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Virtual Reality News Roundup: VR Flakes April 15, 2023
Welcome to this week's issue of the VR Flakes Newsletter. Our goal is to deliver the best virtual reality news from the week, all in one place. Get this delivered to your inbox every Saturday along with a surprise inside. Subscribe below on mobile or on the right if you’re on a desktop.
This week's VR Flakes Newsletter is packed with exciting news from the virtual reality world. We've got exciting updates on new software, interesting projects, and how the industry is evolving. So keep reading to find out more about these exciting developments
Meta introduces the Segment Anything Model
The future of augmented reality just got a lot more exciting with the introduction of Meta's new Segment Anything Model. This technology aims to revolutionize computer-vision-based object segmentation, which is the ability for computers to understand the difference between individual objects in an image or video. With this capability, an AR system can have a more comprehensive understanding of the world around the user, making the overall experience much more useful.
Object segmentation is the process of identifying and separating objects in an image or video. With the help of AI, this process can be automated, making it possible to identify and isolate objects in real time. Having a reliable and fast segmentation system that can identify each object in the room around the user will be critical to unlocking tons of AR use cases.
One of the biggest challenges for object segmentation is having a large enough set of images for the systems to learn from. Meta's Segment Anything Model addresses this issue by providing a general segmentation model that can identify any object in any image or video, even for objects and image types that it didn't see during training. SAM allows for both automatic and interactive segmentation, giving users control over what the system is attempting to identify at any given moment.
Part of SAM's impressive abilities come from its training data, which contains a massive 10 million images and 1 billion identified object shapes. This is far more comprehensive than contemporary datasets, according to Meta, giving SAM much more experience in the learning process and enabling it to segment a broad range of objects.
The release of this massive training dataset will accelerate research into an image and video understanding. Meta hopes that the SAM model can be used as a component in larger systems, enabling versatile applications in areas like AR, content creation, scientific domains, and general AI systems. It's exciting to see how this technology will shape the future of AR and computer vision.
RizzGPT: real-time charisma powered by AR
The future is here, and it's full of innovative technological solutions such as RizzGPT. Developed by a group of student researchers from Stanford University, RizzGPT is the real-time Charisma as a Service (CaaS) that combines augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to generate natural responses in real time.
The RizzGPT device is a pair of glasses that listens to your conversations using OpenAI's automatic speech recognition tool, Whisper. The device then generates responses using OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 chatbot software. These responses are layered over the user's real-world environment using Brilliant Labs' Brilliant Monocle, a hackable AR lens that can be clipped onto any pair of consumer glasses.
The result is a communication assistance device that can deliver knowledge on virtually any topic up until 2021 at a moment's notice. It's like having a knowledgeable friend in your ear at all times. As Bryan Hau-Ping Chiang, one of the members of the student research team, pointed out, the system could prove useful in a number of high-stress scenarios.
RizzGPT is a unique technological solution that has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate and access information. It's exciting to see the potential of AR and AI technology combined in such an innovative way.
Instant VR: John Carmack’s vision
In the newest episode of Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth's podcast, John Carmack, a VR expert, and independent AI researcher shared his technical and strategic insights on virtual reality. Carmack had a decade-long run helping shape the direction of VR development at Oculus and advising executives at Facebook before formally leaving Meta in December to focus on developing Artificial General Intelligence. However, he still refers to himself as part of the effort, and Bosworth jokingly refers to him as a "permanent member" of the team.
During the podcast, Carmack discussed Meta's shortcomings in VR and provided advice to Bosworth. They covered new ground from previously published discussions, including more detail on the decision to shut down Echo VR and a balanced look at how the main features of Star Trek's Holodeck may be achievable in technology's future. Carmack even provided a breakdown of exactly what Neural Radiance Fields could offer VR, making the entire podcast worth a listen.
Carmack's vision of Instant VR is one of his most significant contributions to the VR world. It's the idea of using VR as a window into the real world, providing a seamless way to interact with others and our surroundings. The technology used for Instant VR will require high-resolution cameras and advanced software to process the images in real-time accurately. While the idea of Instant VR seems far off from our current technology, Carmack believes that it is a possibility in the near future.
John Carmack's expertise in VR and AI has been an invaluable asset to the development of VR technology. His continued involvement and advice will undoubtedly shape future advancements in VR technology and bring us closer to achieving his vision of Instant VR.
Smart contact lenses maker raises funds for Micro-LED Displays for XR
Smart contact lens maker, Mojo Vision, recently raised $22.4 million in a Series A investment round. The funds will be used to develop and commercialize micro-LED display technology for consumer, enterprise, and government applications. This comes after the company had to put its smart contact lenses on hold and downsize its workforce by 75%. Before this round, Mojo Vision had already amassed $205 million in outside investment, with its most recent in January 2022 bringing in $45 million.
Mojo Vision's new focus is on displays for AR/VR, automotive, light field, large format displays, and others that require high-performance micro-LED displays. The company is developing its own High-Performance Quantum Dot (HPQD) technology to make a "very small, very bright, very efficient RGB pixel". The company is boasting a number of advances in its proprietary technology, including dynamic displays with up to 28,000 ppi, efficient blue micro-LED devices at sub-μm scale, high-efficiency quantum dot ink for red and green, high brightness at 1M+ nits, and a display system that incorporates an optimized CMOS backplane, wafer-to-wafer bonding, and custom micro-lens optics.
Mojo Vision's prototype smart contacts made use of its own in-house displays, which at the time included a monochrome display capable of over 14,000 pixels per inch (ppi). Mojo Vision's new CEO, Dr. Nikhil Balram, is said to bring semiconductor and display technology expertise to the company.
Preventing wildfires with VR technology
Preventing wildfires is a crucial endeavor, and now there is a new tool in the fight against them: VR technology. Immersive technology is being used to train pilots thanks to companies like Intellic Technologies. This is just one example of how VR technology can be used to prevent and fight wildfires.
A new partnership between Becker Support Services and Anchor Flank & Pinch has formed a company called Intellic Technologies. This new venture is dedicated to providing various organizations with safe and efficient wildland fire training using immersive technology. They are using wildland fire simulation software and other training services to create a new way to train pilots.
The FS3D virtual wildland training hardware and software is a crucial part of this technology. It provides pilots with hyper-realistic training scenarios featuring VR and mixed reality technology, photo-realistic imagery, and scientific fire growth modeling. According to Intellic Technologies, the FS3D wildland fire training simulator is designed for aerial and ground support companies, government agencies, and U.S. ally wildfire organizations.
Thanks to these developments in VR technology, we may be able to prevent more wildfires in the future. By providing pilots with realistic training scenarios, they will be better equipped to handle challenging fire situations. This new technology from Intellic Technologies may be a game-changer in the fight against wildfires.
The new 3D display from Sony doesn't need AR/VR gear
Sony's latest addition to its Spatial Reality Display lineup, the ELF-SR2, is set to launch next month. The 27-inch 4K display promises an immersive 3D experience without the need for additional hardware like augmented reality glasses or a virtual reality headset. The device features an improved vision sensor and several image quality-enhancing technologies, making it suitable for use by architects, engineers, and software or game developers, among others.
What's more, the ELF-SR2 comes with facial tracking technology and a wide viewing angle to ensure consistent 3D content viewing from different vantage points. It is compatible with Unity and Unreal Engine SDKs and supports development using Open GL and DirectX11/12, with OpenXR support coming later this year.
To explore compatible applications and relevant use cases and studies, Sony has launched the new Spatial Reality Display App Select website. Users can also easily display their 3D projects using the Spatial Reality Display Player app.
The device is designed to be easily transportable and is compatible with several PCs. It retails for $5,000 and is available in the United States and Canada from May. Interested individuals can check it out in person at the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, or the Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Santa Clara, California, from May 31 to June 2. With this new device, Sony is taking a step forward in delivering an immersive and convenient 3D experience.
Introducing the Seamless Walk: A genius carpet that harnesses the power of pressure sensors and machine learning tech!
The future of virtual reality is looking brighter and more innovative every day. One exciting development comes in the form of the Seamless Walk system, which could potentially revolutionize the way we move in VR. This experimental foot-based movement system eliminates the need for additional wearables and body-tracking camera technologies, instead utilizing pressure sensors and machine learning technology embedded in an intelligent carpet. Developed by a research team based out of South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, the Seamless Walk system offers a more natural in-headset experience while also being scalable and inexpensive.
The technology works by tracking the movement of your feet in real-time, measuring foot pressure inputs that are then fed into a machine learning model. This model estimates the angle of your body and your general movement speed, translating the data into realistic virtual movements. The research team tested the technology with a group of 80 participants and found that the Seamless Walk system "outperforms" existing VR locomotion systems.
In addition to gaming, the Seamless Walk system has potential applications in healthcare as well. The technology offers a new way for patients to receive physical therapy in a virtual environment, allowing for more accurate tracking of movements and progress. Moving forward, the research team plans to continue expanding the system with additional features and use cases, propelling virtual reality technology to new heights
Catch CS 2 matches in VR soon!
Catch CS 2 matches in VR soon! That's right, Counter-Strike fans, get ready to experience the iconic video game series in an entirely new way. Virtex, an ambitious virtual event platform, has partnered with Skybox Technologies to bring Valve's immensely-popular multiplayer first-person shooter series to Virtex Stadiums. This includes Counter-Strike: Global Offensive as well as the upcoming sequel, Counter-Strike 2.
Virtex Stadium promises to immerse fans in their favorite live esports events like never before. Powered by VR technology, custom 3D arenas create an immersive experience that puts users in the stands or directly on the battlefield where they can inspect every play from virtually any angle.
The partnership with Skybox Technologies means that later this year, certain users will be able to view select Counter-Strike events in VR. They can even access the lobby area, complete with a lounge and main hall, where users can chat with other esports fans, play games, and search for hidden interactions. Virtex has worked closely with Skybox to integrate maps, gameplay features, and map control options to offer the most flexible experience possible.
There's no official release date for Virtex Stadium yet, but interested users can join the waitlist for a chance to participate in the closed beta. Virtex hopes to kick things off later this year with specific Counter-Strike events. Get your VR headset or Windows PC ready for an immersive esports experience like no other.
Join the closed-Beta here.
VR game new releases and updates you should check out this weekend
1. Kill It With Fire VR
Released: April 13, 2023
Looking for a new way to deal with your fear of spiders? Look no further than the latest virtual reality game from Casey Donnellan Games. Kill It With Fire puts players in a first-person perspective as they embark on the ultimate spider-killing spree.
This unique experience is sure to delight gamers and arachnophobes alike, providing an exciting and therapeutic way to conquer your fear of spiders. With realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, you'll feel as though you're actually in the room with these creepy crawlies.
And the best part? You can do it all without any risk of harm. Let your inner exterminator run wild and take control of your fear with Kill It With Fire VR.
2. Call of the Sea VR
Released: April 13, 2023
Virtual reality enthusiasts have a new game to look forward to with Call of the Sea VR. Developed by Out of the Blue and published by Raw Fury, Call of the Sea VR relies on puzzle-solving over combat. It transports players back to the 1930s, telling the story of Norah Everhart, whose family suffers from a mysterious illness. You play as Norah, who is tasked with investigating her husband Harry’s disappearance on a South Pacific island near Otaheite (Tahiti) after he vanished while searching for a cure. Armed only with his photo and island coordinates to work with, Norah sets off on an “otherworldly tale of mystery and love.”
Initially launched for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, Call of the Sea was first released in 2020. It was well-received by critics and players alike, earning a BAFTA nomination for Debut Game in 2021, and winning Best Immersive Game at the 2022 Raindance Immersive Awards. The VR adaptation of the game doesn’t appear to deviate much from the original flatscreen release, beyond expected additions like motion controls and 360-degree immersive environments. If you’re a fan of exploring immersive worlds and solving puzzles, make sure to add Call of the Sea VR to your must-play list.
3. Eye of the Temple
In development for Quest
Released by indie developer Rune Skovbo Johansen on SteamVR headsets in 2021, Eye of the Temple is a VR puzzle game unlike any other. The game's innovative locomotion style lets you explore a massive temple complex with your own two feet, as you solve puzzles and navigate moving platforms of all shapes and sizes.
What sets Eye of the Temple apart from other VR puzzle games is the game's use of physical space. Unlike other games where you move using a joystick, Eye of the Temple requires players to physically walk and jump within a 2x2m area to progress through the game.
This style of locomotion adds a level of immersion that is rarely seen in VR games, as players must use their own bodies to solve puzzles and traverse the temple complex.
Eye of the Temple has received critical acclaim for its unique take on VR gameplay and has become a fan favorite among puzzle game enthusiasts. If you're looking for a VR game that will truly transport you to another world, Eye of the Temple is definitely worth checking out.
4. Star Wars: Jedi Outcast
Team Beef's new mod
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is getting a major upgrade thanks to a new mod that introduces motion-controlled lightsabers and gesture-based Force abilities. Thanks to a new port from Team Beef, players can now experience the iconic 2002 first-and-third-person adventure game in VR on Meta Quest and Pico 4 headsets. Built using OpenXR, the JK XR – Jedi Knight II: Outcast VR Port faithfully recreates the original Force-driven experience, complete with full motion-controlled lightsabers, gesture-based saber throws, collision-based laser deflections, and gestured-based Force abilities. Players can even access a range of new fully-modeled VR weapons to take down their enemies in style.
In addition to the fully-modeled VR weapons, the game also features VR weapon/Force wheels and gesture-based use/interact options. Players can use a variety of different gesture-based Force actions, including push, pull, and grab, to interact with the game world and take down any enemies that stand in their way. The game also has in-game menu tutorial videos and a cheat menu (hidden in the Datapad) to help players get the most out of their experience.
To make the game even more accessible for players, there is even a companion app available for streamlined mod download. Overall, this new mod is a must-have for any Star Wars fan looking to immerse themselves even further into the action-packed world of Jedi Outcast.
That's a wrap! This week's VR Flakes were a blast, and we hope they left you buzzing with excitement. Now it's your turn to join the conversation! What's your take on the latest VR news and updates? Share your ideas and feedback with us, and let's keep the VR family thriving. Get ready for even more mind-blowing VR content next week. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring! Ciao for now VR folks!


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Apple will reportedly soon be unveiling new AirPod case with wireless charging built-in. This will allow the case and the AirPods to be charged wirelessly when they are placed on the AirPower, the wireless charger from Apple due for unveiling anytime now. But what about existing AirPod owners? Does Apple expect them to throw away their existing case and buy a new one?
A new Kickstarter campaign aims to solve this problem by adding wireless charging capability to your existing AirPods case.
Made from silicone and called the PowerPod case, it fits around the AirPods case and adds wireless charging functionality to it. The silicone case in itself is very thin and yet packs all the necessary circuits and gadgetry to support Qi wireless charging. However, to ensure that the power is transmitted to your AirPods case, you need to connect the flush lightning cable from the PowerPod case to the AirPod case. Then, the copper coil installed in the back of the case transfers energy from the charging pad to the AirPod case.
If you are impressed by the concept of PowerPod case, you should head over to Kickstarter and consider backing its campaign. The campaign has so far received support from 359 backers to amass a total of $10,271 which is still a fair bit less than its total goal of $22,000. There’s still another 30 days to go for the campaign to reach its end so there’s still plenty of time and hope for the project.
What do you think about the PowerPod case? While its an interesting concept for sure, do remember that it will add a certain degree of thickness to your AirPods carrying case which might not be appreciated by everyone. Do you plan on backing the PowerPod case campaign on Kickstarter? Drop a comment and let us know!

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A judge rejected an effort by New York’s attorney general to put the National Rifle Association out of business, but will allow her lawsuit accusing top executives of illegally diverting tens of millions of dollars from the powerful gun advocacy organization to proceed, the Associated Press reports. Manhattan Judge Joel Cohen said allegations of NRA officials' misspending on personal trips, no-show contracts and other questionable expenditures can be addressed by other remedies, such as fines and restitution, and do not warrant the “corporate death penalty” that Attorney General Letitia James sought. James’ lawsuit, filed in August 2020, tells “a grim story of greed, self-dealing, and lax financial oversight” at the NRA’s highest levels, but it does not allege that financial misconduct benefited the organization or harmed the public, or that the NRA is incapable of “continuing its legitimate activities on behalf of its millions of members,” Cohen wrote.
The judge raised concerns that shutting down the NRA could impinge the free speech and assembly rights of its millions of members. Nevertheless, he said, James’ lawsuit can continue against the NRA, its longtime leader Wayne LaPierre, and three men who have served as NRA executives. LaPierre, who has been in charge of the NRA’s day-to-day operations since 1991, is accused in the lawsuit of spending millions on private travel and personal security and accepting expensive gifts — such as African safaris and use of a 107-foot yacht — from vendors. He is also accused of setting himself up with a $17 million contract with the NRA if he were to exit the organization, spending NRA money on travel consultants, luxury car services, and private jet flights for himself and his family — including more than $500,000 on eight trips to the Bahamas over a three-year span.


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Five years after its first and only appearance, the world’s biggest Call of Duty fan event is finally coming back.
Activision announced today that Call of Duty XP 2016 will take place in early September during the 2016 Call of Duty World League Championship. It will be open to fans of the game and will take place in Los Angeles, California for three days — September 2 to 4.
As it did back in 2011 when fans celebrated the upcoming launch of Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, COD XP 2016 will deliver news and announcements for Infinity Ward’s new games, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered. Multiplayer for both titles will be playable while Black Ops fans will also get a look at upcoming DLC for Treyarch’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. There’ll also be plenty of live events (Nuketown paintball, anyone?) and, of course, a chance to experience the 2016 Call of Duty World League Championship first-hand.
Those unable to attend will be able to keep up with the action at home by checking out the live streams from the event.
Call of Duty XP 2016 takes place on September 2-4 in Los Angeles, California. Tickets go on sale June 11 at 10AM PST. Keep an eye on the new official website for more details.


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Ascent Media Looks to Uncompressed HD Transport in Big Apple
By Ken Kerschbaumer
In the latest version of “if you build it they will come,” Ascent Media Network Services, that built a video transport facility in New York City capable of moving uncompressed HD signals nearly two years ago, has finally found some customers looking for extra-wide pipes. And more customers are expected soon.
“DirecTV’s HD push has been the apex of HD deployment and now our facility’s full capabilities are being lit up and used,” says Peter Brickman, managing director of content distribution for North America for Ascent Media.
Ascent has equipped the location with an NVision NV8256-Plus expandable digital video router, featuring a 1.5 Gbps switching fabric and 160×160 input/output capacity. The facility also has been fitted with Tektronix WFM700 and WFM7100 series waveform monitors as well as Sony and Marshall HD video monitors to ensure advanced quality control of HD signals.
The companies that have signed on to use the 545 Fifth Avenue location’s uncompressed HD capabilities include Fox News, NBC and All Mobile Video. On July 4, the facility received, HD encoded, and up-linked to satellite a 14-hour uncompressed HD feed produced by NBC’s Peacock Productions in conjunction with The Travel Channel: a live, 4th of July celebration from the National Mall in Washington DC.
“The demand is for HD services and people are thinking twice about trying to get away with doing an event in SD,” says Brickman. “And while 1080p is the Holy Grail because it is the best agnostic format for global distribution the politics of 720pand 1080i has prevented it from getting there—yet.”


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The Silk Railroad of China-Europe Trade
Multinationals operating in China have been setting up factories deep in the interior in search of affordable labor. The drawback: These plants can be more than a thousand kilometers (621 miles) from the coast. For companies exporting to Europe—still one of the largest markets for Chinese goods—shipping by air from Chongqing or other inland cities is too expensive. Trucking or carrying goods by train to the ports of Shanghai or Shenzhen’s Yantian and then shipping them to Western Europe can take 40 days.
For Hewlett-Packard, which produces notebook computers in Chongqing, there’s an alternative: an international freight-train network linking China to Europe. Since 2011, HP has transported 4 million notebook computers along the 11,179-kilometer rail route, inaugurated last year by Chongqing and Chinese train officials. It starts in Chongqing and traverses Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Poland before reaching Duisburg, Germany. A separate line from China’s northeast links up with the Trans-Siberian Railway, which runs 9,288 km from Vladivostok to Moscow.
With plans to transport its inkjet printers by rail as well, HP says it will increase its rail use from an average of one train to 1.5 trains a week in 2013. “We were a pioneer in going to western China, and we are a pioneer in developing this route,” says Tony Prophet, senior vice president of operations for printing and personal systems at HP.
Shipping one container by train costs about $10,000, one-third the price of air transit, Prophet says. Although the train is about twice the cost of shipping by sea, it takes only 21 days for products from a factory in Chongqing to reach Western Europe by rail. The carbon footprint of rail, meanwhile, is about one-thirtieth that of air freight. Electronics companies including Foxconn and Acer, both with factories in Chongqing, are also shipping to Europe by rail, according to Vienna-based freight-forwarder Far East Land Bridge. Acer spokesman Henry Wang confirmed its use of the railroad; Foxconn declined to comment.
BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen are using the rail link to ship auto parts produced in Germany east to their assembly plants in China. “Every empty run costs a lot of money, so you need a balance, east and west,” says Land Bridge Chief Executive Officer Thomas Kargl, adding that his firm is running trains for all of these companies. BMW alone sends three to seven trains a week from Leipzig to China, transporting car parts for its assembly plant in Shenyang.
Other industries tilting toward rail include steel, scrap metal, plastic, and chemicals, says Kargl. DHL and DB Schenker announced the launch of more frequent services last year. DHL has evolved from an overnight service to be a global player in logistics, including rail; it’s owned by Deutsche Post. DB Schenker, another logistics provider, is owned by Deutsche Bahn, the German railroad company.
The Chinese are enthusiastic about the rail connections to Europe. The government is considering financing track construction in its Central Asian neighbors of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, reports the official Xinhua News Agency. Premier Wen Jiabao has referred to the China-Europe rail link as part of a new Silk Road, the land route that connected western China to the eastern Mediterranean for more than a millennium. The Russians like the arrangement, too: Russian Railways, the state railroad, is a shareholder in Far East Land Bridge. “Doing smooth business with the Russians is very important. They control the line,” says Kargl. “If you have their support, you can do it.”
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China is poised to export a significant volume of copper in coming weeks, a relatively infrequent occurrence that underscores a tepid demand recovery in the biggest market.
At least four major smelters are planning to deliver between 23,000 and 45,000 tons of refined copper in total to London Metal Exchange depots in Asia, according to people with knowledge of the sales, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private.
The burst of exports confirms China’s weak economic rebound, with manufacturing and construction still gearing up after Covid-related disruptions over the past year. Market inventories have jumped recently, and a key question is whether the wave of outbound shipments will extend beyond this month.
China imports huge amounts of copper in various forms, but refined metal occasionally flows out when there’s too much domestic supply and not enough elsewhere. Price differentials now make it more lucrative to sell at least some material on the world market.
Some 13,000 tons that appeared in warehouses in Busan, South Korea this month are from Chinese smelters, one of the people said.
China set a growth target for this year of around 5%, widely considered a modest goal as Asia’s biggest economy faces lingering headwinds. A sluggish recovery would be a blow to bullish investors who said a rebound of China’s manufacturing and construction would propel prices higher.
There are some signs that copper demand in the country is picking up. On-exchange inventories have begun to fall and the nation’s manufacturing index for February notched its highest reading in more than a decade. The Chinese smelters have no clear idea about future exports with the domestic outlook remaining uncertain, the people said.
The exported metal is likely to go to LME sheds in South Korea or other Asian locations, and the volumes are in addition to any contracted supplies, the people said.


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Panasonic puts Android on your home phone
Physically, the KRX-PRX120 looks a lot like your standard Android phone. There's a physical home key on the bottom, flanked by an options and back key on either side. The phone has a 3.5-inch touchscreen, but resolution is low, at just 480 by 320 pixels.
Do you want an Android-powered home phone like the new Panasonic KX ...
Panasonic Announces Android-based Landline Phone


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According to the complaint, Apple exploited its monopolistic status as the creator of the iPhone and as the firm in charge of the App Store to "crush" developers competing with it by charging "exploitive fees and selectively applying opaque and arbitrary limits."
Eleftheriou also accused Apple of doing little to curb the stream of fake apps that duped potential users of his software, a swipe-based keyboard for the Apple Watch.
The case was dropped earlier this summer at the request of Eleftheriou's firm, Kpaw.
Eleftheriou told The Verge that he couldn't comment on the deal or his views about it.
It's also changed the auto-renew subscription scheme, which Sean and Eleftheriou both advised should be abolished, with users urged to renew whenever a payment was due.
According to Apple, public pages that explain why apps were removed might be mined for data from firms that monitor the App Store, giving us a general indication of how widespread particular concerns are.


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GENKI SUSHI CO., LTD. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the operation of sushi chain restaurants. The Company is active in two business segments. The Belt-Conveyor Sushi (Kaiten Zushi) segment is engaged in the operation of chain restaurants under the names Genki Sushi, Sushi Ondo, Sakana Bei, Senryo, Tokyo Genki Sushi and Kaisen Nihonkai, among others. The Others segment is involved in the franchise operation of Belt-Conveyor Sushi to the overseas markets, as well as the operation of restaurants excluding Belt-conveyor Sushi. As of March 31, 2010, the Company had one subsidiary and one affiliated company.
China reopens market to live Irish crab Republic of Ireland
Minister of Agriculture of Ireland reached an agreement with a Chinese official on the proposed certificate to accompany consignments of crab exports to the Chinese market, which should facilitate the resumption of the crab trade between both countries.
Microplastics dumped on Atlantic shores reach the Arctic Spain
A study performed by an international team of researchers for the first time outlines the large-scale transport of microplastics from the Atlantic ocean to the Arctic, and highlights the global extent that has reached this problem in just a few decades.


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A BURGLAR was APP-rehended – after computer–savvy staff at the firm he stole more than £5,000 of hi-tech goods from helped police snare him with an online tracking device.
Peter Forshaw took three laptops, two iPads, a mobile phone, a watch and £200 in cash during a raid at insulation installation company Team 42 Ltd. in Jarrow.
But forward-thinking bosses had installed a free computer application – called Find My iPad – to quickly find the location of one of the stolen iPads while police were at the premises carrying out investigations.
When officers arrived at the property, in Beach Road, South Shields, which had been pinpointed, bosses at the firm were able to remotely set off an alarm on the iPad device so it could be easily located.
The iPad, as well as the watch and some of the other stolen items, were then found in a back yard.
Forshaw, 39, of Broughton Road, South Shields, was later arrested by police after forensic reports linked a bag containing some of the goods to him.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, told South Tyneside Magistrates: “Team 42 is based at Royal Industrial Estate, Jarrow.
“On June 26, a staff member found entry had been forced to a first-floor window, and a number of items had been taken from the office to the value of £5,600.
“Police were called and an Apple app was used to locate the iPad to an address on Beach Road.
“An alarm was then set off on the iPad when police arrived, and they found it in the rear yard.”
Forshaw initially denied the burglary before changing his plea to guilty at a court hearing earlier this month.
He was back at court yesterday for sentencing.
He also admitted stealing £42 of razors from Morrisons supermarket in Jarrow, just two days after the burglary.
The court heard that Forshaw had only been released from prison in November for a separate offence.
Valerie Bell, defending, said: “I accept his record isn’t great, and there is a number of previous convictions recorded against him. He has struggled with drink and alcohol problems in the past.
“When he is stable, has work and is in a steady relationship he can stay out of trouble.
“There is a significant gap in offending from 2010 through to 2013.
“Things went wrong when a realtionship ended, culminating with him going to prison last November.
“He has made every effort since his release from prison to sort himself out and has got himself a tenancy.”
She added: “I accept his previous convictions will be taken into account and you may feel the custody threshold has been crossed, but I would invite you to suspend any sentence of imprisonment and impose a community order.
“He has been round the block. He knows if you give him this opportunity and he messes it up, he will go to jail.”
Magistrates took into account a positive pre-sentence report from the probation service when delivering their verdict.
Dave Errington, chairman of the magistrates, told Forshaw: “It would’ve been easy to impose upon you an immediate custodial sentence. However, because your probation report is positive, we are going to suspend your sentence.
“We have given you a chance, it’s entirely up to you now. If you fall foul, then the likelihood is you will be jailed.”
Forshaw was given a 23-week prison sentence for the burglary and four weeks for the shop theft, to run concurrently, with both suspended for 18 months.
He was also handed an 18-month community supervision order and given an electronically-monitored curfew for two months, running from 9pm to 7am daily.
He must also pay compensation of £2,260 to Team 42 for the items not recovered, and £42.38 to Morrisons supermarket for the theft of the razors.


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THURSDAY, Nov. 24, 2021 (HealthDay Information) — CVS Health, Walmart and Walgreens contributed to opioid overdoses and fatalities in two Ohio counties, a federal jury in Cleveland found Tuesday.
The 1st jury verdict in an opioids situation arrived in the carefully watched exam situation and might prove encouraging to plaintiffs in 1000’s of lawsuits across the United States making use of the exact same legal tactic — that the providers contributed to a “community nuisance,” The New York Instances noted.
That argument was turned down this month by judges in California and Oklahoma in scenarios against opioid producers.
The Ohio situation is the 1st time the retail aspect of the drug sector has been held accountable in the U.S. opioid crisis, the Instances noted. CVS Health, Walmart and Walgreens are 3 of the nation’s biggest pharmacy chains.
Pursuing the verdict, the demo decide will make your mind up how a great deal each of the pharmacy chains will have to fork out Lake and Trumbull counties in northeastern Ohio, the Instances noted.
The counties’ attorneys stated the 3 providers turned a blind eye to suspicious opioid orders for a long time. Eventual oversight prerequisites were being “way too minimal, way too late,” stated Mark Lanier, the counties’ direct demo lawyer, the Instances noted.
Overdose fatalities from unlawful opioids have attained document levels through the COVID-19 pandemic, new U.S. federal government facts show, the Instances noted.
Much more information and facts
Visit the Nationwide Institute of Drug Abuse for much more on opioids.
Source: The New York Instances


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Social media users have hit out at a designer duo that showcased hooded tops with names of schools affected by shooting massacres.
Bstroy – co-founded by Brick Owens and Dieter Grams – sent models down the runway in hoodies that read ‘Columbine’, ‘Virginia Tech’, ‘Stoneman Douglas’, and ‘Sandy Hook’ in their show last week, but the move didn’t go down well with many.
The tops were covered in holes, likely to evoke thoughts of bullet holes after 13 were killed at Colorado’s Columbine in 1999, 32 were killed in Blacksburg’s Virginia shooting in 2007, 27 were killed at Newton, Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, and 17 were killed at Parkland, Florida’s Stoneman Douglas High School.
‘Profiting off of tragedy. The dudes who are gonna wearing this hoodie aren’t activists who wanna spread awareness. They’re just tryna flex. It’s all materialism, no activism,’ one person commented on an Instagram image of the clothing.
Brick Owens and Dieter Grams are seen celebrating on the runway after the show in New York
A social media user called the designers ‘trash’ while another called the move ‘repulsive’
However some suggested it was a way for the designers to help the memory of those lost live on.
‘Don’t let them be forgotten bro,’ @zombieboytroy posted.
It prompted another person to suggest those supporting the designs in the Bstroy Season 5 SS20 SAMSARA collection were hypocritical.
The @unwantedcritic said: ‘People who say they need this are the ones who cried about Gucci’s black face and Burberry’s noose. S**ts lame.’
A note from the designers seems to explain their thinking behind the collection.
‘Sometimes life can be painfully ironic. Like the irony of dying violently in a place you considered to be a safe, controlled environment like school,’ it reads. ‘We are reminded all the time of life’s fragility, shortness, and unpredictability yet we are also reminded of its infinite potential. It is this push and pull that creates the circular motion that is the cycle of life.
‘Nirvana is the goal we hope to reach through meditation and healthy practices that counter our destructive habits. Samsara is the cycle we must transcend to reach Nirvana.’
Social media users hit out at the designers, and one called the hoodies ‘absolute garbage’
But it led to more criticism from Instagram users.
Shawn M Sherlock shared an image of herself on Twitter in reply to Owens sharing a photograph of the designers at the end of the showcase.
She commented: ‘This is my professional illustrating 14 year old niece who was murdered in Parkland. She aspired to be a designer like you. You are profiting off her death. Shame on you. Today I wear her designs cause she can’t. Remember her name – Gina Montalto.’
One person posted: ‘Children being mercilessly murdered in their classrooms isn’t a “journey of the soul”. Family members of the victims of these shootings have expressed the pain they felt over this collection. Their voices matter more than whatever pseudo-spiritual message you *thought* you were making.’
The designers attempted to explain their stance in a note for attendees of the show last week
One social media user referenced the Sandy Hook shooting as they told the designers the items were in bad taste
The aunt of a Parkland shooting victim shared this message with Brick Owens on Tuesday
The Atlanta, Georgia designers have suggested they have no choice but to shock with their creations in able to make way in the fashion industry.
‘If you’re from a state below Virginia 100 years ago, 120 years ago, there were slaves. There’s just been so many things that were more important than art, more important than fashion going on here,’ Owens told The Face, which collaborated with them on the show.
‘So if you want to do art, or if you want to be taken seriously in fashion, unfortunately you have to move to New York, Paris, or a city that’s already known for that thing. Or you have to spend your life building an infrastructure but you may never see the benefits of your work.’
Grams told The New York Times, which recently profiled them: ‘We are making violent statements. That’s for you to know who we are, so we can have a voice in the market. But eventually that voice will say things that everyone can wear.’
Bstroy co-founder Dieter Grams posted this cryptic message on Tuesday after the backlash
Brick Owens is pictured with Louis Vuitton Creative Director and Off-White creator, Virgil Abloh, in an Instagram image from January 2018
Brick Owens is pictured with designer Marc Jacobs in an Instagram image from June 12


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Between inflation, low unemployment, and high interest rates, our economic health gives mixed messages. When times get tough, consumers look to brands to provide value, empathy, and sometimes a little levity. Here are five tips for adjusting your marketing message and growing loyalty during stormy weather.
When the pandemic hit, brands pulled back marketing—in part to save money and in part because they thought consumers would find it “insensitive to be positive or even advertise in that time,” said our analyst Paul Verna. “It took a short time for them to realize that it didn’t do any good to just disappear. And in fact, consumers wanted them to continue being present.”
Verna says while this time isn’t like the pandemic, marketers should heed the lessons learned and continue putting out messages. “Brands are just being smarter and more selective about how and where they spend that money,” he said, suggesting investing in channels where you can measure your ROI and understand how your marketing dollars are working for you.
Recognize that your customers are confused by mixed economic messages, which has led to consumers pulling back spending and being more mindful of their budget, said our analyst Suzy Davidkhanian.
You must be more sensitive to consumer preferences, Verna said. Topics like sustainability are a go, but be careful of diving into anything that could turn into a political or social firestorm.
“Consumers are more mindful of how and where they’re spending money and are more mindful of substitutions,” said Davidkhanian. “Value is equated between price and quality. You’re not going to buy a T-shirt that’s $1 that breaks apart in two days. You’re going to buy something that’s $5 but [will] last a little bit longer. There’s a minimum to the dollar part of that value equation, but I do think that it’s a combination and not at the loss of a good experience.”
Davidkhanian says tactics like coupons or cash back if you spend a certain dollar amount can help consumers find value in your brand and also build loyalty.
“I think retailers need to find different ways from a marketing perspective of how [to] get customers to come back and feel like they’re gaming the system and getting a good deal,” Davidkhanian said.
One of the best ways to drive loyalty is with a membership program, Davidkhanian said. But focus on free and not paid because consumers are looking for areas to cut, Verna added.
“That wasn’t the case even a year ago,” Verna said. “Brands were trying to drive new subscription revenue.” He points to Netflix as one example. Following years of large user growth, the streaming giant is looking to grow revenues. One tactic is charging for password sharing.
“That’s a slippery slope where on the one hand, they need to drive the revenue. On the other hand, they’re asking people to pay for something that used to be free. The sentiment on the consumer side is that we don’t want to spend any more money because we’re already spending more and more on these subscription plans,” he said.
“Consumers want to be listened to so they want to know that the brand is taking their situation into consideration, but how that plays out can take different forms,” Verna said.
He pointed to Domino’s Pizza, which has been running a campaign that plays off of how prices have been fluctuating recently, as a brand that has done this well. “The way they were acknowledging the economic pain, but also kind of like being playful to a point where it wasn’t going to offend anyone. It was an effective way to approach a very tricky situation,” he said.
Being transparent is also important. Now isn’t the time to cut down on quality or quantity: Davidkhanian recalls a yogurt brand downsizing its packaging but not its price and not telling consumers as an example of what not to do; Verna points to a restaurant that added a surcharge for rising food prices but not communicating that in any way until he found it added it to the bill.
Empathy, humor, storytelling, and authenticity are the key points brands should focus their messages on, Davidkhanian added.
This was originally featured in the eMarketer Daily newsletter. For more marketing insights, statistics, and trends, subscribe here.
One Liberty Plaza9th FloorNew York, NY 100061-800-405-0844


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It’s easy to think of diets as falling into just two categories — standard and fad. While we often talk about the Mediterranean diet, many of us don’t think about how different diets are around the world. Each culture has its own way of eating and its own staples. It goes beyond just recipes or style of cooking to the amounts people eat, the food choices and the ways it’s consumed.
One diet you rarely hear about is the Nordic diet. But that is about to change. People who follow the Nordic diet for six months lower their blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The results occur even in people who didn’t lose weight.
“It’s surprising because most people believe that positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol are solely due to weight loss. Here, we have found this not to be the case. Other mechanisms are also at play,” Lars Ove Dragsted, a researcher at the Univ. of Copenhagen.
The diet is heady in fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, low-fat dairy and vegetables that grow in cool climates. It’s not a meat-heavy diet. It does contain a lot of healthy fats from fish, nuts and seeds and can lower the risk of heart disease. Because it’s high in protein, healthy fat and fiber, people who follow it tend to feel fuller after eating less food. Because of that, it has been promoted as a weight-loss diet. But, this study found that the fat from the fish, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and rapeseeds in the diet offer health benefits, not just weight loss.
“By analyzing the blood of participants, we could see that those who benefited most from the dietary change had different fat-soluble substances than the control group. These are substances that appear to be linked to unsaturated fatty acids from oils in the Nordic diet. This is a sign that Nordic dietary fats probably play the most significant role for the health effects seen here, which I hadn’t expected,” said Lars Ove Dragsted. “We can only speculate as to why a change in fat composition benefits our health so greatly. However, we can confirm that the absence of highly processed food and less saturated fats from animals, have a very positive effect on us. So, the fat composition in the Nordic diet, which is higher in omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fats, is probably a considerable part of the explanation for the health effects we find from the Nordic diet, even when the weight of participants remains constant.”
The team believes that there are other big health bonuses to the diet in addition to the inclusion of healthy fats. There is very little processed food. There is also very little saturated fat. And the diet is very high in fiber. All of that adds up to benefits, even if a person doesn’t lose weight.


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Australian online retailer Kogan prices $38 million IPO
today Jun 9, 2016
Australian online retailer Kogan on Thursday said it will raise A$50 million ($37.50 million) through an initial public offering priced at A$1.80 for each new share.
Kogan, which will have a market capitalisation of A$168 million on listing, is challenging existing brick-and-mortar retailers such as JB Hifi and Harvey Norman with its low-cost, online-only business model.
A majority of the funds raised will be used to fund growth, including investment in new products and categories, Kogan said in a statement.
The Australian online retail market has grown rapidly, but remains under-penetrated compared to other developed economies.
Euromonitor estimates that the Australian online retail market was valued at A$17 billion in 2015, and is forecast to grow at an annual 11.5 percent to 2019 helped by a shift in consumer preferences, technological innovation, increasing internet usage and faster download speeds.
Kogan is moving into the travel and mobile segments while growth will also be underpinned by the online assets of failed retailer Dick Smith that it acquired in April.
Kogan was founded in 2006 by Ruslan Kogan with two private label LCD televisions. It forecast revenues of A$241.2 million for FY2017 and earnings before interest tax depreciation amortisation of A$6.9 million.
Current shareholders - Kogan and COO & CFO David Shafer - will retain about 69.2 percent of Kogan.com.
The offer is not open to the general public. The institutional offer, broker firm offer and priority offer are underwritten by lead manager Canaccord Genuity.
($1 = 1.3333 Australian dollars)
© Thomson Reuters 2019 All rights reserved.


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The Milan menswear season began for many Friday morning with a visit to the Fondazione Prada to experience Alejandro G. Inárritu’s Carne Y Arena, his virtual reality film about Mexican refugees crossing into the USA.
The house Versace mined its own extensive DNA in a rocking show inside its historic palazzo in Milan. Though Donatella's decision to quickly exit the event will only serve to fuel speculation about the brand’s future.
Zitto Zitto! meaning hush hush, was the instruction when the texts started arriving to editors, retailers and VIPs inviting them to Dolce & Gabbana’s last minute Sartoria runway show on Friday night in Milan.
The American accessories brand, owned by Japan's Itochu, unveiled its debut men's and women's ready-to-wear collections in Florence on Wednesday, under the helm of White Mountaineering designer Yosuke Aizawa.


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The current health crisis is wreaking havoc on the economy and people’s lives. According to industry data, about 30% of households have failed to make their full housing payments over the past few months. Even before the pandemic, about 70% of renters were severely cost-burdened, struggling to cover their rental obligations, monthly utilities, and necessities like food, clothing, medical care, and transportation.
Manufactured Housing News
During an economic downturn, people tend to cut spending and postpone big purchases, like cars and homes. But even though we’re currently facing a decline in economic activity, many people are planning to buy a home within the next few months. Conversely, many financial institutions are originating fewer auto loans despite rock-bottom interest rates.


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Bandai Namco has released a new trailer, on which SSGSS Goku and Vegeta show their power. Please note that by purchasing a pre-order, you get access to these two great characters immediately! Let's take a look at the video in which these two powerful warriors show what they can do with their divine power.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting game that uses a three-vs-three team battle system that incorporates ultra high-speed battles and flashy moves that the Dragon Ball series is known for. The game is being developed by Arc System Works and will be released by Bandai Namco for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Preorder (Digital Code) is available to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC players located in the United States via Amazon ($59.99 USD).
Some Xbox One and Playstation 4 owners will be able to enjoy the upcoming game from Saturday, September 16 to Monday, September 18. Closed Beta will last only the weekend. Sign-ups started on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.
You can find more information about Dragon Ball FighterZ in our encyclopedia.


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- Business Insider•7 hours ago
When Alex Bard sold his last startup Assistly for $80 million to Salesforce, he said a big...
- TheStreet.com•10 hours ago
The jobs report for August, out Friday, caps off a busy week filled with crucial data, economic snapshots that will play into the Federal Reserve's decision-making later in September.
- Investor's Business Daily•yesterday
Salesforce.com is set to report quarterly earnings Wednesday as it continues to expand product offerings vs. Oracle and SAP.
salesforce.com, inc. (CRM)
NYSE - NYSE Real Time Price. Currency in USD
|Bid||80.00 x 500|
|Ask||80.40 x 300|
|Day's Range||79.46 - 80.70|
|52wk Range||52.60 - 84.48|
|1y Target Est||N/A|
Trade prices are not sourced from all markets
|P/E Ratio (ttm)||-4,212.11|
|Avg Vol (3m)||3,776,253|
|Dividend & Yield||N/A (N/A)|


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Legendary photojournalist Steve McCurry’s assistant has been arrested in connection with the theft of prints, books, and items from McCurry’s studio worth a whopping $654,358.
DeStephano, McCurry’s manager of fine art print sales, is accused of stealing 50 limited edition photo prints worth $628,000 between May 2012 and November 2013. The photos were then allegedly sold without McCurry’s authorization for DeStephano’s private gain.
There were also 233 stolen books valued at $23,196 that were sold through websites under “various aliases.”
DeStephano was arrested today after an investigation revealed the scope of the theft and recovered a number of prints. Bail is current set at $250,000.
Image credits: Photo of Steve McCurry by John Ramspott


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On opening day of the seventh annual Plymouth Farmers' Market, a few raindrops didn't prevent homemade and homegrown product vendors and patrons from enjoying the company of neighbors.
"We come for the fresh vegetables and to get out and walk around with the kids," said Andrew Atkins, toting a watermelon and his children, Oreanna and Zachary. "It just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year."
Plymouth Farmers' Market manager Tom Keb said there were more than 40 vendors and not-for-profit booths on opening day.
"There's a little bit of everything for everybody," he said. "And not only do you get to meet the local producer, they'll explain where and how they grew it and promote other vendors, too."
The day before Mother's Day the market also offered a project booth for children to make free planters out of shoes as a gift to Mom.


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San Juan. The Eastern Caribbean created its own form of digital currency with the goal of streamlining transactions and serving people who do not have bank accounts.
The Central Bank of the Eastern Caribbean said its DCash It is the first blockchain-based currency of its kind to be launched by any of the monetary unions in the world, although some individual countries already have similar systems.
The digital currency became available from Wednesday in four island nations according to a one-year pilot program: Saint Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“It is a milestone in the history of monetary instruments,” Bitt CEO Brian Popelka said during an online press conference.
DCash was created by Barbados-based financial technology company Bitt in partnership with the central bank. Unlike cryptocurrencies, DCash is issued by an official central bank and has a fixed value indexed to the current Eastern Caribbean dollar that is used in much of the region.
The system allows users, even those who do not have a bank account but have a smartphone, download an application and make payments using a QR code. Those without a bank account can go to a previously authorized agent or non-bank financial institution to have their information verified in order to approve a “DCash” wallet. Later, the person would go to a supermarket or some other store to deposit cash in their wallet, Bitt spokesman Chris Burnett explained to The Associated Press.
Also, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be sent through DCash. At the moment there are no plans to integrate credit cards and interest is not applied to the digital currency.
While many in the eastern Caribbean welcomed the landmark move, some experts worry that digital currency issued by small countries could end up being used in illicit activities, such as terrorist financing and money laundering, said Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University.
“That skepticism is diminishing as more central banks get involved and as central banks around the world face the inevitable reduction in the use of cash,” he said.
Stressed that The Bahamas last year became the first country to launch its digital currency domestically, with the Marshall Islands considering having its own cryptocurrency.. For smaller countries, “the stakes are higher” in part because many people still do not have a bank account, he added.
“For this reason it seems to me that small countries are being more aggressive in this regard, simply because they have to be,” said Prasad.
The authorities said that by September the digital currency will be available in Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which are part of the eight island economies that make up the Central Bank of the Eastern Caribbean.
The project aims reduce 50% in cash usage by 2025said Sharmyn Powell, chair of the bank’s fintech task force.
“It’s safer, faster and cheaper,” Powell said.
Central Bank Governor Timothy NJ Antoine said he contemplates the use of digital currency by farmers, fishermen, small business owners, single mothers and people without bank accounts.
“Payments are still too slow and too expensive,” Antoine said, referring to the current system. “We have listened to them and we have complied with them.”
According to Antoine, it is more difficult to steal digital money and it is a safe way to make payments and avoid contact during the pandemic.
A Eastern Caribbean dollar currently equals 37 US cents. All Eastern Caribbean banknotes, of whatever denomination, bear the image of Queen Elizabeth II of England as head of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The project takes place more than two months after the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, the Riksbank of Sweden and the Swiss National Bank created a group to study the possibility of issuing coins. digital.
The Swedish central bank has already commissioned a pilot program. For its part, China launched a digital currency in four cities in April 2020 as part of a pilot program that has since expanded to more than 20 cities.
However, it remains to be seen whether the central bank’s digital currency is the future, said Lee Rainers, professor of fintech law and policy at Duke University.
“I approach the matter with some skepticism because this technology has existed for more than 10 years, but it has not taken off as a general means of exchange,” he said.


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Is Barbie A Fashion Fairytale on Netflix?
Yes you can watch Barbie A Fashion Fairytale (2010) on Netflix. You can use the Netflix app on your phone, computer, SmartTV or whatever other way you access Netflix to watch Barbie A Fashion Fairytale (2010) streaming online.
How old is Barbie in fashion fairytale?
How long is Barbie Fashion Fairytale?
1 ч 19 мин
How old is the Barbie doll?
Barbie was born on March 9, 1959 making her 59-years-old today. 2.
Who is Barbie’s new boyfriend?
Blaine doll, left, is Barbie’s new love.
The popular doll from Mattel Inc. (MAT: down $0.16 to $18.09, Research, Estimates) has a new love in her life, an Australian surfer named Blaine, the world’s largest toymaker said Tuesday.
How did Barbie die?
Ruth Handler, 85, the entrepreneur and marketing genius who co-founded Mattel and created the Barbie doll, one of the world’s most enduring and popular toys, died April 27 at a hospital here. She died of complications from colon surgery she had undergone three months ago.


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As many of us have come across the news about Tesla’s future arrival to India in the summer of 2021. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of micro, small and medium enterprises has announced Tesla will start operations with sales in early 2021. They may also propose the idea of assembling and manufacturing Tesla modeled cars in India depending on the response. He also claimed that will be pushed and motivated for electrical vehicles.
1. Electric cars in India
India is under the radar for being one of those countries with higher air pollution. Vehicle emissions are one the biggest factor. So pushing the population towards electrical cars will be the better option. India is aiming for more and more electric vehicles in the future which are affordable like petrol and diesel-fueled vehicle. Yet as technically advanced as Tesla Inc.
2. Tesla’s future in India
When it comes to manufacturing and assembling ports for Tesla in India, Nitin Gadkari said” India is going to become the number one manufacturing hub for the automobile in five years. That may include electronic cars, depending on their performance and response.
He wanted to supply its earlier models to India in 2016 but they couldn’t do it. Because earlier when they announced they also added that 30% of parts must be locally sourced and supplied but the supply doesn’t yet exist in India at that time. That was the reason for Tesla’s drop on the idea. Tesla has a lot to offer. That could be advanced and conventional. It’s upcoming car’s prices are in speculation. Tesla Model 3, Tesla model s, Tesla model x, and Tesla y are to be priced at Rs60 lakhs, Rs1.50 crore, Rs2 crores, and Rs50 lakhs respectively.
3. Tesla and Elon Musk
So, now let’s learn something about Elon Musk and Tesla Inc. Tesla continues to produce future vehicles. The performance, distance, and quality of the electrical will keep improving with time and future innovation.
4. Elon Musk
Elon Musk has been serving as the C.E.O of Tesla Inc since 2008. He as a determined innovator has made his moves for sustainable transport and energy which will be obtained from electric vehicles and solar power. He has stood strong as the richest person on earth since January 2021 with a net worth of 185 billion and still rising.
5. Elon Musk and his other ventures
Musk was also the co-founder of x-com an online financial service. Later the company merged with Confinity who had a money transfer service called PayPal. Musk in 2001 introduced the Mars Oasis, which was an idea about landing a miniature experimental greenhouse on Mars. With his fortune of US $100 million he founded a space exploration technologies corporation in 2002 also known as Space X. Space X’s aim is to reduce human space flight expenditure by 10 factors. Dragon, Dragon 2, and FALCON X are some of those space ventures that are Musk joined and will admit in his future plans for commercializing space flight.
6. Musk and Media
Here, something more interesting about Elon. He shared the screen with Tony Stark in the movie IRON MAN 2. IRON MAN actor Robert Downey Jr. accepted that Elon helped him to get into the character of IRON MAN/TONY STARK. I mean our Elon Musk is also a genius, billionaire, philanthropist just like our boy Tony Stark.
Finally, Musk even stated about the lack of oxygen atmosphere and he proposed the idea about electrical vehicles. His vision of electrical transport includes electric cars, trains, Hyper-loop, and Aircraft. All of them are completely electrical. Lastly, we should expect Tesla Inc. to bring down their supplies to India by the summer of 2021.


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The much anticipated is here.
Global Leading smartphone maker TECNO will launch the latest version of its operating software
HiOS 8.0 today through an online event that will take place globally.
The new HiOS 8.0 will be coming firstly to TECNO Camon 18 and will bring new features including a revamped user interface, and other features like Smart Cards, AOD, and other improvements.
HiOS 8.0 was beta tested exclusively earlier this year and the launch will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube today at 8:00PM GMT+1.
TECNO in the launch wil lreveal several new features, designs, the performance and more.
Interested users can live-stream the HiOS 8.0 launch on HiOS’ YouTube and Facebook channel or can watch the live event on the YouTube and Facebook page added below this paragraph.
The new operating system will also bring a new for the notification bar and control center, purposefully reimagined to help users get things done faster and smoother.
The new update will first be available for the brand's latest Camon 18 series.
TECNO HiOS 8.0: Expected Features
The new update is coming with a heightened focus on security and user privacy.
HiOS users used to the industry-leading Za-Hooc Privacy and security system on HiOS 7.6 will be thrilled to note that on the new HiOS 8.0 upgrade, data collection by apps is more transparent.
The new tools also give users more granular control over app permissions to help them better manage how and when apps access their information.
Other features include the new Video Editor and Visha Player. Users will be able to manipulate videos and create visual masterpieces, without the need to install any third-party applications. Moreover, users will be able to multi-task easily and customize their playback experience as they like without interruption.
Don't miss this amazing launch.
Join the launch live stream via the above given links.
Share to family and friends to join and comment.
Remember we have goodie bags for your remarkable efforts.
Come let's explore and experience ahead.


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Melbourne Comes Alive as QMS Switches On ‘The Punt’
The heart of Melbourne’s sporting and entertainment precinct has officially come alive, with QMS switching on their much anticipated digital landmark site ‘The Punt’.
The 13.1m x 4.35m iconic digital billboard, located at Richmond Station Bridge and spanning all 4 lanes of Melbourne’s infamous Punt Rd, delivers more than 1,360,000 contacts each month, at what is considered one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections.
Richmond is renowned as a key entertainment and lifestyle area with Swan St a hot spot for cafes, restaurants and bars and Bridge Rd renowned for its shopping. A stone’s throw away from several world class sporting arenas including the MCG, AAMI Park, Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and Melbourne Park, The Punt offers advertisers the ability to impact the enormous volume of people travelling to and from these venues.
MINI Australia, Brand Communications Manager, Gabrielle Byfield agrees “We are excited about being involved in the launch of what will be Australia’s most iconic digital billboard. The location is truly unique in that it captures heavy traffic throughout the week as well as the significant crowds visiting Australia’s premier sporting and entertainment precinct which makes it a perfect fit for our current MINI Countryman brand campaign.”
QMS CEO, Barclay Nettlefold said “The Punt has been two years in the making and we couldn’t be more thrilled to launch such an iconic billboard that genuinely dominates the landscape in such an important area for our advertisers. The Punt is pivotal to our landmark digital strategy of providing our clients with world class digital assets in iconic and highly sought after locations.”
Utilising the latest technology from Daktronics, the world’s industry leader in large format digital screens, this state-of the-art digital billboard is a prime example of how QMS is committed to working closely with their strategic partners to deliver quality outdoor media assets.
In 2013, VicTrack awarded QMS its Roadside Billboard concession to deliver quality advertising services through expanding VicTrack’s portfolio of 40 large format billboards across metropolitan Melbourne.
VicTrack is delighted to continue working with QMS to maximise the value of our assets and generate revenue which we can reinvest into public transport
- Ben Needham — General Manager
QMS are set to unveil a number of other key landmark digital billboards in the coming months, further bolstering their portfolio of 22 digital billboards nationally.


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The tentative agreement reached by the United Auto Workers union and General Motors Corp. Sunday night is a textbook example of the politics of collective bargaining. Nobody lost.
The company left the bargaining table with a potential $2.5 billion in labor cost savings over a proposed 30-month period ending Sept. 14, 1984. The union left with its desperately needed job security provisions and a little bit extra, such as a prepaid legal services plan and a company agreement to set up and finance an internal occupational safety and health advisory board.
That is not a bad deal in an industry that has experienced a precipitous decline in sales and employment over the last two years.
The agreement closely resembles one the UAW signed with Ford Motor Co. on March 1, giving that company up to $1 billion in labor cost savings over a 31-month period. But from the union's viewpoint, the GM package has improvements, including:
* The scrapping of plans to close four plants.
* A prepaid legal services plan, under which the company will contribute 3 cents an hour per worker to an employes' legal fund. Legal representation would be provided by GM staff attorneys in wills, divorce proceedings, credit and consumer problems and misdemeanors.
* Guaranteed income for laid-off workers with 10 years' or more seniority, compared with 15 years' minimum seniority under the Ford plan;
* A profit-sharing plan based on stockholders' equity plus other assets. The Ford plan is based on a percentage of profits from total sales by its U.S. operations, excluding sales from Ford's aerospace and land development divisions.
* A pilot "lifetime" employment guarantee program at four GM plants compared with a similar program planned for two Ford facilities.
* A program to reduce chronic absenteeism, basically by reducing the nonwage benefits available for the chronic absentee.
* Improved worker discounts on the purchase of GM cars and trucks.
The union also won a two-year moratorium on plant closings, which allow the company to use outside contractors, foreign and domestic, to produce GM parts.
In return, the company received concessions that would:
* Freeze basic hourly wages for 30 months, the life of the contract.
* Reduce benefits for salaried workers through a "shared sacrifice" agreement with the union.
* Defer three cost-of-living increases for represented workers.
* Lower wages and benefits for new hires.
* Eliminate all paid personal holidays, such as birthdays, previously awarded UAW members.
* Eliminate the once-a-year December Sunday Bonus payment, which actually was another way of giving workers another paid holiday.


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About harmful particles in the transport worker's working environment – new research project
The transport sector is converting to electric vehicles and more environmentally friendly fuels. But knowledge is lacking about what this means for the spread of particles from brakes, tires and road. But soon we will know more: Joakim Pagels, aerosol researcher at Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, has been awarded SEK 4,984,000 by Afa [...]
"Knowledge gaps for perishable liquid food packs threaten Green Deal" – article in POLITICO
Policymakers are currently deliberating on packaging reuse targets in the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). But do they have the necessary evidence to make those decisions for all packaged products? A systematic review of 159 relevant scientific studies on packaging alternatives for perishable liquid foods — milk, juices, [...]
Dissertation in Packaging Logistics September 29
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of climate change and place ever higher sustainability demands on retail. Retail, which constitutes a critical link between producers and consumers and plays a significant role in production and consumption patterns, seeks to find innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact.
Award for most relevant conference paper
Researchers from the Division of Packaging Logistics have been awarded the prestigious "NOFOMA and Göran Persson Award for the Most Relevant Conference Paper for Practice" at the NOFOMA35 conference in Helsinki-Espoo, Finland.
Packaging project on the prestigious 100 list
A project about handling Climate-efficient packaging solutions with AI from Packaging Logistics in Lund is included in this year's 100 list of research projects that have special potential to create benefits. The list is compiled by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, IVA.
Strategic innovation programmes
The strategic innovation programmes of the future are under development. The Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova have been given the task of launching the programmes, which will contribute to global competitiveness through transition for sustainable development, innovation and groundbreaking research.
Where do your online shopping returns end up? In the bin, new research finds
For e-commerce companies, it is cheaper to throw away returned items rather than selling them again. In a new study, researchers at Lund University in Sweden interviewed members of the textile and electronics industries in Europe, hoping to better understand a problem that is snowballing, yet has been the subject of little research.
Giving circular deliveries a try - in Dagens Logistik
Business models based on collaborative consumption and circularity also need to be efficient from a logistics standpoint, or the environmental benefits might be lost. A research project is now letting key actors in the delivery chain explore circular packaging.
Business models and sustainability – Thesis defense November 18
How can business models contribute to increased sustainability? That is the question discussed by LTH doctoral student Emil Åkesson in his thesis on the topic of Industrial economics: Business Model Epistemology: Support for a Semi-Structured and Inclusive Approach to Business Modeling in Established Firms.
What is the future for 3D printed food? – licentiate presentation November 9
3D printed food is a relatively new technology with many interesting applications – for example space food for astronauts, personal nutrition and food with futuristic shapes. But how and when does research on 3D printed food reach the wider market?


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At NerdWallet, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, many or all of the products featured here are from our partners. However, this doesn’t influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
Well done, America. Credit scores across the nation are going up.
On the other hand, knowledge of how credit works is declining.
Consumers’ grasp of credit is the lowest it’s been in eight years, according to an annual survey by credit scoring company VantageScore and the Consumer Federation of America, a nonprofit association of consumer groups. For example, 62% of those surveyed this year knew that everyone has more than one credit score. In 2012, 78% knew that.
More people rated their own knowledge highly despite knowing less. In an era when free credit scores and reports are plentiful, this is perhaps not surprising. The share of respondents who called their credit knowledge “excellent” or “good” was 60% in 2019, up from 54% in 2012.
Millennials were a little more modest. Only 56% of those ages 21 to 38 rated their knowledge as “excellent” or “good,” compared to 61% of people ages 39-54 and 65% of those 55-73.
Why credit scores are going up
The average FICO score last year was 704, according to FICO, continuing a steady rise from a low of 686 in 2009 during the Great Recession. The average VantageScore — FICO’s competitor — was 680, continuing to climb but not yet as high as the 685 seen in 2008.
Factors such as a large-scale economic recovery, low unemployment and consumers’ confidence in their own finances contributed to higher scores, says Rod Griffin, director of consumer education and awareness at Experian.
Of course, consumers being more careful with money since the financial downturn also played a part, Griffin says.
Also, millions of people experienced a score bump over the past two years as the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — stopped including some negative marks on credit reports, including tax liens, civil judgments and some types of collections.
What you don’t know about credit can hurt you
The knowledge survey revealed that all generations misunderstand some elements of credit.
Among the findings, a significant share of respondents didn’t know that:
- Checking your own credit never hurts it (38%).
- Opening several credit card accounts at the same time can lower your score (38%).
- Cellular plan providers might use credit scores to price services (41%).
It’s crucial for millennials, who have many financial decisions ahead, to know what factors have an impact on a credit score. Fortunately, two factors make up the majority of what affects your credit score — paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances as low as possible.
“A lot of credit is boring. It’s all about consistency and keeping your debts as low as possible and making your payments on time,” says Griffin.
How to stay on top of your credit
Keep an eye on things: Checking your score frequently is a healthy habit and it won’t hurt your credit.
Even more important is checking your credit reports for accuracy. They may have errors that drag down your score, and you can request to have them removed.
To check your reports, you can use any of the free apps or websites that offer them. Federal law also entitles you to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit bureaus; request them at annualcreditreport.com.
Understand who sees your score: “Most people still understand that credit card issuers and mortgage lenders use credit scores,” says Stephen Brobeck, senior fellow at the Consumer Federation of America. But the survey showed that only 65% of people knew landlords used credit scores, while only 59% knew cell phone companies used them and 58% knew home insurance providers did.
Also, potential employers may check your credit report before hiring you. And in most states, car insurance providers can use your score to set premiums.
Educate yourself: Griffin recommends using free tools to learn how your score and reports work, as opposed to just checking them occasionally. The Consumer Federation of America website has the credit quiz used in the survey, which is a good place to start. And many personal finance websites, including NerdWallet, offer educational content alongside a free credit score.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.


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Outdoor retailer MidwayUSA‘s new 300,000 sq ft headquarters in Columbia, Missouri, was outfitted with one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the state via EnergyLink. The 1.612 MW system will both advance MidwayUSA’s sustainability mission while also delivering serious economic value. The solar array is projected to save the wholesaler up to $4,500,000 in potential energy costs for their new facility over the next 20 years.
“The MidwayUSA project is the new benchmark for corporations looking to be more sustainable,” remarked Jeremy Nolen, EnergyLink’s lead on the project. “This is proof that, with the right ESCO, it’s possible to be more sustainable in an economically viable way.”
EnergyLink is a NAESCO accredited Energy Efficiency Contractor (EEC) that designs, builds and funds renewable energy and energy efficiency products for commercial businesses, public institutions, cities, municipalities, and nonprofits. EnergyLink has over 10 years of experience in the solar industry.
In the first year alone, the updated facility is expected to save over $150,000 due to the solar array. MidwayUSA is now expected to offset 2,176,200 kilowatts of electricity annually, which is the equivalent of 3,399,528 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Have you checked out our YouTube page?
We have a ton video interviews and additional content on our YouTube page. Recently we debuted Power Forward! -- a collaboration with BayWa r.e. to discuss higher level industry topics as well as best practices / trends for running a solar business today.
Our longer running side project is The Pitch -- in which we have awkward discussions with solar manufacturers and suppliers about their new technology and ideas so that you don't have to. We discuss everything from residential rail-less deck attaching and home solar financing to large-scale energy storage value stacking and utility-driven new home solar + storage microgrids.


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The Hero Leap hybrid scooter to go on sale by February, 2015
From having debuted at the 2012 Auto Expo as a concept, to finally being unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo, the Hero Leap is finally flesh and bone. India's first very own hybrid scooter is expected to go on sale sometime around February 2015. We had earlier estimated its launch to occur close to the latter half of the current fiscal year.
Hero's Gurgaon facility is expected to start its production at a modest 6,000 units per annum. Sales volumes in India for a scooter with an electric power train cannot be predicted. We still maintain that it is quite a looker at 140kg, with a 3.0-litre fuel tank and a 13-inch front alloy wheel and a 10-inch rear. However, with the steel framed Leap, with fuel injection, regenerative braking and its 340km range is a rather radical prospect for the average Indian. And an expensive one too. But powered by lithium-ion batteries and an 8kW electric traction motor connected to an all-new 124cc engine, the fuel economy would be something to watch out for.


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The name Alpina is familiar mostly to diehard BMW fans stateside, but the company is responsible for more than just brisk sedans sporting the unique Deco-Set stripes. For example, did you know that Niki Lauda and Hans Stuck were both involved in the company's early racing efforts in the 1970s? (Derek Bell, James Hunt, Harald Ertl, Jacky Ickx and Brian Muir all also raced for Alpina.) And how was the name Alpina chosen in the first place?
The tuning and racing company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and it has created a video that looks back on its history, from its start as a small shop creating tuning kits for BMW Neue Klasse cars that its founder, Burkard Bovensiepen, saw at an auto show. Racing played an important role in the development of the company, and it is still hard to believe the results and success that Alpina has had so early in its life despite being such a small operation. Of course, this was during a time when racing in Europe did not require the amounts of money that it does today, and this allowed the company to gather a number of high-profile wins that increased its level of recognition at home and abroad.
"The friendly relationship with BMW is the foundation of our entire work," says Bovensiepen. "Without this long-standing and close cooperation with BMW, products as we build them today would not be possible at all."
Despite Alpina's small size, the company gained renown for its tuned versions of the BMW cars early on. But it wasn't until the turbocharging era of the 1980s that the company acquired the recognition and reputation that it enjoys in the States and other countries far from its home today.


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Verizon activated 9.8 million smartphones, more iPhones in Q4 20127
Interestingly, the carrier also mentioned it has activated a “higher mix of Apple smartphones.” We’d only get the official numbers on January 22nd at the financials release and earnings call.
Activated does not necessarily mean sold, but chances are the sales number is close to that. Last quarter, Verizon outsold AT&T selling 6.8 million smartphones against 6.1 million for AT&T.
Earlier, we already saw some of Verizon’s quarterly data leak, showing it gained 2.1 million post-paid subscribers in Q4 2012, accelerating growth over the previous quarter’s 1.5 million additions.
source: The Verge


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Verizon Strike In Week Three, Affecting Company Operations
Above Photo: via Eileen White
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) strike at Verizon is now in week three. Thirty-nine thousand workers are striking to preserve middle class wages in the U.S. The strike is affecting company operations and customers are feeling it, but the executives want their huge paychecks, so the strike continues.
At Time, Martha White reports:
Since nearly 40,000 union members walked off the job at Verizon two weeks ago, the telecom giant has been scrambling to keep its systems up and running, but it seems to be falling behind in one critical area: reputation.
… consumer perception of the telecom giant has fallen to a three-year low, according to YouGov’s Brand Index.
Fortune has also noticed, reporting that customers have lower opinions of Verizon as a result of the strike:
The survey is the first indication that the strikers could have an impact on Verizon’s business.
…there could be a slow and steady impact if the strike drags on as customers come to the end of phone contracts or are considering switching service.
This is a video titled, Take the Pledge: I Won’t Cross the Line, with K.C. Tucker, a Verizon Wireless Worker from Brooklyn, NY:
If you want to support striking workers on the picket line you can find one near you here: StandUpToVerizon.com.


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Google Targets Startups in Nigeria, Others for GFSAA Bootcamp
By Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel
American multinational technology giant, Google, has opened the window for applications to startups in 17 African countries for its forthcoming Google for Startups Accelerator Africa’s (GFSAA) virtual programme.
The countries to participate in the GFSAA bootcamp include Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The virtual event, which will run every month from March to May 2022, will see that businesses with successful applications benefit from experts and mentors on the GFSAA week-long virtual boot camps.
his is coming about five months after the digital king reiterated its commitment to growing Africa’s startup ecosystem with $6 million in grants and funding for the Black Founders Fund (BFF) Africa program and to the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The opening for application for the virtual program was made known by the Head Lead, Google’s Developer and Startup Ecosystem Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Andy Volk, in a statement released in Lagos.
“We are honoured to have yet another opportunity to connect with African innovators and empower them through the seventh Class of the GFSAA.
“We know that, as with previous Classes, we are on the move to uncover some outstanding technology-led solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, developed by Africans themselves,” Mr Volk said.
According to him, access to equity-free support, alongside the best of Google’s networks, advanced technology will be granted to the successful early-growth stage startup applicants (from seed to Series A) of the Bootcamp.
Highlighting the impact of the event which started in 2017, he noted that 82 start-ups from 17 African countries had participated and successfully raised more than $117 million in funding and created more than 2,800 employment opportunities on the continent.
All startups in the selected countries who are interested are expected to submit their applications at g.co/AcceleratorAfrica.


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Nationwide said it will complete an 18-month transition on July 1 to operate as a fully independent agency carrier.
With that milestone date, more than 99 percent of the company’s formerly captive agents will transition to Nationwide’s independent agency channel and continue partnering with the company.
The company first announced the transition to a fully independent model in 2018. Over the last two years, new written premiums driven by independent agents has increased 35 percent, the insurer said. While Nationwide has worked with independent agents since 1929, the company said it has more than 11,000 independent agents across the country that sell personal lines, commercial lines, agribusiness, excess and surplus, and financial services products and services.
Nationwide said that it made progress on the transition despite having to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve made tremendous progress in transforming our business to meet the needs of independent agents and set our former exclusive agents up for success within the independent agent model,” Mark Berven, president & COO, Nationwide Property and Casualty, said in prepared remarks.
In focusing on the switch to an all-independent agent system, Nationwide said it accelerated a variety of investments in both its personal and commercial lines businesses to enable the speed, ease, price stability and competitiveness that independent agents demand.
Those investments include redesigning and simplifying Nationwide’s digital operations and pricing/underwriting improvements on the personal lines side. For commercial lines, the focus is on streamlining acquisition costs, accelerating small market underwriting, expanding mid-market capabilities, optimizing servicing, enhancing claims effectiveness and modernizing technology, Berven said.


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Ibukun is a crypto/finance writer interested in passing relevant information, using non-complex words to reach all kinds of audience. Apart from writing, she likes to see movies, cook, and explore restaurants in the city of Lagos, where she resides.
Based on TSLA’s previous closing of $1,222.09, the worth of the CEO’s 10% shares is nearly $21 billion.
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk asked his Twitter followers if he should sell 10% of his TSLA shares. The CEO asked his 62.5 million Twitter followers in a poll, leaving them to vote either “Yes” or No.” Musk also promised to go by the poll results- whether to sell a chunk of his Tesla shares or continue holding on to it. Previously, Musk had explained that he is possibly facing a huge tax bill this year. In an additional tweet to the poll, the CEO noted that his salary and bonuses do not come in cash and that he only has TSLA. Hence, the only way to pay his personal taxes is to sell some of his TSLA holdings.
A proposal by Democrats targeting “exceptionally rich” taxpayers caused a stir this year. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yallen asked that the government should tax unrealized gains. The move will impose long-term capital gains on tradable assets, whether or not the holders sell them. The proposal will affect hundreds of billionaires across the US, including Musk, whose portfolio includes BTC, ETH, and DOGE. In the poll, Musk wrote:
“Much is made lately of unrealized gains being a means of tax avoidance, so I propose selling 10% of my Tesla stock.”
Musk to Sell 10% of Tesla Shares
Over 3.5 million voters participated in the poll, with 57.9 saying “Yes” and 42.1% saying “No.” As of June 30th, Musk had about 170.5 million Tesla shares. Based on TSLA’s previous closing of $1,222.09, the worth of the CEO’s 10% shares is nearly $21 billion.
During the Code Conference in September, Mush said he may be paying more than half of the gains he would make from exercising options. He said:
“I have a bunch of options that are expiring early next year, so…a huge block of options will sell in Q4 – because I have to or they’ll expire.”
Since last month, the CEO’s brother Kimbal Musk and some other board members have already sold large numbers of their Tesla shares. More current and former board members also sold some of their TSLA worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These executives sold their stock on October 28th as TSLA surged.
TSLA rallied after the company announced record Q3 results, and rental car company Hertz placed an order for 100,000 Tesla vehicles. Since Hertz announced the 100,000 order of EVs, TSLA has grown about 34%, increasing Musk’s net worth. At press time, the Tesla CEO is the richest person in the world at a net worth of $338 billion, about $136 billion more than the second-richest Jeff Bezos.
TSLA stock is currently down 0.44% to $1,216.70 at extended trading hours. Tesla stock has been impressively green for the past twelve months, gaining more than 184% in a year. In addition, the company has been up 73.18% since January and has added nearly 75% in the last three months. TSLA has also increased 55.58% over the past month and 9.70% in the last five days.


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Following hurricanes Irma and Maria, millions of Puerto Rico residents were left without electricity and it's expected to take months for power to be restored. Well one person mused on Twitter whether Elon Musk could help out by rebuilding the island's electricity grid with solar and battery systems and Musk responded that it wasn't out of the realm of possibility.
The Tesla team has done this for many smaller islands around the world, but there is no scalability limit, so it can be done for Puerto Rico too. Such a decision would be in the hands of the PR govt, PUC, any commercial stakeholders and, most importantly, the people of PR.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 5, 2017
Like he said in his tweet, Musk and his companies have done this before. After Tesla acquired SolarCity last year, the company revealed that it had converted the island of Ta'u from diesel generator-based power to solar energy using thousands of solar panels and Tesla Powerpacks for energy storage. Tesla also brought its solar power and energy storage system to the Hawaiian island of Kauai as well as California earlier this year. And these systems don't take terribly long to get up and running. In the case of California, the Ontario station only took three months between groundbreaking and running.
I would be happy to talk. Hopefully, Tesla can be helpful.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 6, 2017
The potential must have sounded appealing to Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello who tweeted at Musk that they should talk. Tesla has already shipped hundreds of its Powerall battery systems to the island and maybe that will be just the beginning. We could hear more very soon since it looks like Rossello and Musk will be talking today.


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- Filed Under
The only constant in life is change. And the sales game is certainly doing its share of changing.
One of the biggest shifts seems to be in the buyer/seller relationship. Research shows that buyers are not reaching out to contact salespeople and sales organizations until they're 60 percent to 70 percent along in the decision process, according to Jill Konrath, an internationally recognized sales strategist.
"Instead of contacting a salesperson, customers today are going online first," Konrath said. "I know that the minute I come up with a question or a problem, I go to Google, and I type in ...