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Xbox & Bethesda Showcase LIVE: Starfield, Forza, and all the latest Xbox announcements
The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase brought a day packed with gaming announcements, but it’s only half the picture. Microsoft still plans to host an “Extended” Xbox & Bethesda Showcase on June 14, touching more on today’s biggest titles, with some surprises expected. The event begins at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST on Tuesday, and we’ll update this feed all the latest news.
Our live blog continues through the night with deep dives, features, commentary, and more from the Windows Central team. — Matt Brown
Xbox Game Pass gets closer to mobile with new Riot deal
Microsoft and Riot Games have entered a new partnership tied to Xbox Game Pass, granting various bonuses across the publisher’s complete games catalog. The deal, reflected in Microsoft’s gaming subscription this winter, joins a growing list of benefits available to members. Perks include all character unlocks in League of Legends, Valorant, and Wild Rift, with comparable bonuses in Teamfight Tactics and Legends of Runeterra.
I won’t lie — I didn’t foresee Riot Games joining Xbox Game Pass in any capacity, let alone Microsoft’s decision to announce it at the blowout Xbox event of the year. However, the partnership helps illustrate where Microsoft sees its next opportunities to expand Game Pass, extending far beyond Xbox consoles.
Microsoft has historically toyed with bringing its Xbox platform to Windows PCs, though recent years have seen the firm revitalize those efforts. Game Pass PC now exists as a standalone subscription, curated around PC audiences, even if still behind its console counterpart. But for mobile, Microsoft has only scratched the surface of opportunities ahead in gaming.
Xbox Cloud Gaming allows Microsoft to reach a new audience, bringing existing, full-fledged console games to iOS and Android devices. While Xbox Game Pass perks on mobile have historically amounted to ad-free Microsoft Solitaire (yes, really), new partnerships tap into an increasingly lucrative market of mobile gaming enthusiasts.
With the latest Riot Games deal, it’s no coincidence that three of five titles are on PC and mobile. Microsoft wants to reach more players than ever, and phones are the natural next step forward, after consoles and PCs. It could be the first of many deals looking to make Xbox Game Pass just a little more compelling when on the go. — Matt Brown
Highlighting the biggest announcements from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase
With the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 now quickly disappearing in the rearview mirror, I wanted to take a moment to highlight what I consider to be the most exciting, and most significant, announcements from the event. Microsoft showed off over 30 titles in just over an hour and a half, and many of them looked like must-plays for Xbox and PC gamers. Still, a handful of announcements stood out.
Obviously, the biggest headline-grabbing announcements of the events would be the debut of Redfall gameplay, the upcoming co-op vampire-slaying shooter from Arkane, and the deep dive into Starfield, the highly-anticipated sci-fi RPG from Bethesda Softworks.
From the gameplay footage available, both games appear to be delivering on exactly what they’re promising, although we’ll have to wait longer to know for certain. Starfield, at least, almost looks too good, with a wide variety of ambitious gameplay systems and mechanics shown off during the presentation. Both Redfall and Starfield are heading to Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox and PC Game Pass in 2023.
Elsewhere, Mojang Studios announced a brand-new Minecraft game, an action-strategy title dubbed Minecraft Legends, that lets players explore the expanding universe in an all-new way. As the resident, self-proclaimed “Minecraft Expert,” I’m indubitably excited to see what Mojang Studios and Blackbird Interactive deliver with Minecraft Legends. The Forza Motorsport reboot also enjoyed a plethora of gorgeous new footage, with plenty of details on its gameplay and the enhancements Turn10 Studios is making to the simulation experience.
There were plenty of unbelievable Xbox Game Pass announcements (31, to be exact), but a handful certainly sticks out. The Persona JRPG series coming to Xbox and Game Pass is bound to excite countless players, while Riot Games partnering with Xbox on new Game Pass additions for PC and mobile was certainly a surprise. I also adored the continued love for indie games on Game Pass, with COCOON and The Last Case of Benedict Fox being my personal favorites.
Finally, I’ll end with the one teaser Xbox allowed itself during the show. Legendary creator Hideo Kojima is officially working with Xbox Game Studios on an ambitious, cloud-powered video game for the Xbox ecosystem. We don’t know a lot about this project, yet, but it may (or may not) be a horror game going under the name “Overdose.” — Zachary Boddy
31 games from the showcase are heading to Xbox and PC Game Pass
We counted them up, and a staggering 31 games that appeared during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase are heading to Xbox and PC Game Pass the moment they launch. Every game from the showcase is already featured in our live blog, but you can view the full list of Xbox Game Pass additions, as well as the platforms they’re heading to and release dates, in the article linked above.
It was assumed that a large focus of the major Xbox event would be Xbox Game Pass, and those assumptions were proven correct, and beyond, by the list of games. Over two dozen titles, including all-new reveals like Minecraft Legends and Pentiment, and Xbox console exclusives like The Last Case of Benedict Fox and COCOON, are launching into the Game Pass suite of services before the end of 2023.
Microsoft also proved its commitment to the cloud during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, with the majority of Xbox and PC Game Pass additions also heading to Xbox Cloud Gaming at the same time. Players will be able to access those games from a wide variety of devices, including playing Xbox Series X|S exclusive titles on Xbox One. — Zachary Boddy
For Xbox and Bethesda, a dry 2022 walked so 2023 could run
Microsoft’s latest Xbox & Bethesda Showcase drove home one message — games launching in the next 12 months were the focus of the event. The approach saw Microsoft shift from CGI concepts to tangible gameplay demos, seemingly in direct response to criticisms of past shows and providing more airtime for its most imminent releases.
Starfield occupied a 15-minute slice of the show, split between the title’s first extended gameplay reel and a deep dive into new mechanics. Redfall and Forza Motorsport were treated with similar airtime, while Diablo 4 received one of its most extensive on-stage demos yet. There’s also one common thread between Microsoft’s biggest showings this week — the wait for 2023.
While Microsoft’s Bethesda Softworks initially planned to launch Starfield and Redfall later this year, both projects have seen delays in 2023. The new Forza Motorsport entry is also gunning for next spring, with other newly announced projects from Xbox Game Studios at least six months out. It’s left Microsoft with a dry offering for the remainder of this year, and today’s showcase hasn’t exactly quelled concerns.
The future is undoubtedly bright for Xbox, with the first half of 2023 stacked with several heavyweights direct from Xbox HQ. But with Microsoft’s 2022 line-up now headlined by smaller projects like Pentiment, Grounded’s 1.0 update, and a Forza Horizon 5 expansion, third-party releases are left doing all the heavy lifting for the immediate future. — Matt Brown
Survival hit Valheim coming to PC Game Pass in 2022
A secretive announcement that arrived adjacent to everything in the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is the announcement that Valheim is heading to PC Game Pass sometime this year. One of the biggest games of 2021, Valheim is a survival crafting game filled with Viking action, and those hesitating before pulling the trigger will be able to experience it through PC Game Pass in 2022. — Zachary Boddy
That’s a wrap — Microsoft has now concluded its Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, delivering a packed (and varied) 95-minute show. While the show might be over, our coverage continues throughout the night with further deep-dives into all the games, with analysis on today’s latest Xbox news. Stay tuned! — Matt Brown
Ravenlok brings unsettling fairy tale action to Xbox Game Pass in 2023
Ravenlok is an intriguing, dark fairy tale-inspired action game from the creators of Echo Generation, revealed during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. Arriving in 2023, Ravenlok will be a day one addition to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, and will be available through Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Zachary Boddy
Sea of Thieves “Season 7” is coming on July 21, 2022
One of the smaller announcements from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will nonetheless excite plenty of players, with a musical Sea of Thieves trailer announcing that the Season 7 update is arriving for free on July 21, 2022, with new features, contents, and rewards. — Zachary Boddy
Ereban: Shadow Legacy revealed as Xbox console exclusive, coming to Game Pass
Ereban: Shadow Legacy is a fast-paced stealth platformer revealed during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase alongside a chaotic trailer, and it’s confirmed to be heading to Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in the future. A release window for Ereban: Shadow Legacy isn’t available, yet. When it arrives, it’ll also be available through Xbox and PC Game Pass. — Zachary Boddy
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT comes to Xbox and PC Game Pass on June 23, 2022
Popular melee-centric battle royale title NARAKA: BLADEPOINT is about to become even easier to play, thanks to its imminent inclusion on Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The title is debuting on Xbox Series X|S as a console launch exclusive. Players will be able to leap into the title starting on June 23, 2022. — Zachary Boddy
Gunfire Reborn coming to Xbox consoles and Game Pass in Oct. 2022
PC shooting sensation Gunfire Reborn was announced for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. This mix of roguelite and hero shooter is coming to new platforms in Oct. 2022, and showcased plenty of colorful, action-filled gameplay in its announcement trailer. — Zachary Boddy
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn reveals fresh gameplay trailer
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn combines modern technology with magic in a dark fantasy world, and it unveiled new gameplay footage during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. The gameplay trailer was packed with plenty of action and mesmerizing vistas. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is coming to Xbox consoles, PC, Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in early 2023. — Zachary Boddy
The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle expansion coming to Xbox consoles on June 21
Ongoing MMO The Elder Scrolls Online just released one of its most ambitious expansions yet with High Isle, which is now available on PC. During the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Zenimax Online announced that the massive expansion is officially arriving on Xbox consoles on June 21, 2022. Interested players can now preorder the expansion for Xbox. — Zachary Boddy
Action-packed Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty revealed for Xbox and PC Game Pass
Another day one addition to Xbox and PC Game Pass, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is an action game telling the story of a nameless soldier fighting for survival. Team Ninja is headed by some of the creators of Nioh and Bloodborne, giving Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty a prestigious pedigree. It’s coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in early 2023, joining the growing lineup of titles hitting the platform next year. — Zachary Boddy
The Last Case of Benedict Fox comes to Xbox Series X|S and PC in Spring 2023
One of the more intriguing indie announcements during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase was The Last Case of Benedict Fox, a Metroidvania-style platform with eye-watering visual design coming exclusively to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in Spring 2023. Like many other games shown off during the event, The Last Case of Benedict Fox is also an Xbox and PC Game Pass day one addition. — Zachary Boddy
Microsoft and Kojima Productions announce new cloud-powered Xbox game
In a (somewhat) unexpected twist, revered video game developer Hideo Kojima has taken to the stage during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. Kojima Productions and Microsoft have announced a new partnership between the firms, set to deliver a new Xbox game in the future.
The project will be developed by Kojima Productions and published under Xbox Game Studios, though remains unnamed at this time. The initial announcement instead focused on the deal itself, simply promising a “never before seen concept” from the duo. It marks the second project from Kojima Productions as an independent studio following the 2019 release of Death Stranding. — Matt Brown
Starfield unveils gameplay footage showcasing stunning world, combat, and more
One of the most anticipated games of the next few years is Starfield, the first brand-new IP from Bethesda Softworks in decades. Starfield may have been delayed into 2023, but that didn’t stop the upcoming open-world, sci-fi RPG from revealing gameplay footage during the Xbox & Bethesda Softworks.
The footage shown was extensive, showcasing various world environments, combat, in-game UI, and more. Bethesda also dropped numerous hints and teasers for the game’s narrative, with the first look at several characters that will appear during your playthrough of Starfield.
Starfield also revealed its character creator, which will let you dive deep into the appearance, background, and traits of your character before you begin Starfield. The RPG’s progression and crafting systems were also previewed, showing how players can unlock a wide variety of skills and then level-up those individual skills, or craft new equipment, build bases and settlements, design your own spaceship, and more.
Does Starfield deliver on the hype and your anticipation? Bethesda Softworks didn’t hold back on showing off Starfield, which is expected to arrive in the first half of 2023 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox and PC Game Pass. Starfield will also hit other devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Zachary Boddy
The Persona series is officially coming to Xbox consoles and Game Pass
Atlus made an appearance during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase to make an announcement for which many Xbox fans have been eagerly awaiting: the Persona series is finally coming to Xbox. Persona 3 Portable, 4 Golden, and 5 Royal are all heading to Xbox consoles and PC, and are launching into Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Persona 5 Royal will arrive first on Oct. 21, 2022, with the other two launching later in 2022. — Zachary Boddy
Cocoon is a stunning puzzle platformer, and an Xbox console launch exclusive
Annapurna Interactive and the creator of indie classics like Inside and Limbo have announced Cocoon, a colorful and gently-unsettling puzzle platformer with gorgeous visuals. You play as a bug-adjacent humanoid using mysterious orbs to navigate a variety of environments, and it’s coming to Xbox, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2023. Cocoon is also an Xbox console launch exclusive, and is coming to the entire suite of Xbox Game Pass services on day one. — Zachary Boddy
Diablo IV reveals final “Necromancer” class and Xbox Series X gameplay
Diablo IV was a major part of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, with two separate segments to get players excited for the upcoming fantasy action-RPG. First, Blizzard Entertainment unveiled the final class for Diablo IV with the Necromancer, bringing the final number of classes up to five.
Next, Blizzard Entertainment revealed first-ever gameplay of the game running on Xbox Series S, with commentary breaking down gameplay features and mechanics, including cross-play and couch co-op. — Zachary Boddy
As Dusk Falls officially launches on July 19, 2022 on Xbox and PC Game Pass
As Dusk Falls, another game being published in partnership with Xbox Game Studios, secured its imminent release date during today’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. The Xbox console exclusive, character-driven interactive drama officially arrives on July 19, 2022, and it’s launching into Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Zachary Boddy
Grounded 1.0 officially releases in Sept. 2022
Grounded, Obsidian Entertainment’s hit shrunken survival crafting game, is rapidly approaching its full release. The 1.0 update, which will render the title feature complete, is arriving in Sept. 2022 across Xbox, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Of course, Grounded is already included across the entire Xbox Game Pass suite of services, and it’s not going anywhere after its full release.
The 1.0 update will add a ton of new content to the game, including an all-new area — the Upper Yard — with new creatures, crafting recipes, and more. Players will also be able to explore the complete Grounded narrative, and battle the deadly Mantis. — Zachary Boddy
Obsidian Entertainment announces Pentiment, a unique murder mystery
Pentiment, which has been heavily leaked throughout this year, is finally official. It’s a unique murder mystery with a tapestry-inspired art style, featuring branching narratives and dialogue choices to create your individual adventure. Created by Josh Sawyer, best known for work on Fallout and Pillars of Eternity, it’s a promising darling in the newest Xbox lineup.
Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios plan to launch Pentiment on Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in Nov. 2022. As a first-party title, it’s also coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one, making it easy to play the latest title from legendary game director Josh Sawyer. — Zachary Boddy
Scorn shows off unsettling gameplay, release date revealed
Xbox exclusive horror game Scorn showed off gruesome, unsettling gameplay during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, alongside a specific release date of Oct. 21, 2021. Scorn is coming exclusively to Xbox Series X|S and PC, and is an Xbox and PC Game Pass day one launch title. You’ll also be able to play Scorn on the cloud through Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Zachary Boddy
Lightyear Frontier launching on Xbox and PC Game Pass in Spring 2023
Lightyear Frontier is a peaceful, exploration-centric farming adventure with up to four-player co-op, and it made its debut as an Xbox and PC Game Pass launch title during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Show. The debut title from FRAME BREAK, published by Amplifier Game Invest, is arriving on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC in Spring 2023. Lightyear Frontier is also coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, on day one. More information is to come later this year at Gamescom 2022. — Zachary Boddy
Minecraft Legends announced, an action strategy game coming in 2023
Mojang Studios appeared during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase to reveal the latest expansion to the Minecraft universe. Minecraft Legends is an action strategy game filled with action, building, and exploration, and the quest to defend the Overworld from an unknown threat. Minecraft Legends is coming to Xbox consoles and PC in 2023. It’s also coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Zachary Boddy
Ara: History Untold is a grand strategy game coming from Oxide Games
Xbox Game Studios and Oxide Games are partnering on Ara: History Untold, a historical grand strategy game coming to PC Game Pass on day one. Interested players can also sign-up to become an insider, and possibly test the game before its eventual release. — Zachary Boddy
Ark 2 shows off new dinosaur-filled gameplay, coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass
Ark 2, the upcoming vastly upgraded survival crafting game, grabbed a new gameplay trailer featuring Vin Diesel. Ark 2 is an Xbox console launch exclusive, arriving Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2023. It’s also coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, on day one. — Zachary Boddy
Forza Horizon 5 “Hot Wheels” DLC expansion announced
After months of waiting and speculation, Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios have officially unveiled the first Forza Horizon 5 DLC expansion. The epic open-world racing game is gaining an all-new area to explore with four biomes, 10 more cars to collect and drive, and more content with which to play when Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels releases on Xbox and PC on July 19, 2022.
This is the second time Playground Games has partnered with the legendary toy brand, Hot Wheels, after the original Hot Wheels expansion for Forza Horizon 3. With FH5, the expansion will be bigger and better than ever, and benefit from numerous improvements and advancements to the Forza Horizon series since its third entry. The Hot Wheels expansion will also tie into Forza Horizon 5’s EventLab creator, letting players create even more than the expansion includes. — Zachary Boddy
Fallout 76 Expeditions: The Pitt expansion coming to Xbox and PC in Sept. 2022
Fallout 76 provided the first look at its next chapter with The Pitt expansion trailer, which features more apocalyptic gameplay set in a devastated Pittsburg. The latest Fallout 76 Expedition is arriving in Sept. 2022, and it’s coming to Xbox consoles and PC. — Zachary Boddy
Overwatch 2 goes free-to-play, gains release date, and announces new hero
Blizzard Entertainment’s upcoming team-based shooter had a lot to say during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. Overwatch 2 is going free-to-play, is officially releasing on Oct. 4, 2022 on Xbox consoles and PC, and revealed a brand-new addition to the expanding roster: The Wastelander. — Zachary Boddy
Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition announced, free Halo Infinite Pelican add-on
Halo fans wanting to take to the skies in a Pelican don’t have to wait any longer, as Microsoft Flight Simulator announced during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase that the iconic space-bound vehicle is now available as a free add-on for all players. As expected for Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Pelican looks incredible when flying around the beautifully rendered world.
Xbox Game Studios also announced Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition, a completely free update to all owners and Game Pass subscribers, which celebrates the legacy of the franchise with new aircraft, world updates, and more. — Zachary Boddy
Forza Motorsport shows off stunning 4K gameplay, breaks down game features
The highly-anticipated flagship simulation racer game from Turn10 Studios and Xbox Game Studios, Forza Motorsport, revealed a ton of footage during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, with stunning 4K gameplay. Turn10 Studios also discussed a ton of features and gameplay mechanics, including on-track real-time ray-tracing, enhanced simulation features, and much more.
If you’ve been excited for Forza Motorsport (2023), this is the presentation to watch. The game’s visuals look undeniably beautiful, with an incredible amount of intricate details in the driving and handling systems, weather effects, vastly improved car and damage models, and beyond. Turn10 Studios described the game as being a “generational leap” forward for the franchise.
Forza Motorsport (2023) is officially coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in Spring 2023. — Zachary Boddy
A Plague Tale: Requiem shows off new gameplay footage
A Plague Tale: Requiem, coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass, showed nail-biting, rat-filled gameplay during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022. While no release date was revealed, the sequel is still slated for a release later this year on Xbox Series X|S and PC, as well as a day one launch into Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Zachary Boddy
Riot Games titles, including League of Legends, coming to PC Game Pass
In a surprise reveal, Riot Games stole the show at Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 to treat PC players, announcing that five titles across PC and mobile are coming to PC Game Pass or gaining exclusive perks through the subscription service, including Leage of Legends.
League of Legends is coming to PC Game Pass with all Legends unlocked, League of Legends: Wild Rift on mobile is getting all Champions unlocked, Valorant is getting all Agents unlocked, Legends of Runeterra will unlock all Foundation Sets, and Teamfight Tactics will unlock select Little Legends. — Zachary Boddy
Justin Roiland’s new game, High on Life, coming exclusively to Xbox and PC this year
Justin Roiland, the mind behind Rick and Morty, and his studio Squanch Games revealed their latest project during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. High on Life follows the story of a young high school graduate charged with protecting the world from the invasion of an alien cartel, with an arsenal of talking guns to assist them.
High on Life is a comedic first-person shooter spanning multiple planets, and it’s arriving as an Xbox console exclusive on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. It’s also coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, on day one. High on Life is slated to release in late 2022, although an exact release date is currently not available. — Zachary Boddy
Hollow Knight: Silksong is coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one
Matching rumors predating the show, the highly-anticipated platformer Hollow Knight: Silksong is officially coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one. Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming support were also confirmed, making it easy to jump into the upcoming title the moment it releases. The Hollow Knight sequel still doesn’t have a release window. — Zachary Boddy
Redfall gets over five minutes of gameplay in new trailer
The opening salvo for the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is none other than Redfall, the upcoming co-op shooter from Arkane. The vampiric shooter showcased plenty of slick-looking, goretastic, pre-release gameplay in its latest trailer. Redfall still doesn’t have a specific release date, and is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2023. As a Bethesda published title, it’s also landing on Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one. — Zachary Boddy
And we’re live! Microsoft’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is now underway, bringing us 90 minutes of Xbox gaming news and announcements. While you can find the YouTube broadcast at the top of this feed, we’ll also be updating this feed with new announcements, if you’re unable to tune into the live show.
Redfall from Arkane Austin is up first! — Matt Brown
T-minus 10 minutes until the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase begins. While we have our assumptions as to what the event could include, Microsoft has managed to maintain a relatively leak-free show, with some surprises undoubtedly in store. Any guesses for what the show will open with this year? — Matt Brown
“Today is really a gameplay show,” says Xbox head Phil Spencer
The upcoming Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will lean heavier into Xbox gameplay, Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer has stated.
“Today is really a gameplay show,” Spencer said in an Xbox FanFest stream ahead of the event. It suggests the company plans to deliver fewer CGI trailers during its 2022 live show. The statement follows criticism from viewers over past Xbox press conferences, some of which heavily featured pre-rendered trailers, often detached from the experiences offered by the final product. A promising sign, for sure. — Matt Brown
Xbox survival horror ‘Scorn’ releases October 21, 2022
Upcoming Xbox console exclusive “Scorn” looks set to release on October 21, 2022, according to information obtained via a new SteamDB listing. First spotted on Reddit ahead of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, the database for the Steam storefront now lists a release date for the Ebb Software project alongside a handful of new screenshots.
Scorn appeared way back at Microsoft’s first Xbox Series X gameplay showcase, launching exclusively on Microsoft’s latest-generation machines and Windows PCs. The survival horror project made its name with its gore-heavy showing, drawing influences of artist H. R. Giger, best known for work on Alien. Scorn also joins the growing list of titles headed to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service from launch day. We expect to learn more about Scorn during today’s showcase. — Matt Brown
Growing doubts over ‘Avowed’ appearance at Xbox & Bethesda Showcase
With the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase only hours away, we’re starting to better understand which Xbox titles could be present at today’s event. Avowed, the latest new IP from Obsidian Entertainment, was among the front runners to make an appearance at the show, with few details since its reveal in 2020. It’s now looking increasingly likely that the sci-fi RPG won’t make this year’s showcase.
Yesterday we discussed rumors that Avowed could be skipping this year’s Xbox & Bethesda Showcase — much to the disappointment of RPG fans. In a now-deleted post on Twitter, Bloomberg reporter, Jason Schreier, states Avowed has undergone “some reboots and changed directors pretty recently,” implying the title won’t be ready anytime soon. With no word on its presence from Microsoft, it might be worth tempering your expectations before the show begins.
Update: This post has been updated to reflect the deletion of Schreier’s tweet.
— Matt Brown
How to watch the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase
The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase kicks off later today at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST, with a live broadcast available to watch the announcements in real-time. Links for the 90-minute show on Xbox YouTube and Xbox Twitch channels are now available, with streaming also supported via Xbox Events app on Xbox consoles, and other popular social media platforms. You can check our full guide on streaming the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase for all the latest details. If you can’t tune in live, don’t fret, we’ll be reporting all the latest news as the event unfolds. — Matt Brown
Morning, and welcome to day three of our live coverage on the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. We’re now less than 12 hours away from the big event, where Microsoft and various third-party studios will detail what Xbox fans can expect in 2022 and 2023. We’ll be reporting on what’s to come today, with up-to-the-minute breaking news updates once the live show commences, so you don’t miss a thing.
For those just joining us, Microsoft’s event remains mostly under wraps, likely allowing for some unexpected appearances during the 95-minute show. We understand Bethesda’s upcoming RPG Starfield will play a prominent role with an extensive gameplay demo. Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and other Microsoft properties should also be present, with the firm committing to at least five new games over the next 12 months.
The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase could also hold some surprises, from a reported deal with revered developer Hideo Kojima to a planned revival of the Banjo Kazooie platforming series. We also know Microsoft plans to save some news for an “extended” showcase scheduled for the same time on June 14. Join the discussion and let us know what you hope to see via our Windows Central Discord. — Matt Brown
More rumors abound: Avowed to skip the show? Persona to fill in?
Following on from fresh rumors of Banjo Kazooie or Hideo Kojima’s Overdose, we now have even more intriguing possibilities as we head ever closer towards the Xbox showcase.
Reporter Tom Henderson who shares a wealth of inside information on the video game industry took questions on a live stream yesterday.
While emphasizing very heavily that he was intentionally being vague and didn’t want to spoil the show, some of his responses could be interpreted (at least loosely) as hints on what to expect, and what not to expect.
He said that he was “avowed” not to mention games that are skipping the showcase, which could be a tease that RPG Avowed won’t show up, although it could also be taken as simply fun trolling, too. Henderson however more definitively suggested Hideo Kojima of Death Stranding and Metal Gear fame will be present at the show, simply to announce that he is working with Xbox. More and more hints seem to be appearing that Hideo’s leaked horror game “Overdose” may be tied to Xbox, following earlier rumors that Kojima is indeed working with Microsoft.
Tantalizing for JRPG fans, Henderson also responded to questions about Persona by saying “I don’t want to leak the whole show,” while hesitating through a laugh. Could this be a hint that finally Sega’s Atlus team has decided to play nice with Xbox? I want to believe.
Finally, an account that leaked the recent PlayStation State of Play in its entirety teased that Overwatch 2 is going free to play. Given Microsoft’s relationship with Activision Blizzard, there’s a chance we could see a glimpse of it at the show, but Overwatch 2 is gearing up for its own reveal live stream later next week as well. Only 12 hours left to find out what’s in store. — Jez Corden
Hideo Kojima reportedly to unveil Xbox horror game at Xbox Showcase
While the focus of the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase lies with their respective teams, it also appears Microsoft could reveal an unexpected partnership this week. Multiple reports allude to an unannounced deal between the software giant and Kojima Productions, with development underway on an Xbox-exclusive project from the Japanese studio.
With development led by Hideo Kojima, a revered figure within the industry, the partnership alone would be huge for the Xbox brand. The title would mark the studio’s second project as an independent team, following the 2019 release of Death Stranding and previous work on Konami’s Metal Gear games. Death Stranding was a PlayStation 4-exclusive title at launch, later followed by PS5 and PC versions.
Reports on the deal first surfaced in 2021, stating Microsoft looks to publish the next project from Kojima Productions, incorporating technologies from the firm’s Azure cloud services. The project is named “Overdose” according to a recent TryHardGuides report, tapping into the horror genre, and starring Margaret Qualley. The outlet later stated Kojima Productions asked for the report’s removal, lending credence to the enclosed details.
It’s unclear whether Hideo Kojima or “Overdose” will make an appearance this Sunday, though multiple outlets now report some form of agreement has been reached. But if Microsoft takes to the stage with a Kojima collaboration, and it’s looking increasingly likely, what’s shown will undoubtedly be a highlight of the show. — Matt Brown
Future Games Show 2022 presented more upcoming Xbox indies
It’s not the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, but there was still plenty to excite Xbox players during GamesRadar’s Future Games Show 2022. The event was packed from beginning to end with imminent indie games, and some genuinely looked incredible.
One game, Turbo Golf Racing, is heading to Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one, while other intriguing Xbox-bound games like The Entropy Center, The Last Faith, Serial Cleaners, Arctic Awakening, and Planet of Lana gained new trailers and gameplay footage. Future Games Show 2022 was a good precursor to the major announcements expected from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, especially for fans of unique indie titles. — Zachary Boddy
Banjo Kazooie to appear at Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, says report
Could we see Banjo Kazooie at the show? That’s on the cards according to game developer and YouTuber ModernVintageGaming (also known as MVG). Speaking on Nate The Hate’s podcast, MVG claimed in no uncertain terms that beloved platforming franchise Banjo Kazooie will be present at the show in some form.
“Banjo will be at this show, and it will be announced. I have spoken to a lot of people, I’m not an insider, I’m a developer. But sometimes I hear things and I was at GDC earlier this year and there were some people talking about Banjo.” MVG continued, “something is happening with Banjo, what I can’t tell you is what that is.”
Microsoft is clearly intent on bringing Banjo back in some way, otherwise, I don’t think they would have antagonized fans by including the bird and the bear in Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. Microsoft has not shied away from diving into their back catalog of IP, admitting that they want to do “something” with dormant fighting franchise Killer Instinct, while investing heavily in rebooting Age of Empires on the side too.
I haven’t heard anything about this particular rumor on my end, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. I give this rumor 3 shrimps out of 5. 🍤🍤🍤 — Jez Corden
We’re now less than 24 hours out from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, where Microsoft and its partners will spend an hour and a half discussing the future of Xbox. We’re seeing various developers within Xbox Game Studios alluding to appearances during the event, with speculation rife on social media and online forums.
However, Microsoft’s biggest announcements still remain under wraps, with no significant leaks circulating ahead of the show. While it might not stay that way, all eyes are shifting to the final broadcast. — Matt Brown
Gearing up for Xboxmas
T’was the night before Xboxmas, and all through the house… nothing was stirring, not even an RGB mouse.
It ’tis I, your affable Xbox editor over here at Windows Central, gearing up for a weekend of previews, news blowouts, and honest-to-goodness marketing. That’s right, it’s E3 season once again (don’t call it E3, though), headlined by the big Xbox and Bethesda Showcase.
For once, I actually know zero about what will be at the show, as I emphasized in Xbox & Bethesda preview predictions earlier this week. I know a few things that definitely won’t be there though. You certainly shouldn’t expect Fable or Perfect Dark to appear, as both titles are still deep in development and this show is expected to generally feature titles launching within the next fiscal year (the next 12 months essentially). There also won’t be a so-called “Gears Collection” remastering the first few games, despite rumors to the contrary. I’ve been told by trusted sources that this project doesn’t actually exist right now — but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t in the future.
Another interesting tidbit that emerged this week was the possibility of a Minecraft RTS or strategy game. I’ve since linked it to a dormant codename I had here called Badger, which is a companion to Blackbird Interactive’s codename Squirrel otherwise known as the doomed mobile project Minecraft Earth. It seems that Blackbird’s experience with Minecraft Earth may have made them the perfect candidate to build a Minecraft strategy game, that will no doubt have mobile leanings perhaps akin to Clash of Clans or so, if one is to speculate. Could we see it at the showcase, though? It’s possible, but I also think it’s more likely a project like this might debut at a Minecon Live event instead.
In any case, it’s going to be a fun show, with a diverse range of games from studios both huge and small, with a heavy focus on Xbox Game Pass titles. Keep it locked to Windows Central as we continue to update our coverage across the coming days. — Jez Corden, Windows Central Senior Xbox Editor
Forza Motorsport set to make a splash at Xbox & Bethesda event
It’s well-known that Turn10 Studios and Xbox Game Studios are working on a Forza Motorsport reboot, which aims to rebuild the legendary racing franchise from the ground up on a brand-new ForzaTech engine. Unfortunately, nearly two years after its initial teaser reveal, we still don’t know much about the enigmatic simulation racing game.
The road to the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase has been rife with conjecture and speculation, and one of the more prevalent rumors was that Forza Motorsport would finally make an appearance, possibly with a release date announcement. Nothing has been confirmed, but not only do I think it’s probable that Turn10 Studios will take the stage during the event, I sincerely hope it does happen.
With Xbox committing to at least five new games from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda in the next 12 months, and the Forza Motorsport reboot supposedly being in development since 2017, everything is lining up for the reimagined racer to strengthen the currently-weak Xbox first-party games lineup in the near future. Considering the delay of Starfield and Redfall into 2023, I’d like to think Forza Motorsport could actually release in late 2022, but it could also arrive at some point in 2023 — we just can’t say for certain, right now.
When it arrives, Forza Motorsport is expected to take full advantage of current-gen technologies in Xbox Series X|S, as well as launching into Xbox and PC Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and on PC from day one. We know that Forza Motorsport is being developed with the community in mind, with major improvements coming for simulation and driving elements, as well as online multiplayer. — Zachary Boddy
Is Microsoft ready to show off Halo Infinite’s battle royale mode?
It’s now been over six months since the launch of Halo Infinite, with hopes the title could make an appearance at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase this weekend. Halo Infinite developer 343 Industries continues work on the live service for its free-to-play multiplayer, with Season 2 currently underway and co-op campaign support set to enter testing this July.
343 Industries has also teamed up with Certain Affinity on future Halo Infinite content, which we understand to be a new battle royale-inspired multiplayer experience, with a Halo twist. First detailed in a report from Senior Xbox Editor Jez Corden in January, the mode is in development under the codename Tatanka, taking on behemoths like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.
It’s currently thought that Tatanka could be targeting Season 4, recently delayed to early 2023, following changes to the Halo Infinite roadmap. While 343 Industries likely won’t announce new games this week, a previous teaser implies it could have something to show at the extended June 14 broadcast. — Matt Brown
Morning! We’re just getting started with our second day of coverage around this weekend’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. I’m logging on earlier than the rest of the team from London, getting caught up on the latest overnight developments, ahead of what could be a busy day leading up to tomorrow’s big show.
We recently learned the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will run for around 95 minutes, suggesting the duo has a packed event in the works. While the June 12 broadcast will host the heavy hitters, don’t forget Microsoft has a second event with 90 extra minutes to follow on June 14.
We’re also seeing some alleged “leaks” for the Xbox event circulating online this morning, mostly entirely fake. However, if you’re wanting to go in blind this weekend, we recommend going offline ASAP. We’ll continue to bring the latest, as it happens. — Matt Brown
Indiana Jones might be returning for the Xbox Showcase
While it’s unclear which Microsoft-owned studios have a spot during Sunday’s showcase, MachineGames, best known for its work on Wolfenstein games, could be among those featured. MachineGames has now commented on the upcoming Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, fuelling speculation of an appearance during the show. “We are so excited for Sundays [sic] showcase,” the developer stated via LinkedIn. “Hope you all are ready for it!”
MachineGames joined Xbox as a part of its Bethesda acquisition, with work underway on a licensed Indiana Jones game with Lucasfilm. The show could provide an update on the project following its 2021 reveal, if set to coincide with the next Indiana Jones movie scheduled for next June. It’s also speculated that a third installment in the modern Wolfenstein series could be in the pipeline, following the 2017 release of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. — Matt Brown
The Xbox & Bethesda Showcase will run for 95 minutes, says Microsoft
Those who have been speculating the length of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase need wonder no more. The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will run for approximately 95 minutes, according to a new Twitter post from Xbox’s GM of marketing, Aaron Greenberg. That’s just over an hour and a half of non-stop announcements and trailers for upcoming Xbox games.
While we now have a runtime, we’re still left guessing which games will make an appearance this Sunday. Don’t forget that Microsoft is hosting an extended showcase on June 14, around 90 minutes in length, which is expected to provide a deeper dive into some of the games shown during the main event. — Zachary Boddy
Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels DLC leaks ahead of reveal
A few weeks ago, I discussed what Playground Games may be planning for the first Forza Horizon 5 DLC expansion. Now, just days ahead of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, a premature update to the game’s Steam listing has leaked a Hot Wheels-themed Forza Horizon 5 expansion.
While Microsoft was quick to remove the promotion assets, you can’t erase them from the internet. It appears Playground Games is partnering with the Mattel brand once again on a Hot Wheels crossover, harkening back to the days of Forza Horizon 3.
Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but it seems likely that Forza Horizon 5 will make an appearance during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase to unveil the new DLC. We can also expect more details about what’s included and when the expansion will be available. — Zachary Boddy
Xbox Cloud Gaming TV app launches on Samsung TVs this month
Xbox Cloud Gaming continues to expand at a steady pace, with mobiles, PCs, and Xbox consoles now hooked into Microsoft’s streaming platform. TVs are the latest joining its growing cloud empire, thanks to a new Xbox TV app headed to Samsung’s 2022 TV range from June 30. Microsoft has also confirmed plans to launch a streaming-only Xbox device further down the line, internally dubbed Xbox “Keystone,” posing a more affordable entry point into the Xbox ecosystem.
Microsoft continues to push Xbox Cloud Gaming as its next major innovation, streaming Xbox games over the internet with low latency, in tandem with its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. These now fall under “Xbox Everywhere,” an umbrella term for its up-and-coming ecosystem, breaking away from traditional console hardware.
Xbox Cloud Gaming will likely play a pivotal role during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, helping its future games catalog reach the widest possible audience. Expect Xbox Cloud Gaming to make frequent appearances this weekend, alongside its latest Xbox Series X|S consoles. — Matt Brown
Xbox to ‘meet or exceed’ 5 new games in the next 12 months
Microsoft is heading into the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase this weekend after committing to at least five new games over the next 12 months. In a statement to press ahead of the Sunday broadcast, the company stated it plans to “meet or exceed” the number of new games released in its last fiscal year. That implies Xbox and Bethesda will deliver five or more projects before June 2023.
The announcement suggests we could see more hard release dates during Microsoft’s June 12 conference, including titles planned for later this year. Following delays to Starfield and Redfall, Redmond has found itself with a hole in its content calendar for the remainder of 2022. Forza Motorsport could help fill the gap, and we’re expecting to learn more about other titles to come in the near future. — Matt Brown
Greetings! It’s an incredibly exhilarating time of year for Xbox and PC gamers, with the much-hyped Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase right around the corner. I’ll be updating this space with all the latest announcements and reveals as we get them, and I may share some of my own thoughts, as well.
I lead much of the coverage for Minecraft, Forza Horizon, and Forza Motorsport here at Windows Central, but I’m also a fan of all things “video games,” and especially of Xbox. I’m excited to see what’s in store in the coming weeks. — Zachary Boddy, Windows Central Gaming News Writer
Summer Game Fest brought Xbox Game Pass announcements
In case you missed it, Summer Game Fest, the inaugural gaming event of the not-E3-but-still-sorta-E3 season, recently brought a handful of new gaming announcements ahead of the Xbox & Bethesda showcase. You can catch up on all the Summer Game Fest announcements in our full event round-up.
Highlights of the event for Xbox owners included the first gameplay demos for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and The Callisto Protocol, plus a new trailer for Marvel’s Midnight Suns. Xbox Game Pass also received several new day-one additions, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge on June 16, and Routine, an upcoming sci-fi horror game with a score from DOOM’s Mick Gordon.
Microsoft’s limited showing also suggests it’s holding back those heavy hitters, only raising expectations for the June 12 showcase. — Matt Brown
Welcome everyone — and thanks for joining us! It’s that time of the year again, and we’re just two days from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase.
We’re expecting big reveals from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks this weekend, including much-anticipated updates on upcoming projects like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and Redfall, plus a handful of surprises. If you’re an Xbox fan, you don’t want to miss this.
We’re just getting started on our live coverage for the weekend. This Friday we’ll be discussing the breaking news so far, with exclusive insight into what’s to come from Microsoft over the coming days. You can expect regular updates to follow before things get crazy on the day. — Matt Brown, Windows Central Senior Games Editor


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Trailer maker cuts back, profits at old Alloy site
Reliance Trailer Co. LLC trims production of units, pursues niche marketsSeptember 16th, 1999
Since buying Alloy Trailers Inc.s assets out of bankruptcy one year ago, two California businessmen have formed a new company here, called Reliance Trailer Co. LLC, that has cut Alloys production level, closed a manufacturing facility, and produced something thats been needed at the plant west of Spokane: a profit.
Reliance Trailer Co., which manufactures over-the-road truck trailers, is operating at less than half the size of its predecessor. As part of its downsizing, it has begun concentrating on smaller runs and custom orders.
Everythings a niche here now, says Greg Kreshel, who was hired as Reliance Trailers general manager after working as vice president of engineering at Alloy Trailers for 22 years.
Two California businessmen, Brian Ling and Duke Yolo, bought Alloy Trailers assets in a transaction approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge last September. They formed Reliance Trailer Co. LLC here last October and started manufacturing trailers in November.
Approaching the final quarter of its first calendar year in business, Reliance is on pace to manufacture 500 trailers in 1999, Kreshel says. Thats 900 fewer trailers than Alloy made in roughly the first three quarters of 1998, but Reliance is meeting sales projections for 1999, Kreshel says.
More importantly, Reliance is profitable, Kreshel says, and is expected to exceed profit projections this year. He declines to disclose sales figures.
Reliance now is in the process of projecting sales for the year 2000, and Ling says that, preliminarily, he expects sales next year to parallel this years figures.
Reliance manufactures many of the products previously made by Alloy, including van trailers, wood-chip hauling trailers, and flatbeds, and it still markets those lines under the Alloy name. It also makes a few product lines that carry the Reliance name.
Ling and Yolo also own trailer manufacturing plants in Cotati, Calif., and Eureka, Calif., under the name Reliance Trailer Manufacturing and a trailer sales company in Windsor, Calif., called Redwood Reliance Sales Co.
To make the Spokane plant profitable once again, Reliance Trailer Co. opted to stop competing directly with national, high-volume trailer manufacturers. Alloy, which competed with the national concerns, claimed to be one of the two largest full-line manufacturers of over-the-road truck trailers in the Western U.S., but, Kreshel says, The really big manufacturers kept eating into our order backlogs.
A major part of Reliances downsizing of Alloy involved closing a 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Spokane Business & Industrial Park in the Spokane Valley. Reliance now operates out of 105,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space at another former Alloy Trailers facility, at 3025 S. Geiger Blvd. across the street from Spokanes waste-to-energy plant.
The number of employees at Reliance has been pared down compared with the Alloy operation, to about 100 workers from about 175. However, Kreshel points out that the number of employees dropped at a less dramatic rate than the decline in production volume.
In addition to trimming the volume of work, Reliance is starting to implement some lean manufacturing operations. Lean manufacturing generally is characterized by cutting time between customer order and manufacturing while eliminating waste in the production stream.
Reliance also has invested in equipment that allows its design department to operate more efficiently, Kreshel says.
New dump trucks
During the past year, Reliance also has added a line of hydraulic transfer dump trucks. The new dump truck comes with an auxiliary trailer that carries a second dump-truck bed. The driver can shift the dump-truck bed from the auxiliary trailer into the dump-truck bed on the truck via a hydraulic chassis. Such a setup typically is used by companies that need to dump large amounts of materialgravel, topsoil, etc.in tight quarters, says Karl Wiese, a sales representative here for Redwood Reliance Sales Co.
For example, a truck driver who needs to dump two loads of topsoil in a residential development might not have enough room to maneuver both a truck and trailer. In such an instance, the driver could unhook the trailer, leaving it near the dump site, then dump the first load. He then could return to transfer the dump-truck bed from the auxiliary trailer into the dump-truck bed thats affixed to the truck. The process would take seven or eight minutes. The driver then would dump the second load.
Wiese says the company has sold 20 of the dump trucks since manufacturing its first unit in March.
Its a product that is seeing more and more acceptance in the Northwest, he says.

domain: news


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How to Benefit From Record Technology Profits
If you've been paying attention to the stock market lately, you've likely noticed two things.
The first half of 2015 hasn't been great. The market's overall performance has raised eyebrows. At times, it has appeared as if the six-year bull market is running out of steam.
Yet the major players in the tech sector certainly aren't to blame.
They've been earning investors serious money.
Google just thrilled shareholders with a 15-percent surge. It was the largest one day increase for Google in seven years. It also came on the heels of a record earnings report. The tech titan's stock is now trading at an all-time high.
Amazon stock seems to be made of helium these days. It's up around 50-percent in 2015. Social giant Facebook has also reached new heights.
Apple, on the other hand, hit a bit of a rough patch recently. The much anticipated Apple Watch debuted to a mixed reaction. Recent stock performance has been sluggish. Yet the company's earnings report is just around the corner. Many observers believe it will beat estimates.
In fact, analysts queried by Thomson Reuters have predicted Apple will set record profits in 2015 -- potentially more than $52 billion. That would be the largest annual profit in history. Not Apple history -- stock market history.
We haven't even mentioned Microsoft -- another tech heavyweight awash in money. So things are clearly looking up for the alpha dogs of the Nasdaq.
Which raises a simple question: What are you doing to benefit from all of this?
The likely answer: not enough.
Big companies, bigger profits. So what's the drawback?
If these huge, pedigreed firms are breaking profit records left and right, what's the catch? Price is one obvious concern. These stocks can hardly be called bargains. Amazon, in particular, has a stratospheric valuation.
Yet "expensive" doesn't always mean "poor value."
Many of us have a surface-level grasp of new technology. Some of us lack even that. As a result, many investors have an innate distrust or skepticism of even the largest technology firms. That goes double for firms whose assets involve fleeting intangibles such as cachet or popularity.
We know what Coca-Cola does. We know what they sell. The same goes for ExxonMobil. Anyone can see the value in extracting oil from the ground. Technology isn't always so easy to process. The markets for these products seem fickle.
It's important to remember many of today's "safe and boring" dinosaur blue chip stocks were once new and novel. As technology and markets matured, the initial skepticism faded. Billions in profits rolled in.
Things happen faster these days. Facebook wanted to connect us with friends. Google wanted to give us more effective search. It didn't take long for both firms to discover their true value lies in advertising. Now they determine what we read, see and listen to -- while funneling our business to advertisers.
Apple was a somewhat niche computer maker. Now it's a company that extends its reach into almost every aspect of our lives. Amazon changed the way people shop. Microsoft changed the way people work.
Do these sound like firms going anywhere soon?
Or do they sound like this generation's version of IBM, Johnson & Johnson or Coca-Cola?
If you're building wealth long-term, you shouldn't invest in these tech heavyweights because of this year's profits. And you shouldn't bail out if next year's profits don't measure up.
You should invest because these companies -- valued as they are -- still have enormous potential for growth. There's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't reap the benefits.


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Fans of the Norge Bazaar and Ice Cream Shoppe are in for another treat.
The business announced on their social media they are making changes to the shop, including new plans for the back room.
The shop will now be serving hot dogs, bratwurst, pulled-pork barbecue, and much more.
Danny and Janey Sawyer are the husband and wife co-owners of the Norge Bazaar and Ice Cream Shop along with the Williamsburg Bazaar. They said they are just waiting for the health department to inspect everything before they are ready to open at the end of the week.
“There is a wall between the sandwich side and ice cream side,” Danny Sawyer said.
He added he and his wife expanded the bazaar into the old candle shop next door and added a fresh coat of paint and tiling.
Along with more space also comes preparation for the holiday season.
The last time the couple spoke with WYDaily, they mentioned how they wanted to rent out the back room of the bazaar for birthday parties and events.
RELATED STORY: New ice cream shop brings a ‘country store’ feel to Norge
But the pandemic put a halt to their plans, so they readjusted and decided to use the space to include a spot for a “Christmas town” section where vendors can set up products to sell for the holiday season.
Danny Sawyer said they will have the Christmas section up until Jan 1, 2021.
As of right now, the shop sells vendor items such as nautical-themed décor, wooden crafts, and floral arrangements made out of wood shavings. The bazaar also includes some clothing and furniture pieces.
The most curious aspect about the bazaar is how such a new business is managing to grow and expand in the middle of a pandemic.
Danny Sawyer said when they first opened their Norge location, the community welcomed them with open arms.
“We provide a great service for the folks out there,” he said. “When we first started, we had one ice cream display. Within a month, we had to order a second one because there was so much desire to come in there and get ice cream.”
Sawyer added the vendors have also pitched in to lend a helping hand. At first, business at the Williamsburg Bazaar was slow when the Norge location opened, but he said they are “back to where we should be now” but added he wished business was busier sooner.
“We got to learn to walk before we run,” he said.
For other new business owners, he added, “just get it going slowly. No need to rush things.”
But for the couple and the Norge Bazaar, they have a pretty sweet deal going for them.
When Sawyer saw families sitting outside and enjoying themselves during their first week of being opened, he said, “I looked over at my wife and told her, ‘This is why we opened this.’ Families are having a great time and making memories.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:
- Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport celebrates 50 years. Here’s a look at its history and contributions
- Motion proposed for a vote of no confidence in W&M athletics director; calls for dismissal or resignation
- Community policing: National Night Out in Williamsburg turns into a night in
- Organizers: This celebration honors American Indian history and culture


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Tax hike may send smokers across border
The State Line Station is stocking up on cigarettes for an expected surge in smoker Smokeless nicotine demand when South Dakota’s
$1-a-pack tax hike takes effect Monday.
Store manager Kathy Drentlaw unloaded a shipment of tobacco products Friday to prepare for an increase in sales to South Dakotans expected to cross the border to save money on the tobacco products they smoke or chew.
She has another shipment on the way, which is expected to arrive from Denver when the weather clears.
“I’ve tripled (orders) on some brands. And we’ve had a lot of phone calls from Lead, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, asking us to carry some brands if we don’t,” Drentlaw said. “We’ve already ordered in two brands we didn’t have.”
Drentlaw figures South Dakota’s loss will be State Line’s gain, not only for tobacco sales but for other items as well.
“It’ll be a big boost – gas and snacks, and hopefully, they’ll see what great souvenirs we have and start buying those also,” she said.
The increased tobacco tax approved by state voters Nov. 7 takes effect Monday. It will add $1 to the existing 53-cent state tax on a regular pack of 20 cigarettes and increase the tax from 10 percent to 25 percent on the wholesale price of other tobacco products.
Supporters of the tax increase said it would raise $40 million for state programs and programs to discourage tobacco use and help users quit.
The tax increase, which would drive up the cost of cigarettes, is also designed to encourage some smokers to quit.
Opponents say it unfairly targets tobacco users, is likely to reduce state revenues, increases cigarette bootlegging and purchases in other states and will do little to reduce smoking rates among South Dakotans.
Patrons and employees at Thrifty Smoke Shop on St. Patrick Street in Rapid City said smokers and users of other tobacco products will simply turn to the Internet and other states to satisfy their cravings.
Smokers Susan Francis and James Litz of Rapid Valley, who stopped at the store for some cigarettes Thursday, said the tax was another way for government to reach into the pockets of taxpayers to put more money in the state general fund. They intend to buy their cigarettes online or in other states when possible to avoid paying the new tax.
“It’s the principle more than the money,” Litz said. “It’s another sin tax. And the money is just going into the general fund.”
Francis added, “We are going to be checking it out online, believe me.”
Shift manager Pete Kegley said he doubts that the increase price will discourage young people from smoking. But it will make it more attractive to drive across the state border to buy tobacco, he said.
“The intent is to encourage people to stop. But you’ll just see people going across the state line,” he said. “And if they’re there, they’ll get some gas and other things.”
Aaron Wilke of Rapid City stopped at the shop Thursday to buy a stack of Copenhagen “spit” tobacco. He bought the tobacco for $3.70 a can but expects to pay almost a dollar more a can under the new law.
Wilke said it’s unfair to target tobacco users so specifically.
“Why isn’t alcohol going up, when you’ve got such a problem with DUIs?” he said. “And how about fast food and what it does to your health. Look at those big, huge monster burgers they’re selling.”
Kegley said people who believe the higher tax will benefit the state financially are kidding themselves. The switch to online purchases and cross-border purchases will cost tobacco sellers in South Dakota and result in fewer tax dollars for the state, he said.
The tax also has implications for a multi-state damage settlement with tobacco companies that has produced more than $21 million a year for the state, he said.
State officials are examining that issue right now and expect to discuss it more completely during a Jan. 8 meeting in Pierre, a day before the start of the 2007 state Legislature. Attorney General Larry Long will advise the group on likely impacts of the increased tax on tobacco sales and examine where it could affect the tobacco-settlement money in the future.
If enough people find ways to buy their tobacco products without paying the state tax, it could accelerate the market-share loss for the major tobacco companies that participated in the settlement. If the loss is too great, terms of the lawsuit could require South Dakota to show that it is diligent in enforcing provisions of the settlement designed to minimize the loss of market share for those companies.
If the state fails to show that, it could have to repay some of the settlement money.
“If we have more and more going to the Internet and other sources to buy cigarettes, that increases the likelihood that tobacco companies will lose market share and increases the pressure on us to enforce the terms of the settlement and avoid the penalty,” Long said.
Drentlaw doesn’t have to worry about that these days. She simply wants to make sure she has the tobacco products that South Dakota buyers want – and plenty of them.
Drentlaw said she watched sales shrivel when Wyoming increased the tobacco tax a few years ago and has watched them slowly rebuild. Now, she expects a surge, particularly when South Dakota tobacco users run out of the products they have been buying in bulk before the tax hike.
“A lot of people have stockpiled,” she said. “I don’t expect to see the real boost for another few weeks. When they run out, they’ll start coming over.”


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Serial entrepreneur Maurice Ostro mentors young business leaders across the world through Entrepreneurial Giving, a movement to nurture a new generation of purpose-led businesses.europe, member impact story, Davos
Blue Bird Group Holding, Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, is a rare family business that has defined its industry over generations thanks to the leadership of Noni Purnomo.southeast asia, female members, member impact story
“Fortune’s” 2018 40 Under 40 list of the most influential young people in business includes four YPO members.
EcoCash CEO and YPO member Natalie Jabangwe wants to ensure that every Zimbabwean has access to essential world-class financial services. She leverages technology to support the financial development of bottom-up economies in Africa. And she fosters others to reach their leadership potential.africa
As the world shifts paradigms into the era of voice and video authentication, cybersecurity, drone analytics and groundbreaking radar technologies, there are tremendous profits to be had for entrepreneurs if they move quickly.innovation week
Leaders share key insights from the 2018 YPO EDGE that they plan to apply in their businesses.ypo edge


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Local hair salon to host Christmas open house Sunday to benefit Massillon families.
MASSILLON Kimberly & Co. Salon and Boutique is hosting a Christmas open house on Sunday, that not only will get you ready for the holiday season, but also help those struggling in the community.
The salon, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in September, is teaming up with a local charity to collect socks, gloves and hats for the homeless.
Owner Kimberly Phillips said she wanted to give back to not only her clients, but also those in the local area. The event was a way to help the less fortunate.
"When I opened I didn't know Massillon has such a homeless problem but then I saw them walking past my shop daily and I felt so bad and wanted to help," she said.
Phillips wanted the donations to stay in Massillon and is working a with a group from Christ Lutheran Church in Jackson Township. The items will be used to help Massillon residents, she said.
Community members are welcome to visit the salon at 527 Tremont Ave. SW, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday to drop off donations as well as get free tips on quick holiday hair how-tos, holiday nail art and hair tinsel application. Tips collected during the event will be used to give four children in the community a brighter Christmas.
Any donation of hats, gloves and socks will earn a donor a chance in a raffle. Tickets also will be sold for the raffle of a full-size luxury skin care line, hair product basket, and gift certificate for color, cut, style, manicure and pedicure. Deals also will be offered on gift certificates and products.
Christmas cookies and hot coca will be served and Santa will make a special visit at 1:30 p.m.
"I want people to come and see my salon and help those in the community," she said.


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With that in mind, Windows Vista plans to offer you spiffy new graphics, as long as you're not a pirate. With the new operating system, Microsoft is offering plenty of new graphics tricks, including translucent windows, animated flips between open programs, and "live icons" that show a graphical representation of the file in question.
But before Vista will display its showiest side, known as Aero, it will run a. The move is the latest salvo in Microsoft's broad attack on those who use unauthorized copies of its operating system. In the fall of 2004, Microsoft began testing the Windows Genuine Advantage program, designed to verify that a particular copy of Windows is legitimate.
Microsoft is also releasing a new tool that aims to take some of the annoyance--and risk--out of mistyping a URL when browsing Web sites. The company's Cybersecurity and Systems Management group released a prototype of Strider URL Tracer with Typo-Patrol version last week. The tool is designed to--www.frod.com instead of www.ford.com, for example.
Typo squatters are companies that exploit slips of the fingers by registering for mistyped versions of popular URLs. Some typo domains are parking lots for pay-per-click and syndicated advertising, according to a Microsoft research paper published alongside the tool. The group's researchers found that a mere six services have a presence on between 40 percent and 70 percent of active typo domains.
Feel like you need more protection when you are surfing the Web--especially in public? An entrepreneur hasthat car owners have relied on for decades.
Randy Green has reconfigured Apple Computer's MacBook Pro so the computer's remote control can activate his security system. Coffee-shop computer users who get up for another latte can hit a button on their remotes and they will hear the classic car-alarm chirp that tells them their systems are armed.


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The rapid spread of the Coronavirus has created alarming health concerns across the globe, but it has also led to serious economic issues. The global crisis brings security supply of key value chains to the forefront of our attention as a sector. The European mineral raw materials industry plays a critical role in ensuring the manufacturing of medical devices in Europe.
We have become dependent on highly specialised metals and alloys that require a vast array of minerals and metals. Some are relatively rare metals, yet essential in the manufacturing of advanced technological products including medical devices. In order to create some of these products, mineral raw materials need to undergo a transformation from the mining industry into a wide variety of other industries throughout Europe.
Maintaining, developing and improving our lifestyle is only possible through new innovations and better applications. The European mineral raw materials industry supplies the metals and minerals that make these new developments possible.


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Aýdyň Gijeler economic society, affiliated with Türkmensenagat agency of the Ministry of Industry and Communication of Turkmenistan, plans to launch the production of 32 inch, 42 inch and 55 inch Smart TVs in Turkmenistan.
The new TVs will be equipped with built-in IP tuners with software developed by the specialists of the Center for Young Scientists of the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics.
For the successful implementation of the joint project, a delegation consisting of representatives of the Aýdyň gijeler and the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan organized a business trip in mid-August to meet with their Chinese partners to organize the supply of necessary components for the production of a series of TVs in Turkmenistan.
Aýdyň Gijeler has assembled more than 70 thousand units of “electronic assistants” for the first-graders of Turkmenistan this year.
Besides the assembly of educational computers, Aýdyň gijeler has at its disposal three more workshops on thermoplastic automation, the production of energy-saving LED incandescent lamps of different capacities, as well as small-sized LED suspended ceilings in sizes 60 by 60, 30 by 30 and 30 by 40 centimeters.


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Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc. will spend $30 million to build a 427,000-square-foot distribution center in Bolingbrook, which will combine the regional operations of Chicago-based companies Romano Bros. Beverage Co. and Pacific Wine & Spirits.
Romano Bros., Pacific to relocate
Miami-based Southern, the largest U.S. liquor distributor, this summer acquired Romano Bros. and Pacific, in its first foray into the Chicago-area market.
The new distribution facility will be located on 34 acres of an industrial park in suburban Bolingbrook, and will eventually employ more than 1,000 people, according to the Village of Bolingbrook.
Officials from Southern and Romano Bros. could not be reached for comment.
The village and Will County provided limited tax incentives to Southern to offset the cost of relocation and construction. Southern had considered two sites in DuPage County before choosing Bolingbrook, according to the village.
Construction at the existing Bolingbrook Corporate Center, located on the southeast side of the suburb, is expected to be finished by early next year, with a planned move-in date of February 2003.
Southern purchased Romano Bros. in July, and closed on its purchase of Pacific Wine & Spirits last week. Pacific was one of three divisions of Lake Bluff-based Terlato Wine Group that were sold off to Southern in one deal.
Southern also acquired Direct Import Wine Co. and River City Wine & Spirits from Terlato. The Miami company had already purchased a 49% stake in Pacific and the two other distributors earlier this year.


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Cities like LA and New York will be the first to get the next-gen network, but T-Mobile will put off a commercial launch until 2019 when 5G phones are ready.
The race to turn 5G from hype into reality has hit another gear.
T-Mobile will deploy mobile 5G to 30 cities this year, including New York and Los Angeles, Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray said Tuesday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The company still plans to launch the service next year and provide nationwide coverage by 2020.
The move is just the latest bit of jockeying as US carriers attempt to one-up their rivals on the claim of getting to 5G first. Although T-Mobile said it's deploying the next-generation technology this year, consumers won't see any real benefits until 2019 when the first 5G-capable smartphones hit the market.
Boasting about 5G has become the new favorite pastime for carriers, which are eager to drive buzz and attention to their networks in a continuing bid to win your business. Verizon was the first to stoke the 5G hype back in 2015 by announcing its intention to test the technology. Verizon also insists it will be the first to offer 5G as a replacement for home internet service and plans to deploy that tech in the second half of 2018.
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure has promised to build the first nationwide 5G network by early 2019. It'll take a big step in that direction this year when it rolls out 5G capabilities to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, though Sprint customers won't be able to access 5G until the service launches next year.
AT&T has said it will have mobile 5G available in a dozen markets, including Atlanta and Dallas, later this year.
Ray, however, downplayed the current competition.
"I don't want to win the 2018 race," Ray said during his speech. "It's a meaningless race."
On Tuesday, T-Mobile named four of the 30 cities getting 5G. Besides New York and LA, Las Vegas and Dallas, where AT&T is based, are on the list.
"When we built our LTE network, we had the unlimited future in mind, and we take that same approach here," Ray said. "Every dollar we invest in our network is a 5G dollar."
The company said it is already deploying equipment that is 5G-ready, meaning it will be able to move to the next-generation technology with software upgrades. The carrier is planning to use the 600 megahertz spectrum it acquired from a government auction last year to partly power 5G. Ray said in an interview that T-Mobile will also use so-called millimeter wave spectrum, which runs at a higher frequency and is key to enabling those high speeds, in conjunction with the 600MHz spectrum.
Ray said T-Mobile acquired the higher frequency airwaves from its acquisition of MetroPCS .
While the comments come just weeks after Claure made his promise, Ray said Tuesday's announcement isn't a response to Sprint.
Verizon is expected to launch commercial service in at least one market -- Sacramento -- later this year, while AT&T has promised that its network will run on "pucks," or wireless hotspots, by the end of 2018.
Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus: Hands-on with Samsung's iPhone X fighters.
MWC 2018: All of CNET's coverage from the biggest phone show of the year.


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Strategy Analytics: consumer skepticism towards automated transport remains unresolved
Sep 20, 2018
Automated transport must be safe, practicaland desirable to gain consumer acceptance, finds Strategy Analytics
September 20, 2018 - Boston: (BUSINESS WIRE)Despite numerous attempts from many varied sectors to establish a market for automated mobility services, the concept of “self-driving” technology for ride-hailing/taxi services and limited-route buses has yet to be proven viable with actual consumers. In a new report from the In-Vehicle UX (IVX) team at Strategy Analytics, consumers in the US, Western Europe, and China were surveyed regarding their interest in automated driving technology for these services. Regardless of the mobility service model, interest is low. Skeptical consumers showed the same concerns as those uninterested in semi-autonomous technology for owned vehicles, but trust was not the only factor holding these services back.
Key report findings include:
- Consumer interest worldwide is extremely narrow because the practical usefulness of such services has yet to be proven to consumers beyond the early-adopter segment.
- In addition to not having a use for automated taxi or bus services, skeptical consumers do not yet trust automated transport technology.
- Consumers in China also show strong concern for the quality of the vehicles which might be utilized for such a service.
Derek Viita, Senior Analyst and report author commented:
“Trust remains a large hurdle to acceptance. This is due not only to high-profile crashes and fatalities involving self-driving test vehicles, but also poor user interface design of existing systems and poor basic usefulness. It is not good enough for automated transport just to be safe; it must also be practical and desirable.” “If a mobility service is too expensive for the use case, not available when or where it is needed, or is too complex/unreliable to use, consumers are less likely to be satisfied. Fundamentally they will not become loyal users.”
Added Chris Schreiner, Director, Syndicated Research UXIP:
“It is not enough to simply build an automated transport program, roll out a charm offensive and expect consumers to flock to the service. Supply will not create its own demand. Consumer skepticism toward automated transport in general remains unresolved.”
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Dr. Asaad H Samra in Haute Beauty
Dr. Asaad H. Samra was recently interviewed by Haute Beauty, a premier beauty and lifestyle network! Read the doctor’s story on the biggest misconceptions about cosmetic plastic surgery by clicking the link below:
In the article, Dr. Samra discusses:
•his most popular requested cosmetic procedures
•the biggest misconception about plastic surgery is that patients think it will be more expensive than it really is
•as well as what sets Samra Plastic Surgery apart from other offices.
Asaad Samra, MD is featured as a New Jersey ‘Breast Expert’ in Haute Living. View his profile here.


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Lagos, Nigeria – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians against the consumption of substandard Paracetamol imported from Liberia. In an official statement posted on Twitter on Thursday, NAFDAC highlighted the potential dangers associated with the drug and urged the public to exercise caution.
The alert was triggered after NAFDAC received a sample of Paracetamol suspension called “PARA CLEAR SUSPENSION 125” from the Liberian Medicine and Health Product Regulatory Authority for laboratory testing at the NAFDAC Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL). The subsequent analysis revealed the presence of toxic ethylene glycol, a substance not expected in legitimate product formulations.
Moreover, the sample failed to meet the requirements for acute oral toxicity, resulting in the deaths of five laboratory animals. NAFDAC stressed that both diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, found in the substandard Paracetamol, are highly toxic to humans and can have fatal consequences. Symptoms of toxicity may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, which can ultimately lead to death.
Paracetamol Suspension is commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderate aches and pains, including headache, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, and menstrual pains. It is also utilized to reduce fever and alleviate symptoms of cold and flu. NAFDAC emphasized that the contaminated product, though not registered in their database, poses a significant risk to public health.
Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers have been advised by NAFDAC to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard and contaminated syrups. The agency strongly recommends that all medical products be obtained from authorized and licensed suppliers, urging individuals to verify the authenticity and physical condition of the products before purchase.
In light of this development, NAFDAC warns against acquiring medicinal products from unauthorized sources, such as roadside vendors and street hawkers, as counterfeit drugs are often smuggled into the country through such illicit channels. The agency urged individuals in possession of the substandard Paracetamol to discontinue its sale or use and submit any remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“If you, or someone you know, have used this product, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional,” NAFDAC stated. The agency also urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicions regarding the sale and use of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. Additionally, they encouraged reporting of any adverse events or side effects associated with the use of this medicinal product.
NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians, ensuring that only safe and quality medications are available in the market. Public cooperation and increased vigilance are crucial in combating the circulation of substandard and counterfeit drugs within the country.
Dr. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, emphasized the agency’s dedication to protecting public health. “We are fully aware of the risks posed by substandard and falsified medicines and we are working tirelessly to prevent their entry into the Nigerian market,” she stated. “The safety of Nigerians is our top priority, and we will continue to take decisive actions to ensure that only quality products are accessible to the public.”
This latest alert serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and cautious when purchasing and consuming medications. NAFDAC urges all members of the public to only obtain medical products from authorized and licensed sources. The agency encourages consumers to check for proper labeling, expiration dates, and other necessary product information before use.
Furthermore, NAFDAC advises healthcare professionals to stay alert and report any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. By collaborating with healthcare practitioners and the general public, NAFDAC aims to create a robust and effective system for monitoring and regulating the quality of drugs in Nigeria.
It is important to note that NAFDAC is not only concerned with the importation and distribution of substandard medicines but also with the unauthorized sale and use of such products. The agency is actively working to dismantle illegal drug distribution networks and apprehend those involved in the production and trafficking of counterfeit medications.
NAFDAC continues to intensify its efforts to ensure that Nigerians have access to safe, effective, and quality medicines. The agency urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale and use of substandard drugs. By working together, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and the public can protect the health and well-being of the Nigerian population and eliminate the threat of substandard and counterfeit medicines.


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Toshiba XG6-P NVMe SSDs Bring Fast Speeds And Big Capacities To Gaming And Workstation PCs
While some companies have begun trotting out PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drives, Toshiba on Wednesday announced an updated version of its XG6 series from last year. The new XG6-P still shuttles data through the PCIe 3.0 bus, but ups the ante over the previous generation drives with faster sequential and random read and write speeds. Toshiba also doubled the capacity of the new drive series.
The previous generation XG6 series made waves for being the first NVMe SSDs to incorporate 96-layer BiCS 3D NAND flash memory chips. Compared to its 64-layer predecessors, the then-new 96-layer tech allowed Toshiba to increase the capacity per unit chip size by 40 percent. As a result, that drive line topped out at 1TB.
Toshiba is taking things even further with its XG6-P line. It's still using 96-layer BiCS 3D NAND flash memory, but the capacity on the upper end has ballooned to 2TB for this round. As for performance, here's how it breaks down:
- Sequential Read: Up to 3,180MB/s
- Sequential Write: Up to 2,920MB/s
- Random Read: Up to 355,000 IOPS
- Random Write: Up to 365,000 IOPS
Toshiba is primarily targeting workstations and datacenters, though the company also says these drives would make fine additions to high-end gaming PCs. As it pertains to the former, Toshiba points out that its XG6-P series operate at less than 5 watts.
"With the industry’s broadest SSD portfolio, we at Toshiba Memory are committed to addressing the full spectrum of applications," said Alvaro Toledo, vice president, SSD marketing & product planning for Toshiba Memory America, Inc. "The XG6-P Series bridges the gap between high-end client and entry-level data center requirements, including burgeoning composable storage architectures that enable high-performance, scale-out designs for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, edge computing and HPC."
The new drives will be available in the single-sided M.2 2280 form factor and will begin sampling by the end of the month. Toshiba has not yet announced pricing.


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Coca-Cola Amatil (ASX:CCL) held its AGM today and showed how the decline in beverage sales in NSW has been reversed as they hired almost 100 new sales staff to increase customer engagement via "feet on the street'.
The 97 new sales staff liaise with food shops and convenience stores.
Managing director Alison Watkins says that volumes in the "immediate consumption" channel in metro NSW had risen 2 per cent in the year to date after falling 11 per cent in the year-earlier period.
They also noted significant gains in both cola and water during the year, in particular, Coca-Cola volumes in Australia grew in the second half of 2018, driven by Coca-Cola No Sugar.
Shares in Coca-Cola Amatil (ASX:CCL) are trading 0.68 per cent higher at $8.90.


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The recent antics of rogue retailers in Sim Lim Square have cast the spotlight on other malls such as People's Park Complex in Chinatown and Lucky Plaza in Orchard Road, which are also no strangers to complaints.
People's Park Complex may not have racked up as many reports of rip-offs as Sim Lim, but it has more than its fair share of cases involving mobile phone shops preying on customers.
A sales executive at a tourism agency there said he sees disputes between phone retailers and upset customers almost weekly, sometimes every two or three days.
"Affected customers are mostly tourists and migrant workers from China," said the 30-year- old, who declined to be named as he feared repercussions from the retailers in question.
"Human traffic has dropped quite a lot since these shops started operating around 2011."
Mr Gunasekaran, 54, a senior security officer at People's Park who goes by one name, said of the disputes: "Some customers cry, some quarrel, some get violent.
"We help them call the police, but there is nothing much the management can do as these are all private shops."
A 25-year-old shop assistant at Mobile Alliance in People's Park Complex, who declined to be named, estimated business has fallen by 70 per cent following reports of Sim Lim's errant dealers.
Mobile Alliance has had five complaints in the past three months, according to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).
Two others, Tele Infinity and S Team Mobile, have had seven and four complaints, respectively.
Asked about Mobile Alliance's blacklisting by Case, the assistant said: "Sometimes there is miscommunication between cultures when we deal with foreign customers."
Case executive director Seah Seng Choon thinks malls can do more to warn customers about unfair practices. At People's Park, notices of shops blacklisted by Case are put up at entrances.
He cited Lucky Plaza, which was "problematic" 11/2 years ago, as a mall which cleaned up its act. "So far, we have not had complaints for them this year," he said. Shop owners at Lucky Plaza's basement, where most of the unsavoury tenants used to operate, say it is quieter now that these shops have closed down.
A 52-year-old shop owner who wanted to be known only as Mr Tan, said the rogue shops closed as they could not do business.
"I think their Visa machines got confiscated because they had too many complaints - they tried to borrow ours,"he said.


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19 Aug 2016 -
Russia’s EVRAZ saw its sales fall nearly 28 percent in the first half of 2016, primarily on lower prices and weaker demand. But the second quarter brought about improving conditions, and the company is therefore “cautiously optimistic” about the second half, it said on Thursday.
15 Jul 2016 -
Russia’s EVRAZ has begun building a US$170 million blast furnace at its Nizhny Tagil steel works, the company has announced.