if you’d like to participate in the company’s 48-hour ode to consumerism then we have some suggestions. The Instant Pot Ultra Mini is cheaper than ever at $50, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 has dropped to $749 and the Mavic Mini drone is $100 off its usual price at $400. We’ll continue to update this post as more deals arrive, but the most useful one could be Yubikey’s Security Key NFC, which is available now for $16.20.
Also, remember to follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for updates throughout the day.
You can control it via the Google Home app, too.
It’s been ten years since Nest launched its first smart thermostat, and you’ll probably recognize the distinctive puck-like shape and rotating edge controls as the de facto smart home thermostat control. It’s time for some refinement, however. Google is launching the new Nest Thermostat today for $130, and it features an impressively sleek, attractive makeover, which will make the device look less like a bump on your wall and more like an elegant ornament. It’s available in four colors — snow, sand, charcoal and fog — and looks significantly smaller than before.
The major difference, aesthetics aside, is the removal of the spinning wheel, which has been replaced with a touch-sensitive edge. Now you’ll tap or swipe up and down along the side to interact with it. There are new features, too: When it realizes no one’s around, the new Thermostat will automatically go into Eco mode and keep your home at a temperature you specify that requires less energy. While existing Nest thermostats already have this feature, the new product is the first to use Soli detection (that radar tech that appeared on the Pixel 4 but disappeared by the Pixel 5) to see if people are home. You can pre-order it starting today, and it’ll ship in the coming weeks.
The first report of Pei’s departure turned up on Reddit.
A Reddit post, based on internal memos, suggested that OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei is no longer affiliated with the company. Both TechCrunch and Android Central have corroborated the claim with their own sources. The timing is interesting: This comes after the launch of the OnePlus Nord that brought the company back to the market of cheaper devices and just ahead of the arrival of its next flagship device, the OnePlus 8T. That literally launches later this week.
Pei started OnePlus with Pete Lau in 2013, and according to TechCrunch, he’s leaving to start an unspecified new venture. No comment, yet, from OnePlus.
Sponsored by StackCommerce
The future of Disney is direct-to-consumer.
Disney has unveiled a new corporate structure that divides its content business into three groups that are “responsible and accountable for producing and delivering content for theatrical, linear and streaming, with the primary focus being the Company’s streaming services.” This move is a result of the success of Disney+, where its subscriber growth has well outpaced projections by hitting more than 57.5 million and more than 100 million across all of its services.
With content libraries to pull from that include ESPN, 20th Century, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar and the Disney vault, the trick is figuring out how to use all of it. New CEO, Bob Chapek, is attempting to do that with this realignment, which includes a new media distribution exec, Kareem Daniel. We’ll find out more about exactly what that means — and if it will ever do another $30 “premier VOD” setup like the live-action Mulan launch — during a presentation for investors scheduled to take place on December 10th.
The size makes them look like a Bluetooth headset from ten years ago.
The good news is that Bose finally has a product ready to give Sony’s WF-1000XM3 headset a challenge. According to Billy Steele, the new QuietComfort Earbuds have excellent ANC and can last nearly seven hours on a single charge. The main downside is their large size and limited touch controls, but they cover the basics and layer on wireless charging, all for $280.
But wait, there’s more…
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According to Zacks, “Dell Technologies Inc. is a provider of information technology solutions. The company’s operating segment consists of Client Solutions, Enterprise Solutions Group and Dell Software Group. Client Solutions segment includes sales to commercial and consumer customers of desktops, thin client products, notebooks as well as services and third-party software and peripherals of Client Solutions hardware. ESG segment includes servers, networking and storage as well as services and third-party software and peripherals of ESG hardware. DSG segment includes systems management, security software solutions and information management software offerings. Dell Technologies Inc. is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. “
Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Dell from $74.00 to $70.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Dell from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. Credit Suisse Group started coverage on shares of Dell in a research report on Thursday, April 11th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $65.00 price objective for the company. Wells Fargo & Co started coverage on shares of Dell in a research report on Monday. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $68.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Dell in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $66.27.
Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 30th. The technology company reported $1.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.30. Dell had a positive return on equity of 31.57% and a negative net margin of 2.84%. The firm had revenue of $21.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.24 billion. Dell’s quarterly revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Dell will post 6.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
In other Dell news, insider Karen H. Quintos sold 150,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.01, for a total value of $7,651,500.00. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Marius Haas sold 167,275 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.50, for a total transaction of $9,283,762.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,441,477 shares of company stock worth $75,859,006 in the last three months. 46.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.
Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Hanson McClain Inc. increased its stake in shares of Dell by 823.4% in the first quarter. Hanson McClain Inc. now owns 434 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 387 shares during the period. Baystate Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Dell in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Trustcore Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Dell in the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Israel Discount Bank of New York acquired a new stake in shares of Dell in the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Finally, Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Dell in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Institutional investors own 22.92% of the company’s stock.
Dell Inc (Dell) is a global information technology company that offers its customers a range of solutions and services delivered directly by Dell and through other distribution channels. Dell is a holding company that conducts its business worldwide through its subsidiaries. The Company operates in four segments: Large Enterprise, Public, Small and Medium Business, and Consumer.
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RIGA - The Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) has called on 25 food producers to ensure the continuity of access to basic foodstuffs and not to raise prices without justification in connection with the spread of the new coronavirus, the ministry informed LETA.
The ministry points out that as information about the increasing incidence of the disease in Europe is spreading, people have started to accumulate food, such as canned food, cereals and others. As a result, there is a shortage of certain foods in certain retail outlets in Latvia.
The letter calls on fo...
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It's not exactly news that Madison Avenue isn't what it once was. Gone are the days of three-martini lunches and massive advertising contracts that foot the bill for the world's largest firms. Today, we live in a world of programmatic digital advertising, in-house creative teams that circumvent agencies, and big players like Facebook ($FB) and Google ($GOOG) who are quickly gobbling up all the inventory.
So how is this all affecting the world's largest advertising companies? It is putting them in a tailspin of re-strategy, a new focus on technology, and, for our purposes here, a massive slowdown in hiring.
That is the case for Publicis Groupe ($EPA:PUB), the world's third-largest advertising and marketing firm. It consists of big media players like Sapient, Razorfish, Saatchi & Saatchi, Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and more. It's considered part of the "Big Four" along with WPP, Interpublic, and Omnicom.
And yet, it has put the brakes on hiring across almost all of its divisions.
To be clear, Publicis has kept up with the times, having developed Vivaki, a targeting platform that has seen business from big players like Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo!. That said, it appears the when it comes to hiring for some of its more traditional business units, Publicis is slowing down when it comes to human capital.
There's good news for analysts, however: Of the 231 openings from October 9, 2018, 22 openings contained the word "Data", with "Data Analysis" being a popular term. Jobs like "Associate Director, Data and Analysis" at Digitas show a growing team of data scientists who are busy fine tuning the agency's programmatic capabilities.
Interestingly, only 5 positions contain the word "Social." For years, Social Media strategists were in high demand at growing agencies. However, that demand has cooled a bit, at least at Publicis.
Account Directors and managers continue to be in high demand, with 22 such positions across most of Publicis' brands. And shockingly, of all the open positions, only 6 contain the keyword "Creative". So much for thinking outside the box.
The advertising industry is infamously volatile: companies come, go, and get acquired just as quickly as their contracts. But as brands continue to build in-house teams and as advertising inventory increasingly moves to fewer and fewer powerful players, advertising firms could end up the odd men out, and the early signs of that could well be found in hiring data.


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|– Overview of Apple Watch Ultra cancellation and employee layoffs.
|– Mention of Ming-Chi Kuo as a renowned tech analyst.
|Background of Apple Watch Ultra
|– Description of anticipated features.
|– Initial excitement and expectations.
|MicroLED Display Technology
|– Explanation of microLED technology.
|– Advantages and potential benefits for smartwatches.
|Reasons Behind Cancellation
|– Ming-Chi Kuo’s insights on the cancellation.
|– Company decisions and factors influencing the cancellation.
|Impact on Apple Employees
|– Details of the layoffs.
|– Speculation on the affected departments.
|Reactions from Tech Community
|– Social media and online platforms’ responses.
|– Disappointment or support from tech enthusiasts.
|Comparisons with Competitors
|– How the cancellation affects Apple’s standing in the market.
|– What competitors might gain from this situation.
|Latest Technology Updates in Wearables
|– Shifting focus to other advancements in wearable technology.
|– Notable releases and innovations in the industry.
|Analyzing Trends in Tech News
|– Overview of current trends in tech news.
|– Highlighting the fast-paced nature of the tech industry.
|The Rollercoaster of Apple’s Innovations
|– A historical perspective on Apple’s product journey.
|– How cancellations and setbacks have shaped the company.
|Employee Layoffs in the Tech World
|– Broader discussion on employee layoffs in the tech industry.
|– Balancing innovation with workforce stability.
|The Future of Apple Watch Series
|– Speculations on what might come next for Apple Watch.
|– Possibilities for future releases and improvements.
|Addressing Concerns from Consumers
|– Acknowledging the disappointment of Apple fans.
|– Possible gestures or strategies from Apple to address concerns.
|Latest Mobile Technology News
|– Integrating the keyword latest mobile technology news
within the article.
|– Summarizing key points.
|– Reflecting on the dynamic nature of the tech industry.
Apple Watch Ultra With microLED Display Cancelled, Employees Laid Off
In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated Apple Watch Ultra, featuring a cutting-edge microLED display, has been abruptly cancelled. This unexpected decision has not only left tech enthusiasts disappointed but has also resulted in employee layoffs, according to insights shared by renowned tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Let’s Talk about more with Mobitech World
Background of Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra, poised to be a game-changer, was anticipated for its groundbreaking features. Enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the launch, expecting significant improvements in performance, design, and overall user experience. The buzz around this release reached a crescendo as Apple’s loyal fan base eagerly speculated on the potential innovations.
MicroLED Display Technology
Latest New Technology News– The cancellation of the Apple Watch Ultra is particularly disheartening considering the promise of its microLED display technology. MicroLED, a revolutionary advancement in display technology, was expected to offer enhanced brightness, improved energy efficiency, and superior color accuracy. This cutting-edge feature had the potential to redefine the standards for smartwatch displays, creating a visual experience like never before.
Reasons Behind Cancellation
Insights from Ming-Chi Kuo, a trusted name in the tech industry, point to internal decisions within Apple as the driving force behind the cancellation. While specific details remain undisclosed, factors such as production challenges, cost considerations, or strategic shifts in the company’s product lineup could have contributed to this surprising decision.
Impact on Apple Employees
Beyond disappointing consumers, the cancellation has tangible consequences for Apple’s workforce. Employee layoffs, a consequence of this abrupt decision, raise questions about the affected departments and the broader implications for the company’s human resources. The sudden change in trajectory has left employees uncertain about their roles within the tech giant.
Reactions from Tech Community
Social media platforms and tech forums have become arenas for diverse reactions to the Apple Watch Ultra’s cancellation. While some express disappointment, others engage in spirited discussions speculating on Apple’s motivations and potential future plans. This variety of responses highlights the passionate and engaged nature of the tech community, showcasing the emotional investment in Apple’s product releases.
Comparisons with Competitors
The cancellation of the Apple Watch Ultra prompts an analysis of its impact on Apple’s competitive standing in the smartwatch market. Competitors in the industry may seize this opportunity to strengthen their positions, potentially gaining an edge over Apple. This turn of events underscores the ever-changing dynamics of the highly competitive tech landscape.
Latest Technology Updates in Wearables
Latest Technology Updates– Amidst the disappointment surrounding the Apple Watch Ultra, it becomes crucial to redirect attention to other advancements in wearable technology. Numerous tech companies continue to innovate in this space, releasing products with features that shape the future of wearables. Exploring these developments provides a more comprehensive understanding of the industry beyond a single product’s cancellation.
Analyzing Trends in Tech News
Trending Tech News– The cancellation of the Apple Watch Ultra accentuates the burstiness of the tech industry. Trends emerge and evolve rapidly, necessitating agility and adaptability from companies. This incident serves as a reminder of the fast-paced nature of tech, where what is eagerly anticipated today may face unexpected changes tomorrow.
The Rollercoaster of Apple’s Innovations
Taking a historical perspective on Apple’s product journey reveals a rollercoaster of innovations, cancellations, and adjustments. The company’s trajectory has been marked by a series of highs and lows, each contributing to the overall narrative of Apple’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. The cancellation of the Apple Watch Ultra is merely a chapter in this ongoing saga of innovation and adaptation.
Employee Layoffs in the Tech World
Employee layoffs are not uncommon in the dynamic tech industry, where companies constantly strive for innovation and efficiency. The cancellation of a flagship product like the Apple Watch Ultra may necessitate workforce restructuring. This aspect raises questions about the delicate balance companies must maintain between progress and stability, understanding that innovation often comes at a cost.
The Future of Apple Watch Series
Top New Technologies– With the Apple Watch Ultra cancelled, speculation arises about the future of the Apple Watch series. Apple’s loyal consumers eagerly anticipate what features and innovations the company will introduce in the next release. The void left by the cancellation offers an opportunity for Apple to recalibrate its strategy and present a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Addressing Concerns from Consumers
Acknowledging the disappointment of Apple fans is crucial for the company. Whether through alternative product offerings, special gestures, or transparent communication about future plans, Apple needs to address the concerns of its dedicated consumer base. Nurturing this relationship is vital for maintaining brand loyalty and trust.
Latest Mobile Technology News
While exploring the broader spectrum of technology news, the article seamlessly integrates the keyword latest mobile technology news. This intentional inclusion directs attention to ongoing developments in the mobile tech space, underscoring the article’s relevance in the broader landscape of technological advancements.
The cancellation of the Apple Watch Ultra serves as a stark reminder of the uncertainties in the tech industry. Setbacks are inevitable, but they also pave the way for new opportunities and innovations. As the tech world evolves, so does Apple, and the cancellation of one product opens the door to possibilities for the next groundbreaking release.
Thank you for visiting MobitechWorld website! Your presence means the world to us. We strive to provide top-notch services and the latest tech updates. We hope your experience was enjoyable and informative. Feel free to return anytime for more exciting content. Your support keeps us going strong! Cheers!🙏🏼🌟You are welcome to spread the word about this article using the many social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Why was the Apple Watch Ultra cancelled?
The cancellation might be attributed to internal decisions within Apple, such as production challenges, cost considerations, or strategic shifts in the company’s product lineup.
How will the cancellation impact Apple’s workforce?
The layoffs resulting from the cancellation raise questions about the broader implications for the company’s workforce, although specific details about affected departments remain undisclosed.
What are the reactions from the tech community?
Social media platforms and tech forums have showcased a range of reactions, from disappointment to speculation on Apple’s motivations and future plans.
How does this setback affect Apple’s competitiveness in the smartwatch market?
The cancellation raises questions about Apple’s competitive standing, allowing competitors in the smartwatch market to potentially gain an edge in the evolving tech landscape.


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Asian Markets Overview of March 9
Sydney, Mar 9, 2009 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Most Asian markets ended lower on Friday, following the massive slump on Wall Street in previous trading session. Investors also remained cautious before a key U.S. report on the jobs market. In major indexes, Japan's Nikkei 225 Average saw a biggest fall of 3.5%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index ended down 2.4%, while Shanghai Composite fell 1.3%.
On Monday Tokyo stocks fell 0.8 percent, hurt by automakers amid worries about the fate of General Motors. But South Korea's Kospi opened higher.
Asia Economy Watch
Taiwan's exports in February likely fell 25.2 percent from a year earlier as consumers slash spending amid the global downturn. Exports in January and February combined could slash 36 percent. Taiwan's government has estimated the island's exports would fall by 20.1 percent this year, which will cause the economy to shrink by nearly 3 percent.
According to China's State Information Center, China's consumer price index is expected to fall 1.0% in the first quarter compared with a year earlier due to dropping prices of industrial products.
Japanese government said that the nation recorded its first current account deficit in 13 years in January, as a result of plunging exports and a big decrease in its overseas financial earnings. Analysts are also worried that falling exports will weigh on domestic demand by hurting companies' earnings.
Indian airlines company SpiceJet Ltd. (BOM:500285) is in talks with the GoAir on a possible merger or the acquisition of a controlling stake, says an Indian media.
Coca-Cola Co.(NYSE:KO) said it plans to invest US$2 billion in China over the next three years, on top of the US$2.4 billion it has earmarked for acquiring Chinese beverage maker Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd (HKG:1886). Coca-Cola is waiting for Beijing's approval of its proposed takeover of Huiyuan.
Foxconn International (HKG:2038), a subsidiary of Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.(TPE:2317), has delivered a sharp plunge of 83.2% in net profit to US$121.115 million for the year ended 31 December 2008.
Sapporo Hokuyo Holdings Inc. (TYO:8328) is expected to ask the Japanese government as early as this week for a capital injection of around Y100 billion public funds to strengthen the bank's financial standing amid the deteriorating economy, said industry sources.
It is speculated that the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (HKG:1398) and China Construction Bank Corp. (HKG:0939) will invest about US$2 billion for up to 49% stakes in Chinese asset-management companies that are expanding into securities brokering, trusts and insurance.
Asia Business News Asia Bureau
The Coca-Cola Company
Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Foxconn International Holdings Limited
China Construction Bank Corporation


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Read more about Reliance Jio\'s new pricing targets 700 mn existing 2G users. Will it work? on Business Standard. Plans to cut tariffs by 40% or offer more data; risks denting its own ARPU, and impacting its revenues
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existing 2G users. Will it work?
It is perhaps one the most aggressive onslaughts by Reliance Jio to woo over 700
million feature phone users who mostly use 2G phones with no or very little data.
During the last few weeks of January, Jio has effectively decreased its tariffs by
over 40 per cent to 50 per cent through two successive offerings, by either giving
more data at the same price or reducing the tariff.
But what has taken the industry by surprise is that it has announced a limited-
period Jio phone plan (the feature phone for which you pay Rs 1,500 upfront
effectively comes free), which comes bundled with 1 GB high speed data for 28
days with unlimited voice thrown in. It has also introduced a new plan for only Rs
98, which will offer unlimited voice and 2GB data per month for 28 days.
Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities have said in a report that the company’s
attempt to convert a traditional industry such as wireless into a winner-takes-it-all
construct has a start-up feel that leaves them with no fair basis to value stocks
like Bharti and Idea. As a result, they have decided to regard Bharti as non-rated
and suspend TP on the stock.
Kotak has also said that it has no way in forming a view anymore, of what Jio
wants. However, based on information from those privy to Jio’s plans, the new
aggression is primarily aimed at getting 400 million customers--or simply over a
third of the mobile subscriber market (currently it is at 150 million). Sources say it
expects that about 250 million customers will be using their Jio feature phones
over the next 12-18 months, as it will come bundled with attractive tariffs.
Currently, about 12 million customers have bought the feature phone, which now
no longer needs booking but is available in stores across the country.
To achieve this target, Jio is clearly aware it has to woo the large chunk of feature
phone users. Its new tariffs are meant precisely to do that and ensure that
switching to them does not lead to an extra monthly burden. The company is
clearly targeting the incumbents, 60-65 per cent of whose subscribers are still on
2G. For instance the Rs 48 or even the Rs 98 offer is lower than the ARPU of Idea
Cellular which, based on their latest quarterly results, stood at Rs 113, and a bulk
of them are 2G users.
Bharti has a slightly higher ARPU at Rs 123, but the telco was able to match Jio's
earlier, which might be one reason why the Mukesh-Ambani firm has responded
once again. It is also speedily launching 4G services across the country, a process
that is expected to be completed by the end of March, as it has already
announced shifting all its customers to 4G. The older players could, of course, play
the pricing game, but that would dent their margins further. After all, estimates
by Morgan Stanley say that about half the revenues of the incumbents are
exposed to feature phone users.
Analysts also point out that Jio has other arsenals in its pocket -- it could reduce
the upfront payment for a Jio phone, making incumbent offerings of low-end
smart phones with cash back offerings look unattractive.
Competitors argue that what Jio is indulging is in predatory pricing and despite
numerous petitions to the TRAI, it has turned a blind eye saying that it is good for
“By allowing them to corner a large part and killing competition you are also
killing the industry, and eventually competition after the party is over” says a
senior executive of a leading telco. They also point out that 80 per cent of the
consumers who use Jio are double-SIM owners, so the shift of subscribers from
some incumbents to Jio is over-exaggerated. Also, analysts say that the new
pricing will surely lead to a dent in Jio’s own ARPU and with a relatively large
subscriber base its revenues will also get impacted.
Article By - Business Standard


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The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, hearing arguments in a long-running Apple and Samsung patent dispute on Tuesday, seemed to question a 19th-century law that allows huge infringement damages in design patent cases.
Questioning lawyers for the two companies, the justices repeatedly referred to a law that instructs courts to award patent damages based on the total profit from the infringing device, instead of from just the infringing pieces of the device.
The total-profit rule for design patents may work for simple products, but not for complex ones like smartphones, Justice Stephen Breyer said. “For wallpaper, you get the whole thing,” he said, according to Fortune.com. “A Rolls-Royce with the thing on the hood? No, no, no you don’t get profits on the whole car.”
Other justices questioned how juries could divide up the value of one piece of a product. “If I were a juror, I wouldn’t know what to do,” Justice Anthony Kennedy said, according to a Reuters report.
The case stems from a long-running patent dispute between Apple and Samsung. In 2012, a jury found that some older Samsung smartphones infringed three patents on aspects of the iPhone’s design, including its face and rounded bezel design and the icon layout on its home screen.
The jury originally awarded Apple $930 million. An appeals court later cut the damages related to the design patents to $399 million but stood by the all-profits rule. Samsung, along with several other tech groups, has argued that huge infringement awards for small design elements of a product will inhibit innovation.
Justices appeared to question the original amount of damages, said Charles Duan, director of the Patent Reform Project at digital rights group Public Knowledge, which supported Samsung.
“The argument this morning reflected the Supreme Court’s deep concern for balanced patent law that provides an appropriate measure of damages to patent owners without overcompensating them with a windfall,” he said in a blog post. “The justices largely seemed to agree that awarding damages for an entire complex product, like a smartphone, is inappropriate for a design patent that covers only a small portion of that product.”
The Supreme Court appears ready to cut the appeals court’s damage award against Samsung, said Matt Levy, patent counsel at the Computer & Communications Industry Association, a trade group that also supported South Korean company.
“Samsung, Apple, and the U.S. government all agreed that [the appeals court] was wrong to say that design patent damages must be based on the entire profits for the product sold to consumers,” he said by email. “The justices seemed to be comfortable with this position as well, because they focused on the correct standards to use in applying the statute.”
Apple defended its patents and the jury award. “Our designers and engineers are distinguished by their originality,” Apple Chief Litigation Officer Noreen Krall said outside court Tuesday. “We firmly believe that strong design patent protection spurs creativity and innovation. And that’s why we’ve defended ourselves against those who steal our ideas.”
Samsung said the current law doesn’t make sense. “Awarding all of the profits for a single patent devalues the contributions of the hundreds of thousands of other patents in a smartphone,” the company said in a press release. “We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will give a sensible and fair reading to the design patent statute. That would be a win for businesses and consumers alike.”


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New London facility to focus on next of generation of cyber security technology
- Published: Tuesday, 25 July 2017 08:20
The UK Government has announced an investment of up to £14.5 million in a new cyber security technology innovation centre. A competition to develop and design the new centre has been launched by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The innovation centre will see government bringing together large firms to work hand in hand with innovative startups and industry experts to develop the new technologies businesses will need to protect themselves.
It will give startups access to expert technical mentoring, business support and advice to help them to grow in their early stages.
The innovation centre is expected to open in early 2018.


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The U.S. Postal Service recently delivered a Transformation Plan to Congress. The plan offers solutions to the current financial situation the Postal Service now faces and, in the long term, calls for a new business model to replace our 30-year-old operating structure. Changing to a new business model will require legislative changes, essentially rewriting the 1970 Postal Reorganization Act that formed the U.S. Postal Service.
First-Class revenue The Postal Service gets most of its revenue from First-Class Mail - the kind of mail used to pay bills and write letters. Any decline in this type of mail has huge consequences since two-thirds of our costs are covered by the revenue it brings in. Add to that equation the 3,278 new addresses created last year in the Big Sky U.S. Postal Service District and you can see the crisis we face. Trends like that threaten our ability to deliver the mail.
But we have solutions. In the long term, the Postal Service will ask Congress to adopt a new business model, called a Commercial Government Enterprise (CGE). Changing to a CGE would be a large step toward placing the U.S. Postal Service on a more business-like footing. We would be expected to provide traditional and nontraditional products and services and implement market-based pricing. Universal mail delivery would be maintained by giving the Postal Service the flexibility to survive in a new economy.Cutting operating costs We will also cut costs. The U.S. Postal Service nationwide has cut $2.5 billion dollars in operating expenses since the end of 1999. The Postmaster General has asked us to cut $5 billion more nationally (on an annualized basis) over the next five years. The Big Sky U.S. Postal Service District will do its part to meet that goal.
The survival and success of the U.S. mail system is vitally important to all Americans. It is extremely important to the nation's economy, commerce and communications - nationally, regionally and locally.
In our postal district alone, which encompasses all of the mail delivery area for the state of Montana, we deliver 2.3 million pieces of mail per day. That equals 722 million pieces of mail delivered this past year to nearly 600,000 Montana residents and business addresses.
The Postal Service delivers in one week as much as UPS delivers in a year; we deliver in two days what FedEx delivers in their typical year. No postal system or delivery network does what the U.S. Postal Service does today. But what organization can keep the same business model for 30 years and hope to survive?
No organization could. Organizations must be able to change in order to survive. Thirty years ago, no one could have predicted the rapid rise of the Internet, electronic bill payment and competition from global mail providers. Mail volume nationally and in the Big Sky Postal District has always had steady increases and our old business model counted on volume always going up. But that has changed, too. Nationwide, the Postal Service lost $1.68 billion in fiscal year 2001 and could lose close to $2 billion this fiscal year.New delivery ideas Our proposed U.S. Postal Service Transformation Plan allows us to better meet changing customer needs, such as increasing access for consumers. The Big Sky Postal District has 320 post offices and 62 contract postal retail outlets.
But there are quicker, more cost-effective ways to get basic services like stamps. People already purchase stamps by phone and over the Internet. We will also explore other nontraditional outlets. We plan to offer simplified, prepaid package shipping so customers can pay by the size of the box, not the weight. And we recently introduced a product called Confirm, part of the new generation of "intelligent" mail services that allows large businesses to track their mail in near real-time throughout the postal system.
As the U.S. Postal Service district manager for Montana, I'm excited to be a part of this transformation plan. Delivering the mail is a public trust. The U.S. Postal Service is committed to guaranteeing mail delivery well into the future.


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JJB Sports on the brink as it warns of covenant breach
The gloom engulfing JJB Sports deepened yesterday after it warned it is likely to breach the terms of a £25million loan.
Shares in the beleaguered sportswear retailer plunged as much as 18 per cent after it said it is 'likely' to fail a key test set up to measure its f inancial health.
Chief executive Keith Jones also piled on the pain, warning that 'trading conditions remain extremely challenging'.
Year of woe: JJB last October was fined over failures to update the City on trading
Coming just three weeks after a profits warning, the fresh volley of dire news sent shares in JJB tumbling 1.04p to 4.74p.
This fresh wave of turmoil sparked fears among analysts that JJB
may be forced to stage a debt-for-equity swap with its lender, Bank of
Scotland, now part of Lloyds Banking Group, to ease pressure over its
onerous debt pile.
Jones, who was parachuted in just seven months ago, is attempting a turnaround, having gutted a large chunk of the board.
In a statement, he said: 'In light of continued difficult t rading condi t ions, the company now believes that it is likely that it will breach certain financial covenants. The company is actively engaged in constructive discus s ions wi th Bank of Scotland in relation to the future f inancing of the business.'
JJB, which only made it through last year by cutting a deal with landlords, added: 'The company is exploring further business restructuring options and considering alternative sources of finance.'
With just two months of Christmas and New Year trading remaining, JJB added 'the outlook for the full year remains uncertain'.
The heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures sweeping the country could further hurt performance.
The firm has been hit hard by promotional activity from rival Sports Direct, run by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
JJB has had a torrid couple of years during which it has been the subject of separate investigations by the Serious Fraud Office, the Office of Fair Trading and the Financial Services Authority.
The inquiries relate to the period prior to the arrival of Jones. In October it was hit with a £455,000 by the FSA for failing to keep investors properly informed about its trading performance in 2008.
Jean Roche, an analyst at stockbroker Panmure, said he was considering cutting his rating and profit forecasts for JJB following the 'downbeat' trading update.
' The company has now added adverse weather conditions to the list of risks to trading,' he said.
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The premise of the activation was simple; let Amazon Warehouse workers participate in an employee advocacy program. What could go wrong? Everything.
It’s been a challenging year for Amazon, and it’s been particularly horrific for Amazon Warehouse employees, especially if we believe their account of events. It has been widely reported that workers are forced to skip bathroom breaks and that there’s a wider lack of safety measures.
Despite official rebuttals, public opinion is hard to shift. Therefore Amazon has decided to deploy an employee advocacy program on Twitter. Amazon recruited experienced employers, assigned them with a similar Twitter handle [@amazonFCxxxxxx], dressed them in coordinated account outfits, and unleashed them into the wild wild internet west.
Their goal is to mitigate any negative comment that exists on Twitter and confirm that working conditions are exceptional, and everyone is happy. All ambassador accounts are newly registered, and participating employees are not paid extra for the additional duties. It all looks like a neatly organized activation – only that’s it’s starting to backfire.
Parody accounts have started to sprout, with some hilarious bot-like tweets…
Multi billionaires are a minority and requiring them to pay taxes is discrimination. #Amazon
— Alexa – Amazon FC Ambassador 📦 (@AmazonFCAlexa1) August 26, 2018
…while some ambassadors have already given up after a single tweet.
The whole effort is racking sizeable criticism from other users.
So Amaz*n has set up an army of bot accounts, allegedly from workers at various fulfillment centers, whose sole purpose is to jump on tweets critical of their benevolent overlord with the same stale cant about great pay & benefits pic.twitter.com/Z7lJWUb7A0
— Party Thrash Dad (@bornwithatail_) August 23, 2018
This week Amazon started creating astroturf accounts that search & reply to tweets criticizing Amazon's working conditions, a normal & regular thing companies do. pic.twitter.com/jons5ci3NL
— regular gem (@Choplogik) August 23, 2018
Welcome to the internet, Ambassadors!
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BELOIT - Local wine fans will be able to sample a variety of delicious new drinks and explore downtown Beloit during a special event next month.
The Downtown Beloit Association's (DBA) Fall Wine Walk is taking place from 2-5 p.m. Saturday. It's expected to be very popular, as the Spring Wine Walk sold out.
"We had a total of 300 tickets available for the Fall Wine Walk event and over half have already been purchased," said DBA Promotions Coordinator Crystal Cribbs.
Last year marked the first time the wine walks were held downtown. Cribbs said that with so many Stateline Area events catering to craft beer fans, having a wine option proved a real hit.
"Shauna El-Amin (DBA executive director) works with Badger Spirits to discuss wine flavors so there's a good variety," Cribbs said. "We also learn what nibbles will pair well with the wines."
The premise of the Fall Wine walk is simple: adults age 21+ can buy a ticket for $25. Each ticketholder will be able to enjoy 10 different 2-ounce wine samples.
Proceeds from the event will help support the DBA mission to continue beautifying downtown Beloit and provide support to 170-plus businesses in the organization's service area.
"Even if somebody doesn't drink wine, the wine walk is another great way to experience downtown in a different way and support our local businesses," Cribbs said.
Check-in for the Fall Wine Walk will be at the Hendricks Center for the Arts, 409 Pleasant St. Participants will receive a commemorative tasting glass and a map detailing which downtown businesses are participating in the wine walk. There will be a variety of red and white wines represented at the venues, as well as accompanying treats and hors d'ouevres.
Over a dozen downtown Beloit businesses will be participating and some will offer specials throughout the afternoon.
"It's a great chance to drink your wine and do some shopping as well," Cribbs said. "It's definitely a great day."
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2M4OWxx or see "Downtown Beloit Association Fall Wine Walk" on Facebook.


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LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. -- Air Products' Susan D. Reiter has been elected to the board of directors of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA), 67-year-old trade organization representing the industrial gases and welding supply industry. The announcement was made at the GAWDA 68th Annual Convention in Colorado Springs, Colo. Reiter becomes the first woman to hold the seat of supplier vice president on the GAWDA board.
An active member of GAWDA for nearly a decade, Reiter most recently served on the organization's member services committee and currently serves on the strategic planning committee for the Women of Gases and Welding-an organization launched at last year's convention for the advocacy, recruitment, and professional advancement of females in the gases and welding industry.
"We are all pleased to have Susan Reiter join the GAWDA board as the supplier vice president," said John Ospina, GAWDA Executive Director.
"Sue is a well-respected member of GAWDA who brings a fresh perspective to the position."
Reiter has been with Air Products for 26 years and currently serves as the company's regional distributor sales manager for the West and Midwest regions.
"Sue is a very knowledgeable and valued member of our industry," said Mike Reinhardt, business manager for distributors at Air Products.
"She is highly regarded among the distributors, and several of them have asked her to provide informal mentoring to members of their organizations."
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. To date, through the GAWDA Gives Back drive, GAWDA members have donated over $1 million to charity organizations across the U.S. For more information, visit the association's website at www.gawda.org.


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Credit Acceptance stands out by listening
A Top Workplaces winner, Credit Acceptance, aims to create safe ways for workers to give feedback
Credit Acceptance, this year's Top Workplaces winner among large businesses, offers customers with damaged credit a second chance to buy a used car through auto dealers.
"We have a belief that bad things can happen to good people," Credit Acceptance's chief financial officer Ken Booth said. "It doesn't mean that just because they have damaged credit that they don't need an opportunity to get transportation."
For employees, the organization shines because of its desire to listen.
"We have a real simple formula," he said. "It think it's hard to execute, but we've been at it a long time. We have what we call a listening culture. We listen to our team members, and we try to make it so they have a voice that's heard. A great place to work is three things: You trust the people you work for, you love what you do, and you enjoy the people you work with."
The indirect finance company said it can make a credit approvals to every consumer within 30 seconds, at any time.
Credit Acceptance said the interest rate it charges is based on several factors, including credit history, and is negotiated by the car dealer and the consumer. In addition, the company said, the rate often is regulated by law, which varies from state to state.
To show that the company is listening: It holds quarterly meetings that allow workers to submit questions anonymously -- and hear answers. It has an internal website that offers what it calls a red tape remover that allows employees to send questions and feedback directly to the CEO, Brett Roberts.
"We try to make it very safe to give feedback and create and environment where were all in this together," Booth said.
The more than 1,300-employee company has grown steadily since it started in 1972, five years after founder Don Foss opened his first car lot in Detroit.
In 1992, it had an initial offering of public stock.
In 2013, it was ranked second in the Top Workplaces large business category.
Booth, who also oversees the human resource department, said that over time, the company has developed what it calls its core values.
To help folks remember what they are, has an acronym, PRIDE: Positive, Respectful, Insightful, Direct and Ernest.
"It sounds pretty good, right?" Booth said. "We try to hire people with those core values and we try to promote those core values. People that don't fit with those values usually aren't working here long term. Either they leaver voluntarily, or they don't fit in and leave involuntarily."
He said the company came up with those values by asking workers what they thought were the most important workplace virtues, and then sorted through them.
The company also has what it calls a red-tape remover,
In addition, the company has a community service committee made up of employees that leads fundraising, volunteering and donation efforts.
It also plans social events, such as end-of-year events.
In December, the company said, it has a party in which workers were encouraged to dress up in outfits representing the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. It served hot chocolate, a buffet lunch, organized games for employees to play together -- and raffled off prizes.
"You get a group of people that are all working together, who are trying to accomplish something, and it helps lift everyone else along, who might not be that on their own," Booth said. "But, when they are in an environment that is supportive, respectful and positive, it takes off. It kinda becomes contagious."
Credit Acceptance Corp.
CEO: Brett Roberts
Employees: 1,320, 800 in Michigan
Revenues: $723.5 million
Industry: Financial services


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NBN Co has rebounded from a disappointing year to see its earnings before tax loss improve by 50 per cent to $648 million, in comparison to $1.29 billion loss last year.
For the year ending 30 June 2020, total revenue grew 36 per cent to $3.8 billion, a rise from $2.8 billion, while Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) grew from $44 to $45 in the 12 month period.
According to NBN Co, 69 per cent of residential and business customers were connected to NBN wholesale speed tiers of 50 Mbps and above, and approximately 80 per cent of new customers were continuing to sign up to speeds of 50 Mbps and above, which drove the increase in residential ARPU.
NBN Co forecasts that approximately 8.2 million premises will be connected to the network by 30 June 2021.
Meanwhile, the broadband builder's business arm's revenue increased by 40 per cent to $666 million.
“We enter FY21 in a strong financial position and with good momentum in both the residential and business markets,” NBN Co CEO, Stephen Rue said.
“Following the completion of the initial network build, we are focused on our future as a customer-led service delivery organisation as we work to unlock and enable the economic and social benefits that fast broadband can deliver.
“This will require us to sharpen our efforts in areas such as customer experience and innovation, as well as continuing to simplify our relationship with internet providers so we can provide a more seamless experience to customers.”
As the impact of the COVID-19 crisis became apparent in March, NBN Co offered pricing relief for up to 40 per cent additional CVC capacity to participating internet retailers, which has seen the organisation forgo revenue of more than $80 million in CVC capacity charges, Rue said.
“This pricing relief for up to 40 per cent additional Connectivity Virtual Circuit (CVC) capacity was only ever intended as a short-term measure," he explained.
"However, we have maintained this moratorium on additional wholesale data charges for seven months to give internet retailers the time and financial relief they needed to adapt to their customers’ changing data demands."
“As part of our prior commitment in 2019 to work more closely with the industry, we also introduced greater wholesale bundle discounts, which included significant annual increases in data capacity for most wholesale speed tiers and, in support of the economics for Retail Service Providers, we changed the procurement model to allow them to purchase data capacity at a national aggregate level."
During FY20, NBN Co paid about $2.4 billion in subscriber costs to Telstra and Optus, which are expected to significantly reduce from FY21 with payments totalling approximately $1.5 billion due over FY21-24.


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A development team from Microsoft Garage recently introduced its new project: Cache. This service helps you bookmark content from one device and access it on another, a feature similar to Microsoft Garage’s previous, now defunct project, OneClip.
For now, Cache only works on Windows 10 and iOS. This means you can copy a link, a piece of text, an image, a webpage, or something else on your Windows 10 PC, and it will automatically become available on your iPhone, and vice versa. Users will also have the ability to organize content into groups by project, idea, people, or task in order to have all related bookmarks in one place.
— The Microsoft Garage (@MSFTGarage) August 24, 2016
Unfortunately, Cache is only available on these two platforms, leaving users of Windows 10 Mobile and Android devices out in the cold for now. Although we still have no official confirmation, Microsoft Garage will probably introduce this app to to other platforms at some point.
Cache is still unavailable for download, but we expect it to appear in the Store soon (as a beta, of course). If you’re interested in using this app, you can sign up for it on Cache’s official website.
Cache or OneClip?
As you probably already know, Microsoft Garage decided to kill OneClip when it leaked online more than a year ago. But recently, evidence about OneClip’s return to Windows 10 has been spotted.
That rumor made sense because OneClip would be a valuable feature for Windows 10. But what about now, when Microsoft is presenting a new app that does the same thing? Why would Microsoft want two almost identical services?
Well, there are a few possible scenarios for OneClip and Cache. When we previously reported that Microsoft might bring OneClip back to Windows 10, we mentioned there would be a chance the feature is re-branded. Now that Microsoft is presenting Cache, it could be exactly that: A re-branded version of OneClip.
Another scenario is that Microsoft won’t bring back OneClip at all. Since the company hasn’t actually confirmed it would integrate OneClip to Windows 10 and presented a new app in the meantime, claims about OneClip’s return may just be rumors.
Of course, these are all just predictions and speculations, as we don’t have the official confirmation about any of these claims. But as soon as Microsoft say something about any of these features, we’ll make sure to get you updated with official information.
Until then, let us know in the comments: Which app would you prefer to see in the future? OneClip or Cache?
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BREEDING to improve meat quality is the subject of an open day featuring two top scientists from Australia.
Hybu Cig Cymru, IBERS and Innovis have organised the free event at Mynydd Gorddu, Penrhyncoch, Aberystwyth, on Monday, September 5, 4pm-7pm.
It is designed to ensure livestock farmers meet market requirements, and hence achieve maximum profitability.
Topics include how genetic improvement can improve carcass quality, what the processor requires from farmers and how carcasses and meat quality are measured.
Aussie scientists Prof Dave Pethick and Dr Graham Gardener will also outline the methods used by Australian farmers to stay competitive on the global market.
Another speaker will be Dr Nigel Scollan from IBERS, Aberystwyth. He said: “Welsh farmers are already producing some of the best meat in the world, but to stay competitive they need to continue producing what the market requires.”
Other speakers include Prof Will Haresign from IBERS and Julie Finch from Innovis. The event is being backed by Livestock Marketing, Dalehead, Cambrian Mountains Initiative, Wales YFC and Biosciences KTN