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After a struggle that began nearly a third of a century ago, Detroit's auto quality has finally caught up with the Japanese — or so one might believe based on the latest Initial Quality Study from the influential market research firm J.D. Power and Associates.
The good news for domestic automakers, especially Ford, could spell trouble for Toyota, which made its reputation over the past two decades by consistently topping the quality list. What the IQS giveth, it may also taketh away.
Motown’s Big Three began to see their dominance of the domestic market erode in the mid-1970s, when the nation was hit by the first Mideast oil shock. But even as General Motors, Ford and Chrysler began chasing their import rivals on the fuel economy charts, the Asian emphasis was shifting. As long gas lines faded from the collective consumer memory, motorists were won over by the quality advantages of the Japanese.
And 24 years ago, Power quantified the quality gap with the first Initial Quality Study, or IQS, which found that the typical product rolling off a Detroit assembly line had up to twice the “problems” of a comparable Asian model, at least one built by top-tier makers such as Toyota and Honda.
Over the decades, the Big Three have struggled to match the industry average, never mind land in the Top 10 on the IQS chart. But in recent years, there have been some surprises delivered by the annual study.
Hyundai, a Korean carmaker long known for making low-cost, but problem-plagued econoboxes, not only started moving upscale with its offerings, but also steadily up the IQS ladder.
This year, Hyundai landed in the seventh spot among the 33 brands covered by the Power study. But that was two positions behind the Ford brand which became the first mainstream Detroit brand to make it into the IQS Top 5, while its luxury brand, Lincoln, was ninth and its long-time Swedish subsidiary, the recently sold Volvo, rounded out the Top 10.
Ford’s strong performance carried the day for the domestics overall for the first time ever, topping the imports in the number of problems per 100 vehicles.
To be sure, the gap was small, 108 for the Big Three, and 109 for the imports, but it’s a breakthrough nonetheless, insisted David Sargent, Power’s chief of global automotive research.
“This year may mark a key turning point for U.S. brands as they continue to fight the battle against lingering negative perceptions of their quality,” he said.
There’s still a big gap between Detroit’s best and its also-rans; not a single GM or Chrysler product made it into the Top 10.
The smaller maker’s new Ram truck division was just one point out, however, and Chrysler, persistently struggling to deal with endemic quality issues, is finally showing some upward momentum, according to Sargent. So is GM, he suggested, despite some trouble with the launch of some of its newest products, like the Chevrolet Camaro.
If any brand needs to worry, Power data points to Toyota. It can be argued that the IQS made the Japanese maker, underscoring the superiority of its products, at least on a quality basis. The question the 2010 study raises is whether Toyota is really seeing its quality stumble or just feeling the impact of its ongoing safety crisis.
The latest IQS surveyed owners about the same time the Japanese giant began recalling millions of cars, trucks and crossovers, stressed spokesman Curt McAllister, most for problems related to so-called unintended acceleration.
Significantly, the maker’s Lexus brand still came in fourth on the 2010 IQS and had the single-best model in the entire survey, the flagship LS sedan recording just 55 problems per 100 vehicles.
On the other hand, Sargent not so subtly hinted, the scandal may have convinced owners to take a closer look at their Toyota products, perhaps to discover that despite its long-standing reputation, there could be quality issues that shouldn’t be ignored.
Some of that concern may be showing up in sales. Ford, GM and Chrysler all reported strong sales gains in May over the same month a year ago. Many other Asian brands and European automakers also posted big increases. Toyota's sales rose only 7 percent, however, despite some of the maker's most lavish incentives ever.
There's been a long-running debate about the IQS methodology, however. When Power first started the survey, it wasn’t uncommon for each vehicle to have three, four, even five problems. And, in those days, that meant an actual defect, anything from a burned-out bulb to a defective transmission.
Such problems have been rapidly vanishing as the industry embraces a variety of assembly line control methods. Some years back, Power rejiggered the IQS metrics to also include designed-in problems, such as the lack of cupholders or a difficult-to-use navigation system.
Critics contend such issues shouldn’t be weighed as heavily as serious mechanical failures. And they note that the absence of efficient cupholders have often been the reason why German brands will dip below average, while Mini’s pint-sized offerings have suffered for having a small trunk.
Sargent counters that you can fix a transmission, but there’s not much you can do with a badly designed interior or a balky infotainment system.
Whatever the merits of the IQS methodology, the study has an oversize influence on public perception. The Power study has given Toyota credibility. Will it now take that away?
The question can be reversed for Ford and its cross-town rivals. Detroit’s quality turnaround hasn’t occurred overnight, Sargent stresses. It has been steadily gaining ground in recent years, but “perception lags reality.”
But will it ever catch up? Even if Toyota experiences only a temporary setback, as many anticipate, the results of the 2010 IQS provide a rare opportunity for the Big Three to reach out to motorists who had long written off the domestic brands.


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IBM is developing an e-tongue to fingerprint beverages and complex liquids
By Kate Ayers
While food fraud has been a challenge in Canada for decades, food supply chain stakeholders and consumers have recently become more aware of the issue. The intentional adulteration of food can harm the reputation of the entire agri-food industry and affect producers’ bottom lines.
As a result, in June 2019, the federal government announced a $24.4-million investment through the recently launched Food Policy for Canada to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) combat food fraud.
Boogich/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo
Any food product can be subject to food fraud and misrepresentation. However, the most commonly reported food includes organic food products, honey, fish, dry spices and olive oil, the CFIA’s website says.
Testing such products and other liquids can be difficult. Often, scientists or officials must send samples to high-end laboratories. This process can be costly and time-consuming, an IBM Research article says.
To help food producers address the technological gap in the chemical sensing of liquids, IBM is developing its Hypertaste app.
This technology uses combinatorial sensing, the IBM article says. Instead of individually identifying molecules in a sample, combinatorial sensing uses individual sensors to respond to different chemicals at the same time, which allows the tool to resemble human taste and smell.
“Hypertaste uses electrochemical sensors comprised of pairs of electrodes, each responding to the presence of a combination of molecules by means of a voltage signal, which is easy to measure,” Dr. Patrick Ruch, an IBM researcher in Zurich, Switzerland, says to Better Farming in an email statement.
“The combined voltage signals of all pairs of electrodes represent the liquid’s fingerprint.” The app’s mechanics uses these voltage signals to identify liquids in its dataset in less than a minute.
“We have built sensor arrays and combined them with off-the-shelf electronics that we configure to measure the voltages across the electrodes in an array and relay them to a mobile device, such as a smartphone,” Ruch says.
Hypertaste has potential applications in industrial supply chains, environmental monitoring and the food and beverage sectors.
“At present, once food and drinks are packaged, there is little ability to verify that the package actually contains what is on the label, apart from sending the product to a lab for testing,” Ruch says.
“So, suppliers acting in bad faith may insert lower-quality products into the supply chain with little risk of getting caught, or counterfeiters may even fake a real product by adding the few analytes which are most likely to be tested for in a lab.
“Fooling a combinatorial sensing system, such as Hypertaste, is much harder as there is no single substance on which the identification relies. It is more difficult for wrong-doers to access the sensor training parameters which provide the ‘key’ to interpreting the chemical fingerprints,” he adds.
In addition to the agri-food sector, stakeholders in the medical field could benefit from portable chemical sensing in diagnostic and preventative medicine, Ruch says. BF

domain: news


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#Uber has become an integral part of our lives and it’s come to a point where it is hard to imagine our lives without it. Keeping this in mind, the people behind Uber have been trying hard to keep their customers interested in the service by offering certain perks and other features. A new report now suggests that this could go to the next level, thanks to a partnership struck with AT&T.
It is being said that users could soon be able to stream football games while taking their rides, taking customer service to a whole new level. It is said that AT&T will be testing out this feature in areas of Nashville, Detroit, Atlanta and Houston as a pilot project. College football games will be live streamed for the time being.
You will be able to find this feature on select Chevy Tahoe vehicles that are driving around in the aforementioned regions. What makes this even better is that there will be no charge to make use of this feature. Using Uber, AT&T gets to demonstrate how its 4G LTE network can let you stream high quality football games in real time. So it’s a win-win situation.
Via: The Verge


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When he saw an ad for the dating site Ashley Madison, which boasted 36 million members and the tagline, "Life is short, have an affair," he decided to check it out. Everyday, he received more of these come-ons — until he finally said, "Fuck it." "I'm like, ' Hey, all these women want to talk with me,'" he recalls. As anyone who's dated online knows, this is not entirely unusual. "I just figured they're not interested anymore," Russell says."' Let me go ahead and put in my credit card information.'"Russell paid 0 for 1,000 credits, which he could spend on sending replies or virtual gifts. After a few months of rejection, he didn't bother to log back on Ashley Madison again.Last July, he found out that he wasn't the only one getting the silent treatment.A hacker group called The Impact Team leaked internal memos from Ashley Madison's parent company, Avid Life, which revealed the widespread use of sexbots — artificially-intelligent programs, posing as real people, intended to seduce lonely hearts like Russell into paying for premium service. The strangers hitting you up for likes on Facebook? And, like many online trends, this one's rising up from the steamier corners of the web.A private messaging app that takes from your existing social media profiles and adds them to your “bubble.” The content is posted for all of your friends to see.Direct messaging is one of the main features of this app. Meet with new people, text them, share photos, be friends, convert friendship into love, date and flirt. Join in for a friendly mobile phone chat with them.
Includes stories from Slender Man, a fictional character that inspired two 12-year-old Wisconsin girls to stab and nearly kill a friend.
Bloggers poured over the data, estimating that of the 5.5 million female profiles on the site, as few as 12,000 were real women — allegations that Ashley Madison denied. Bots are infiltrating just about every dating service.
A whopping 59 percent of all online traffic — not just dating sites — is generated by bots, according to the tech analyst firm, Are You a Human. Spammers are using them to lure victims on Tinder, according to multiple studies by Symantec, the computer security firm.
We are a free alternative to hookup and dating sites, our free online chat can help you meet "the one" and it won't cost you a cent.
Enter our chat and find someone local to date or hookup with now. Are you looking to meet singles with similar interests and experiences for free? ) with hundreds of single men and women who are interested in finding a someone to date online and offline.


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Acumen Automotive Logistics has expanded its operation with the acquisition of J&A Transporters. The acquired Somerset-based business specialises in used vehicle movements for auction houses, direct contracts with dealerships for new cars and vehicle swaps, as well as fleet movements for rental operators. The deal adds 15 car transporters and a facility in Bridgwater to Acumen’s portfolio, increasing the fleet to more than 200 vehicles. Chris Doughty, MD of parent company Acumen Logistics Group, said of the deal: “It sees […]
CitySprint has purchased the same-day operations of Thames Valley-based Scarlet Couriers. The deal sees CitySprint acquire Scarlet Courier’s same-day, overnight and international operations in Bracknell, as well as the company’s same-day courier operation in Slough. Patrick Gallagher, chief executive, CitySprint, says: “This deal is another significant milestone in CitySprint’s on-going growth strategy. CitySprint’s extensive national reach is key to our success, so we’re delighted to be consolidating our presence in Berkshire.” Following the deal, Scarlet Couriers will continue to run […]
Ferguson Transport (Spean Bridge) has acquired BSW Timber’s former sawmill site near Fort William as part of the company’s expansion plans.


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Totally geared up to take on Nokia 3310's challenge: Samsung India
We are a market leader not just in smartphones but a significant leader in the feature phone market and that effort and that presence will continue going forward as well, said Asim Warsi of Samsung India
Samsung India on Monday launched the third generation of the Galaxy A series A7 and A5 smartphones in India. While the new Samsung Galaxy A7 was launched at a price of Rs 33,490, the Samsung Galaxy A5 is priced at 28,990.
The Zeebiz team caught up with Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics India on the price range of the new Galaxy A series, competition, marketing plans and Nokia 3310
What was the reason for the launch of the new A series smartphones now and at the particular price points?
These devices are targeted at the young millennial population residing in our country. We have packed into these devices some features and designs that are actually found in our flagship devices. We believe that these devices are particularly exciting for consumers who are aspiring for flagship phones or flagship like features, without having to pay for flagship prices. And in that sense these devices are half the flagship phones. We launch A7 at Rs 33,490 and A5 at Rs 28,990.
That price point is even higher than OnePlus 3T which has the similar specifications, so how is your phone geared to take on the competition?
I would not talk about competition in this regard, but what I can talk about is the consumer. And the consumer who is aspiring to buy a flagship like phone from Samsung, we believe for them the A series is exactly addressing that need and that aspiration. I must add here that in our experience we have seen consumers don't buy for price, they buy for value. Consumers who are seeking flagship like value at non-flagship price points this is going to be the device and the range of choice for them. We have also seen that consumers are buying into the total product and the overall experience.
What is the reason for Samsung to launch several smartphones in similar price ranges? Doesn't it cannibalise your own products?
As a market leader over the years we have been a full range player. Even to date we continue to be a committed to all consumer segments brand operating in India. So we not only have smartphones but we also sell feature phones in the country and tablets, wearables and accessories. Having said that there are various segments and intervals in the market, ie consumer preference based, device feature and technology based and the price point based. So we are straddling end to end of the handset segments in the market. The C9 Pro is indeed a recent model was launched keeping consumers preference increasingly moving towards larger and larger displays.
With Nokia 3310 coming into the feature phone market, what are Samsung's plans to take on the new competition?
We have been in the business of handsets and feature phones since inception and we will continue doing that. We are a market leader not just in smartphones but a significant leader in the feature phone market and that effort and that presence will continue going forward as well.
What are different marketing plans that Samsung will be using to break through the clutter?
Since these devices (A7 and A5) are targeted at millennials it was a good opportunity for us to partner with MTV and none other than their own VJ's to live their vacation life using the A series and sharing their experiences with us.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.


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The market for generative AI (GAI) applications will grow from $6.2 billion in 2023 to $58.5 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of 56%, according to Omdia.
Worldwide shipments of wearable devices grew 1.2% during the first quarter of 2018 (1Q18) as shipments reached 25.1 million units according IDC. Growth for the market was far lower than the 18% year-over-year growth one year ago largely due to the 9.2% decline in shipments of basic wearables. During the same period, higher priced smart wearables from the likes of Apple, Fitbit, and numerous fashion brands grew 28.4% as consumer preferences continued to shift towards smarter devices.
Outside of watches and wrist bands, which accounted for 95% of the shipments during the quarter, sensor-laden clothing grew 58.6% year over year. Though the majority of these were step-counting shoes, the list of brands offering shirts, shorts ,and other clothing items with fitness tracking fuctionality similar to the wearables that have been on the market for years, continues to grow. Some even offer users a discreet way to partake in non-fitness related exercises.
Apple Watch shipments grew 13.5% over the previous year as the launch of a cellular connected Watch entered additional markets. Xiaomi captured the second position with 14.8% share of unit shipments. Despite a decline of 28.1%, Fitbit ranked third during the quarter. Utilizing the Honor brand to cater to a younger audience, and the Huawei brand to cater to a more demanding audience, has worked quite well as Huawei managed to capture the fourth position during the quarter. Garmin rounded out the top five list with 5% share, up slightly from its 4.6% share a year ago.
Top 5 Companies by Volume, Share, and Growth, 1Q18 (shipments in millions)


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Consumer Brands Statement on Department of Commerce’s Preliminary Decision on Tin Mill Steel Tariffs
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Consumer Brands Association issued the following statement on the Department of Commerce’s preliminary determination regarding new tariffs on tin mill steel from President & CEO David Chavern:
“Today’s announcement from the Department of Commerce is a positive step toward protecting U.S. consumers, domestic manufacturers and their workforce. We are encouraged that our message was heard: ordinary people will inevitably bear the costs of new tariffs on tin mill steel through higher food prices and lost jobs. We’re hopeful that the final decision will solidly rebuke the claims of Cleveland-Cliffs, and the punitive outcomes on consumers and the domestic food industry that such tariffs would inflict.
“The Biden administration’s analysis correctly shows zero evidence of less-than-fair-market-value steel coming from five countries: The Netherlands, Taiwan, South Korea, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The extremely low preliminary duty rates on Canada (5.29 percent) and Germany (7.02 percent) further confirms that there is no merit to dumping claims and should lead the International Trade Commission to a no-injury determination. As it finalizes its investigation, Commerce should further scrutinize its analysis and confirm that there is no reason to justify even these marginal tariffs on Canada and Germany.
“As the Biden administration continues its investigation, it’s imperative that Commerce and the International Trade Commission remain resolute in its efforts to protect all U.S. manufacturers and consumers, and to continue its fair and equitable execution of worker-centered trade policy.”
Since Cleveland-Cliffs first filed the tin mill steel tariff petition, more than 40 members of Congress and dozens of prominent food and agriculture groups have voiced opposition. The U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission are expected to issue a final determination in early 2024.
The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day, representing nearly 2,000 iconic brands. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.
Published on August 17, 2023
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Celebrate National Hot Tea Month and the 30th anniversary of the OIF Bone China Tea campaign with Bone China Tea Host, Susie Wilson, for an informational call Sunday at 3pm ET! ☕
Join us for an
-Update on the Bone China Tea campaign
-Information on the NEW! Seasonal Bone China Tea Shop
-Order your invitations ?
-Cheers to 30 years of successful fundraising!
To register to attend, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdeusrD4jHN2NsUhTdm8_G7kMJEmvxwHo.


text: Aston Martin is making plans — big plans. It seems the 102-year old company will be doing a massive lineup overhaul that will include a new sports car and an all-electric crossover. Yet, an announced collaboration with Dutch company Quintessence Yacht is the real surprise. Aston Martin is about to take its high-performance acumen on the water with a 37-foot power boat called the AM37. Aston Martin and Quintessence Yacht will co-design and build the boat. SEE THE KORMARAN 6-MODE CONVERTIBLE SPEEDBOAT Designed with speed, handling, performance and luxury in mind, the AM37 will have a lightweight hull and carbon fiber structural parts. The interior will be outfitted with spacious, comfortable seating, touch screen and voice commands, remote control and standard buttons. Aston Martin and Quintessence Yacht have released renderings of the AM37 but not official photos are available yet. Production has already begun in England and the tangible powerboat will be unveiled at a private event later this year. It’s anticipated that this collaboration between the dynamic duo will lead to full line of yachts and powerboats in the near future. WHAT IF FERRARI BUILT A SPACECRAFT?


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With so many fragrances being launched every year it’s increasingly important for brands to secure celebrities or sporting heroes who can make their products stand out from the crowd – and Tommy Hilfiger has certainly served up an ace in the shape of tennis champ Rafael Nadal. As part of his role as Global Ambassador for the brand (you’ll probably have seen the underwear shots by now) he’s also fronting the campaign for Hilfiger’s brand new fragrance TH Bold. Good choice huh?
TH Bold* will be available exclusively from The Fragrance Shop from 15th September.
*Rafa not included with purchase!


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The eighth edition of the InterClassics Classic Car Show Brussels will be held from Friday, 17 through Sunday, 19 November 2023 in Halls 4, 5, and 6 of the Brussels Expo. Car enthusiasts will enjoy hundreds of unique classic cars, both young- and old-timers, at the 40,000 square metres dedicated to the event. The exhibition will place special attention on the 24-hour Le Mans race, the hundredth edition of which was held this year. Several car importers such as Aston Martin, Lotus and Donkervoort will also be represented on the show floor for the first time. In addition to automobilia, services and even privately offered cars, the filled show floor will also feature plenty of food and beverage options, offering visitors a complete day out.
100 years of Le Mans
The central theme of the eighth InterClassics at Brussels Expo this year is the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Le Mans. Exhibition manager Erik Panis explains: ‘We are pulling out all the stops and building a replica of the world-famous circuit at the Brussels Expo patio, including the grandstands and grid. I have already seen some photos and can assure you that it’s going to look fantastic. The Le Mans feeling is guaranteed to rise to the surface. During a virtual race on the Le Mans circuit using professional simulators, our visitors can discover whether a career as a professional race driver is something for them. That’s how much fun it will be!’
The organisation will present an impressive collection from the history of this race at the Brussels Expo patio. The oldest Le Mans classic that will be exhibited once stood on the starting line of the first edition in 1923: a Vinot Deguinand. A total of 24 Le Mans race cars will be on display, each with its own unique story. These include race winners such as the Jaguar D-Type (1957) and Peugeot 905 (1992), but also historically significant models such as the Howmet TX, a 1968 experimental racer with a gas turbine drive train. Crowd favourites such as the Porsche 917 (1970) and Audi R18 TDI Ultra (2011) will also be on display. This is just a small selection of the impressive collection of race cars that the organisation is getting on loan for this occasion from the collections of several international museums (including the Porsche Museum, Matra Museum, Le Mans Museum and the Louwman Museum) as well as from private collections. Erik Panis confirms that the combined (insurance) value of this lineup is by far the highest in InterClassics history. See the preliminary list of show cars at the bottom of this press release.
Impressive race cars are one thing but the drivers who had to keep these – often savage – cars in check have achieved equally legendary status. Both Emanuele Piro, Jürgen Barth and Christine Beckers will be present on the Friday of InterClassics for a signing session. Together, these drivers account for six Le Mans overall victories and five class wins. Piro scored his wins driving the various iterations of the Audi R8 and later the R10 TDI. Barth drove various models but always remained loyal to the brand where he started working as an engineer: Porsche. Beckers caused a stir by becoming the first female Belgian driver to start at Le Mans.
Importers make appearance on exhibition floor
‘With more than 400 exhibitors spread over an exhibition space of over 40,000 square metres, InterClassics has grown in recent years to become “the largest indoor car happening in the Benelux”’. This is definitely the case now that the Brussels Motor Show (AutoSalon) has disappeared. With nearly 30,000 car enthusiasts, buyers and interested parties, it is a unique experience that continues to grow year after year. You won’t just find the very best classic cars, supercars, and youngtimers at the exhibition. Many car importers have already taken the plunge and are joining in the fun. Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lotus and Donkervoort will all be represented at the event. This year, we are also working very closely with D’Ieteren Luxury Performance, the largest importer of luxury and sportscars in Belgium. It’s great to see how importers like these are also finding their way to InterClassics. The exhibition is also very appealing for people who really love all this shiny beauty since nearly all the cars on display are for sale. For many car enthusiasts, InterClassics is the highlight of the year,’ says Erik Panis.
Premiere of Team Feryn Dakar car
For years, Koen Wauters and Pascal Feryn of Team Feryn were a familiar sight at the Dakar Rally, but after participating in the event twelve times, including ten arrivals, they closed the book on their rally adventure in 2012. The passionate rally drivers attempted a restart in 2021 and participated in the Dakar Classic in 2022. In 2023, their car was declared undrivable, and the team decided to end their involvement with the French organisation. There is some good news now, however; Koen Wauters and Pascal Feryn of Team Feryn will be participating in the Africa Eco Race for the first time in January 2024 with a brand new car. This vehicle will be officially presented in Hall 6 during the InterClassics Classic Car Show. In addition to showcasing their new rally car, the team is also going all out with a mini bivouac, a race truck and several other objects that will give exhibition visitors an immediate and special insight into the rally world.
The InterClassics Classic Car Show Brussels will be held from Friday, 17 through Sunday, 19 November 2023 at the Brussels Expo. Tickets are available online at a discount via www.interclassics.events.
Organisation reports 35,333 visitorsImage Maastricht, 16 January 2023 InterClassics breaks visitor record during Classic Car Show Maastricht Organisation reports 35,333 visitors Maastricht, 16 January 2023 - An amazing 35,333 buyers…


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Latest News on Consumer Electronics And Appliances Manufacturers Association
Showing of 0 - 10 from 6 results
Consumer Electronics And Appliances Manufacturers Association - Total results - 6
Jul 21, 2018
GST cut on white goods: Consumer durable makers welcome move, say it will boost domestic manufacturingConsumer durable industry was demanding a lower GST rate on white goods since July last year, when GST was implemented.
Jan 23, 2018
Budget 2018: Consumer durables makers seek import duty on imported itemsConsumer durables and home appliances makers have asked the government to double custom duty to 20 percent on imported products such as washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners to encourage domestic manufacturing.
Sep 17, 2017
Consumer electronics market sees 40 percent growth in upcoming festive seasonConsumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) said most of the factors point to favourable sales in the festive season.
May 30, 2017
GST: Panasonic India, industry body for higher customs duty to thwart cheap importsThe issue of transition stock provision is still under consideration and the GST Council is likely to finalise the provision in its next meeting on 3 June.
Jul 27, 2015
Panasonic looks to mobile business to scale up revenues in IndiaJapanese electronics corporation Panasonic's India arm was looking to ramp up revenues via the handset business at a time when growth in different verticals of consumer durables have slowed down, a top company official said on Friday.
Feb 12, 2015
Budget 2015: Consumer durables industry seeks excise duty cutIndustry body CEAMA has sought reduction in excise duty on consumer durables in the Budget 2015 to help the sector combat demand slowdown.


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Mustang Cobra Jet 1400, Ford’s greenest monster
Ford has introduced its meanest and most daring incarnation of the original pony car with the electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400.
Designed by Ford Performance this battery-powered prototype is purpose-built. It is projected to deliver over 1,400 horsepower (hence its name) and over 1,100 ft.-lbs. of instant torque to demonstrate the capabilities of an electric powertrain in one of the most demanding race environments.
With the upcoming Mustang Mach-E electric SUV in the picture, this electric Mustang dragster ‘‘represents another opportunity to advance the pony car heritage and performance while simultaneously incorporating some advanced technology coming to Ford’s future powertrains’’, says the manufacturer.
More electrifying than a Camaro eCOPO
This prototype honours the original Cobra Jet that dominated drag strips from 1968 onwards. It also represents a powerful riposte to the Chevrolet Camaro eCOPO, the electric dragster unveiled by General Motors at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Chevrolet partnered with Hancock and Lane Racing to develop this 2019 Camaro COPO-based concept car. It is driven by an electric motor providing the equivalent of over 700 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, enough power to get quarter-mile times in the 9-second range, says GM.
Smoking tires on a track soon
Ford Performance continues to test the Cobra Jet 1400 ahead of its world debut later this year at a drag racing event (still unidentified) where fans and media alike will see the race car and what it’s capable of on the asphalt.
In the meantime, readers who want to know more about this green monster can catch a sneak peek starting this Sunday, April 26 by watching MotorTrend On Demand’s “Hard Cell” on the internet, a showcase of electric vehicles pushing innovation boundaries.
Text: Luc Gagné


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IBM is working with a German memory specialist to develop technology that could give mobile phones a thousand hours of battery life and dramatically speed up the time PCs take to switch on.
Called magnetic random access memory (MRam), the technology is being developed by IBM and Infineon Technologies. MRam uses magnetic rather than electronic charges to store bits of data, and the partners are targeting the DRam market. IBM and Infineon plan to launch the technology in 2004.
MRam combines existing memory techniques, such as the high speed of static Ram (SRam), with the storage capacity and low cost of Dram, and the non-volatility of Flash memory.
Key to MRam is its non-volatility feature. Both DRam and SRam require a constant flow of electrical power to retain stored data, and memory is lost when power is cut off.
Most computers work off software stored in memory, and when the unit is turned on the software is copied from the hard disk so the user can access it quickly. By using MRam, computers and other devices would work like televisions and radios, which still 'run' even though the power has been switched off.
MRam will save battery power and extend usable battery life, since it will not require constant electrical power to keep data intact, according to the developers.
IBM confirmed that it will spend tens of millions of dollars developing the technology, although no specific figures were disclosed. Both companies will dedicate a total of 80 engineers to the project.
Fred Zieber, an analyst with Pathfinder Research, said IBM and Infineon are not the only companies creating MRam technologies.
"The stakes are huge, with players like Micron, Intel, AMD and others, which are both [active] in the DRam market and looking to MRam in the future. The competition to bring this new technology to market will be fierce," he said.
But Zieber added that the Flash memory market will most likely to feel the full impact of MRam before it affects DRam.
Ceres, located in the asteroid belt, has a carbonaceous-rich upper crust, SwRI study claims
The spacecraft found traces of hydrogen and oxygen molecules, known as hydroxyls, embedded in the rocky surface of the asteroid
The skeleton was unearthed more than 20 years ago in South Africa
Moon's dark side is mountainous, rugged and never visible from the Earth


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What impact will Elon Musk’s move to limit tweets have on Twitter?
Elon Musk’s measure to limit the number of tweets users can view on the social platform could hamper the company’s new Chief Executive Linda Yaccarino to attract advertisers, experts said, according to Reuters.
Twitter chief Elon Saturday decided to limit the number of tweets a user could see in light of “extreme levels” of data scraping and system manipulation.
The move has upset many Twitter users, forcing them to mull quitting the platform. “Goodbye Twitter” trended following Musk’s announcement.
In line with the new guidelines, the social platform has limited tweets for verified accounts to 10,000, 1,000 tweets per day for non-verified users, and 500 tweets for new unverified accounts.
Musk, who also owns SpaceX, did not give a timeline for how long will the new measures remain in place.
The ad industry’s experts said the measure could disturb the plans for the new Twitter CEO, who took charge last month.
The Financial Times reported last week that the new chief executive plans to mend relations with advertisers, who pulled their content from the platform following Musk’s purchase of Twitter.
Mike Proulx, research director at Forrester, said Sunday that the move is “remarkably bad” not only for users, but advertisers as well, who are already shaken by the “chaos” that Musk brought to Twitter.
“The advertiser trust deficit that Linda Yaccarino needs to reverse just got even bigger. And it cannot be reversed based on her industry credibility alone,” he said.
Founder of advertising consultancy AJL Advisory Lou Paskalis said Yaccarino is Musk’s “last best hope” to salvage ad revenue and the company’s value.
“This move signals to the marketplace that he’s not capable of empowering her to save him from himself,” Paskalis said.
Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence, said the move to limit tweets for users could prove “catastrophic” for Twitter’s business.
“This certainly isn’t going to make it any easier to convince advertisers to return. It’s a hard sell already to bring advertisers back,” she added.


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LG’s 15in OLED TV is no longer the world’s largest, because Mitsubishi has just shown off a whopping 155in organic LED screen in Japan. Mitsubishi 155in OLED Mitsubishi's 155in OLED panel Credit: IDC It's a wee bit of a cheat: Mitsubishi’s Diamond Vision OLED display is constructed from individual OLED panels – each about …
be good if you don't want to get your TV on credit... just buy a new piece every month until you have one of a decent size.
As the definition of decent size grows though, you'll never end till it fills your wall.
They could call it a Wall TV
Hi, large enough to cover a wall in a small room!
- World's OLDEST human DNA found in leg bone – but that's not the only boning going on...
- Lightning strikes USB bosses: Next-gen jacks will be REVERSIBLE
- Pics Brit inventors' GRAVITY POWERED LIGHT ships out after just 1 year
- Microsoft teams up with Feds, Europol in ZeroAccess botnet zombie hunt
- Storagebod Oh no, RBS has gone titsup again... but is it JUST BAD LUCK?


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We had a strong suspicion that Twitter's new music service would figure into the company's "big announcement" promised for today, and that is indeed the case. The company confirmed on Good Morning America this morning that its #Music service will be launching on the web later today with a separate iPhone app in tow. As expected based on the company's acquisition of We Are Hunted, the service is focused largely on music discovery, letting you find music that's popular with your friends or those you follow -- specifically, music shared from iTunes, Spotify or Rdio at the moment. According to Twitter, the web version will be rolling out over the next few hours, with the service currently offered in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Twitter also says that it hopes to roll the service out to Android devices in the future, but unfortunately isn't offering anything more specific for the time being.
Update: The iPhone app is now available in the App Store. If it's not turning up in searches for you, this link should work. Most should also now be seeing the web-based version at the source link below.


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Dutch mobility company Lightyear has come up with a long-range prototype that can be charged directly from the sun. Unfortunately, it costs $135,000.
Vineeth Joel Patel2019-06-30 06:00 PT
While Mini has plans to offer every vehicle in its lineup with an electrified powertrain, the automaker isn’t rushing into the world of EVs.
Vineeth Joel Patel2019-04-12 10:24 PT
In March, a total of 3,593 Model 3 sedans have been registered in Norway, making the electric vehicle the best-selling battery-powered vehicle in the country.
Vineeth Joel Patel2019-03-29 10:11 PT
Automated guided vehicles and a new manufacturing process will help Porsche bring its first all-electric vehicle to the road.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-10-20 10:00 PT
Mazda currently doesn’t sell any electrified cars, but the Japanese automaker is looking to change that by 2030 when electrified cars will account for 95 percent of its entire lineup.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-10-04 14:30 PT
Denmark has become the latest Nordic country to announce plans to ban the sale of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles in the country by 2030, as it looks to boost electrified-vehicle sales.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-10-02 14:15 PT
With Porsche set to introduce a couple of electric vehicles in the near future, the German automaker is looking into sleek chargers that can give an EV 250 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-10-01 06:00 PT
The move from gasoline-and diesel-powered cars will be good for the environment, but it could cripple Japan and many other countries’ automotive industries.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-08-20 08:30 PT
Electric vehicles may be coming off of record sales thanks to strong policies and falling battery costs, but supply issues, especially with cobalt, could bring those sales numbers to a screeching halt.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-08-12 16:15 PT
The Trump administration’s decision to fight California on its emissions regulations could kill the uprising of electric vehicles in the state and the U.S.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-08-11 12:00 PT
After lambasting the Tesla Model 3 for its poor build quality, president of Michigan-based Munro & Associates, Sandy Munro, backpedaled and praised the electric sedan.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-07-22 09:15 PT
Britain is taking its largest step towards making electric vehicles more mainstream, as the country announced a large and innovative plan called Road to Zero that will put the UK at the forefront for the adoption of electric vehicles.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-07-16 08:30 PT
For automakers that are planning to sell electric vehicles in cold climates, this technology could revolutionize the industry.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-07-07 14:30 PT
As part of an investor presentation, Jaguar Land Rover revealed that it would be investing $18 billion into electrification. That’s on top of the $14 billion that JLR has already spent.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-07-01 08:35 PT
Hyundai has teamed with Finnish energy-technology company Wärtsilä to use use “second-life” electric-car batteries for stationary energy storage.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-06-30 13:00 PT
According to a report by CNBC, Tesla has sent out emails to Model 3 reservation holders, asking them for an additional $2,500. While this seems kind of odd, the electric automaker did something similar with the Model S and Model X.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-06-30 08:30 PT
Porsche invited one of the world’s top professional racecar drivers to put a Mission E test car through its paces on the track and show off its power and handling.
Eric Walz2018-05-21 10:57 PT
The assembly process for the all-electric crossover will also be a “manufacturing revolution,” added Musk.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-05-05 15:00 PT
Despite numerous setbacks and a short lifespan on sale, the Model 3 has become the most popular electric car in the United States.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-04-14 09:15 PT
Genesis unveiled the Essentia Concept at the New York Auto Show, as the brand looks to solidify its place in the upscale segment.
Vineeth Joel Patel2018-04-08 09:30 PT
FutureCar Staff Jul 16, 2019 1:54 PM PT
Manish KharintaJul 16, 2019 10:00 AM PT
FutureCar Staff Jul 15, 2019 4:30 PM PT


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The U.K. recently announced a $2 billion bailout of its arts sector. Motivated by a desire to preserve its cultural heritage, support small businesses and help the tourism industry, the money will go to theaters, museums and concert venues.
The plan raises the question of what kind of aid the U.S. should consider, beyond that already available to small businesses more generally. After all, even if there is a vaccine soon, it is not obvious when consumers will feel comfortable going to jazz concerts again. Furthermore, tourism may be slow to resume, which damages many of the arts all the more.


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In honour of Heritage Month, Pick n Pay and the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) have partnered up to create a limited-edition, reusable shopping bag with a cause.
According to IOL, the bag will be sold at a few selected retail stores across South Africa to promote the conservation of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and bring awareness of the rare leopard.
Pick n Pay says this is their fifth reusable RPET bag in a series, made in partnership with national non-governmental organisations to bring awareness of important national landmarks.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to support the important work being done by the Cape Leopard Trust in protecting an important part of our country’s heritage. Our customers can look forward to adding to their collection of reusable bags in support of a good cause,” said Andre Nel, the head of sustainability at Pick n Pay.
The bags are 100% reusable and features stunning photography. A percentage from the sale of the bags will be donated to the CLT.
Meanwhile, as part of Woolworths’ trial initiative, they’re focusing on an option that allows returned bags to be recycled, but not given to other customers. This option is in the early phases, and is currently happening at one store in Johannesburg, as per EWN.


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(New York, NY) -- Perdue Foods is recalling more than 68-thousand pounds of gluten-free chicken nuggets.
The nationwide recall is because of possible wood contamination. The Food and Drug Administration says Perdue discovered the problem when three customers complained about finding wood in the nuggets. There are no reports of anyone getting sick. The nuggets have an expiration date of October 25, 2019 and were shipped to stores all over the country.
The FDA is warning people to throw out the product or take them back to the store where they bought them.
Copyright © 2019 TTWN Media Networks LLC
(Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)


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2020 Ford Bronco Pictures Leaked
Suvs are the top selling segment in the us says ford vp of us marketing sales and service mark laneve.
2020 ford bronco pictures leaked. This number is kind of hurting my intelligence. Tesla gets approval for chinese factory ronaldos move to italy a goldmine for jeep bosch and daimler launch automated shuttle service detroit auto show moves to june toyota launches new ride sharing service ford bmw and psa test 5g v2x communication audi and huawei partner on connected car tech. Yup you read that right. The new msn your customizable collection of the best in news sports entertainment money weather travel health and lifestyle combined with outlook facebook.
The ford bronco seen in dwayne johnsons upcoming movie rampage is the 2004 bronco concept automotive news was told via email by a ford spokesperson. Introduced in 1982 for the 1983 model year in north america the ranger was introduced by ford of argentina in south america for the 1998 model year. 121000 for a 1994 toyota supra. The most sought aftertalked about the car is definitely 2018 toyota supra at least for the sport cars lovers.
60l power stroke diesel 2003 2007 f250 f350 pickup and f350 cab chassis 2003 2005 excursion and 2003 2009 van. While a new ford bronco suv is on the way for a 2020 release ford was quick to point out that the concept and its cameo appearance in rampage are not indicative of what the public should expect from the production model. The replacement for the mazda sourced ford courier the ranger was the first compact truck developed by ford. We provide news data analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation.
The suv enthusiasts are waiting for 2020 bronco. The ford ranger is a range of pickup trucks manufactured and marketed by ford in north and south america. Ford motor company is looking to expand its portfolio of crossovers and suvs in the us from nine models to thirteen by the year 2020 reuters reports. A 1994 toyota supra has just been sold for 121000.


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New Cherokee Chamber to give voice to business community
Cherokee business owners are forming a chamber of commerce that will give the business community a voice in shaping the town’s future and strengthen the economic climate.
“We don’t want money to just pass through the Reservation one time and leave. We want people to stay for a week,” said Carla Blakely, president of the founding committee for the new chamber.
Despite increased tourism and prosperity in Cherokee fueled by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, not all businesses have benefited from it. Blakely, who operates Panther Creek Lodge and Cabins in Cherokee, said a chamber of commerce will get the business community thinking like a unit.
“I think it will encourage everyone to evaluate their business and what they can do to help their business grow. It is a forum to get together and share ideas,” Blakely said. “We have to be open to change and growth and not just do things the way we have year after year.”
Last week, letters were sent to every business in Cherokee inviting them to join the new chamber of commerce. The chamber of commerce is also encouraging businesses in neighboring communities with an interest in Cherokee to join.
“We need an engine to promote Cherokee as a destination. The more members we have, the more powerful our engine is,” said Darrell Pyle, owner of three retail shops in Cherokee. Pyle also is on the founding committee for the chamber.
A Cherokee Chamber of Commerce will also give business owners a stake in their future, according to the founding committee.
“We can hopefully be the ones that dictate our futures here. If we are creating this chamber, we can direct the direction business goes here,” said John Parker, president of CIC Technologies, a company that designs and installs data networks.
The tribal government takes an active role in marketing and promoting Cherokee. The tribe runs a welcome center and satellite visitor center, operates a travel and promotions office, and funds everything from billboards to magazine ads. The tribe is also spearheading a downtown revitalization initiative that will give the central commercial district of Cherokee a new image.
Business owners say it is time for the business community to get involved as well.
“I hope what we are doing is building an association that can have a creative working relationship with the tribe to work hand in hand,” Parker said. “They can take some of our ideas and we can take some of theirs and capitalize on some of those opportunities.”
Parker hopes the chamber can serve as an ambassador to welcome new business owners to the community. He said that while motels, restaurants and shops compete with each other, cooperation serves the business community more in the long run.
“If we are all sitting around thinking we are in competition with each other, we won’t get anywhere,” Parker said. “There is strength in numbers. I hope we can work together to bring more business in here.”
The chamber’s first order of business is to start a Web site. Pyle said the Internet has become the top tool in trip planning, and the chamber of commerce’s site is usually the first thing people seek. A Web design firm is already at work on the site.
The Swain County Chamber of Commerce, while based in Bryson City, promotes activities in Cherokee as one of the county’s main drawing cards.
“We have a close working relationship with Cherokee Travel and Promotions,” said Gwen Bushyhead, director of the Swain County Chamber. “They refer to us and we refer to them very easily and I predict we will have the same type of cooperative relationship with the new chamber of commerce in Cherokee.”
Brad Walker, president of the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, works for Fairfield Inn in Cherokee and has been actively assisting the founding committee in getting started, including hosting the planning meetings for the chamber at the Inn.
Forming relationships with other business owners is another advantage to joining the chamber, Pyle said. Chamber members are more likely to do business with other chamber members and refer customers to other chamber members. The chamber is not just for tourism-related businesses, but professionals and service businesses as well.
“There are a lot of businesses in Cherokee people don’t know about,” Blakely said.


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A judge tossed out Lumber Liquidators’ lawsuit on August 22, 2018. The court found the settlement agreement was adequate, reasonable, and fair for the Plaintiffs. The case is now dismissed. However, the judge did not dismiss it without a hearing, and there are many issues left to be resolved. Read on to learn more. This article will explain how the settlement agreement was reached and whether it is fair to plaintiffs.
The Lumber Liquidators workers claimed that the company misclassified them as managers and denied them overtime pay for nonmanagerial work.
On October 13, 2014, a federal magistrate judge granted conditional certification to the workers, allowing them to contact the 946 other workers denied overtime pay. On March 7, the plaintiffs requested the case be dismissed. The judge granted the Plaintiffs’ request. Despite the ruling, Lumber Liquidators continue to defend themselves against the lawsuit.
The lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators was settled after the company filed its answer in response to the class action complaint. Several of the companies have settled legal disputes in recent years. They are currently undergoing multi-district litigation in the Eastern District of Virginia. If the suit is dismissed, the company will be forced to settle the case with the Cabinets To Go owners. The Lumber Liquidators’ settlement with the plaintiffs will not prevent them from pursuing a rebuttal to the complaint in court.
The lawsuit was also dismissed because Lumber Liquidators used deceptive marketing tactics to conceal its unsafe products.
The company discredited the industry’s testing methods to disguise the risks of its products. It also offered free do-it-yourself air-testing kits to customers. These kits were not accurate and were a waste of time. Therefore, the plaintiffs’ class action lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators was denied.
The Lumber Liquidators lawsuit was filed in February and sought $6 million in damages. In the meantime, Sullivan’s F9 Properties LLC had recently increased its stake in the company’s stock. This move by the company prompted the plaintiffs to sell nearly $5 million worth of shares, which pushed the company’s share price even higher. A judge dismissed the case, thereby saving the investors from further litigation.
The Lumber Liquidators lawsuit was initially filed in the Northern District of California in 2014.
The plaintiffs alleged that the company sold defective Morning Star Bamboo. The class included Tammy Emery, Edwin Mendez, and Christopher Massaro. The complaint asserted a nationwide class of people with similar problems. The plaintiffs added additional plaintiffs, including John Foster, Laura Norris, and Christopher Massaro.
The lawsuit filed in December 2010 by Lumber Liquidators was dismissed. The plaintiffs’ Fifth Amended Class Action Complaint sought $14 million in damages. The company pleaded that the company had failed to provide these products and that they were not safe. In January, Taishan Gypsum and the Lumber Liquidators disputed the suit and said that the product was not suitable for sale in the United States.
In December 2015, the Plaintiffs filed a second amended nationwide Class Action Complaint in the United States and added seven additional plaintiffs in California and New York.
The complaint asserted eight state sub-classes, and fourteen fact and expert depositions were taken. The court held the settlement as fair. Nonetheless, the Lumber Liquidators lawsuit was dismissed on March 8. This was due to the failure of the Plaintiffs to disclose relevant information to their employees.
The Lumber Liquidators lawsuit was filed in Henrico County Circuit Court on Nov. 26, 2010. On March 7, 2010, the company asked for a transfer and a stay to avoid the uncertainty and expense of litigation. The plaintiffs asked the court to appoint a mediator in the case to resolve the dispute between the parties. The settlement is finalized in the federal court. After the lawsuit was filed, the company is not required to pay damages.
The plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification in the Lumber Liquidators lawsuit.
They also objected to the Plaintiffs’ expert witnesses, which they claimed did not support the plaintiffs’ claims. The Court also rejected the company’s motion to transfer the case under FRCP 1404. Ultimately, the judge tossed both sides’ lawsuits. The settlement is a good outcome for the Plaintiffs. If the court dismisses Lumber Liquidators’ lawsuit, the judge will award them a $30,000 settlement.


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Making an impressive run at the first day of trading, shares of wearable health-tracking device maker Fitbit Inc surged as much as 60 percent in intra-day trades to take the company valuation to $6.5 billion on the New York Stock Exchange.
Fitbit, which trades under the NYSE ticker FIT, opened trading at $30.40 on Thursday morning, over 50 per cent above its initial public offering price of $20 and closed at $29.68, up 48.4 per cent on debut day. It began its second day marginally up and commands a market cap of around $6.08 billion.
Fitbit offers compact, wireless, wearable sensors that track a person's daily activities. Founded by Eric Friedman and James Park, Fitbit offers a range of fitness-tracking devices like Fitbit Surge bracelet that track calories, step counts, heart rate and sleeping patterns.
Compared to other popular wearable devices such as Apple Watch that requires an iPhone to function, Fitbit can operate on its own, its devices are way less expensive and offers seven-day battery life.
The company is expected to generate revenues to the tune of $1 billion this year and close to $200 million in profit. While a major portion of its revenue comes from its hardware business, it does make money from its subscription software as well.
The worldwide wearable device market recorded its eighth consecutive quarter of steady growth in the first quarter of 2015, according to data from International Data Corporation (IDC). Vendors shipped almost three times more wearables in Q1 to 11.4 million. Another study by Juniper Research in November last year said the number of wearable fitness devices used by customers is expected to triple by 2018, to more than 70 million.
The blockbuster debut of Fitbit should lead to high fives in the nascent but fast growing Indian market where a bunch of local tech startups as well as larger firms such as China's Xiaomi are looking to carve a space for themselves.
GOQii (a wearable fitness devices venture launched by Indiagames' founder and its former CEO Vishal Gondal) is the most prominent startup in the same domain. It also offers a fitness tracker band and mates it with a personalised virtual trainer on a subscription payment model.
The newest entrant into the Indian wearable device market is the BSE-listed Lycos Internet Ltd which announced its plans to launch devices that help users monitor their heart rate and sleep patterns among other things under the brand name 'LYCOS Life'.
Then there are a bunch of startups in the health and fitness app space.
In the latest development in this segment, HealthifyMe, a Bangalore-based health and fitness app, raised an undisclosed amount from a group of individual investors this week. Last month, it had raised money from handset maker Micromax.
Last month, actress, activist and fitness advocate Gul Panag partnered with startup incubator Prototyze to launch a health and fitness centered mobile app startup MobieFit Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Then there are fitness discovery ventures such as Delhi-based Fitraq Services Pvt Ltd, which owns and operates gym & fitness centres discovery site Fitraq.com, that raised $150,000 (Rs 94 lakh) in funding from Tarun Arora, MD of Northern Collection and Credit Bureau (NCCB), India.
Bangalore-based Orobind Fitness Technologies Pvt Ltd, which runs a mobile marketplace of fitness experts under the same brand, raised $200,000 (about Rs 1.26 crore) from a group of angels including Harpreet Singh Grover, co-founder, Cocubes; Lalit Mangal, co-founder, CommonFloor.com; and Toppr.com co-founder Zishaan Hayath.
In January this year, another marketplace for fitness service providers Gympik.com, had raised $135,000 (about Rs 86 lakh) in seed funding from Capvent's managing partners Tom Clausen and Rohan Ajila, as well as manufacturing firm Haldyn Glass.
Last October, Mumbai-based Manna Healthcare Pvt Ltd, the company behind weight-loss app ObiNo, raised seed funding from healthcare incubator Healthstart.


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Prince Edward Island grows the most potatoes in Canada, according to an Oct. 20 news release from Statistics Canada. Data from the 2021 Census of Agriculture showed the Island reported more than a fifth of Canada’s total acres of potatoes grown at 85,235 acres.
While P.E.I. grew the most spuds, they had the second highest revenue on potato farms in Canada at $371.8 million. However, more than half of total farm revenues in P.E.I. came from farms classified as potato farms. In 2020, farms on the Island reported $682.2 million in total annual farm revenues, with 54.5 per cent of that coming from potato farms.
These results took place against the backdrop of an increase in prices for fresh potatoes, the release noted. In 2021, the Farm Product Price Index indicated fresh potatoes in Canada saw a 13.9 per cent increase over the past five years. At the same time, the industry also faced trade barrier issues, most notably from the United States which is the top export market for Canadian potatoes.
Also, to be noted over the five-year period from 2016 to 2021, the number of potato farms in P.E.I. decreased by 13.4 per cent. Despite this decrease, they remained the second most frequently reported farm type in the province behind farms classified as beef and feedlots, the release said. Farms on the Island reported a 12.3 per cent decrease in total farm area with the largest decrease of farm area coming from potato farms.


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During Tuesday’s State of the Union Address, President Obama briefly touched on some proposals that may have an impact on the digital advertising industry. These include laws to combat cyber attacks and to protect the data of minors.
Here’s the full speech in case you didn’t watch it:
From the prepared remarks:
We are making sure our government integrates intelligence to combat cyber threats, just as we have done to combat terrorism. And tonight, I urge this Congress to finally pass the legislation we need to better meet the evolving threat of cyber-attacks, combat identity theft, and protect our children’s information. If we don’t act, we’ll leave our nation and our economy vulnerable. If we do, we can continue to protect the technologies that have unleashed untold opportunities for people around the globe.
The follows Obama’s proposal last week to require companies to notify customers of breaches within 30 days as a “single, strong national standard”. This is part of what’s known as the Personal Data Notification and Protection Act. The President says this will not only let consumers know when their info is stolen, but also make it easier for companies to deal with hacks.
The Interactive Advertising Bureau has some thoughts about the President’s proposals, and sent us a statement from Mike Zaneis, EVP, Public Policy & General Counsel.
“Among these ideas, were some extremely positive legislative vehicles that IAB wholeheartedly endorses,” he said. “The mission of securing the internet through stronger cybersecurity laws is vitally important. This is why the IAB created an Anti-Malware Working Group and formed an information partnership with the FBI in September of 2014. We also laud the President’s call for a single, national data breach notification standard. Having a patchwork of 46 disparate state laws does not adequately protect consumers’ identities. The President rightly called for new free trade agreements that would allow the internet to flourish. We also applaud the President in his effort to craft a new Federal law to secure students’ data when they are using innovative digital tools.”
“The President laid out many areas where there can be bipartisan cooperation to enact new consumer protections that also allow industry to continue to innovate and create new jobs. These are ideals shared by the IAB, so much so that the digital marketing industry has taken a lead role in ensuring that consumers have the ability to control their privacy online, creating the first ever comprehensive digital self regulatory program called the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA). The DAA was developed in coordination with the FTC and endorsed by this Administration in 2012.”
“We want to build upon these successes, but some of the President’s proposals could derail our collective efforts,” he added. “A push for controversial, European-style privacy restrictions, such as enactment of a ‘Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights,’ would make the U.S. less competitive in the global economy. This nebulous concept is ill-advised and could undermine the opportunities to deliver real results to the American public. ”
“We look forward to working with the Administration and the 114th Congress on their pro-growth agenda and to having the $50 billion U.S. digital advertising industry continue to lead our economy in the right direction.”
Not all of this was explicitly discussed in the State of the Union Address, but here’s the President’s speech about protecting consumers and families in the digital age from January 12:
And his speech on Cybersecurity the following day:
The White House Blog runs down the key takeaways from the privacy speech here.
Images via YouTube, IAB


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Chinese language over-the-air measurement firm Basic Check Techniques and Japanese take a look at and measurement firm Toyo plan to type a brand new U.S.-based firm known as AeroGT Labs. The board of each corporations have permitted the plans, and the brand new firm will mix merchandise, market information and gross sales expertise from each of its mother or father corporations. GTS and Toyo anticipate the brand new firm to turn into a number one international OTA testing participant with a deal with linked autos, shopper electronics and “satellite tv for pc and terrestrial devices segments and verticals,” based on a launch.
Toyo’s U.S. subsidiary is known as ToyoTech. The brand new AeroGT Labs can be primarily based in Fremont, California and can initially share ToyoTech’s places of work, though it’s going to have its personal administration group and techniques. Bo Han, ToyoTech’s present CEO, has been named CEO and president of AeroGT.
In forming the brand new firm, the companions cited numbers from market analysis agency Allied, predicting that the worldwide OTA measurement market is predicted to develop by 12% yearly and attain $3.1 billion by 2025. The phase of the OTA marketplace for autos, significantly autonomous autos, “is predicted to exhibit even larger development charges,” the 2 corporations famous.
The transaction is predicted to shut throughout this quarter. GTS shareholders (the corporate is privately held) will personal 51% of AeroGT, and ToyoTech shareholders will personal 49%.
“Over the previous decade, we’ve got designed and manufactured preeminent OTA measurement options for all kinds of vertical and business segments,” stated Fred Yu, CEO of GTS, in an announcement. “Whereas we’ve got discovered immense success in our dwelling nation of the [People’s Republic of China], we constantly look to extend our enterprise footprint elsewhere world wide. AeroGT unlocks the worth of our options to international markets whereas strengthening the aggressive positioning of our applied sciences.”
“This can be a transformative time for producers that incorporate wi-fi applied sciences into their merchandise, significantly for builders and producers of autonomous and clever linked autos,” stated Toshiya Kohno, CEO and president of Toyo. “We’re significantly excited that enormous markets in america and the European Union will be capable to profit from the answer choices of AeroGT.”
In different take a look at information:
–Rohde & Schwarz has unveiled a brand new one-box tester for 5G, its R&S CMX500. Promising the power to help even advanced take a look at setups for all 5G NR deployments, Rohde says that the tester helps “a big number of the current and future 3GPP band mixtures” for 5G. The tester helps LTE and 5G New Radio deployments in Frequency Ranges 1 and a couple of (sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave), for each FDD and TDD spectrum in Non-Standalone and Standalone modes. Rohde & Schwarz stated that to attain a single-box tester, it built-in new sub-8 GHz radio frequency items and new distant radio heads that cowl mmWave frequencies as much as 50 GHz. The take a look at firm stated that the brand new instrument can help service aggregation with as much as eight element carriers and mixtures of FR1 and FR2 within the downlink.
-Teledyne LeCroy has launched a USB4 compliance take a look at choice for its Voyager M4x analyzer and exerciser system. The software program can be utilized with extra software program from the USB Implementers Discussion board in an effort to generate site visitors and confirm responses for official take a look at specs for USB4 logical, protocol and tunnel layer compliance, the corporate added.
–Anritsu says that the PCI Particular Curiosity Group (PCI-SIG) has adopted Anritsu’s Sign High quality Analyzer-R MP1900A BERT for compliance testing at PCI-SIG workshops, that are held quarterly to certify PCIe gadgets.
–Spirent Communications has put out a brand new report on 5G traits and insights, primarily based on its observations from buyer engagements. Learn extra right here.
-Community testing firm EXFO has introduced a brand new collaboration with Pink Hat, targeted on adaptive service assurance for a software-centric 5G world. Full story is right here.
-ICYMI: Alerts Analysis Group has examined Verizon’s 5G “Extremely Wideband” community, which now encompasses each the service’s C-Band and millimeter-wave spectrum. That community is markedly completely different — and far larger performing — in comparison with the incarnation of the service’s 5G community that depends on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing between LTE and 5G, the testing and evaluation agency says. Learn the main points right here.
The put up Check and Measurement: GTS, Toyo type new US-based, pureplay OTA take a look at firm appeared first on RCR Wi-fi Information.


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Chicago will allow vaccinated youth to print their own NFTs as part of the COVID-19 prevention effort.
The Face Forward Project, a COVID-19 prevention effort focused on vaccination, turns the portrait of vaccinated youth into NFT.
According to the Chicago government statement, the project aims to reward young people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Teens will be able to NFT print their portraits to keep in a secondary market or resell later. NFT multimedia platform VAST will give NFT to young people who choose to participate, and each NFT will include an excerpt from the work of Chicago-based musician Keith Harris.
While NFTs have been used to increase charitable donations, this seems to be one of the first times digital collectibles have been used to reward public health initiatives, particularly those opposing the coronavirus pandemic.
Risk Disclosure: The articles and articles on Arover.net do not constitute investment advice. Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets, and you should do your due diligence and do your own research before investing in these currencies.


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By Christine Persaud published 1 day ago
You might finally truly be able to leave your physical wallet at home.
(Image credit: Google)
Can I store my driver’s license in Google Wallet?
Best answer: Yes, but not yet. The new version of Google Wallet will include support for digital IDs, including digital driver’s licenses. However, support will vary depending on state and other local legislation, and no official partnerships have yet been confirmed. But the technology is there to permit the feature.
What is the difference between Google Wallet and Google Pay?
Google Wallet and Google Pay are effectively the same thing, with Google Wallet being the new branding for Google Pay in many countries. Though in the U.S., Google Wallet and Google Pay will continue to co-exist as two separate services.
Yes, it’s a bit confusing. But we’ll break it down. Introduced at Google I/O in May 2022, the companion Google Wallet app is designed to function similarly to the Apple Wallet on iPhones, storing digital versions of store payment and loyalty cards, event passes and virtual tickets, digital IDS, flight boarding passes, transit cards, vaccination cards, and more. With some cars that support digital car keys, those can be stored in Google Wallet in the future as well. Of course, Google Wallet will also store credit and debit cards to support mobile payments. Google says it is also working on adding features like hotel and office keys.
Google Pay, which launched in the U.S. in 2022 (and was merged with Android Pay in 2018), will continue to function in the country as a standalone tap payment method, which can be accessed from compatible mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. For other countries, Google Pay will simply be integrated into the newly updated Wallet app.
Google Wallet is set to be available sometime in summer 2022 on a variety of Android devices, which should likely include all of the best Android phones. All Google has said to date is that the feature is “coming soon” noting that the company is in talks with over 40 countries to launch the app. This includes working with governments, though there are no confirmed details as to which states or governments will officially sign on.RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU…CLOSEhttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.517.2_en.html#goog_4076118880 seconds of 2 minutes, 53 secondsVolume 0% PLAY SOUND
How will driver’s license support work in Google Wallet?
It’s unclear how the driver’s license support will work once it is officially approved in various states, cities, and countries. There’s also no specified timeline as to when this feature might launch anywhere, so it’s just a waiting game at this point.
Why store your driver’s license in Google Wallet?
Having a digital driver’s license means being able to leave your physical wallet at home, having instant access to the ID versus frantically searching through your wallet, purse, or glove compartment, and being able to display ID quickly and efficiently.
The primary concern is privacy and security, making sure that such sensitive data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands or lead to identity theft. A user’s personal information needs to be protected such that a digital driver’s license can’t be hacked or digitally altered in any way. If all these humps are overcome, there’s real value in being able to store your driver’s license digitally.
Granted, there would also need to be a focus on keeping the device charged up at all times or having a failsafe feature that could display the license, even when the phone is turned off or not connected.
Google Wallet app
Google Wallet is a reinvention of Google Pay that combines mobile payment capabilities from connected debit and credit cards with a single spot to store digital versions of store loyalty and payment apps, vaccination cards, events tickets, boarding passes, and more, so you can truly leave the wallet at hom


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I’ve contended that the business model of the major US airlines is broken. Traditionally businesses work to try to deliver the best possible product at the lowest possible price. United, Delta, and American are working hard to make their products worse in order to get customers to pay more money to avoid it.
To the extent it works it all it’s because consumers lack options, airlines are so heavily regulated that there’s little room to compete on anything other than price. And government protects airlines from new entrants that might make things better.
Even so airline stocks aren’t good growth investments. US airlines are buying back shares because they don’t have productive uses to deploy capital profitably. Even though Doug Parker says American Airlines will never lose money again Doug Parker ain’t E.F. Hutton.
When I predicted that United Airlines would lose money rolling out Basic Economy — offering less to consumers at the same price than other airlines were offering — several commenters told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. United lost hundreds of millions of dollars. And Warren Buffett lost over a billion dollars last quarter on his airline investments.
United will continue with Basic Economy, albeit no longer doing some stupid things like requiring a buy up to people paying $1000 one way fares in order to select a seat, because American is willing to play the Greater Fool and stop offering better value to customers. We’ll see if that’s enough, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska still offer more at the same price as United.
Warren Buffet once famously said,
If a capitalist had been present at Kitty Hawk back in the early 1900s, he should have shot Orville Wright. He would have saved his progeny money.
But seriously, the airline business has been extraordinary. It has eaten up capital over the past century like almost no other business because people seem to keep coming back to it and putting fresh money in.
You’ve got huge fixed costs, you’ve got strong labor unions and you’ve got commodity pricing. That is not a great recipe for success.
Later this month American Airlines will launch service with its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, featuring the tightest seating ever offered by a major US airline in economy. They assure that we won’t feel the reduced room because seats will have less padding, offsetting leg room. And we’ll have more space at shoulder height too because of the lack of inflight entertainment screens. Other passengers won’t be leaning into your space as much either, because the seats recline less.
Warren Buffett recovered from his once upon a time investment in US Air debt long enough to invest in the airlines again. But his recent investment in major airlines, having lost over a billion dollars last quarter, is not at this point proof that they’re good investments, or validation that their managements are running good businesses.


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JB Hi-Fi chief Richard Murray says record low interest rates have been both a help and a hindrance for retailers, encouraging shoppers to spend more while stoking fears about the strength of the economy.
Mr Murray said confidence had improved since the federal election but consumers remained cautious and it was difficult to isolate whether stimulus in the form of record low interest rates and tax offsets was a positive or a negative.
"I think people are definitely more confident post the election – interest rates are low and property prices have stabilised – but it does feel still there is uncertainty," Mr Murray told The Australian Financial Review after the annual meeting on Thursday.
"The interest rate cuts are helpful but people also go 'why are interest rates so low at the moment – the economy must be doing it hard', and that can influence sentiment."
Same-store sales in JB Hi-Fi's Australian stores rose 3.7 per cent in the September quarter, the strongest growth for more than a year, fuelled by demand for new iphones and Samsung phones. This followed a 3.2 per cent increased in July and a 2.8 per cent rise in the June-half of 2019.
Demand also picked up in New Zealand, with same-store sales rising 3.8 per cent in the first quarter after falling 0.3 per cent in July and rising 1.9 per cent in the June quarter.
Momentum also improved at The Good Guys, despite sluggish demand for appliances, with same-store sales down 1.8 per cent in the first quarter after falling 3.4 per cent in July.
The trading update came as a relief to investors following profit warnings last week from Nick Scali and radio network owner Southern Cross. JB Hi-Fi shares rose 6 per cent to $36.22, taking gains this year to 68 per cent.
"We have all our ducks in a row to make sure we execute Christmas well."
— Richard Murray
Mr Murray reaffirmed guidance for total sales to grow 2.2 per cent to about $7.25 billion this year – $4.84 billion from JB Hi-Fi's Australian stores, $240 million from New Zealand and $2.18 billion from The Good Guys.
This follows a 3.5 per cent increase in sales to $7.09 billion and a 7.1 per cent rise in net profit to $249.8 in 2019.
Mr Murray gave no profit guidance, saying the company preferred to trade through Christmas before giving earnings guidance.
"In JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, we believe we have two unique and relevant brands, particularly in the eyes of our customers.
"With a customer-focused business model built on a diverse product offering, deep relationships with our suppliers, a high-quality multi-channel offer and exceptional customer service, we are confident we will maintain our market leading competitive position."
The retailer avoided a first strike against its remuneration report, even though proxy advisory firm ISS Governance Services and the Australian Shareholders' Association recommended shareholders vote against it, citing "inferior" disclosure and lack of performance conditions for a new "variable reward" incentive scheme.
About 17.3 per cent of shares voted were against the remuneration report – just short of the 25 per cent needed to record a first strike – after a 21.7 per cent protest vote in 2018.
About 17 per cent of shares were voted against the issue of 51,723 restricted shares to Mr Murray under the variable reward plan, which combines long and short-term incentives in an attempt to simplify remuneration.
Mr Murray said the board was comfortable the variable reward program was "fit for purpose" but would take on board shareholder feedback.
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Microsoft just made a strategic investment of undisclosed size in Move Networks, a startup that helps companies offer high-definition video on the web. The funding should help promote Move Networks’ integration with Microsoft’s Silverlight platform.
The American Fork, Utah-based startup says its technology encodes high-quality video and cuts down on buffering delays. Microsoft, meanwhile, has found some high-profile uses for its relatively new technology Silverlight, including the online broadcasts of the Beijing Olympics. You can already see the combination of Silverlight and Move’s technology in the videos posted on the official website of the Democratic National Convention, which started today. (Of course, it’s a bit of a drag that you need to install not one, but two different players to watch official DNC videos.) Apparently, Silverlight will allow customers to add branding and other interactive elements to Move’s videos.
Move Networks has already lined up some impressive partners, including ABC, ESPN.com and Fox, and promises more Silverlight integrations in the future. Microsoft is joining Move’s $46 million third round, which was announced in April and included Benchmark Capital, Cisco, Comcast Interactive Media and Televisa.
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The EU’s competition chief Margrethe Vestager is taking a second shot at forcing Amazon, the world’s biggest retailer, to redesign its website in a way that’s fairer for small vendors, after her first settlement deal in July flopped.
The European Commission’s antitrust police are locked in a long-running battle with Amazon over how to rejig the website in a manner that ensures smaller vendors can compete fairly with products directly sold by the e-commerce giant itself.
The competition problem Vestager is trying to crack is whether Amazon is abusing its ubiquitous presence as a platform to give undue prominence in web displays to its own goods — or those sold by companies with special arrangements with Amazon — to the detriment of independent rivals. The Danish enforcer is probing how the company uses non-public data to design products that compete with those of sellers. She also studying whether there is unfair self-preferencing in how Amazon features sellers in its ‘Add to Cart’ feature, otherwise known as the ‘Buy Box’ button.
A first attempt to close the Commission’s twin investigations into Amazon’s practices failed in July when a settlement offer was slammed by campaigners as “vague and full of loopholes.” Vestager told POLITICO last month that there had been “room for improvement” in the initial deal it struck with the U.S. tech giant.
Now she’s having a second go. Last week, Brussels circulated a revised settlement offer to market rivals and customers, according to two people who spoke to POLITICO on condition of anonymity because the process is shrouded in confidentiality.
The fundamental logic of the improvements suggested in this second attempt is to ensure users of Amazon can find products from third-party sellers more easily, rather than having to scroll further down the page to find a deal they’d like to snap up. This will include a secondary Buy Box that will be presented more prominently, and without wording that may turn shoppers off. A classic example of such negative wording is an offer marked with “Willing to wait?” which would be a way to deter buyers.
It now remains to be seen whether Amazon’s rivals and civil society groups will be impressed by this second attempt at a website rejig by Vestager and Amazon.
This is Brussels’ most advanced Big Tech probe and has been on the desks of EU competition enforcers since 2020, when the Commission issued a charge sheet against Amazon for using non-public data garnered from third-party sales on its platform — such as items selling well — to start designing its own products and competing directly with vendors.
At the same time, officials also launched a probe into Amazon’s Buy Box, which has also been subject to a record €1.13 billion fine for similar concerns from the Italian competition authority last year.
Vestager previously faced off against Amazon as part of a high-profile case in which Brussels took aim at the company’s tax benefits in Luxembourg, characterizing them as a form of illegal state aid. The EU courts however struck out the Vestager’s findings, pouring criticism over the Commission’s analysis.
A settlement deal between the Commission and Amazon this time around would help Vestager avoid a potentially bruising legal battle with one of the world’s most powerful organizations while also protecting Amazon from future damages claims for the practices being probed.
A Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday that it was currently “reviewing all comments by stakeholders with respect to the proposed commitments.” An Amazon spokesperson said it would continue to “engage constructively with the Commission to address their concerns.”


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Signe Wilkinson, The Philadelphia Daily News
So the euphemism is "Pre-Black Friday Sales." That's new-speak for "Forget About Thanks, Forget About Family, Forget About Tradition, Get Your Fannies Out of the House on Thanksgiving and Go Shopping." Yep, just add another shopping day to that calendar before Christmas as more and more stores are opening on what used to be a uniquely uncommercial holiday.
The turkey's not the only thing going cold as the world turns away from that specialness. A CJ news story earlier this week told of a woman whose family got up and left the Thanksgiving table mid-meal last year to go to the mall.
Almost as bad as the rude rush for bargains at the cost of everything else is the other bummer: Being left with that load of dishes to do on one's own.


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Unilever's refillable Cif trigger-spray bottles come with concentrated units that, when mixed with water, produce the equivalent of 10 bottles of the cleaning product. "Our research shows that two-thirds of us feel guilty when we throw away plastic ... By keeping a bottle of Cif and refilling and reusing it over and over again, consumers can reduce their consumption of single-use plastic," says Unilever's Gemma Cleland.
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This new smartphone, including the larger Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, are launching in three colors around the globe, including in the US, UK, Europe and Australia.
While more options could follow the launch, you'll find the official colors below for the S9 and S9 Plus.
The S9 and S9 Plus are guaranteed to arrive day-one around the globe with the Midnight Black color variant available. While not the color that best shows off the curves of Samsung’s lush, modern smartphone, it’s a trusty option that looks good in just about any Samsung Galaxy S9 case, and works to make the Super AMOLED display really pop out.
The S9 and S9 Plus will be launching in a brand new color: Lilac Purple. This option is like if Orchid Grey added one more drop of purple to the mix. It’s got a soft look that adds to the already-premium design of the Galaxy S9.
This color option debuted in the US for the S8 and S8 Plus in July 2017 – three months after the official launch of the phones. But it's now available day-one around the world.
While not the preferred option for those hoping for a gold or silver variant, Coral Blue looks stunning nevertheless.


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Oculus Rift Helps Dying Woman Experience Outside World Again
Image courtesy of: Art of Pri
While the Oculus Rift has been known for its unique virtual gaming experience, it’s the future of virtual reality that is going to open doors to new possibilities, and experiences beyond just entertainment.
If you have not imagined the positive benefits and impact that this new technology will eventually have on the lives of others, then maybe this story reported by The Rift Arcade will help change your mind.
After being diagnosed with cancer and several months of radiation treatment, Roberta Firstenberg, was told she only had a few months to live. The hard battle with cancer had become difficult and made Roberta too weak to walk around, and experience life outdoors as she once had before.
Her granddaughter, Priscilla (“Pri”) – a video game artist, who realized the immersive possibilities the Oculus Rift could bring, took a chance by reaching out to the Oculus customer support team to express her grandmother’s wish to experience the outside world again. The team quickly responded to her heartfelt note and decided to send an Oculus Rift Dev Kit (DK1).
With the use of the Oculus Rift, Roberta was able to experience the feeling to walk and explore the beauty of the outside world. Priscilla had loaded up a Tuscany Villa demo, that came complete with virtual trees, butterflies, and a two-story Tuscan villa overlooking a seaside cliff.
“I can’t believe it,” Roberta expressed as she recounts her immersive, and therapeutic experience using the Oculus Rift for the first time. Roberta goes on to say, “I mean, you hear about things that like that, and you think you’re all prepared for it, and it’s like dropping into a mirage…into a new life…it’s beautiful…it’s awe-inspiring.”
Roberta also experimented with trying Google Street View on the Oculus Rift, which coincidentally captured a photo of herself waving to the Street View car as it was driving by years ago.
Priscilla had her own plans to create a special VR experience for her grandmother, which would include a forest full of butterflies, waterfalls, and fairies. Unfortunately, Roberta’s condition worsened shortly after, and she passed away four weeks later.
The future of virtual reality will not only entertain, but shed new hope in ways to inspire, and help people. The possibilities are almost limitless, and Roberta’s story is just the beginning of many.


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SEOUL -- Hyundai Motor will increase production capacity 50% at a domestic commercial-vehicle factory, enhancing competitiveness in a market segment the South Korean automaker was relatively slow to enter.
The facility in Jeonju, Jeolla Province, can now turn out 65,000 vehicles a year. Hyundai will boost capacity to an annual 100,000 units by 2020 for a projected total of 400 billion won ($367 million). This will strengthen its ability to produce such commercial vehicles as trucks and buses.
Hyundai will also work to develop high-end products for markets it has not adequately cultivated until now, such as Western Europe and North America. It decided to make the large-scale domestic investment in anticipation of global commercial-vehicle demand rising 27% to 3.96 million units a year by 2020.


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The coronavirus pandemic prompted millions of people to start ordering groceries online, but the trend appeared to leave out many seniors, who represent a market projected to be worth $84 billion by 2030 but who don't yet feel comfortable with online grocery shopping. Grocers are exploring new ways to serve seniors better, both online and in-store, such as offering online buying guides and using personalized grocery shelves.
Buehler's Fresh Foods, an Ohio-based independent grocer, is using a new feature on its website that allows customers to choose the best times to shop based on traffic at any one of the grocer's 13 stores. The color charts are based on sales from the previous week and projected in three-hour segments so shoppers can plan their trips at times when there are fewer customers, making it easier to practice social distancing.
The coronavirus pandemic is driving more than just sales of toilet paper and meat, with consumers stocking up on supplements and vitamins to help them stay healthy during the outbreak. The latest figures for the four weeks ending March 29 show vitamin sales jumped 56.7% year over year, with single-letter vitamins showing a 92% sales increase and liquid supplement sales soaring by 119%, according to IRI.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors wrote to Vice President Mike Pence last month after the administration suggested manufacturers ship coronavirus-related products directly to end users instead of through distributor supply chains. NAW has also advised member companies on federal guidelines regarding essential companies, including a template that companies can send to state governments to self-identify as essential, says NAW Chief Government Relations Officer Jade West.
Electronic data interchange systems have various functions, including purchase orders, advance ship notices and remittance, that can be useful to distributors dealing with disruption, writes Tom Guzik, director of digital integration services at IDEA.
Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International, parent of Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Burger King, said it won't request wage subsidies for corporate employees under a Canadian plan designed to help companies hurt by the coronavirus outbreak. The decision doesn't apply to its franchisees.
Sweden-based H&M has secured a £862 million revolving credit line with existing lenders to raise cash during the coronavirus outbreak. The retailer also said it is working with other fashion companies to support garment workers in Bangladesh.
Orders at China's factories have been falling amid the pandemic and new cases in China recently are raising new concerns for manufacturers. More than 61% of China's manufacturers have seen their export orders fall to below 50% of their normal levels and only 9% are at 80% of their usual total, according to a report by the China National Textile and Apparel Council.
India's e-commerce companies are expected to hire thousands of more employees and gear up for at least six months of growth as consumers continue to stay home to avoid the coronavirus. Traditional retailers and restaurant companies are also hiring and training store employees to fulfill online orders.
Fish weight, smish weight, one home cook said -- until she watched her chef husband cook with one. The stainless steel model made by Josh Niland is the household favorite for foods from crisp-skinned fish to grilled cheese sandwiches to crushed Yukon gold potatoes.