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TECHNOLOGY AND MORE!
Man released from coronavirus quarantine can't stop coughing during Fox News interview
US Coronavirus Wuhan35KMashable / 9h
"Fortunately from what I understand," Wucinski said, before coughing into his hand, "It is contagious but the death rate is pretty low."
A man who was freshly out of quarantine for the coronavirus has raised eyebrows after he began coughing during a Fox News segment.
Officials Confirm That a Dog Tested Positive For Coronavirus
22KFuturism / 6h
The deadly COVID-19 epidemic might not just be a human problem.
The Pomeranian showed no symptoms, but another dog and a cat suspected of having the virus both tested negative.
Oil and Gas Goons Use Sexual Abuse Image to Mock Teen Activist Greta Thunberg
2KGizmodo / 12h
A decal showing a naked female resembling the 17-year-old—who, let me remind you all, is still a goddamn minor—featuring the logo of X-Site Energy Services, an Albertan oil and gas company, has been circulating among workers.
Immediately below that, the sticker shows the company’s logo.
Could the most expensive Apple Mac Pro be surpassed by this 128-core AMD Epyc workstation?
AMD Radeon 20.2.2 GPU24TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 18min
The EPYC 7702 is currently the best option out there if you're looking for the pinnacle of desktop performance - put it this way, you won’t find anything from Intel that will even come close to what AMD's Rome series CPU has to offer.
At $51,399, the Apple’s Mac Pro has “only” 28 cores (Intel Xeon W-3275M) and accommodates up to 1.5TB memory, two Radeon Pro Vega II Duo (that’s four GPU and 128GB HBM2 memory) and an 8TB SSD.
Microsoft will remove Cortana from its Android launcher in April
Microsoft Cortana W198Engadget / 1h
More significantly, the company plans to remove the digital assistant from its Launcher app on Android .
Starting this spring, Microsoft said it plans to make productivity the focus of the digital assistant.
Facebook Makes Using Its Messenger App Simple Again
Facebook Messenger35Gizmodo / 1h
It’s a complete 180 from Facebook’s previous push to make the app a one-stop-shop for “connecting with all the people and businesses you care about,” with added bloat like games, shopping, and confusing chatbots to serve as automated middlemen between users and businesses.
Now Facebook’s boiled it down to just two tabs, Chats and People, with the latter defaulting to a page for Stories, the 24-hour photo and video highlight reel Facebook more or less ripped off Snapchat ( albeit to greater success ).
NASA's Psyche asteroid mission will use a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket
100+Engadget / 3h
SpaceX has won the contract for NASA's Psyche mission, and it's using the Falcon Heavy rocket to launch the spacecraft and ferry it to its target asteroid. NASA first approved plans to visit Psyche back in 2017 before finalizing them last year. Scientists want to visit the unique metal asteroid, because they believe that it could actually be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet that br
India vs Sri Lanka live stream: watch today's T20 Women's World Cup 2020 from anywhere
48TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
The Women in Blue are the first team to qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup and they'll be looking to maintain their 100% win here against the Lionesses - don't miss a moment by reading our India vs Sri Lanka live stream guide below.
It's a Women’s T20 World Cup match not be missed - don't miss a ball by checking out our India vs Sri Lanka live stream guide.
'Quiplash 3' is coming to Jackbox's Party Pack 7 this fall
100+Engadget / 4h
Jackbox Games unveiled this week that the seventh generation of its annually released Party Packs will arrive this fall.
Today, the company released a trailer for Quiplash 3 at Pax East, and announced that the new game will be one of the titles in Party Pack 7 .
Epic says it will fix incredibly annoying Fortnite teammate bug
SlashGear / 4h
Players are reporting that teammate arrows aren’t appearing properly in the game mode, making it impossible to tell whether they’re near one of their own teammates or an opponent.
According to that Trello listing, Epic will release the fix for this problem in the next game update.
2020 Game Developers Conference cancels due to coronavirus
400+Engadget / 4h
It was scheduled to take place between March 16th and 20th, and in a statement, they said "we fully intend to host a GDC event later in the summer."
For this reason, we fully intend to host a GDC event later in the summer.
GDC 2020 has been canceled
Amazon GDC 2020 March300+TechCrunch / 4h
Well, after what I’m sure was a hectic few days for the folks planning the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, the team announced today that they have officially decided to cancel the event happening this March, saying in a blog post that they hoped they would be able to reschedule an event for “later in the summer.” In recent days, nearly all of the event’s top corporate sponsors announ
Is This a Joke?
96Gizmodo / 5h
Facebook’s report comes in the form of two new columns on its CrowdTangle for Facebook and Instagram “branded content” posts that are politically-sponsored.
In record time, Facebook’s director of product Rob Leathern announced the release of a catalog of user-generated Instagram and Facebook posts sponsored by political campaigns.
Lyft ramps up self-driving program
40TechCrunch / 5h
The CA DMV, the agency that regulates autonomous vehicle testing on public roads in the state, requires companies to submit an annual report that includes data such as total AV miles driven and number of vehicles.
Lyft had 19 autonomous vehicles testing on public roads in California in 2019, according to data released earlier this week by the CA DMV.
Norton LifeLock phishing scam infects victims with remote access trojan
56TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 5h
The cybercriminals behind a recent phishing campaign used a fake Norton LifeLock document in order to trick victims into installing a remote access trojan ( RAT ) on their systems.
If the user does input the correct password, the macro continues executing and builds a command string that installs the legitimate remote control software, NetSupport Manager.
Business Travel – And Airline Stocks – Are Collapsing
29View from the Wing / 5h
Nonetheless, since this morning we’ve learned that Amazon is telling employees to defer non-essential domestic business travel .
Most people who have it now are likely asymptomatic and not getting tested.
British Airways is testing autonomous electric wheelchairs at JFK
100+Engadget / 5h
British Airways shared today that it has been testing autonomous electric wheelchairs at the country's sixth-busiest airport to see how they can help passengers with mobility needs.
At the time, Whill said it would sell the Model Ci for $4,000, which should give an idea of how much British Airways has invested in this trial.
iPhone 9 release date, price, news and leaks
iPhone Apple Four 5536TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 5h
We're still waiting on more information regarding the iPhone 9, explaining what kind of features it might be bringing, but we've started to see the rumors start to appear with greater frequency, so it looks pretty likely we'll see the cheap iPhone launch in the next month or two (as long as Apple can actually make the phones).
The new, lower-cost handset from Apple is supposed to be launching on March 31 but with the recent coronavirus outbreak that date might need to shift.
fravery: Robert Emil Stubner(German painter)1874 -...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
fravery : Robert Emil Stubner (German painter) 1874 - 1931 Tea,flowers and a good book No date
curiouscatalog: Bower, Maurice L., 1889-1980. Your public...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
curiouscatalog : Bower, Maurice L., 1889-1980. Your public library is free – use it! Washington, D.C. : Department of the Interior, Bureau of Education, 1919 Poster READ .Y68 E15
early20thcenturynerd: Two Day Dresses, from Revue de la Mode,...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
early20thcenturynerd : Two Day Dresses, from Revue de la Mode, 22nd February 1880
Henry James (15 April 1843 – 28 February 1916) From our stacks: The Tragic Muse By Henry James....
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
Henry James (15 April 1843 – 28 February 1916) From our stacks: The Tragic Muse By Henry James. In Two Volumes. Vol. I. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The Riverside Press, Cambridge, 1901.
agslibrary: With tomorrow being Leap Day, check out Lover’s Leap...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
agslibrary : With tomorrow being Leap Day, check out Lover’s Leap on Mackinac Island in Michigan, “The Island of Romance.” The first picture shows Lover’s Leap in the distance, and the next two pictures show more photos of the island. On the map, this spot can be found just north of Mission Point on the southeast part of the island. The photos were taken by Robert S. Platt in 1919, and the map wa
arjuna-vallabha:Woman with lyre, Pompeii fresco
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
arjuna-vallabha : Woman with lyre, Pompeii fresco
To honor Black History Month and the release of the new book...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
To honor Black History Month and the release of the new book Classicisms and the Black Atlantic (OUP, 2020), Michele Valerie Ronnick, Professor of Classics at Wayne State University, has organized a presentation of four public talks taken from the new book at the Detroit Public Library (DPL) on February 29. The book calls attention to ways in which Black people have engaged with the cultural lega
John Tenniel (28 February 1820 – 25 February 1914) From our stacks: Cover detail from Through...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
John Tenniel (28 February 1820 – 25 February 1914) From our stacks: Cover detail from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There By Lewis Carroll. With Fifty Illustrations By John Tenniel. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1898.
Brochure advertising women’s winter clothing for sale at...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
Brochure advertising women’s winter clothing for sale at Crowley, Milner & Co. Includes descriptions, illustrations and prices. Printed on front: “Thrills! Crowley-Milner & Co.” Courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library
Portrait of soprano Carlotta Franzell. Printed on front:...
Music, Arts & Literature / 5h
Portrait of soprano Carlotta Franzell. Printed on front: “J. Abresch, N.Y.” Stamped on back: “Kindly give credit to James Abresch, 200 West 57th St., N.Y.C.” Label on back: “Carlotta Franzell, who originated the demure little Cindy Lou in the Broadway production of Carmen Jones returns in the role when Civic’s final offering opens at Masonic, Monday, February 28.” Courtesy of the E. Azalia Hackle
Leak claims California found second case of ‘unknown origin’ coronavirus
22SlashGear / 5h
Unlike other cases in the US, these two cases represent what public health officials refer to as ‘community spread,’ meaning the virus may be established in these two communities and capable of infecting people even if they aren’t in contact with someone who spent time in an outbreak location, such as China or Iran.
The info comes from The Washington Post , which reported on late Friday that sources who are ‘familiar with the case’ claim there was a second case of ‘unknown origin’ coronavirus identified in California, this time in Santa Clara County.
Apple Disables Clearview AI's App, Accusing the Face Recognition Firm of Violating Its Rules
Clearview App Walmart99Gizmodo / 5h
Embattled face recognition startup Clearview AI is topping off a week of intense scrutiny over its nebulous law enforcement partnerships with an even bigger dose of bad news: Apple has reportedly disabled the iOS version of Clearview’s app citing violations of its developer program.
BuzzFeed first reported the news, saying Apple took action after learning the Clearview had sidestepped the Apple App Store and encouraged its clients to download a version of its iOS app reserved exclusively for developers; a violation of the terms of service for Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program.
Inside the first Airbus A350 with business-class suites for Aeroflot
The Points Guy / 5h
The Russian flag carrier has 22 on order, featuring a new, cutting-edge business class with enclosed suites and a true premium economy.
Further down is the Comfort Class cabin, which offers 38” seat pitch, typical of long-haul premium economy.
A look inside the world’s first underwater villa: The Muraka at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
30The Points Guy / 5h
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to not one, but two underwater structures: the Ithaa underwater restaurant, and The Muraka , a two-level residence where the master bedroom is 16 feet below sea level.
However, if you happen to have a few million points just sitting there, keep an eye on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform, which recently offered a “ Make the Maldives Your Playground ” experience which included a four-night stay in the Sunset Water Villa at the Conrad Maldives.
Cortana’s not Alexa—skills are going away in Windows 10 version 2004
Microsoft Cortana W168Ars Technica / 6h
Today, Microsoft announced a major shift in focus for its personal assistant, Cortana: she's getting out of the consumer gadget business and focusing on productivity.
Microsoft clarified to ZDNet that Cortana apps on iOS and Android will still be able to control home devices and smart speakers.
A priceless gift: How AA employees bought one traveler extra time with her dying father
67The Points Guy / 6h
TPG reader Lori Merriman Thomas recently shared how American Airlines employees went above and beyond to ensure she made her connecting flight, giving her a priceless extra day with her dying father.
Deanna promptly went into action, working with flight dispatch, the pilots from both flights and Dallas ground crew members to arrange a special ground transport for Thomas.
Notivize makes it easier for non-technical teams to optimize app notifications
100+TechCrunch / 6h
For example, it might sound obvious to send an SMS message to a customer once the product they’ve purchased has shipped, but Bornski said that actually creating a notification like that would normally require an engineer to write new code.
Notivize co-founder Matt Bornski has worked at a number of startups, including AppLovin and Wink, and he said he has “so many stories I can tell you about the time it takes to change a notification that’s deeply embedded in your stack.”
Pioneer founder Daniel Gross on bringing remote teams together
100+TechCrunch / 6h
There are plenty of accelerators aiming to sway young startups to join their ranks rather than apply to Y Combinator, but Pioneer ‘s sell is a bit different. First off, they are fully remote; founders selected to participate in the program chat with advisors via video chat. Second, Pioneer is largely looking at companies that aren’t companies yet, framing themselves as more of a “startup generato
Apple’s latest commercial shows off the MacBook in anime
Apple Folio MacBook ProSlashGear / 6h
The company also included scenes with MacBook-esque laptops that include other generic logos like hearts, pears, and twice-bitten apples.
In addition to the MacBook — and generic ‘MacBook’ laptops — featured in the video, fans with a careful eye will notice the wired EarPods in one scene and the AirPods in another (in the image above).
More Companies Drop Out of GDC Over Coronavirus Fears
Microsoft GDC 2020100+Wired / 6h
Last week, we reported that a few companies, notably Sony and Facebook, were pulling out of this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco out of an abundance of caution over coronavirus.
Now, as the virus has had its first "community spread" case in northern California and San Francisco has declared a state of emergency to help handle further developments with the virus, a lot more companies are taking a pass on this year's GDC.
Spring Jacket Styles to Get You Out of Your Outerwear Comfort Zone
Lifehacker / 6h
So I’m going to choose positivity today and assume you all have taken our great advice (!), and there’s a denim trucker jacket hanging on a coat hook at each and every one of your homes in the year of our lord 2020.
What about buying a denim jacket in a different style this spring?
A famous cherry blossom festival in Tokyo has been canceled due to coronavirus fears
The Points Guy / 6h
Here’s a look at some of the major events that have been postponed or canceled at this time, as well as major attractions (such as theme parks and museums) that have been closed indefinitely:
Tokyo’s Nakamerguro district has made the decision to cancel its annual cherry blossom festival in light of the seemingly never-ending coronavirus outbreak .
Galaxy S20 Ultra review: Impressive but impractical
Samsung Galaxy Ultra100+Engadget / 6h
To be fair, the S20 Ultra is only slightly larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max , which is four grams heavier than the Samsung phone despite its smaller 6.5-inch screen.
Like Space Zoom, this is another feature that's really there for Samsung to say, "Hey, we did this technologically impressive thing!" Thanks to the S20's Snapdragon 865 processor, it can record the super high-res footage, so long as your device has enough storage and battery.
Apple punishes facial recognition company Clearview AI for ignoring developer rules
Apple Clearview AI100+Mashable / 6h
Apple has suspended the controversial facial recognition company's iOS developer account following a report from Buzzfeed News that Clearview AI was in violation of Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program rules.
Buzzfeed's report found that Clearview AI was doing exactly that by "encouraging" its clients to download the iOS app in violation of that rule.
Facebook removes Discover tab in Messenger to simplify chat
Facebook Messenger96Engadget / 7h
The social network has confirmed to TechCrunch that it's rolling out a Messenger redesign that axes the Discover tab, leaving just Chats and People.
Do you spend your days browsing Facebook Messenger's Discover tab for bands, games and chatbots ?
Android Users Can Now Use Apple Music to Play Songs in Shazam
Apple Music ShazamGizmodo / 7h
Image: Shazam (Google Play) Android users with active Apple Music subscriptions now appear to have the option to link the app with Shazam, delivering an integration that’s previously been available for Spotify. Android Police first reported a beta test of the feature was accessible on Android from the Library page of the Shazam settings menu. The site reported that users for whom the update is av
Huawei considered a Samsung Z Flip shape, but wanted ‘more smartphone’
48TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 7h
The company instead opted for a foldable phone design that would unfold into a larger display to give users a better experience, which became the Huawei Mate X series.
During the Huawei Mate Xs reveal in lieu of an MWC 2020 debut, a Huawei executive spoke to TrustedReviews and noted that the Chinese tech company had, indeed, thought about making its own Samsung Z Flip -style clamshell foldable.
Coronavirus could lead to a decline in PC sales this year, according to IDC report
44TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 7h
Considering IDC’s November 2019 forecasts for the same quarters, which only predicted a 6.8% and 10.7% fall for Q2 2020 for traditional PCs and tablets respectively, there’s a massive difference.
These forecasts show 6.4% and 10.3% drops in shipments of traditional PCs year-over-year in Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 respectively, as well as a 11.8% and 17.5% decline in shipments of tablets.
Here's The Paltry Sum Your Phone Company Could Pay for Illegally Sharing Your Location Data
FCC AT&T Verizon USGizmodo / 7h
Each of the companies, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement , sold access to their customers’ locations to companies that aggregate such information for profit, including Securus Technologies, one of the largest prison phone providers in the country, which, as the New York Times reported in May 2018, gave location data to a former Missouri sheriff without a legal court order.
Yesterday, Gizmodo reported that the FCC was planning to seek around $200 million in fines against major phone carriers accused of negligently sharing the real-time locations of its customers with a host of shady third-party firms without even the most basic safeguards in place to protect them.
FCC issues wrist-slap fines to carriers that sold your phone-location data
FCC AT&T Verizon US100+Ars Technica / 7h
The big four mobile carriers face fines of between $12 million and $91 million each for selling their customers' real-time location data to third-party data brokers without customer consent, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai's office announced today .
The Communications Act plainly lists location data as the kind of private information that carriers have a duty to protect and are forbidden to sell without their customers' permission," Free Press Senior Policy Counsel Gaurav Laroia said.
How to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race online: stream season 12 from anywhere
36TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 7h
How to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race online in the US (and for FREE)
Neither have VH1, so you need to include Lifestyle Extra for an additional $5 per month to access that channel and 10 more.
Windows 10 ditches Cortana consumer skills in imminent update
Microsoft Cortana W1SlashGear / 7h
Microsoft has announced an upcoming update to its Cortana personal assistant, one that will bring enhanced security and new capabilities, as well as the removal of consumer skills.
With this Windows update, Microsoft will switch Cortana to focus on productivity, opting to ditch the consumer skills.
At this point, just cancel GDC 2020
Amazon GDC 2020 MarchSlashGear / 7h
Aside from being a major public health concern, the current coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has been bad news for a few annual trade shows that take place early in the year.
Still, the fact remains that local officials in San Francisco are concerned about coronavirus and are trying to be proactive in preventing it from gaining that foothold, and I think that continuing to host a major conference like GDC undermines that advance planning.
The best March Madness TV sales: 4K TV deals from Best Buy, Walmart and Amazon
40TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 7h
Our top March Madness TV picks include everything from a mid-size 43-inch TV to a massive 75-inch set, with prices starting at just $218 and different features like HDR, smart functionality and voice control.
To make things easier for you, we've split our selection of TVs into three categories: the outright best TVs for watching your favorite team, the best mid-range TVs, and the best budget TVs. We've included a range of different sizes in each category, and we've also picked a standout bargain for our March Madness TV deal of the week.
SpaceX wins the $117 million launch contract to explore Psyche’s heavy metal asteroid
500+TechCrunch / 7h
“With the transition into this new mission phase, we are one big step closer to uncovering the secrets of Psyche, a giant mysterious metallic asteroid, and that means the world to us,” said principal investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton of Arizona State University in Tempe, in a statement when NASA announced that it was approving the mission.
NASA said its Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida will manage the SpaceX launch service and that the mission is led by Arizona State University .
Freeman Dyson in his own words
1KNew on MIT Technology Review / 7h
He also wrote a handful of articles for Technology Review , including a two-part series about his role in World War II .
The rules for cost-accounting were written so that the cost of nuclear electricity did not include the huge public investments that had been made to develop the technology and to manufacture the fuel.
Amazon Has a Bunch of Gaming Deals Going On
Gizmodo / 7h
Anyway, if you’ve got a particular itch that needs scratching this weekend, you may want to turn your head to Amazon, where a slew of games are on sale across all platforms.
While not the best price we’ve seen for this game, it is the lowest on Amazon right now.
The 10 Mustards In My Fridge, Ranked
100+Lifehacker / 7h
I like this one because it’s sweet and tangy, without either of those things taking on too dominant a role.
And Sweet Hot Mister Mustard is that sauce for me.
Superhuman CEO Rahul Vohra on waitlists, freemium pricing and future products
76TechCrunch / 7h
With my last company, Rapportive, there was a lot of conversation around, “oh, what’s the business model?
I had a chance to chat with Superhuman CEO and founder Rahul Vohra earlier this month during an oddly busy time for him.
The FCC Fines Wireless Companies for Selling Users' Location Data
FCC AT&T Verizon US200+Wired / 7h
“The FCC has long had clear rules on the books requiring all phone companies to protect their customers’ personal information,” FCC Chair Ajit Pai said in a statement.
Subsequent stories by ZDNet and Vice Motherboard revealed an industry of middlemen that acquired location information from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon and resold it to companies like Securus.
Is American Airlines Going To Add A New Australia Route?
23View from the Wing / 7h
Yet when the joint venture was first announced I expected that an early route addition would be Dallas Fort-Worth – Brisbane.
There’s no question Brisbane – Dallas is on the list of routes American Airlines is looking at.
Huawei Hopes to Win Over Europe With Plans to Build 5G Factory in France
US Senate Huawei P4021Gizmodo / 7h
According to the Reuters , at a recent press conference, Huawei Technologies Chairman Liang Hua said Huawei is looking to invest 200 million euros (221 million dollars) to build a mobile base station plant that would create 500 new jobs and supply not just France, but the entire European market with 5G networking equipment.
After the U.S. government warned European nations numerous times that the use of Huawei networking equipment poses a security risk, now it appears Huawei is hoping to alleviate those fears with new plans to build a 5G manufacturing facility in France.
How to Test the Best Features in the Android 11 Preview Builds
Google Pixel Android20Lifehacker / 7h
If you really want to try Android 11 out early, you can attempt to download and install the current developer build on your Pixel phone (only Pixel 2, 3, 3a, and 4 devices are supported), but make sure you know what you’re getting into first.
There’s currently no official release date for Android 11 and it’s going to be a while before general users will have chance to check out a public beta version, but early testers have already uncovered some of the features Android 11 will have when it launches later this year.
The best leap day travel deals — and what to do with your extra day
The Points Guy / 7h
Etihad is currently offering complimentary hotel stays in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, for economy flyers on two-night stopovers until July 31, 2020, but you must book by March 1.
We’re seeing a number of properties offer specialized deals to celebrate the bonus day, including 29% reservations at Westgate resorts in Park City, Las Vegas and River Ranch, Florida.
As Coronavirus Looms, China Bans Videogame “Plague Inc.”
1KFuturism / 7h
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, China has banned the popular game “Plague Inc.,” which simulates a fictional pandemic, and removed it from the local version of the Apple App Store.
“We have some very sad news to share with our China based players,” reads a statement by game studio Ndemic Creations.
Apple blocks Clearview AI's iPhone app
87Engadget / 8h
Clearview was relying on an enterprise certificate to let users install its software outside of the App Store, but that goes against Apple's rules, which limits certificate access to people within a company.
The iPhone maker has blocked Clearview's iPhone app over violating the rules of its enterprise software program, TechCrunch reports .
Shimon the Singing Robot Is Both Creepy and Captivating
21Gizmodo / 8h
Shimon has been around for several years, but its developers at the Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology have endowed the marimba-playing robot with some awesome new capacities, according to a press release .
In what looks and sounds like something straight out of a Star Wars movie, a robot named Shimon from Georgia Tech can now sing and compose songs with human collaborators, among many other cool upgrades.
Did a Woman Get Coronavirus Twice? Scientists Are Skeptical
200+Wired / 8h
In theory, if doctors completely sequenced the virus in a patient’s nose or mouth swab at the time of each positive diagnosis, they could compare each genetic letter using genome-reading software and determine if the person had the same strain of coronavirus or a new one.
The body produces antibodies that are protective against subsequent exposures, and then over time that immune response wanes, says Kline.
The Long Path out of the Vulnerability Disclosure Dark Ages
84Wired / 8h
In 2003, security researcher Katie Moussouris was working at the enterprise security firm @stake —which would later be acquired by Symantec—when she spotted a bad flaw in an encrypted flash drive from Lexar.
Eventually Lexar fixed the issue in its next-generation secure flash drive, but the company had no ability to fix it in the model @stake researchers had examined.
YouTube’s appeal process is largely ineffective
YouTube Google Videos61Engadget / 8h
"Our team is focused on accurately and consistently enforcing our policies, and one of the ways we hold ourselves accountable and measure our success is by making sure that users can easily appeal our decisions and monitoring the rate at which they do," a YouTube spokesperson told The Verge .
YouTube creators have been asking for more transparency around the video removal appeals process.
NASA M2M X-Hab Challenge offers university teams up to $50k awards
NASA Boeing StarlinerSlashGear / 8h
NASA is offering awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for proposals that cover a variety of topics, including vehicle and habitation systems, robotic precursor activities, foundational systems, and human spaceflight architecture systems focused on the future Gateway.
The new opportunity is called the 2021 Moon to Mars eXploration Systems and Habitation (M2M X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge, M2M X-Hab for short, and it is accepting proposals from university teams through the end of April.
GDC postponed to later in 2020 amid coronavirus cancellations [Updated]
100+Ars Technica / 8h
The majority of major sponsors for GDC 2020 in San Francisco have already pulled out a little more than two weeks ahead of the event's scheduled March 16 start.
"We're genuinely upset and disappointed not to be able to host you at this time," the update continues, adding that the organization "fully intend[s] to host a GDC event later in the summer," about which it will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Credit Card Showdown: Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
The Points Guy / 8h
Both of these premium cards now have higher annual fees, but also more comprehensive perks packages, including expanded lounge access, better earning rates and the ability to accrue more Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward elite status with Delta .
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is also offering new applicants up to 100,000 bonus miles and 20,000 MQMs. Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 MQMs after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your card within the first three months of cardmembership, and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after your first anniversary.
Boeing acknowledges “gaps” in its Starliner software testing
NASA Boeing Starliner200+Ars Technica / 8h
After an uncrewed test flight in December of the spacecraft, Boeing "learned some hard lessons," said John Mulholland, a vice president who manages the company's commercial crew program.
During the validation process, Boeing engineers also did not test every complex "logic string" in the software code, Mulholland said.
Coronavirus prevention has people making memes about how they can't stop touching their faces
100+Mashable / 8h
This is incredibly useful advice — you shouldn't be touching your face anyway — but it's also making people realize just how much they're scratching their noses and grazing their mouths unconsciously.
The average person touches their face 23 times per hour .
This box was worth $1,000 if we didn't open it, so we opened it
32Mashable / 8h
This mystery box by MSCHF was worth $1,000 unopened, but contained a product valued up to $7,000 inside. So we opened it. Read more... More about Mashable Video , Culture , Products , Mystery Box , and Mschf
How to use Reddit to plan for your next vacation
20Mashable / 8h
Reddit's use expands further than just "Game of Throne" memes. Use it to plan your next vacay — we'll show you how. Read more... More about Travel , Reddit , Mashable Video , Vacation , and Culture
The Witcher Finds Its Uncle Vesemir
400+Gizmodo / 8h
In a press release, Netflix revealed that Bodnia has been cast as Vesemir in the eight-episode second season of The Witcher .
The character was briefly teased in a flashback during the final episode of season one , which saw young Geralt first encountering the famed Witcher and future mentor.
Create your cat’s dream playhouse with these modular building blocks — Future Blink
48Mashable / 8h
BLOCKS comes with beams, cubes, a slide, and connectors that allow users to attach the shapes anyway they’d like. Read more... More about Cats , Mashable Video , Cat , Building Blocks , and Future Blink
IBM and Microsoft support the Vatican’s guidelines for ethical AI
IBM Microsoft Vatican100+Engadget / 8h
IBM and Microsoft have signed the Vatican's "Rome Call for AI Ethics," a pledge to develop artificial intelligence in a way that protects all people and the planet, Financial Times reports.
"The Vatican is not an expert on the technology but on values," Francesca Rossi, IBM's global AI ethics leader, said in a statement.
FCC proposes $208M in fines for wireless carriers that sold your location for years
FCC AT&T Verizon US500+TechCrunch / 9h
Finally, in January, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai — who, it really must be noted here, formerly worked for one of the main companies implicated, Securus — announced that the investigation had found the carriers had indeed violated federal law and would soon be punished.
The FCC has officially and finally determined that the major wireless carriers in the U.S. broke the law by secretly selling subscribers’ location data for years with almost no constraints or disclosure.
Facebook sues analytics firm over alleged data harvesting
Facebook OneAudience45TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
The social networking giant claims that the firm paid app developers to install its Software Development Kit (SDK) in their apps which was used to collect data on Facebook users without their knowledge.
Facebook has filed a federal lawsuit in California against the New Jersey-based data analytics firm OneAudience claiming it allegedly harvested data from the social network.
TikTok star meticulously lays out grains of rice to depict Jeff Bezos' obscene wealth
1KMashable / 9h
Entrepreneur and TikTok star Humphrey Yang , a 32-year-old eCommerce consultant and freelancer from Silicon Valley, recently created a striking visual representation of Jeff Bezos' net worth using grains of rice.
While Yang measured $122 billion in rice, Bezos' net worth is reportedly at $114 billion today.
Apple has blocked Clearview AI’s iPhone app for violating its rules
200+TechCrunch / 9h
Enterprise certificates are issued by Apple to allow companies to build and approve iPhone and iPad apps designed for internal company use only.
Clearview AI’s use of an enterprise certificate on an iPhone (Image: TechCrunch)
Coronavirus bursts Big Tech’s bubble
65Engadget / 9h
Virus enthusiasts from all over the world converged in San Francisco this week for America's largest security event: RSA Conference 2020.
During RSA's second day, the City of San Francisco declared a State of Emergency.
Make an Extra Fancy Manhattan With Benedictine
38Lifehacker / 9h
It’s even sweeter than sweet vermouth, so half an ounce is plenty.
Today we’re doing the latter, making a Monte Carlo by swapping out sweet vermouth for Benedictine, a fancy herbal liqueur that’s made by monks.
Coke, Pepsi, and Other Big Brands Are Getting Sued for Contributing to the Plastic Crisis
40Gizmodo / 9h
The Bay Area environmental organization Earth Island Institute filed the first-of-its-kind lawsuit against ten companies—including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, and Procter and Gamble—on Wednesday, alleging that the companies pollute waterways , coasts, and oceans with the millions of tons of plastic packaging they produce.
“The Coca-Cola Company and our other defendants churn out millions of tons of plastic packaging each year and want us to believe that it is all being recycled,” said Majumdar.
Facebook taps AI to turn almost any 2D photo into a 3D image
Facebook 2D 3D GoogleSlashGear / 9h
As well, high-end phones with dual-rear cameras but only single front-facing cameras can still be used to create 3D selfies.
Though dual-lens smartphone cameras are becoming more common, Facebook notes that most mobile devices still only feature a single rear camera.
AMD solves some huge problems with its latest Radeon drivers
AMD Radeon 20.2.2 GPU44TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
These black screen bugs would be an especially big issue on computers running an AMD CPU, as it would more than likely not have an iGPU to help users troubleshoot.
A number of stuttering and black screen bugs are covered by the Radeon Software Adrenalin 20202 Edition 20.2.2 update.
New Zealand vs India live stream: how to watch 2nd Test series cricket from anywhere
32TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
We don't know, but what we can tell you is how to get yourself a New Zealand vs India live stream, so you can watch every moment of the Test cricket no matter where on Earth you are.
New Zealand's dominating win against India in the 1st Test of this cricket series took pretty much everybody by surprise.
Google IO 2020 seems like it's still going ahead
32TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
Google I/O 2020 seems like it will still be held from May 12-14 despite the impact of coronavirus, which led to the cancellation of MWC 2020 and companies dropping out of shows like PAX East and GDC.
Google IO - coronavirus or no?
Huawei P40 Lite revealed : Affordable powerhouse without Google
US Senate Huawei P40SlashGear / 9h
Inside the Huawei P40 is a 7nm Kirin 810 processor with 2 x Cortex-A76 2.27 GHz + 6 x Cortex-A55 1.88 GHz. That SoC is one of several features that make this Huawei smartphone exceedingly similar to the Honor 9X Pro , also released – more widely than its initial showing – earlier this month.
As Huawei revealed today, “with its 4 rear cameras, HUAWEI P40 lite manages to capture wider, sharper and more defined shots than you ever imagined.
How to Use Google's New GIF Search Tools
100+Lifehacker / 9h
The next box lets you search based on a specific action or emotion to see the most-used GIFs and most popular celebrities for that category.
The first two search boxes show what moods, actions, or emotions are most associated with a specific celebrity or fictional character.
The concept for Vivo's new Apex phone has zero ports and a 7.5x optical zoom camera
Vivo Apex 2020 60W36Mashable / 9h
With a 6.45-inch display, there’s so much screen real estate that it bends at a 120-degree angle on both sides. Read more... More about Mashable Video , Vivo , Bezel Less Phone , Hole Less Phones , and Vivo Apex 2020
FCC proposes token fines for carriers that sold phone location data
FCC AT&T Verizon US42Engadget / 9h
The rumors were true: the FCC wants to fine major carriers for their approach to selling phone location data .
The regulator has proposed a total of $208 million in fines against the top four US carriers for reportedly selling access to location info without "reasonable measures" to prevent unauthorized access.
Grab This Mario Party Nintendo Switch Bundle At Kohl's
Gizmodo / 9h
Best Gaming Deals Best Gaming Deals The best deals on games, consoles, and gaming accessories from around the web, updated daily. Nintendo Switch Bundle | $380 | Khols Ok y’all, let me introduce you to this cool deal. For a short time you can grab a dope Nintendo Switch Bundle that includes the ever-playable Mario Party as well as a deluxe travel case for $380 . But the best part about this deal
Ethics and VPN: the industry needs to aim higher
28TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
A VPN can help to keep people and their privacy protected online from an internet provider, but using one to say, stream pirated copyrighted information, still remains an illegal activity.
And let us be clear, the notion that all VPNs use is for illegal or ‘shady’ activities is nonsense - a significant volume of VPN traffic is purely business related.
Cat Food Foils Scientists
84Gizmodo / 9h
“Therefore, counter to our expectations, we found that isotope analysis of cat hair has little value in determining if a cat has been eating wild prey,” the researchers wrote in the paper published in PeerJ, “as a result of both high variability in the carbon and nitrogen values of pet foods and the hunting habits of cats.”
With the help of citizen scientists, the team gathered 202 samples of cat hair and 239 pet food samples and characterized the carbon and nitrogen isotope composition.
China's App Store pulls the pandemic simulation game 'Plague Inc'
Plague China Chinese26Mashable / 9h
In Plague Inc. , players take on the role of an infectious disease and attempt to wipe out all human life. Read more... More about Games , Mashable Video , Banned , Coronavirus , and Plague Inc
The wheels on Apple’s $400 Mac Pro don’t have a lock. Cool.
40Mashable / 9h
We wouldn’t be surprised if the wheel lock comes soon as another pricey add-on. Read more... More about Apple , Mashable Video , Mac Pro , Wheels , and Tech
So far, 'Final Fantasy VII Remake' seems alright
Engadget / 9h
Square Enix has also changed the core fight mechanics to (mostly) real-time combat, not the menu-centric, take-your-turn battling found in the original.
These were all signature points in the early part of the original game, and they gave Square Enix a good chance to show how FF7R changes things up.
Facebook Messenger ditches Discover, demotes chat bots
Facebook Messenger400+TechCrunch / 9h
The changes could push users to spend more time visually communicating with friends and consuming content than exploring chat bots for shopping, connecting with businesses and playing games.
The changes are part of a larger Messenger redesign that reorients the People tab around Stories as Facebook continues to try to dominate the ephemeral social media format it copied from Snapchat.
Amazon Cancels On-Site Job Interviews Over COVID-19 Concerns, Asks Workers to Avoid Travel
200+Gizmodo / 9h
As the COVID-19 virus continues to rapidly spread, Amazon, the second-largest employer in the U.S. has further restricted travel among its employees.
“We’re asking employees to defer non-essential travel during this time,” an Amazon spokesperson confirmed to CNBC .
Mike Bloomberg Wouldn't End Oil Exports for Some Strange Reason
87Gizmodo / 10h
The increase in fracking and domestic energy production in part fueled that change, but the climate crisis is forcing Democratic candidates to weigh whether they’d reinstate that ban if they win the White House.
“Lifting the crude export ban has resulted in an out-of-control expansion of oil and gas production in the U.S. at precisely the time that we need to be ramping down fossil fuel extraction in order to achieve our climate goals,” David Turnbull, the strategic communications director for Oil Change U.S., wrote in an email to Earther.
PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility leaked by GameStop
PS5 PlayStation 5 Sony56SlashGear / 10h
It appears that GameStop has published some information about the PlayStation 5 early, revealing some specifications about the console that were previously unknown in a registration page on its website.
We already knew that Sony was planning to bake support for existing PlayStation VR hardware into the PS5, but its plans for backwards compatibility beyond that were unknown, at least up until this point.
WHO Coronavirus global risk upgraded to Very High, map tracker update
21SlashGear / 10h
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19, 2019-nCoV) was given a risk upgrade from the World Health Organization on Friday, February 28, 2020.
The map above was captured on Friday, February 28, 2020, at 13:25 Central Time via the World Health Organization at ARCGIS.
The Dark Side Of The Flight Attendant Lifestyle
21View from the Wing / 10h
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading ...
Save $50 On A Bose SoundTouch Wireless Music System
Lifehacker / 10h
Best Tech Deals Best Tech Deals The best tech deals from around the web, updated daily. Bose Wireless Music System | $150 | Best Buy If you’re a music nerd, you’re definitely gonna love this deal. The Bose SoundTouch Music System is $50 dollars off, bringing the price down to $150 . Equipped with the crisp, deep sound of Bose and built in WiFi, you can connect the speakers to you home network so
Student Discovers 17 Planets, One of Which Could Host Life
1KFuturism / 10h
By combing through data collected by NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler space telescope, University of British Columbia astronomy PhD candidate Michelle Kunimoto discovered evidence of an impressive 17 new exoplanets — including a roughly Earth-sized world found in the “habitable zone,” the region around a star where liquid water could exist.
READ MORE: Astronomy student discovers 17 new planets, including Earth-sized world [University of British Columbia]
Google may add free trials and YouTube streaming to Stadia soon
Google Stadia YouTube60Engadget / 10h
However, it appears at least some of the features Google talked about at launch may soon make their way to Stadia users.
It also appears two features Google didn't ship at launch , Family Sharing and YouTube Live streaming, are close to making their way to Stadia users.
Facebook brings its 3D photos feature to users with single-camera phones
Facebook 3D Google100+TechCrunch / 10h
The advances mean that many — though not all — relatively modern single-camera phones should be able to use the feature.
The problem is it used the dual-camera feature to help the system determine distance, which informed how the picture should be sliced.
Which Parenting Battles Do You Wish You Had Waged?
38Lifehacker / 10h
One parent in our Offspring Facebook Group is heading into the thick of the toddler years and is wondering which battles are actually worth waging.
Do you wish you’d never let them sleep in your bed?
'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' has more customization options than ever
Animal Crossing NH74Engadget / 10h
As more players get their hands on the demo at PAX East, more features are likely to turn up.
A small feature that may make a big impact on long-time Animal Crossing players allows the camera to switch to a top-down perspective similar to that of the original Nintendo 64 / GameCube version of the game.
The EU Might Make Personal Electronics Use Replaceable Batteries
400+Futurism / 10h
While tech companies like Apple are pushing back against the proposed regulation — difficult-to-replace batteries generally translate into increased sales and repair fees — Business Insider reports that the EU is looking for ways to take a harder stance against electronic waste.
A draft plan reveals that the European Union might enact a law forcing all smartphones, wireless earbuds, and tablets to use replaceable batteries.
Amazon is the latest to pull out of GDC over coronavirus fears
100+Engadget / 10h
The annual Game Developers Conference just lost another big-name tech company due to coronavirus worries. Amazon Web Services has pulled out of the 2020 show in response to "continued concerns over COVID-19 ." In its place, Amazon is planning a "global online event" in May that will show what its AWS Game Tech team was originally going to debut in person along with some extras. You'll hear more a
The Pope is getting on the AI bandwagon
IBM Microsoft Vatican49TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
The Vatican has teamed up with Microsoft and IBM to promote the ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI) while also calling for the regulation of facial recognition and other intrusive technologies.
The tech giants signed the Vatican's “ Rome Call for AI Ethics ” pledge which asserts that technology should respect privacy, work reliably and do so without bias.
Onboard Cape Air’s all-new Tecnam Traveller to Nantucket
300+The Points Guy / 10h
Taking advantage of Cape Air’s introduction of the Traveller on flights between Boston and Nantucket this week, TPG flew up to check out the new plane, and all of the changes it introduces, in action.
The Italian-made plane operated its first revenue passenger flight between Cape Air’s base at Hyannis’s Barnstable Airport (HYA) and Nantucket (ACK) on Feb. 22.
Review: The Invisible Man is a horror film that works on multiple levels
41Ars Technica / 11h
The story opens with Cecelia (Elisabeth Moss) sneaking away in the dead of night from the luxurious seaside house she shares with her abusive scientist boyfriend, Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) with the help of her sister Alice (Harriet Dyer).
But the 2017 film The Mummy , starring Tom Cruise, was a critical and box office failure, and the studio abandoned the shared universe plan soon after to focus on standalone stories.
Nootropics Won’t Make You Smarter, but They Can Help You Reach Your Max Potential
Futurism / 11h
In addition to caffeine and l-theanine to promote alertness and focus, Brain Food also contains noopept, a synthetic nootropic molecule that does two key things.
Like a lot of other nootropic supplements, Brain Food contains the so-called “ everyman stack ” of caffeine and l-theanine.
Earth's New Mini-Moon Captured in Color Image
100+Gizmodo / 11h
The object, a likely Temporarily Captured Orbiter (TCO), was assigned the provisional designation 2020 CD3 by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center earlier this week.
Our planet recently adopted a mini-moon that’s roughly the size of a car, though astronomers aren’t sure yet if it’s an asteroid or an artificial object.
More than 2,200 agencies and companies have tried Clearview, report finds
Clearview App Walmart100+Ars Technica / 11h
Clearview does not release its app to the public—although Gizmodo found a copy sitting on a publicly accessible server—and the company has repeatedly asserted that the app is not consumer-facing and instead is intended only for "trained professionals" among "law enforcement agencies and select security professionals." Apparently "security professionals" includes retailers such as Best Buy, Kohl's, Walmart, and Macy's, with Macy's on the actual paying customers list.
Clearview has also been used inside the Department of Justice, where the list of government organizations trialing the company’s facial recognition software includes multiple offices at the US Secret Service (some 5,600 searches); the Drug Enforcement Administration (about 2,000 searches); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (more than 2,100 searches); and the FBI (5,700 searches across at least 20 different field offices).
This MIT Scientist Is Building Batteries Using Modified Viruses
500+Futurism / 11h
Over the past decade, MIT bioengineering professor Angela Belcher has been working on a battery-building technology that works by conscripting millions of zombie viruses to repeat a simple task, Wired reports .
Experts told Wired that the technique could eventually be used to extend a battery’s charge and discharge rate by forcing the millions of viruses to create a highly ordered electrode structure, with shortcuts for ions moving through electrodes.
Borderlands 3 heads to Steam next month, new DLC revealed
SlashGear / 11h
In addition to announcing the Steam release of Borderlands 3 , Gearbox also revealed that we’ll be getting the second of four DLC campaigns next month.
Dubbed Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock , this second DLC campaign will be launching on March 26th, two weeks after Borderlands 3 goes live on Steam.
Nintendo Switch Suite costs $500 a night
24SlashGear / 11h
Hotel X Toronto’s teamed up with Nintendo of Canada to benefit Starlight Children’s Foundation with proceeds from a transformed Presidential Suite.
Guests will have access to a collection of 50+ Nintendo Switch games, including but not limited to Super Smash Bros.
Maybe y’all should have gone public in Q4
200+TechCrunch / 11h
That’s it, that’s the whole post.
How to ward off coronavirus in your hotel room
49The Points Guy / 11h
Since it’s impossible to know if the person who stayed in the same room before you harbored an illness, it’s best to be proactive with wiping down surfaces with a disinfecting wipe and increasing your hand hygiene practice.”
Reynolds, a professor and environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona what precautions travelers should take and whether hotel rooms should be a concern during this outbreak.
Amazon is a coronavirus mess as sellers sling merch, overpriced masks
Amazon Walmart Seattle78Mashable / 11h
Masks are selling out like crazy, sellers are price-gouging, and — somehow, someway — people are selling awful merch tied to the deadly, rapidly spreading virus that's officially named COVID-19.
The rush to purchase these supplies has appeared in lockstep with the stress that's overtaken people in the U.S. as the virus continues to spread throughout the world.
Daily Crunch: Facebook cancels F8 over coronavirus concerns
100+TechCrunch / 11h
Coronavirus fears prompt even more event cancellations, controversial facial recognition software is being used widely and DocuSign acquires Seal Software.
Seal Software was founded in 2010, and, while it may not be a mainstream brand, its customers include the likes of PayPal, Dell, Nokia and DocuSign itself.
YouTube TV Drops Fox Regional Sports Coverage Over Pissing Match With Sinclair
YouTube Google Videos31Gizmodo / 11h
A spokesperson for YouTube told Gizmodo in an emailed statement that despite its “best efforts,” the company was unable to reach an agreement with distributor Sinclair Broadcast Group to continue streaming content from both channels beginning February 29.
However, in a statement to the Verge , a spokesperson for Sinclair said the company “offered YouTube TV the best terms under which their competitors carry our regional sports networks.”
Amazon is the latest to ditch GDC this year
100+TechCrunch / 11h
At this point, the only diamond partners who have not officially withdrawn are Intel, Nvidia and Google.
GDC’s top sponsors continue to pull out of attending the San Francisco gaming conference.
Microsoft’s Cortana drops consumer skills as it refocuses on business users
Microsoft Cortana W1100+TechCrunch / 11h
With the next version of Windows 10, coming this spring, Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant will lose a number of consumer skills around music and connected homes, as well as some third-party skills. That’s very much in line with Microsoft’s new focus for Cortana, but it may still come as a surprise to the dozens of loyal Cortana fans. Microsoft is also turning off Cortana support in its Micro
How to Make the Most of Your Leap Day
100+Lifehacker / 11h
Basically time is a construct, and every four years we’ve constructed an extra day to make sure all of the rest of the days line up where they’re supposed to.
At Inc., Damon Brown (author of The Bite-Sized Entrepreneur ) argues that we should use Leap Day to reflect and recharge :
China Removed a Pandemic-Themed Game From Its iOS App Store
Plague China Chinese3KWired / 11h
Plague Inc. maker Ndemic Creations says the game has been removed from sale on the iOS App Store in China because the relevant authorities say it “includes content that is illegal in China as determined by the Cyberspace Administration of China.”
This story originally appeared on Ars Technica , a trusted source for technology news, tech policy analysis, reviews, and more.
Apple AirPods más baratos: el último modelo de AirPods con $30 de descuento en Amazon
52TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
Los Apple AirPods se venden tan rápidamente que es extraño verlos con descuentos. Por lo general, puedes encontrar el precio del modelo estándar del 2019 en $149 con carcasa normal y $199 con con carcasa inalámbrica. Con esta oferta de Amazon te puedes ahorrar $30 en este último. Los Apple AirPods vienen con una carcasa de carga que provee de un total de 20 horas de batería para escuchar música o
Apple AirPods sale: the latest model AirPods get a $30 price cut at Amazon
56TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
This specific deal is for the latest model AirPods with a wireless charging case that offers a further 20 hours of battery life and can be charged wirelessly using a charging mat or a lightning connector.
The retail giant has the 2019 AirPods with a wireless charging case on sale for $169 .
Why Rome, Paris, Iceland and the Canary Islands are must-visit European spots this winter
The Points Guy / 11h
I had been to Paris three times before my winter trip and hadn’t visited the Louvre or the Orsay Museums because I just didn’t want to deal with the masses.
Like many destinations around the globe, Europe is much less expensive to visit in the winter off-season.
Wondering about getting a job at SpaceX? Elon Musk says innovation is the main criterion
300+TechCrunch / 11h
And the emphasis on innovation extends to the company’s incentive structure, advancement decisions and ultimately how long someone will remain at the company, Musk said.
The mercurial chief executive didn’t elaborate more fully on what proof of innovation looks like in the interview process or in an applicant’s previous work, but it’s an interesting bullet point on the company’s practices.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra review: It's powerful. It's beautiful. But do you really need it?
Samsung Galaxy Ultra100+Mashable / 11h
For the Ultra, Samsung touts its improved image stabilization (compared to the Galaxy S10), 8K video recording capability, and the aforementioned 100x zoom.
While I'm certainly a fan of the high-quality images the Ultra delivers in both daylight and lowlight, such an intense camera sensor isn't necessary for everyday use.
Should I Share Internet Service With My Neighbor?
VPN One Windows Two200+Gizmodo / 11h
Make sure you’ve taken the time to enable your router’s access point mode (or otherwise disabled DHCP and its firewall), and your devices will receive their IP addresses from your neighbor’s router—much as they otherwise would if you were connecting your cable modem to your router directly, when it’s set up as a regular router.
First off, you’ll want to make sure you get a high-quality Ethernet cable that’s rated to give you top speeds for whatever distance you have to cover between your neighbor’s house and yours.
You Can Connect Your Game Boy Camera to Modern Printers Using This $20 Adapter
Mac Game Boy Camera200+Lifehacker / 11h
But finding paper stock for the Game Boy Printer is no easy task these days, so Vaclav Mach created a $20 adapter that lets the Game Boy Camera work with modern printers instead.
Nintendo stopped selling the Game Boy Camera years ago, but thermal printers are still widely available, most commonly used at checkouts for printing out paper receipts.
End Game, the startup behind Zombs Royale, raises $3M
500+TechCrunch / 11h
Zombs Royale was supposedly built in less than four weeks, but Liu said that after its launch in early 2018, the team spent most of the year maintaining and scaling the game.
Liu said he hopes to fund “many tries” at building other cross-platform, multiplayer games with this seed round.


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Food companies invited to work together
Canterbury food manufacturers are being invited to work together to share knowledge, overcome problems and take
advantage of opportunities in an initiative launched by Canterbury Development Corporation and Lincoln University.
The Canterbury Innovative Foods Cluster is being launched next Tuesday 19 May, CDC Sector Manager Agri-Business, Blair
“There’s so much knowledge within individual companies that would help develop the sector if these companies were able
to share information and act collectively on issues,”Mr Cottam says.
CDC and Lincoln University were keen to act as intermediaries to help the industry.
“We’ve got links into some of that knowledge already and we want to flesh out the needs across the food industry and
work with the businesses involved to deal with barriers to growth,” he says.
Pitching to large retailers like Foodstuffs, talking about training issues, understanding who has what expertise in new
product development and learning the best channels to export markets through shared experiences would be helpful to many
Foodstuffs South Island General Manager Retail Operations Alan Malcolmson welcomed the initiative.
“We are pleased to be part of the cluster group and welcome the opportunity it may bring from suppliers and potential
suppliers within this region,” he says.
Supporting the initiative, SME company Serra Natural Foods Chief Executive Officer Jim Small says sometimes small
businesses could get a little “myopic” about what they were doing.
“Interacting with others can spark some new opportunities and provide a different perspective,”Mr Small says.
Mr Cottam says developing the cluster was part of a wider strategy CDC is pursuing with the food sector. Other parts
included offering targeted workshops and working with Lincoln University on the Canterbury Centre for Innovative Foods
The proposed CCIF would include a technology centre with equipment to trial new products and a knowledge centre for
businesses to get help and advice on research, development and commercialisation. The knowledge centre would also focus
on links to building management capabilities and other services including export advice, compliance and marketing, and
could provide an incubation space for food industry tenants.
Any food manufacturers interested in attending next week’s cluster launch can contact Blair Cottam at CDC, (03) 378

domain: news


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The Pikes Peak Modest Enterprise Advancement Middle and Much better Enterprise Bureau of Southern Colorado declared 2022 Smaller Enterprise Week Awards winners at a June 4 celebration at Purple Leg Brewery.
This winners are:
Modest Business Person of the 12 months — Torie Giffin, owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Vacation resort LLC
Younger Entrepreneur of the 12 months — Bobby Mikulas, CEO and co-founder of Kinship Landing
Veteran Small Business Proprietor of the 12 months — David Thompson, proprietor of Winds of Adjust Remodeling, Inc.
Tiny Organization Winner of the Year — Joe Aldaz, president of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Spouse and children-Owned Modest Enterprise of the Calendar year — Bob Penkhus Motor Company
, in honor of the region’s 7 days of events and workshops to celebrate and help local compact organizations.
Jonathan Liebert, CEO and govt director of BBB of Southern Colorado, said in a release that tiny companies nationwide deliver nearly two-thirds of net new employment in the non-public sector. Much more than 90 per cent of the regional BBB’s accredited organizations have 20 or much less personnel, the launch mentioned.
“It’s vital that we keep on to aid and encourage tiny business enterprise proprietors,” Liebert claimed.
Aikta Marcoulier, previous government director of the Pikes Peak SBDC who a short while ago turned administrator of the U.S. Compact Business Administration’s Region 8 office environment in Denver, explained small organizations “make tradition, innovate, and increase vitality to our region.”
Award finalists competed in five groups, for business enterprise house owners and these who help them, mentioned the release from the Pikes Peak SBDC and BBB.
The 10th annual Small Company 7 days operates till June 8, concluding with a State of Tiny Business discussion and report from Pikes Peak SBDC and BBB leaders. The occasion operates 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Town Auditorium.


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The games for PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Premium for July 2022 were leaked ahead of time. Here's what you can expect.
I don't remember the last time a PS Plus reveal came via the official route rather than a leak. Every month, around the midway point, the PS Plus games for the next month are leaked. July 2022 is no exception, and now we know what you can expect for free - granted you have PS Plus Extra or PS Plus Premium.
PS Plus Extra, Premium Games July 2022
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
- Assassin's Creed Unity
- Assassin's Creed: Freedom Cry
- Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection
- Sants Row IV: Re-Elected
Yup, that's a lot of Assassins's Creed, but, honestly... Black Flag is a fire game and should not be missed, so if you haven't played it... here's your chance. I guess, in terms of playtime, this RPG/Open/World offering of games will give people a lot of buck for their money, but in terms of quality... I, for one, am still waiting for those big exclusive PlayStation games to become available.
The news was first reported by PushSquare, but do keep in mind that this is still a leak, and not confirmed news, so... have your pinches of salt at the ready. According to the leak, the games above will be released alongside Stray on July 19 this year. Also, this is not the final list, and there are more games to be released on said date.


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Back to Blog
BTS have been announced as French fashion brand Louis Vuitton's newest brand ambassadors.
J-Hope, Jungkook, Jin, Suga, V, Jimin, and RM will collaborate with LV on special projects and are expected to be dressed in LV in upcoming appearances.
The message from Louis Vuitton's official Twitter read:
âBTS for Louis Vuitton. Joining as new House Ambassadors, the world-renowned Pop Icons BTS are recognized for their uplifting messages that impart a positive influence. Louis Vuitton is pleased to welcome members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.â
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By Christian Cooke | December 29, 2017 03:02:27In January, we took a look at the best and worst of the food industries.
This month, we look at some of the biggest winners and losers in climate change.
The food industries have benefited from the most rapid and sustained rise in temperature over the past century, which is why they are the biggest emitters of CO2 in the world.
But their emissions are being cut in a hurry.
This week, the World Bank released a new report estimating that the global food supply could drop by 50 percent by 2050.
The report, which also shows that food prices will rise, has sparked a fierce debate about how the world should feed the world’s growing population.
In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Michael Pollan, the food writer and author of “Food and Bacteria,” said that he sees a big gap between what is being produced and what the food companies want to sell.
He said, “It’s a kind of moral dilemma.”
Pollan’s food and science adviser, Kevin Smith, echoed his sentiments: “There’s a moral dilemma that is going on between the people who want to produce this stuff and the people that want to consume it.
They’re competing with each other, and the only way to get that food out is to drive up the temperature.
And they’re going to do everything they can to make sure that they don’t have to pay any price increase. “
And the only people who can do that are the food producers, the people with the machinery to raise that temperature, and that’s the people running the food factories.
There is a moral ambiguity there, and I think there’s a lot of potential for conflict.”


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TARAK Ramzan, chief executive of fashion retailer Quiz, received remuneration of £217,000 in the year to March, including a basic salary of £180,000, the company’s latest annual report shows.
He received £163,000 of remuneration for the prior accounting period, which the company noted related to a shorter period, from its July 2017 flotation to March 31, 2018.
Quiz revamps share options in response to stock fall
Shares in Quiz surged to a high of 201.2p in July 2018, around a year after its stock market flotation. But the price has fallen steeply since October amid tough conditions on the high street. The firm’s franchise operation was also caught out in the collapse of House of Fraser. Shares were worth 14.5p at market close last night.
Finance boss Gerard Sweeney received remuneration of £172,000, including a salary of £130,000, for the year to March. He received total remuneration of £136,000 for the July 2017 to March 2018 period.
Chief commercial officer Sheraz Ramzan received remuneration of £152,000 for the year to March, including a £130,000 salary. He received total remuneration of £116,000.for the July 2017 to March 2018 period.
Last week Quiz announced that it has revamped its share options for nearly 90 staff to reflect the collapse in its share price in recent months.


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Cointelegraph talked to Tim Draper during the Global Blockchain Forum in San Francisco. He covered blockchain adoption, regulations in US and China, and why does he want to leave California.
Tim Draper is a founder of Draper University for entrepreneurs and Draper Associates, VC firm that invested in Tesla, Skype, Baidu and other technology companies.
Read the full interview on COINTELEGRAPH: https://goo.gl/rpUKmW
Subscribe to Cointelegraph YouTube: https://goo.gl/JhmfdU


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Concerns about climate change are driving a surge in demand for electric vehicles.
EVs reduce emissions from cars, trucks and buses, which account for 30% of greenhouse gas pollutants. The switch to EVs is growing worldwide. His website for Simply Insurance predicts that by 2040, 58% of global car sales will be electric.
In 2021, China’s EV sales will jump to 3.3 million units. Chinese government officials have told automakers that by 2030, EVs will account for 40% of his total sales (39.78 million).
In western states such as California, Washington, and Oregon, their respective governors have enacted similar mandates requiring all new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold after 2035 to run on batteries or hydrogen. I’m here. Currently, Washington has 84,000 EVs, with a goal of reaching 1 million by the end of 2010. A very difficult task is finding sufficient amounts of lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite to manufacture them.
The International Energy Agency recently reported that global lithium consumption has increased by 33% since 2020.
At least 384 new graphite, lithium, nickel and cobalt mines will be needed to meet demand, reports Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Most metals are mined in the South American trio of Indonesia, China, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Congo, Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
Together with Japan and South Korea, China accounts for 95% of the world’s lithium battery production. China’s known lithium reserves are her 1 million tonnes, her fourth largest after Chile, Australia and Argentina.
“If you take raw material recycling into account, that number is about 336 mines,” predicts London-based Benchmark, which tracks supply chain data for lithium-ion batteries.
Better and more recycling is key to addressing these shortages and reducing the need for new mining. A recent study found that most lithium-ion batteries are not reprocessed. Only 5% is recycled in the US.
Nearly all lead-acid batteries in gasoline and diesel vehicles have been salvaged, but billions of used lithium-ion batteries are accumulating in landfills and storage.
Nearly 10 billion (approximately 465,000 tonnes) of used electric vehicle batteries need treatment, according to IHC Markit analysis, and that number is expected to rise to 29 billion by 2025.
Much of today’s recycling consists of dropping whole batteries into a furnace to melt, shred or crush them, said Ryan Melsert, CEO of American Battery Technology Co. method.
There are lessons to be learned from lead-acid batteries, says Mersart, “wherever you can buy them, you can return them.”
Something similar must happen with lithium-ion batteries. A newer closed-loop hydrometallurgical process that is environmentally friendly is being tested. RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. (Surrey, British Columbia) has patented the process and has successfully demonstrated plants recovering over 99% of lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt. This system is attractive in that the leaching agent can also be recovered, reprocessed and reused.
Recycling EV batteries is complicated. EV batteries have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, with approximately 3,000 battery cells per vehicle, depending on model. These batteries come in all sizes and various configurations.
The scope of the problem is daunting. According to Princeton University’s Net Zero America study, reaching net zero emissions by the middle of the 20th century would mean that the number of EVs would increase from about 1 million today to 210 to 330 million. I mean
Automakers need to invest additional resources and make recycling a higher priority.it is an integral part of their business success
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer, and columnist. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Why are Airbnb costs as much as 35% higher in 2021 over 2020?
Oct 18, 2021, 6:57 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — You have been grounded for more than a year but now it’s time to spread your wings and hit the road. But know this, if you are want to stay in an Airbnb, the costs are a lot more.
Airbnb costs averaged about $160 a day in the first quarter of 2021. That’s a 35% increase compared with Airbnb costs the first quarter of 2020, said Business Insider. Also more people also began traveling in large groups during COVID-19, which lends itself to booking larger properties. And as a result, a higher average daily rate for those properties according to Business Insider.
KSL NewsRadio’s Debbie Dujanovic was on the hunt for a one-night stay in Park City Airbnb. This is what she said she found:
- $250 for a one-night stay,
- $165 cleaning fee,
- $58 service fee,
- $68 occupancy tax and other fees.
- $541 grand total!
“No thank you. I can’t afford that,” she said.
For that price, co-host Dave Noriega demands to be carried into the Airbnb on a royal bed. You know, like the prince of Persia and also like that Prince, eating peeled grapes.
Since that mode of transportation is rare outside of the movies, Dave said Airbnbs is his preferred vacation housing. Especially with his family of six when the rental includes multiple bedrooms, a common area, and most of all, a kitchen.
Debbie ended up booking her one-night stay at a hotel on the same street as the Airbnb she first spoke with for $174. And she took out her frustration with Airbnb prices by posting on Facebook.
Ask an Airbnb costs expert
Earl Foote regularly joins Dave and Dujanovic on the show to talk about all things tech. He is the founder and owner of Nexus IT, a company based in Park City. But on Monday’s show Foote discussed all things Airbnb as he is an Airbnb owner in Utah and in Costa Rica.
“I’m well-versed with the vacation rental industry,” he said.
Foote told Debbie that for a one- or two-night stay, an Airbnb is not the right choice because of the fees and especially the cleaning cost. That cost, professionally cleaning a two-bed condo will be at least $150.
“If you just want to go and have a room and a pool and kind of get catered to and waited on, a hotel is probably your thing.”
But Foote said if you are traveling in a larger group or family and need a kitchen to save on restaurant meals, a private space like an Airbnb is the right choice. He added that for international travel, AirBnBs are significantly less expensive than hotels.
Debbie asked if Foote would be willing to negotiate the price at his AirBnB.
He responded by saying the Airbnb fees are outside of the property owners control as are the taxes and possibly the cleaning fee. But he said most property owners will be willing to give it a discount on the nightly fee if you book a long-term stay.
Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, a.s well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.


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Another day, another update in the continuing saga of Apple v. Samsung. (You didn’t think the story ended with last year’s big trial in San Jose, did you?)
Late Monday, Samsung filed with a federal court in California, showing that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had issued a “Final Office Action” on Apple’s ‘381 patent (commonly known as the “bounce-back” patent), reaffirming that patent’s invalidation.
This rejection will likely be appealed to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and conceivably it could be appealed even further (taking longer than the actual trial's appeal).
Last year, Apple received more than $1 billion in damages as a result of Samsung’s infringement on Apple’s patents. This sum was later reduced by $450.5 million. The judge in the case ultimately ordered a new trial on those damages.
As we reported last month, Judge Lucy Koh asked for the new damages trial to take place after the whole case goes up on appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the nation's top patent court.
Reader Comments (33)View comments on forum


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1/7/2010 10:39:00 AM
Vodafone aims to push iPhone into business
Vodafone is bullish over the prospect of selling the iPhone into the UK business community, according to the company's enterprise director, Peter Kelly.
'There is a lot of demand for the iPhone in the enterprise marketplace, not only from SMEs, but public sector and corporate clients too,' Kelly told Mobile.
He added: 'But to be deployed in that market on any scale it will have to be seen as a strong business device; applications will be key here.'
Kelly believes that people need access to applications that will help their business be more productive, and the Apple App Store has many business critical applications already developed.
'Applications are the way into the enterprise market for the iPhone as they will help provide lower costs and drive productivity. The device does lend itself to a different way of working. The iPhone is a smartphone plus,' he said.
Vodafone believes the combination of the quality of the iPhone when used on its 3G network will provide people with the best customer service experience of any network.
Strong and reliable coverage will be crucial to the take up of the iPhone as a business tool. Kelly said: 'To make sure we can guarantee that service in as many places as possible we have our Vodafone Access Gateway product [a femtocell signal booster]. So long as you've got a Vodafone mobile with data access, you can get five bar coverage with a femtocell.'
The Access Gateway offering was originally conceived as a home consumer product, but Kelly said a significant number of SoHo and SME customers were also buying it.
'There will be ongoing development of the Access Gateway to extend its capacity to make it more applicable to SMEs. We will be rolling this out in significant volumes in 2010,' said Kelly.
Vodafone will begin to sell the iPhone from 14 January. It has chosen an initial list of 20 dealers to sell the handset through the indirect channel (see below).
Vodafone's indirect iPhone dealers
- CBS Comms Centre
- Cellular Solutions & Services
- CCS Mobile
- Excalibur Communications GB
- Garnell Corporate Comms
- Premier Telecom Ltd
- The General Telephone Co
- The Word Direct
- Active Telecom
- Fone Solutions
- JHL Communications
- Premier Mobile
- Pure Mobile
- Sprint Communications
- Wish Communications


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Expenses cause headaches
According to research carried out by YouGov on behalf of online accounting provider FreeAgent, only one in four small business owners claim back all of the expenses they incur personally for their business.
In a poll of 500+ owners of companies with five or fewer members of staff, 26% of respondents said they claimed back every single business expense they incur - while 21% stated that they claimed back half of their expenses or less.
The poll also revealed that nearly three quarters of small business owners and freelancers have wider concerns about their taxes - with 73% of respondents saying that they felt anxiety about the current UK tax system.
According to Suneeta Johal, Research & Information Manager at PCG, the not-for-profit organisation representing freelancers, this research supports existing evidence that expenses and taxation in general are a concern for a large proportion of freelancers.
“Clearly freelancers are not claiming their expenses, and are worried about their taxes because they fear being challenged by HMRC or think there is too much admin involved. The last thing we want to see is freelancers losing out on money or people being deterred from freelancing because of complicated process and these results do seem to suggest that current taxation rules are too complicated and that improvements need to be made.”
According to the survey however, the blame for unclaimed expenses cannot solely be attributed to a complex and confusing system. In fact, the most common reason for people not claiming what is rightfully theirs appears to be simply apathy. 41% of respondents admitted that they don’t claim back expenses that they didn’t see as worth the bother. In addition, 35% admitted that lost or forgotten receipts were a major reason for them not claiming, something Suneeta Johal feels could be a missed opportunity.
“Every penny counts is a cliché, but when it comes to expenses it is definitely good advice. While small amounts may not seem worth the bother at the time, over the course of a year they can add up to a small fortune.”
For Ed Molyneux, CEO and founder of FreeAgent, the key to avoiding missing out is to get organised. “While a simplification of the UK tax system for those who run small businesses would provide some relief, I think many of these people will also benefit from using new technology designed to help them manage their finances more effectively. Today’s accounting systems, based online and accessible via smartphone, help save time and reduce the amount of administration they have to do.”


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This Week in Retail: Heat Lingers, but Grocers Look Towards Fall Demand
Heat continues to blanket much of the country in mid-September. Meanwhile, hurricane season is wreaking havoc along the eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast, with tropical storm Daniel being the latest system to rear its ugly head.
With some communities still reeling from the devasting damage of Hurricane Ida and others flooded by torrential rainfall from Nicholas, late-summer grilling plans are far removed from the priority list for many households.
Meanwhile, the first day of fall is just under one week away. For retailers, the transition to autumn will mean increased consumer preference for fall favorites like roasts. Weather-permitting, tail gaiting at sports events as fans celebrate NFL season could prolong demand for grilling cuts while supporting popular game-time foods like wings.
Speaking of wing fanatics, the National Chicken Council recognizes September as National Chicken Month. Some grocers are advertising additional chicken cuts to encourage consumer spending on poultry. However, the number of chicken advertisements this week in Urner Barry’s survey was down from a week ago and was also below the last half of August...
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MHS Hot runner systems supplier posts record year in 2016
Canada – Last year was a record year for the global supplier of automated injection moulding solutions, Mold Hotrunner Solutions (MHS). Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the company, which specialises in valve gate hot runner systems, reports a growth in revenue by 40%. Furthermore, MHS has recently increased its workforce in North America by 25% to meet strong customer demand in the medical, automotive, packaging and appliance sectors.
In 2017 MHS will continue to drive growth in both established and emerging markets around the globe with a focus on design simplicity and absolute reliability for automated injection moulding solutions, the hot runner specialist said. The company invested heavily in R&D and manufacturing upgrades during the past decade and the result is a portfolio of new products and approaches to valve gating that feature compact design, offer more processing control and require less mould maintenance. The company’s new flagship line of valve gate hot runners, for example, can operate directly inside the mould at temperatures of up to 450°C without any actuator cooling and without o-rings, lubricants or cylinder wear, MHS explained.


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BANGKOK, July 7 (Reuters) – Thailand’s leading business group on Wednesday lowered its 2021 economic growth forecast for the fourth time this year to 0.0% to 1.5%, from 0.5% to 2.0%, due to a prolonged third wave of COVID-19 infections and despite higher exports.
The tourism-reliant country’s biggest outbreak that emerged in April has seen the most cases and deaths, dealing a deeper blow to an already fragile economic recovery.
“The rapid and severe third wave has affected domestic demand although a clear global economic recovery will benefit Thai exports,” Payong Srivanich, chairman of the joint-business group of industry, banking and commerce, told a briefing.
The group raised its export growth forecast to 8% to 10% this year from 5% to 7% due to better-than-expected global demand but cited infections at factories as a risk.
In the first five months of 2021, exports rose 10.78% from a year earlier, customs data showed.
If the outbreak cannot be controlled, more restrictions are imposed and foreign tourist numbers miss targets, the economy is likely to contract this year, Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, told the briefing.
Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy shrank 6.1% last year, the deepest slump in over two decades, as the tourism sector was devastated by the pandemic.
Reporting by Satawasin Staporncharnchai and Kitiphong Thaichareomn
Writing by Orathai Sriring
Editing by Ed Davies
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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With ever more beer and spirits in the mix, Winery Exchange is now simply called WX.
The Novato-based producer of national and exclusive beverage brands rebranded itself as of March 1 to reflect how its business model has changed since its founding 16 years ago.
“Since we created Winery Exchange, the industry has fundamentally changed, and we have changed too,” said Peter Byck, CEO and co-founder, in a statement. “We used to be a negociant wine company, and our customers were fine with that. But with retailers consolidating, and consumers wanting more choices, we evolved to become a full-service supplier of wine, beer and spirits. Our old name didn’t reflect that.”
The negociant model comes from France and describes a vintner without its own winery or vineyards.
A significant driver of consumer demand for greater variety in adult beverages has been the growth of millennials, Byck said. That generation, born between the early 1980s and early 2000s, will be influential on market trends because of a higher tendency to experiment and greater familiarity with digital marketing, according to recent Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch articles the company cited.
In 2015, millennials consumed 42 percent of the wine sold in the U.S., and they are fingered as a major contributor for imported wine sales’ doubling in the past 20 years. Especially benefiting from that have been New World countries such as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia.
“Millennials are far more likely to try imported wines, different varietals and craft beers and spirits than older drinkers,” said Oren Lewin, WX senior vice president of marketing and strategy. “With consumers wanting more choices, and retailers wanting fewer vendors, there is a real need for suppliers who can deliver wine, beer and spirits that span multiple countries, price points and packaging formats. That’s what sets us apart.”
WX now sources wine, beer and spirits from 17 countries on five continents. It employs 100 in Novato and London, including seven full-time winemakers and 25-plus salespeople.
The company offers 80-plus exclusive retailer and national wine, beer and spirits brands sold throughout the U.S. and in 12 countries (wxbrands.com). National brands include Chronic Cellars and Our Daily Wines, and FLO Wines and Rebel Coast Winery are among WX’s strategic-partner brands. Retailers the company works with include Kroger, Whole Foods, Total Wine & More, Tesco, Sainsbury, Aldi and CVS.
In addition to in-house winemakers and experts on beer and spirits, WX has its own production group, WX Bottling (wxbottling.com). In late 2013, the company purchased a bottling line and leased production space at Carneros Vintners’ large custom winery at 4202 Stage Gulch Rd. on the Sonoma County side of the Carneros winegrowing region. The line opened April 2014, and last year WX secured an alternating proprietorship from Carneros Vintners to be bonded in facility as a crush-to-bottle business.
“[T]hat has given us greater quality control and flexibility,” Lewin said.
WX said it has about 300,000 gallons of dedicated stainless-steel capacity in 43 tanks at the winery. The operation is CCOF organic-certified. The bottling line runs at 100 a minute, or realistically 4,000 cases a day. Packaging capabilities include inkjet case-printing and laser bottle etching of date and time for traceability.
WX Bottling last year produced 700,000-plus 9-liter cases for national, partner and exclusive brands, and contract-bottling clients.


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You can now purchase Southwest Airlines tickets with Apple Pay
What you need to know
- Southwest is adding support for Apple Pay.
- This will give you the option to buy tickets through the iOS app using Apple Pay.
- It is part of Southwest's partnership with CellPoint Digitial.
You will now be able to buy your Southwest Airlines tickets using Apple Pay. The airline announced this week that support for Apple's payment service will arrive to its mobile app making the purchasing of tickets much easier.
When using the Southwest app on an iOS device, the option to use Apple Pay will now pop up when checking out.
Here's what Southwest had to say on the Apple Pay integration:
The Apple Pay integration is being buoyed by a partnership between Southwest and CellPoint Digital. Besides Apple Pay, the partnership will give Southwest access to payment systems by 350 partners such as Visa Checkout and Google Play.
Apple Pay support is now available within the Southwest iOS app.
Get more iMore in your inbox!
Our news, reviews, opinions, and easy to follow guides can turn any iPhone owner into an Apple aficionado


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The Livingston Township Council agreed to move forward with plans to put solar panels on three township buildings at the Monday conference meeting.
The solar panels - which are intended to generate electricity - are proposed for the roof of township hall, the public library and the senior and community center.
Bids on the project went out in December, and Township Manager Michele Meade said the low bidder was ESMA Solar Company, who would do the work for $467,234, which was less than expected.
Meade said energy consultant Steve Winter Associates estimated the solar panels would be an asset for 25 years. The energy consultant said it would take about 12½ to pay off the solar array on the township hall and 14 years to pay off the solar array on the library.
Meade said the project "looks like it makes sense" since the construction costs are fairly low.
Councilwoman Deborah Shapiro said the township should move ahead with the project since "given the cost of electricity, which we know is not going down." The council agreed to award the contract at the next meeting on May 7.
Officials also discussed getting pre-paid procurement cards for certain employees to purchase smaller, necessary office items.
Meade said the cards are intended to be used for unexpected needs - such as batteries - and purchases made with them would have greater accountability since all transactions will be recorded as they are made.
The cards would be restricted to set amounts at specific stores and township supervisors would distribute cards on a limited basis, Meade said.
Currently, township workers handle small purchase items by paying out of pocket and then waiting for a supervisor’s approval to get reimbursed.
Shapiro said she was concerned the procurement cards could be misused by workers for private purchases.
Meade said procurement cards could make it easier to check what was bought and to follow up on items that are bought. She added employees who abuse the cards would be made to pay back the township.
Deputy Mayor Rudy Fernandez said procurement cards would be useful for other situations as well, such as the purchase of small, needed items during an emergency like the October unexpected rainstorm and blackout.
The council members agreed to further discuss the issue at the next meeting.


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Once again, leading lottery services and products provider Pollard Banknote has been recognized for its exceptional achievements. Most recently, the company revealed that it has been selected as a finalist for two major honors at the 2022 International Gaming Awards. The first one is the US Gaming Company of the Year award and the other is the Lottery Product of the Year.
This year, the International Gaming Awards will be held for the 15th consecutive year. The awards are determined by a panel of experts from the global gaming industry. Once selected, the winners will be announced on April 11, 2022, at a special ceremony hosted in London, United Kingdom. There is plenty of time for the panel to determine their winners.
The Two Major Honors
The US Gaming Company of the Year honor is up for grabs to North and South American corporations and is given to those ones that have demonstrated consistent growth and focus on customer service, innovation, and technology. As a finalist, Pollard Banknote is acknowledged as a leader and partner of choice to the lottery industry in North America.
The company’s objective is to produce both physical and digital games products, as well as build Empowered Partnerships with each of its lottery clients. This is achieved by delivering its partners products and services that attract and retain new and existing customers, as well as providing merchandising strategies, that maximize retail influence, and use the right mixture of online products to complement their digital offerings.
The second honor for which the company was nominated is the Lottery Product of the Year, which is for its revolutionary new instant game concept, named Struck By Luck. This product utilizes a progressive jackpot feature that was only recently debuted to the instant ticket markets. It combines traditional instant ticket play with a multi-tiered digital component, thus enabling some impressive jackpot increases.
Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the lottery provider commented that the company is honored to be recognized as a finalist in two important categories. He elaborated that the corporation’s number one goal is to provide the best possible products and services to the industry. In his words, Struck By Luck is a statement of a unique offering that will appeal to many lottery fans.
Continuation of Partnerships
Over the years, Pollard Banknote has managed to expand its footprint to 60 lotteries from all around the world. Recently, the company was awarded a contract extension from the Minnesota Lottery. It is a Mobile Convenience App Development Services Contract, through which the Canadian lottery provider will be allowed to develop a fully functional lottery app for its partner for both iOS and Android devices.
In the summer of 2021, the company received one more extension from another long-term partner – the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. This new agreement came into effect on July 8, 2021, and allows the two sides to renew once for three more years of mutual cooperation. The two companies inked their first joint deal in 2006, and have been in symbiosis ever since.
Source: “Pollard Banknote Selected as Finalist in Two Categories at the International Gaming Awards”, Cision, January 10, 2022