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Samsung is diving headfirst into wearable computers, announcing a partnership with the iconic Australian swimwear maker Speedo to produce a range of swimming-related wearables that will automatically track your every move in the water.
Ahead of the mammoth IFA electronics tradeshow here in Berlin, Samsung announced two new, water-resistant devices, the Gear Fit2 Pro sports band and the Gear Sport smart watch, both of which will work with Speedo's "On" app to track lap count, lap time and stroke type when they're worn in the pool.
Samsung had been expected to announce the Gear S4, an update to its popular Gear S3 smartwatch, but instead it announced the Gear Sport, amounting to a slightly smaller, more sports-oriented version of the Gear S3, as well as the Gear Fit2 Pro, both of which will be water-resitant to five atmospheres, Samsung said.
Five atmospheres of water pressure is roughly equivalent to being 50 metres below the surface.
The Speedo app on the devices will deliver data to Samsung's existing health-tracking app, Samsung Health, so users don't need to track their swimming separately from other activities, such as running, that Samsung's devices already track.
It will also allow swimmers to measure their "SWOLF", or "Swim Golf", which is a measure of stroke efficiency, as well as compete remotely against other swimmers through internet-based challenges, Samung said.
"Our collaboration with Samsung is the first of its kind and brings the very best of Samsung's technological innovation together with Speedo's swim expertise to provide fitness focused swimmers with a completely new level of tracking," said Rob Hicking, Brand Director at Speedo International, in a statement.
Both the $549 Gear Sport and the $329 Gear Fit2 Pro will also have upgraded heart-rate tracking compared to earlier models, Samsung said, claiming the new heart rate monitors, which are located on the back of the device and which used infrared light to measure bloodflow in the wrist, would be "top of the line".
Heart-rate tracking has been a controversial area for the fitness tracking industry. Most devices struggle to produce consistent results, especially when they're trying to measure the pulse of people performing strenuous activity. In 2016, Fitbit, which claims to have the most accurate heart-rate tracking technology on the market, was sued for reporting lower-than-actual pulse-rates, which could encourage people to exercise long after they should have stopped, the lawsuit claimed.
Worldwide sales of wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are expected to grow by 16.7 per cent in 2017, compared to 2016, according to the research outfit Gartner. Total revenues for the sector should reach $US30.7 billion, with smartwatches accounting for roughly one third, or $US9.3 billion, Gartner said.
Samsung's Gear Sport will have a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display, a shade smaller than the 1.3-inch display in the Gear S3, as well as "military-level" durability and a standard 20mm watch band, which means that, unlike the Apple Watch, the Gear Sport can be altered with bands from other manufacturers.
Meanwhile the Gear Fit2 Pro will come with a 1.5-inch curved Super AMOLED display and a custom, sports-oriented band.
Samsung also said that it had struck a deal with Spotify, that would allow Spotify music tracks to be stored on and played from the fitness devices, via Bluetooth-connected earbuds, without the need for a nearby mobile phone.
Samsung also announced an update to its running-oriented Gear Icon X earbuds, with improved battery life.
The Gear Fit2 Pro will be available in Australia from September 15. The Gear Sport and the Gear Icon X will be available from November 1, with pre-orders opening mid-October, Samsung officials said.
John Davidson is in Berlin as a guest of Samsung
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Vietnam’s export to Sweden up 99.94 percent thanks to EVFTA
|Domestic plastics sector takes up opportunities from EVFTA|
|Vietnamese, Dutch businesses urged to optimise EVFTA|
|What is difference between UKVFTA and EVFTA?|
|Vietnamese rice has many opportunities to enter the Swedish market. Photo: VNA|
According to the Vietnamese Trade Office in Sweden, with a technology-based knowledge economy and a comprehensive social welfare system, Sweden is one of the nations with the highest living standards in the world, the Viet Nam News said.
Its strengths in innovation, creativity, and high-technology have helped it export key products to Vietnam such as machinery and spare parts for industry and telecommunications products.
Meanwhile, it imports agricultural products, footwear, textiles, and wooden products from Vietnam. Notably, Vietnamese rice has many opportunities to enter the Swedish market, the office noted.
Figures from the General Department of Vietnam Customs show that two-way trade hit about US$160.89 million in January, of which Vietnam’s exports to Sweden were worth $132 million, up 99.94 percent over January last year.
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Sweden Phan Dang Duong, the EU market and Sweden in particular have high demand for tropical and processed agricultural products.
Vietnam holds great potential to expand its exports to Northern Europe, he said.
Optimising opportunities generated by EVFTA
The EVFTA, which took effect from August 1, 2020, gradually removes barriers and opens the door to Vietnamese goods all over Europe.
Duong said Vietnamese enterprises have quickly taken advantage of preferential tariffs to export agricultural products to the bloc in general and Sweden in particular.
Vietnamese rice has been gradually dominating the market, with export turnover rising nearly 10-fold to over $1 million from $100,000 in previous years.
Other key products of Vietnam, such as furniture, frozen tropical fruits, coconut milk, frozen vegetables, and textiles and footwear, also hold great prospects in Sweden.
|Squid and octopus exports to the EU market have continued to enjoy robust growth during the opening months of the year due to the enforcement of the EVFTA. Photo: VOV|
In the opening days of 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak began and quickly spread around Northern Europe, the Vietnamese Trade Office in Sweden and Northern Europe paid particular attention to strengthening trade promotion activities and supporting Vietnamese exporters.
It developed online trade promotion support tools and a database of over 3,000 Northern European companies. It also published seven e-books in Vietnamese with market information on Northern Europe and two English e-books on Vietnam’s fruits and vegetables and seafood products.
Representatives from the office also attended online seminars and fairs, to promote links between Vietnamese exporters and partners in Northern Europe.
Such measures proved effective, helping Vietnamese businesses access customers while helping Northern European businesses understand more about the EVFTA and the benefits it brings when importing goods from Vietnam.
EVFTA adds fresh impetus to bilateral relations
|Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) hands over a diplomatic note notifying the Vietnamese National Assembly's ratification of the EVFTA and EVIPA to Ambassador of the EU to Vietnam Giorgio Aliberti on June 18, 2020, in Hanoi. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs|
The EVFTA officially came into effect on August 1, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-EU diplomatic ties (1990-2020).
The implementation of the EVFTA is expected to boost trade and investment between the two sides and bring Vietnam-EU relations to new heights, Nhan dan (People) newspaper said.
The EU is currently one of Vietnam’s leading trade partners with two-way trade reaching US$56.45 billion in 2019. Cooperation in the fields of energy, education and climate change response has also been accelerated, registering many positive results. In addition, Vietnam and the EU have worked closely together at multilateral forums and mechanisms, contributing to promoting cooperation and maintaining rules-based international order for peace, stability and development.
As stated by Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) Nicolas Audier, the EVFTA is one of the most comprehensive and ambitious FTAs that the EU has ever signed with a developing country.
The EVFTA will bring great and balanced economic benefits between Vietnam and the EU, such as eliminating trade barriers and tariff lines according to the roadmap, creating an open and favourable investment environment to help the two sides’ businesses access each other’s potential markets, together with commitments to meeting international standards in the fields of intellectual property and e-commerce./.
With the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), trade ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands, especially in the fashion industry, are expected to ...
Thanks to EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Vietnam’s tuna exports to the EU in September skyrocketed to 11.9 million USD (up 13.3% inter-monthly), according to ...
The overseas Vietnamese businesses, with a profound understanding of the host countries’ markets and much business experience there have played an important role in helping ...

domain: news


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Kuka Robotics demonstrated a new wireless robot control concept at Februarys ATX West Expo in Anaheim, Calif. The company exhibited an application using a KR16 robot and KRC 2 controller being manipulated by individuals using a Nintendo Wii controller and Bluetooth technology.
Kuka reports this concept cell was designed to show the next step in the trickle down of robotic technology to consumers from the industrial robot market. The exhibits concept cell was developed by Kuka system partner SEIS Group of Huntington Beach, Calif.
The development of more intelligent and easy-to-operate robots will begin to drive the development of more capable service robots for applications such as medical and ultimately for consumer use in individuals homes, said Kukas Kevin Kozuszek. This concept cell is an example of the next step forward towards improved control and interface capabilities between humans and robots.
To view an SEIS video of the application cell, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qEotHQgUsg.


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Topic: Steve Jobs
10/17/2011, 04:10 pm
A memorial held on Sunday for late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was described as "incredibly moving," with speeches made by his friends and family, and performances from world-renowned artists.
10/17/2011, 07:10 am
A private memorial for Steve Jobs, held Sunday at Stanford Memorial Church, was attended by a long list of notable people, including politicians, actors, musicians and peers of the late Apple co-founder.
10/14/2011, 08:10 pm
California Gov. Jerry Brown announced Friday that Sunday, Oct. 16 will be "Steve Jobs Day" statewide, and will coincide with a private memorial planned for the Apple co-founder at Stanford University.
10/13/2011, 08:10 pm
Apple senior vice president of iOS software Scott Forstall is hailed in a new interview as a polarizing genius, and potentially what the company needs to continue its remarkable growth story in a post-Jobs era.
10/13/2011, 06:10 pm
Rolling Stone magazine in a forthcoming feature describes personas of the late Steve Jobs widely unknown to the public, including his “almost 100 percent romantic” teen years.
10/10/2011, 05:10 pm
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died of respiratory arrest caused by a pancreatic tumor, according to a copy of his death certificate.
10/10/2011, 03:10 pm
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has reportedly sent out an e-mail to his employees informing them of a private celebration of the life of the late Steve Jobs next Wednesday, Oct. 19.
10/07/2011, 09:10 pm
After years of battling complications arising from his initial bout with cancer, Steve Jobs learned in February that his time was finally running out. In his final months, he surrounded himself with those most important to him: his wife and his children.
10/07/2011, 06:10 pm
Sony Pictures is reportedly inking a $1 to 3 million deal with Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson to produce a new film profiling the Apple co-founders' life.
10/07/2011, 05:10 pm
Two days after his passing on Wednesday, family and friends of Steve Jobs will gather at an undisclosed location to celebrate the life and grieve the death of the visionary Apple co-founder.
10/07/2011, 03:10 pm
Visitors continue to mourn the loss of Steve Jobs at Apple's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City, showing their respects with hundreds of yellow Post-it notes and apples.
10/07/2011, 12:10 pm
Google and Samsung have canceled an event planned for next week where the companies were supposed to announce the first smartphone based on Android "Ice Cream Sandwich," a move reportedly made in response to the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
10/07/2011, 10:10 am
The passing of Steve Jobs has put a spotlight on Apple's board of directors, as onlookers wonder whether the company will expand and diversify the board to bring about a new era.
10/07/2011, 09:10 am
Just a few weeks before his death, Steve Jobs revealed in an interview that he agreed to an authorized biography on his life so that his children could know why he wasn't always there for them.
10/06/2011, 07:10 pm
A secretive "Apple University" program that the company initiated in 2008 has been clarified to be a way to teach executives to emulate and perpetuate the successful strategies of Steve Jobs.
10/06/2011, 03:10 pm
Steve Jobs changed the world with his ideas, and those same principles make up the backbone of Apple, which is why Wall Street watchers believe the company will continue to innovate and succeed even after the passing of its iconic co-founder.
10/06/2011, 12:10 pm
For the first time in at least 30 years, Time magazine stopped its presses when news of Steve Jobs's death broke. The publication's latest issue with Jobs on the cover will hit newsstands Friday, and will join numerous other tributes to the late Apple co-founder.
10/06/2011, 10:10 am
Publisher Simon & Schuster has moved up the publication of its forthcoming biography of Steve Jobs by nearly a month after news broke that the Apple co-founder has passed away.
10/06/2011, 09:10 am
Mourning the loss of Steve Jobs, many who admired the man and appreciate his contributions to the world have shown their respects by placing flowers, candles, notes and apples outside of the Apple Store on New York City's Fifth Avenue.
10/06/2011, 09:10 am
As a prolific innovator and hands-on leader, Steve Jobs's influence was felt in every aspect of Apple's products, as evidenced by a recent patent application credited to him designed to stop users from inadvertently starting an operation on a computer.


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We live in a time when we are all mostly indoors and it’s not surprising that home makers want to give their spaces that much-needed boost of warmth and comfort. Well, there’s good news for those who prefer to shop from the comfort and safety of their homes. It’s the ‘phygital’ shopping experience that Creaticity is making possible, for the first time in Indian home & living category and in the bustling city of Pune to begin with. The key drivers are the rapidly changing customer behavior, including: (1) Rise in online shopping even for discretionary goods such as furniture (2) A Need for safe and contactless shopping and (3) The expectations of a seamless experience across channels.
How does this platform work? And how does it help brands to define personalized experiences at scale?
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Zyxel Communications has again swept the Taiwan Excellence Awards, racking up five prizes largely on the back of its growing suite of well-received WiFi mesh networking, GPON, and LTE solutions. Zyxel has now had 88 products recognized over 14 consecutive years at the awards, which are organized by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and were held this year on November 9 in Taipei, Taiwan.
In the past two years, Zyxel has initiated a bold shift in its focus, particularly toward mesh WiFi networking products. These awards are a tremendous validation that these efforts have yielded highly practical solutions that are already making tangible differences for consumers and businesses at home and abroad.
Of particular pride are the awards for the Multy suite of mesh networking solutions - including Multy Plus, Multy U and Multy Mini. Much of this success comes down to the priority Zyxel has placed on optimizing radiofrequency design as well on user-friendly, app-based setup and management. The stylish design and a variety of mounting options also earned Multy Plus and Multy U the 2018 Golden Pin Design Award.
Zyxel products directed at service providers were also honored, including 1U Pizza Box 8-port GPON OLT (OLT1408A) and 4G LTE-A indoor IAD (LTE3316). Designed to create better user experiences, the Zyxel LTE3316 can be easily set by the "LTE Ally" app and users can enjoy instant connection just inserting a SIM card whether they're at home, in the office or even in remote areas.
Irene Tsai, product marketing manager of Zyxel's Smart Living Business Unit, received the awards on behalf of Zyxel.
DIGITIMES' editorial team was not involved in the creation or production of this content. Companies looking to contribute commercial news or press releases are welcome to contact us.


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A row has broken out among Cornish pasty traditionalists after a bakery unveiled a ‘vegan steak' variety.
Cornwall Live reported over the weekend that the Cornish Vegan Pasty Company was seeing sales rise as the number of vegans increased across the country.
The business was started by Sam Grady – a Cornish vegan – in St Agnes, near Truro, in 2016.
The Cornish Vegan Pasty Company’s three varieties – the soon-to-be renamed Vegan Steak (which was the Cornish Vegan Pasty), the V.Cheese & Onion Pasty and the Mountain Chilli Pasty – were selling well in Cornwall and as far away as Scotland and Wales.
The Vegan Steak pasty replaces the steak with meat substitute seitan.
Many traditional Cornish pasty fans – and even other bakeries – have reacted in horror.
Ben Paul wrote on Cornwall Live’s Facebook page: "Eat whatever you like, but don't call it what it isn't. If it’s vegan, it ain't steak. If it’s steak, it ain't vegan!"
Malcolm Martyn said: "It’s not traditional steak if there is no bloody steak in it.”
In 2002, Cornish pasties were granted protected geographical indication status, meaning only a pasty made the traditional way in Cornwall could be called a Cornish Pasty.
While some locals were able to accept the vegan pasty, they weren't happy with it being referred to as traditional.
Vix Louise wrote: "It ain't traditional steak if it's bloody vegan."
Stephen Griffiths added: "Just call it a vegan pastie (sic), better still don't bother and have the steak."
Marion Symonds, owner of Portreath Bakery and 'international ambassador of the pasty', said: "It can't be called a Cornish pasty if it's vegan, because it's not a Cornish pasty. It's traditionally made with pastry, swede and steak - it must have those ingredients in.
"They can call it a vegan pasty but it can't be called a Cornish pasty.
"I make vegan pasties, but they're not Cornish pasties."
PGI status was granted for the pasty following a campaign by the Cornish Pasty Association.
The organisation stated: “The Cornish Pasty PGI is very clear that any pasty being sold as a Cornish pasty and using that name must be made to the specified recipe. However, the Cornish Pasty Association is well aware that many other varieties of pasty are available, indeed most of our members make other pasties including some delicious vegan options.
“The Association would only be concerned if one of these alternative pasties was being sold using the Cornish pasty name or passing itself off as a Cornish pasty.”
Sam Grady, of the Cornish Vegan Pasty Company, replied: “We’re in the process of changing the name of our ‘Cornish’ pasty to a ‘vegan steak’ pasty to remove any ambiguity. Our name is trademarked though and Trading Standards are happy with it.”


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Groupe Marcelle, a Quebec cosmetics company, was ordered Tuesday to pay a $500,000 fine for violating the law. Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Between April 2021 and May 2022, agents of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) conducted various audits and conducted an inspection at Groupe Marcelle's headquarters, in Dorval. They then noticed that eye and lip pencils from the brands Lise Watier, Marcelle, and Annabelle were being marketed with perfluorononyl dimethicone.
However, the marketing of cosmetics containing perfluorononyl dimethicone is considered a “new activity” within the meaning of Article Canadian Environmental Protection Act. To do this, it requires certain information to first be provided to the Government of Canada, an obligation that the Marcel Group has not respected.
Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a press release that the company pleaded guilty and the affected products were removed from the distribution chain. The fine of half a million will be paid to the Environmental Damage Fund and Groupe Marcelle will be added to the register of environmental violators.
No more perfluorononyl dimethicone at Groupe Marcelle
In a press release, Groupe Marcelle confirmed that the manufacturers of the products in which Perfluorononyl Dimethicone was found “did not inform Groupe Marcelle that the substance was subject to the requirements resulting from a notification” from the ECCC. Furthermore, the company says, “Health Canada has never reported any concerns” regarding this substance.
It also ensures that it “stopped distributing products containing the substance” as soon as it was notified by the ECCC. Groupe Marcelle subsequently made a complete recall of approximately 220,000 units of the affected pencils, which were destroyed. [et] It has since reformulated the affected pencils and stopped using perfluoronyl dimethicone in all of its products.
Perfluorononyl dimethicone makes it possible to increase the stability and durability of cosmetics. It is part of the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which make up a group of several thousand synthetic substances.
These substances, which are still little known, are found in varying concentrations in a wide range of products. They are often referred to as “eternal pollutants” because of their persistence in the environment, according to the National Institute of Public Health in Quebec.
“Music guru. Incurable web practitioner. Thinker. Lifelong zombie junkie. Tv buff. Typical organizer. Evil beer scholar.”


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Discussion in 'General Global Topics' started by Gunny, Jun 2, 2008.
more ... BBC NEWS | Special Reports | Summit targets global food crisis
First, Japan is offering to send free rice to some hard hit countries. The US is opposing it because the farm lobby fears that Japan is dumping. Read that in the WSJ.
Second, there may not be any leader who has done more to ruin his economy and starve his people than Mugabe. The incompetent thug destroyed a farming economy that was once an exporter of food. Today, the annualized inflation rate is over 300,000% and tens of thousands have fled into South Africa. The man is a joke.
Separate names with a comma.


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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Californians won’t be charged 10 cents per bag at the grocery store and retailers can again hand out thinner, single-use plastic bags under a temporary change brought in by an executive order signed Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
It’s a change that retailers have wanted for weeks, as many major grocery chains have stopped letting customers bring in reusable bags over fears of spreading the new coronavirus.
California, which has some of the nation’s strictest laws aimed at reducing plastic waste, banned stores from handing out single-use plastic bags and required them to charge 10 cents for all paper and plastic bags several years ago. Newsom’s order suspends those rules for 60 days.
“For the time being, in the state of emergency, this is just a great relief” to store employees and customers, said Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailer’s Association, which represents grocery chains like Safeway and Walmart as well as other major retailers.
The executive order also allows grocery stores to temporarily stop accepting recyclable bottles and cans, which they then transfer to recycling centers. Consumers will still be charged the deposit when they purchase the bottles.
- White House fears resurgence of pandemic after protests
- 3 charged in slaying of Ahmaud Arbery face court hearing
- Tear gas fired on New Orleans protesters on a bridge
- Hundreds protest death of George Floyd outside San Mateo City Hall
- George Floyd autopsy shows he tested positive for COVID-19 in April


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The entrepreneur and social media star just topped an Instagram influencer rich list…
She’s a super-savvy businesswoman who has grown her company to phenomenal levels in recent years.
And now we’ve discovered just how powerful Huda Kattan’s and her beauty empire really is.
The Dubai-based makeup entrepreneur, who has more than 20 million followers on Instagram alone, has been named one of Time magazine’s most influential faces on the world wide web.
And that’s not the only list she made this week – the Huda Beauty founder has also topped a first-ever list of Instagram’s richest influencers.
Kattan, a trained makeup artist, regularly shares informative beauty tutorials on her account, as well as promoting other budding artists’ work (and huge kudos for that, not all MUAs do the same).
But it’s her paid-for posts which can make the big bucks – in a ranking compiled by Instagram scheduling tool Hopper, the 33-year-old can charge around US$18,000 for a sponsored image.
Yep, the beauty blogger turned CEO has the power to command Dhs66,000 for promoting a company or product on her social media account.
However just because she can doesn’t mean she does.
The Iraqi-American star rarely accepts sponsored posts, revealing in previous interviews she wants her followers to be able to trust in her honest opinions.
“In the last couple of years, influencers and celebrities have really caught on to the fact that endorsing brands on Instagram pays off, and as you can see from our Rich Lists, there is a serious amount of money to be made,” said HopperHQ co-founder Mike Bandar.
“With approximately 700 million active monthly users across the world, it offers a wealth of potential customers for brands that have the budget to harness the influence of the people on our lists, and a chance for people to make a real career out of ‘gramming’.”
Hopper’s ranking, created using a mix of internal data and publicly available information, places Internet personality Cameron Dallas as the second wealthiest influencer (charging up to US$17,000 a post), followed by fitness model Jen Selter (US$15,000 per post) and British vlogger Zoella (US$14,000 per post).
In a second list of the wealthiest celebrities on Instagram, singer and actress Selena Gomez comes out on top, with the ability to command US$550,000 per post.
She’s followed by Kim Kardashian (US$500,000 per post), Cristiano Ronaldo (US$400,000 per post) and Kylie Jenner (US$400,000 per post).
The Hopper survey also found that on average, one in 20 Instagram users now monetise their posts, with sponsored content on the platform growing by 34 per cent since 2015.
Under Instagram rules, users paid to promote content must declared those posts sponsored (as Kattan does), so you need to look out for those little #ad hashtags.
Feeling more inspired to updated your weeks-out-of-date Insta now? Yeah, us too…
Images: Huda Beauty/Instagram


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Next generation headphone technology to bring games, music and movies alive like never before will be available at the E3 2012 for testing. Sale of Vivitouch Headsets is supposed to start in several months.
Artificial Muscle, the company behind ViviTouch, is now applying ElectroActive Polymer technology in a brand new way to the portable audio category. Headphones using ViviTouch actuators won't just amplify what you hear, but will amplify the actual experience of hearing. ViviTouch actuators produce a one-of-a-kind cinematic sensation that bridges the senses of seeing, hearing and feeling.
Don't Miss: Find a NES Classic in stock online
By leveraging the sensitivity of the skin around the ears, the technology can simulate a live venue experience without pushing the actual volume to potentially harmful levels. The first headphones featuring ViviTouch actuators will arrive later this year.
"Soon, consumers will have an audio experience beyond what they've thought was even possible from headphones," said Dirk Schapeler, president and CEO of Artificial Muscle, Inc., a Bayer MaterialScience LLC company. "ViviTouch technology allows users to feel powerful bass that they'd only get in concert venues, clubs or theaters with the volume to the max. You're not just making the sound loud and louder, but feel more lush and alive. We've gained traction with audio and gaming hardware companies from around the world who are already integrating ViviTouch actuators into their product lines, and we're seeing great enthusiasm for the technology so far."


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Mozilla, the seminal web technology company continues to advance its efforts to bring advanced 3D games to a browser near you.
Mozilla’s technology has been put to very good use by Trendy Entertainment who have now unveiled Monster Madness Online; the first full game based on HTML5 and asm.js. All put together just right to produce a 3D zombie shooter that runs entirely within your browser on almost every device available. No installation hassles or compatibility issues.
Have zombies eaten your neighbours, again? Are monsters wrecking havoc on your little slice of heaven? If so join a Monster Madness squad for some zombie blasting action. Set for release in May 2014 the alpha test release is available now for all to enjoy, for free (click here).
Continue reading Monster Madness Online, Killer Browser Gaming Arrives…
The future of game and application development is being previewed by Mozilla and Epic. Released to the public this week the Citadel demo encapsulates all of the latest technologies that are making high speed web games and apps possible. While web gaming and apps have achieved a moderate level of notoriety they remain only a curiosity to many.
Continue reading The Citadel Demo has been released! HTML 5 and the future of Gaming as demonstrated by Mozilla and Epic…


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Three quarters of airline passengers carry a smartphone, and despite 90% of them saying technology helps them when travelling most have yet to make the transition to using their devices for their travel needs, reveals the annual SITA/Air Transport World Passenger IT Trends Survey.
This year's survey finds that less than 5% of air travellers use mobile for services such as check-in and booking. The majority of passengers (78%) cites usability concerns and limitations of the device for not using mobile for travel.
More than half of the respondents (69%) booked their travel through a website, and 20% used a kiosk for check-in on the day of travel. SITA says these figures are in line with the levels as last year's, suggesting the first wave of self-service technology is a firmly established part of the travel experience.
The next wave will be the widespread adoption of mobile services, as global travellers have listed information services as what they want most on their mobiles. 63% said they would use their mobile for flight search, 58% to check flight status, 29% to receive promotions, and 37% to buy tickets.
SITA stated the unique capabilities of smartphone technology, such as localisation and personalisation, provide the ability to offer a seamless travel experience to passengers. Both airlines and airports have the opportunity to provide much more personalized and intuitive services at the right time and stage of the journey.Read the full story HERE


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By Ivy Farm
on Tue Mar 12 2024
“BSF Enterprise will use its network in Asia to support Ivy Farm in fundraising.
The company behind Lab-grown meat pioneer 3D Bio-Tissues has joined forces with another industry player to help fundraise, launch and scale growth plans in China.
BSF Enterprise, which owns the Newcastle-based firm, has partnered with Oxford-based Ivy Farm, which also specialises in cultivated meat. The commercial agreement will see the two businesses work together on “generating and progressing” investment opportunities.


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A national tourism analyst, Taufan Rahmadi proposed the central government to implement a total lockdown in all Bali regions.
Taufan explained that a major step is required to be taken in order to revive the tourism sector in Bali from the crisis since the Covid-19 pandemic struck over a year ago. He also urged the Indonesian government to learn from other countries such as New Zealand about how they’re handling the Covid-19 pandemic and allegedly saving their economy from permanent damage.
“I think the first phase of saving the tourism sector from further damage from the pandemic is 14 days of total lockdown in all Bali regions.” Taufan said on Monday (28/6). He also said that strict prevention protocols such as self-isolation, work from home programs and closing down all public facilities from operating must be implemented and constantly monitored during the implementation.
After 14 days of lockdown, Taufan asked the provincial government to rapid antigen test all Bali residents before finally reopening all public facilities and offices to operate normally. “After testing all the residents once the lockdown ends, the government could consider reopening the border to both domestic and international visitors in order to avoid further damage to Bali’s economy in the future.” Taufan concluded. He also reminds the government that the plan to postpone the international travel arrangement is predicted to give a bigger impact to the dying economy in Bali.
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By JAIMIE JULIA WINTERS
The long anticipated reopening of Montclair’s Midtown parking deck is expected to happen mid-February, officials say.
Closed for construction in January of last year, the facility at the intersection of Glenridge Avenue and North Willow Street will hold almost four times as many vehicles as before, with 314 public parking spots, up from its 83 original spaces.
And for the first time, the township has set aside parking on the rooftop level at a 20% discount for downtown employees and business owners.
On Jan. 18, the Township Council approved a resolution allowing for the special discount for downtown employees, setting fees at $70 per month for daytime parking, $60 per month for night parking and $130 per month for 24 passes. Visitors will also have access for $2 per hour.
Municipal surface lots and the Fullerton decks run $50 to $60 for monthly permits. Other garages run from $100 monthly at the Bay Street deck to $130 a month at the Crescent deck and, now, at the Midtown facility.
The expansion of the Midtown deck is part of the $135 million Seymour Street development — an apartment units, office space, retail and arts plaza project near the Wellmont Theater on Bloomfield Avenue. That two-building project also includes 434 parking spots in two other garages to accommodate the residents, retail and public permit parking, and is owned by project developers Ironstate and Brookfield.
In January 2018, the Township Council approved an agreement allowing for the mixed-use Seymour Street project, but with the condition that the developers create a public parking facility to replace the loss of the two municipal lots at South Willow Street and South Fullerton Avenue to make way for the project. The developers agreed to expand the Midtown garage, and upon completion, turn it over to the township, which would pocket the parking revenues.
Most of the $8 million to $9 million construction cost to build the garage was paid by the developers. The construction costs for the town were capped at $1.2 million.
Jason Gleason, executive director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District, said business owners and their employees, who struggle finding affordable parking when coming to work in Montclair, will benefit from the first offering of discounted parking permits. He said he hopes that the township will offer employee parking discounts at other decks in the future.
Councilman Peter Yacobellis said the council’s Economic Development Committee members will be looking into having the township offer free 15-minute parking at all municipal decks to incentivize shoppers to choose deck parking over street spots. He said it didn’t make sense to include the 15-minute incentive for just the Midtown deck.
Mayor Sean Spiller agreed that the township should move forward with “dynamic pricing” ideas for decks. The Crescent deck is priced the same as the Midtown deck at $2 an hour, while parking at the Fullerton decks is 75 cents an hour. Street meter parking is 25 cents per 15 minutes.


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Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Fumipets
Cracking Down on Pet Insurance: ASIC Halts Policies from Leading Brands in Australia
In a surprising development, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has imposed an interim stop order on pet insurance policies sold by several top-tier companies, including the likes of Woolworths, RSPCA, Medibank, Bupa, and others. These stop orders are impacting a considerable number of pet insurance policies in circulation, stirring up the market for these essential financial safety nets for pet owners.
Behind the Scenes: ASIC’s Concerns
ASIC, Australia’s corporate regulator, voiced concerns over these insurers’ practices, suggesting that they might not be adequately considering their customers’ financial circumstances when marketing and selling their insurance products. A total of 38 interim stop orders covering 67 policies, primarily issued through leading insurance underwriter Hollard and its subsidiary PetSure, have been served.
The interim orders have led to a temporary 21-day sales ban for the accused organizations. These companies, alleged to have ignored the financial capability of consumers to bear upfront veterinary costs before insurance claims can be reimbursed, now have three weeks to formulate their responses.
A Closer Look at Pet Insurance Practices
It’s worth noting that pet insurance has been scrutinized in the past. A study by consumer advocacy group Choice in 2019 reviewed 86 pet insurance policies and recommended none, citing their failure to provide value to consumers. The group’s policy head, Patrick Veyret, has expressed ongoing concern about the industry manipulating pet owners’ emotions to sell them insurance products that may not suit their needs or provide value.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Industry?
Following ASIC’s intervention, a potential final stop order may be issued if the regulator’s concerns are not appropriately addressed. However, the accused companies are expected to present their case before any final decision is made.
Existing customers of the affected policies need not worry, as companies like PetSure, Bupa, and Medibank have assured that these orders will not impact their current policies, and policyholders can continue to file claims as usual.
While Hollard and Petbarn have expressed their commitment to addressing ASIC’s concerns, the latter declined to comment further. Meanwhile, Woolworths, HCF, RSPCA, and Guide Dogs are yet to comment.
For more information, visit ABC’s original news source.


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Top Gear Live, in association with Live Nation, has announced that it will embark on its first ever UK-wide arena tour with the presenters set to perform their latest and greatest stunts in arenas up and down the country.
DVLA warns the public of an email scam that asks drivers to verify their driving licence details via an online link.
Rising interest in classic and supercars has prompted organisers of one of the country’s leading shows to double its event from one day to a whole weekend.
Crash for cash - road traffic accidents deliberately caused in order to claim whiplash compensation - is now at the highest level ever detected by Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer.
Chargemaster, the UK’s largest supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, is keeping its charge points in London and the rest of the UK online with its industry-leading operations.
Leading warranty firm the WMS Group and Aylesbury Motor Group have announced their involvement in a new prime television series starring retail guru Mary Portas.
A spectacular international classic car event is set to take London by storm in 2015, bringing the most beautiful and priceless cars in the world to the UK capital.
Anglia Car Auction’s final classic car sale of 2014 finished off a phenomenal year for the Kings Lynn auction house, with a record-breaking line-up and sale result.
Popular tourist attraction, London Motor Museum, is unveiling a creepily customised car to celebrate Halloween.
The surge in sales of luxury cars is benefitting online car buying service webuyanycar.com, who has reported purchasing more high end models in 2014 than ever before as the super rich trade up to their next prestige motor.
Goodwood is delighted to announce that the UK’s finest driving experience; Ultimate Driving at Goodwood powered by BMW, has been launched.
A new mobile phone app has been launched to provide motorists with a range of practical tyre safety tips and advice while on the go.
A second New Forest attraction has been hailed as one of the nation’s best attractions.
The final exterior design of Detroit Electric’s all-new, pure electric two-seater sports car, the SP:01, is revealed today as the company gears up for production.
The Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia is reminding all road users to take extra care on the roads as the evenings draw in and the clocks change this weekend.
16 to 30 of 3494 for Car Market


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The India Pharma Awards, conducted by UBM India, India’s leading B2B exhibitions organizer, concluded the second and final round of jury selection at The Lalit, Mumbai.
The Awards follow a two-step judging process that has been highly appreciated by both, jury and participants, and it has strengthened the evaluation process, pulling in nominees of extremely high calibre.
An esteemed jury panel including industry thought leaders such as Bhalchandra G. Barve, Joint Managing Director of Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd.; Lion Daara B. Patel, Secretary-General Indian Drug Manufacturers Association; Sunil Bambarkar, Managing Director, Gattefosse India Pvt Ltd; Subodh Priolkar, CEO, Wincoat Colours & Coatings; S M Mudda, Director Global Strategy, Microlabs and Dr R B Smarta, Secretary, HADSA were presented to select the winners after judging presentations more than 65 nominations from among companies such as Cipla Ltd, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Fermenta Biotech Limited, Parle Global Technologies Pvt. Ltd., ACG and Clariant Healthcare Packaging
The IPA is conducted methodically with a process driven robust approach in partnership with Process Advisors, EY that involves a neutral jury which comprises industry think tanks who have championed the cause of their chosen domain expertise within the pharma sector.
The winners will be formally recognized and rewarded at the India Pharma Awards and Networking Night on December 12, 2018 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, as a part of the much feted India Pharma Week. As announced earlier, UBM India, India’s leading B2B exhibition organizer, is all set to bring in the third edition of the widely appreciated India Pharma Week, alongside the 12th edition of its flagship expo CPhI and P-MEC India at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR.
While the 6th edition of the India Pharma Awards is going to be held in the Delhi-NCR region for the first time, as a tribute to the city in which it was born and reared, the selections happened in Mumbai. India Pharma Awards, one of the most transparent & process driven awards are conducted professionally as well as methodically to draw out the best in the industry, and it stands as an opportunity to position your brand with the best in the Pharmaceutical space. This is done with a neutral Jury Panel representing various segments of the industry.


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Eastern Europe is a new frontier for private medical care, and insurers and tech startups are racing to steal a march on their rivals by harnessing the region's health data.
If you’re heading off for a skiing or snowboarding holiday in the mountains, here is some stuff you never knew you needed.
ilently the eight propellers of the Hermes V8MT drone begin to spin and the large yellow aircraft rises up, locates its direction and moments later disappears into the sky in southern Poland.
At least three Asian firms have communicated their grievances to Nepal's Department of Passports.
Facebook Inc is teaming up with Microsoft Corp, the Partnership on AI coalition and academics from several universities to launch a contest to better detect deepfakes, the company said in a blog post on Sept 5.
This has been the summer of the electric scooter in Europe; but the UK and Ireland, which still ban the things, are probably right to hold out.
Poland and Lithuania said they were looking into the potential security risks of using 'FaceApp', the Russian-made face-editing app.
Several dozen activists chanted and held banners on July 15 outside Amazon’s Seattle headquarters calling on the company to stop providing technology to US government immigration authorities, in one of several pressure campaigns focused on the commerce giant during its Prime Day summer sale.
The European Union has called on Facebook and other platforms to invest more in fact-checking, but a new study shows those efforts may rarely reach the communities worst affected by fake news.
Uber Eats is opening up its platform to more restaurants in Europe that prefer to use their own delivery staff, seeking the business of smaller, independent restaurants as it battles Just Eat and Takeaway.com in a crowded market.


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Bringing Google Assistant out of the phone and dropping it into Google Home comes with some difficulties. Not the least of which is, how do you handle personal account preferences and data when Google Home is available to everyone in the house? Until now the solution has been "don't." Starting today, you can register multiple users with your Google home, which recognizes them by voice. Read More
We're impatiently waiting for Android Wear 2.0 to roll to some of the most popular watches released: the second generation Moto 360 and the Huawei Watch. There are also other watches that still haven't received the update and weeks are passing by quickly without a hint of when exactly we should expect the new firmware to hit.
Android Wear support forums' community manager Ernest has posted an update a few hours ago explaining the situation with the different Wear watches and their update timelines. He reiterated the watches that have already received the update, but most importantly, he said that the remaining models should receive their updates by end of April or late May. Read More
Android Auto has been hitting more and more cars lately, and the most recent recipients are several 2017 Citroën models. If you live in the US and you aren't a car enthusiast, you probably haven't heard of this French automaker, but their cars are pretty popular in regions such as Europe and Asia. Read More
If you've been using PhotoScan by Google Photos to digitize all your pre-stick selfies then this latest bit of news might come in handy. Google has updated the app to 1.4, adding the ability to share photos from directly inside the app using intents, and a new toggle to disable glare removal. Easy sharing can save you time with social media, and the latter could come in handy if you have noticed it messing with light areas in high-contrast images. Read More
Back in 2015, Google updated the Chromecast to support HDMI CEC, which allows users to control their devices connected via HDMI with just one remote. Instead of pulling out your phone or tablet for every minor action, some controls (like playing/pausing) can be done through your TV's remote. Read More
Google first talked about Google Home back at I/O, but the device became official at the recent October hardware event. The speakers didn't go into detail on all the apps and services that Home would work with, preferring instead to focus on a few specific demos. Now, Google has published a list of everything that works with Home, and we expect this will grow over time. Read More
Google's new Google Play Console, or the artist site previously known as the Google Play Developer Console, has been brought into the future. The console has been updated to feature an attractive new material design layout as well as the new name. It has been about a year since the last time we saw any major visual changes to the site, and it's good to see Google's keeping an eye out for their developers sense of aesthetics. Read More


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In the confidential document, Microsoft was discussing the possibility of a Nintendo takeover between manager Phil Spencer and Microsoft pundits.
We know that thanks to confidential documents. Microsoft has viewed numerous acquisitions in recent years. I can speak, of example, such as Bungie, Sega, Crytek or even IO Interactive, but also Nintendo.
The Japanese maker, the father of a franchise like Mario or Pokemon, is long in the picture of the American giant. But as the end of the day, the Japanese giant was actually in the spotlight.
Microsoft covets this idea in 2020 and is far away from putting it aside. It would even be the dream target of the giants.
Play long term life.
We owe this new indiscretions to a leak of uncensored documents on the sidelines of the trial between the FTC and Microsoft in the Activision Blizzard takeover case. The leak, which has been known for a long time to prove, allowed us to discover the next Xbox consoles for 2024 and even the next generation for 2028.
The lawsuit against the FTC has revealed a message of Phil Spencer // Source: Microsoft.
This time the exchange is between Phil Spencer, Chris Capossela and Takeshi Numoto, respectively head of the gaming, communication and marketing.
We can read that the acquisition of Nintendo by Microsoft would be the absolute jewel for group video game activity. According to Phil Spencer, you shouldn’t count on it immediately, because the Japanese manufacturer is sitting on a huge amount of money.
The Xbox boss is determined and believes that Microsoft must continue to work with the Nintendo game. If an American company had a chance with the Nintendo Game, we probably were the most likely able to achieve that.
The takeover of Nintendo must continue for the long term and Microsoft certainly shouldn’t consider the idea of a hostile takeover. In the case of Phil Spencer, achieving such a goal would be a career moment, and ends with his personal opinion.
I honestly think it’s a good thing to both companies. It doesn’t take a long time to understand that its future is entirely in its own hardware. A long time, long distance is a long time.
Three buyouts together.
We find out a few months later that Phil Spencer is in talks with Zenimax Bethesda, which will be revealed and Warner Bros Games. He says he asked Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, and Amy Hood, the financial director, if Microsoft should pause buyouts in video games.
I should understand: that email is sent a few days after Microsoft positioned itself to buy TikTok. The answer reported by Phil Spencer is clear: “No.” He explains that a failure to execute three acquisitions at the same time is not a real problem for Microsoft.
Finally, Neither TikTok nor Warner Bros Games will be bought by Microsoft. For the latter, we could assume that the firm lost interest, because Warner Bros Games didn’t have the most juicy licenses that the studio is working for: Harry Potter, Batman, Suicide Squad, etc.
When we publish these confidential exchanges, we will see the real idea that executives of Microsoft share in the internal, out of sight, and in their more or less long-term strategy. Don’t wait for the announcement of a rollover of Nintendo by Microsoft in the next few years. Even though water is flowing in five or twenty years, the fusion of the two companies may no longer seem so strange.
You’d like to have fun at a community? Our discord greeted you, a place of mutual support and passion for technologies.


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- Apple Has Plans for Your DNA
The iPhone could become a new tool in genetic studies.
- A Better Way to Build Brain-Inspired Chips
An electronic device called the memristor could be our best hope for making practical chips that borrow design points from the human brain.
- Paralyzed Again
We have the technology to dramatically increase the independence of people with spinal-cord injuries. The problem is bringing it to market and keeping it there.
- Some Tesla Owners Pimp Their Rides with Code
A few Tesla drivers are rewriting the programming in the Model S to make the car do interesting new things.
- Facebook’s Controversial Free-App Plan Gets Competition
As Facebook offers free data on mobile phones in India, a competing plan makes the same technology available to any Android app in 15 countries.
- The Problem with Fake Meat
It might be possible to create a burger that helps the environment and improves your health. But will it taste good enough to win over the masses?
- Spiders Ingest Nanotubes, Then Weave Silk Reinforced with Carbon
Spiders sprayed with water containing carbon nanotubes and graphene flakes have produced the toughest fibers ever measured, say materials scientists. <
This artist is dominating AI-generated art. And he’s not happy about it.
Greg Rutkowski is a more popular prompt than Picasso.
VR is as good as psychedelics at helping people reach transcendence
On key metrics, a VR experience elicited a response indistinguishable from subjects who took medium doses of LSD or magic mushrooms.
This startup wants to copy you into an embryo for organ harvesting
With plans to create realistic synthetic embryos, grown in jars, Renewal Bio is on a journey to the horizon of science and ethics.
This nanoparticle could be the key to a universal covid vaccine
Ending the covid pandemic might well require a vaccine that protects against any new strains. Researchers may have found a strategy that will work.
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Goodfella's sees sales surge after relaunch
Northern Foods posted a return to sales growth after its rebranded Goodfella's pizza range secured a bigger slice of the UK market.
The Leeds-based company, which employs 10,000 people, was also helped by the return of 'Vinnie the panda' after the animated character used in adverts to promote Fox's biscuits went into hibernation during the World Cup.
Northern posted like-for-like sales growth of 7.1% in the second quarter to October 2, compared with a decline of 1.6% in the previous quarter.
The turnaround, which was ahead of market expectations, was driven by a 10.9% rise in bakery like-for-like sales and a slowdown in the recent sales falls seen in the frozen foods division, which includes Goodfella's pizza.
Supported by its 'pizza fairy' advertising campaign, the new-look Goodfella's brand increased its market share from 16.3% in May to 21.1% last month.
Like-for-like sales in the frozen division were down 16.2% in the second quarter as year-on-year figures continued to reflect the company's decision to end certain retail contracts in order to boost margins.
In the chilled foods division, like-for-like sales were up 16.4% in the second quarter after a continuing strong performance in ready meals and from sandwiches and salads, following contract wins with British Airways and Costa Coffee.
Northern added that a restructuring meant its factories were well placed to cope with competitive conditions in the key autumn and winter period.
It is also overhauling its organisational structure to manage the business through two divisions - chilled and branded.
The latter will comprise Goodfella's Pizza, McDougalls and Holland's Pies, Fox's Biscuits and Matthew Walker Puddings.
Despite the sales improvement, Panmure Gordon stockbrokers said it still forecast a 28% decline in half-year pre-tax profits to £9.2m as a result of the £5m investment in the Goodfella's pizza relaunch.
Reiterating Panmure's sell recommendation, analyst Damian McNeela said: "Northern Foods continues to face a number of challenges to its core businesses, such as input cost inflation and tougher competition in its frozen business."


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Auto blogMon, 30 Jun 2014 17:29:00 EST
Lincoln fans might want to give incoming Ford CEO Mark Fields a pat on the back for having a hand in saving the brand from the chopping block last year. He's among the people spearheading the rejuvenation of the division away from its stodgy image to appeal to younger customers.
According to two unnamed sources speaking to Bloomberg, CEO Alan Mulally was ready to kill Lincoln last year. Following the slow production ramp-up of the MKZ combined a with a costly ad campaign, Mulally was frustrated and openly suggested dropping the brand. However, Fields and Jim Farley, Ford's marketing boss, convinced the CEO that the brand was worth saving. They also created a plan to prevent similar problems for new models in the future.
It seems that one part of the strategy may involve waiting until new models are at dealers before starting a big ad campaign for them. Lincoln global director, Matt VanDyke, recently told Autoblog that the division is holding off on a full marketing push behind the new MKC crossover to prevent the supply problems that plagued the MKZ last year. Its big offensive begins in the fall when the CUVs are at all of the dealers and consumers are at home watching more TV. VanDyke also told Bloomberg that Fields, Farley and Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, have more direct oversight over new product launches now.
Earlier this month in our first drive of the 2015 MKC, we told you that Lincoln finally had a new vehicle in its arsenal worth crowing about. So with the compact premium crossover now finding its way into dealers, why aren't you seeing its likeness plastered on billboards and barraging you on television? It's because Lincoln is "holding some powder."
Those are the words of Lincoln's global director, Matt VanDyke, who tells Autoblog that the company is holstering some of its marketing guns because it's keen to avoid repeating the ill-timed efforts that blighted its last rollout, the MKZ. That vehicle's launch early last year was beset by various delays related to manufacturing and quality. The cadence issue was so dire that by the time the model reached showrooms in volume, Lincoln had already blown most of its budget on things like Super Bowl ads that ran weeks or even months before customers could check one out in person. It was a particularly trying series of events for parent Ford because the MKZ and its oversized marketing spend were charged with relaunching the Lincoln brand to the public.
Keen to avoid repeating the same timing issue and mindful of consumers' habits at this time of year, Lincoln is taking a different strategy with the MKC. According to VanDyke, "What we don't want to do is try and fight the summertime - people using television being down, and other mass media when school's out. New television shows aren't on." Of course, that doesn't mean Lincoln is sitting idle. VanDyke says, "By no means are we quiet during the next 90 days. This year, we're going to really spend the next 60 to 90 days using digital and social media, in-theater advertising and the like, and once we have full availability at dealerships, we'll really ramp up the advertising later on in the summer." Part of that early media effort includes immersive digital marketing like Lincoln's clever Dream Rides web experience.
In recent years, there have been a lot of dire pronouncements made about Lincoln's future, or a lack thereof. But Ford's premium marque is like the Rocky Balboa of the auto business; every time the company seems ready to go, it comes back for more. Apparently, that dogged persistence is paying off, because the industry analysts at AutoPacific have put a big check in their win column with their newly released 2014 model year vehicle satisfaction survey. And despite recent enmity for its seemingly never-ending recall saga, it appears General Motors knows how to satisfy new owners, too.
In fact, not only was Lincoln named as the premium brand with the highest new owner satisfaction, even scored three models on the list of passenger cars with the most gratified buyers - the MKS, MKZ and MKZ Hybrid.
GM's stable of brands was also among the top companies in this year's survey. GMC was named the top popular brand by AutoPacific, with its Sierra pickup and Acadia crossover singled out for awards in their segments. Chevrolet also did incredibly well, with more cars on the list than any other brand. The Corvette, Camaro, Sonic and Impala all made the cut in their respective categories.
Back in 2012, Lincoln claimed its comeback bid was finally underway with the new-for-2013 MKZ. But don't you believe them - the renaissance won't actually begin in earnest until the shapely compact crossover seen here reaches showrooms in big numbers. That's because while the four-door MKZ was indeed a proper step toward rebirth, the 2015 MKC is the first wholly conceived vehicle under Lincoln as a standalone brand, a move first announced back in 2012.
That's an important distinction, because Lincoln's newfound emancipation from Ford's design and development processes has given the struggling marque both the corporate wherewithal and the will to develop a more fully formed product. The four-wheeled result seen here is a surprisingly cohesive luxury CUV, one with significantly more aesthetic and dynamic separation from its Ford Escape sibling than the MKZ and its Fusion counterpart. Said another way, after flogging Lincoln's latest for hundreds of miles over canyon roads outside of Santa Barbara, we've come to understand that this is far from a re-grilled Dearborn special with luxury tinsel - it's a bona fide standalone product that readily displays the sort of clear differentiation seen in platform cousins like the Audi Q5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. It's the real deal.
As the first 2015 MKC crossovers slip into dealerships, Lincoln has confirmed power and fuel economy ratings for the compact crossover's optional 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine.
The new range-topping powerplant, thus far otherwise unavailable in the Blue Oval kingdom, will net a healthy 285 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 305 pound-feet of torque from 2,750 revs. Those figures represent gains of 10 hp and 5 lb-ft over earlier estimates, putting the handsome new compact CUV in the hunt with up-engined rivals from Audi and BMW. (A variant of the 2.3L will shortly find its way into the engine bay of the 2015 Ford Mustang, albeit with a number of key changes, including north-south orientation.)
In the MKC, the new engine will net 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway with standard all-wheel drive, meaning it only loses a single mile per gallon in the city cycle versus the 240-hp, 270-lb-ft 2.0L EcoBoost model when fitted with all-wheel drive. Both engines rely on the same six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Ford is taking a bit of the spotlight away from General Motors, announcing a major group of recall campaigns, covering a total of 1.4 million vehicles built between 2006 and 2013.
Let's start with the big one, which covers the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and, according to The Detroit News, Ford-built Mazda Tribute CUVs. 915,216 vehicles are covered, all of which were built in model years 2008 to 2011. 736,000 vehicles are in the US, while Canada then Mexico make up the vast majority of the remainder. The problem is due to an issue with the torque sensor in the steering column, which could lead to sudden power steering failure. Manual steering would still be available, though.
"Dealers will perform one of three service fixes, depending upon what diagnostic codes are shown when the vehicle is taken to the dealer," Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker wrote to Autoblog in an email. "They will either update software for the power steering control module and the instrument cluster module; replace the torque sensor; or replace the steering column, which includes upgraded power steering control module software."
Fancy picking up a refreshed Lincoln Navigator? Well, prepare to shell out at least $62,475. That's a whopping increase of $6,310 for the now-EcoBoost-equipped SUV.
That's just for the two-wheel-drive Select model, though. Want to drive all four wheels? Better have an extra $3,575 laying around. Snagging the top-of-the-line Reserve model, meanwhile, demands a premium of $7,500.
For those extra bills, you'll net Lincoln Drive Control, complete with continuously controlled dampers, power running boards, Ziricote wood interior trim, upgraded leather, 22-inch wheels, a "unique" interior headliner and, of course, a "Reserve" badge.
We've now seen the Lincoln MKX Concept in the metal, and we've shot it with the lenses of our own DSLR cameras. And we have to say, our opinion of the concept's design language has improved over our initial reaction. Yes, it's clear that this MKX shares its underpinnings with those of the Ford Edge Concept that we saw in LA, but the changes made by Lincoln stylists are a welcome departure from the angular lines of its corporate cousin from The Blue Oval.
We like the subtlety of the MKX Concept's front fascia, and the lighting elements both front and rear lend a luxurious quality to the crossover's typical two-box proportions. When combined with the smaller MKC that was shown in production form late last year, it's clear to see that Lincoln has a specific design direction that at least seems visually capable of setting it apart from the Ford models with which the brand shares its platforms. Here's hoping there are some Lincoln-specific upgrades underhood...
Have a look at our image gallery of live photos from Beijing above, reread the press release below, and feel free to let us know what you think.
Lincoln has finally dropped the details on the MKX Concept after a few days of teasing. Set for a very important global debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, we're going to have to see this conceptualized version of the third-generation MKX in person before we can draw any real conclusions on the effectiveness of its design.
One of the things Lincoln will need to do to succeed is deliver something to customers that's unique to the brand's vehicles, which are exclusively rebadged models from parent company Ford. We're not sure this is going to be distinctive enough.
Unlike its last new vehicle, the Navigator, the work done on the MKX is smooth and refined. The stance of the vehicle, with its 21-inch wheels, is aggressive enough. Viewed from the profile, the overhangs appear rather short, while character lines keep it from looking slabsided. In front, we might be witnessing the cleanest interpretation yet of Lincoln's twin grilles. The headlights are slim and stylish, and we're digging the shape and style of the mirrors, which feature integrated turn signals that outline the mirror cap.
If the teaser video for Lincoln's launch of a new concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show wasn't enough for you, the company has now released a shadowy new image on its Twitter page. The vehicle may be a concept for the next-generation MKX, and its launch in China is part of the huge rollout to sell the brand's models there.
The latest photo shows off the concept's lighting, including LED running lights and lit sideview mirrors. The sharp edges of the lights give some hints to its shape. However, Other than clearly being a crossover, not much else is known.
The concept's launch supports Lincoln breaking into the Chinese market. It will begin selling the MKZ and MKC there this fall, as well as a midsize luxury SUV. A fullsize luxury sedan and the Navigator will come later. The company will also build luxury showrooms for the models that will look more like high-end hotel lobbies than car dealers. Scroll down to watch the teaser video.


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(hennemusic) Royal Blood rocked the UK's Glastonbury Festival on June 23, and the BBC is sharing broadcast video of some of the performance.
Fans can stream footage of bassist/singer Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher delivering their new single, "Mountains At Midnight", and their 2014 track, "Figure It Out", which closed out the band's appearance on the Pyramid Stage ahead of headliners Arctic Monkeys.
Royal Blood will release their fourth album, "Back To The Water Below", on September 8; the group recorded the set at their home studio in Brighton.
The 2023 release marks the follow-up to 2021'a "Typhoons", which delivered the group their third straight UK No. 1.
"Back To The Water Below" will be available in digital and physical formats including deluxe vinyl (packaged with a bonus 7" featuring two additional tracks) and two cassettes, all of which are available exclusively from Royal Blood's official store.
Check out live video from Glastonbury 2023 here.


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At a very plainly executed Google Nexus and Pixel C launch event today Google announced two new Chromecast sticks. The new designs included improved WiFi performance, new controlling software and a model capable of multi-device syncronized audio.
Casting, DIAL, Miracast and DLNA are all in an area of technology that I’m very interested in for home and presentation scenarios. I’ve tested lots of Miracast (second display via WiFi) solutions and covered these capabilities in the Windows 10 Universal Windows Platform in detail because they’re great extensions to any mobile computing setup. When two new Chromecast devices come along I pay attention too because Google have a big market share.
The new Chromecast models look completely different to the original and include dual-band WiFi support with three antennas and WiFi AC protocol support. That’s a big, big advantage over previous models. New software and firmware enables pre-loading and a better Chromecast app experience on Android. There’s more processing power too but Google have stopped short of giving Chromecast its own user-interface and remote control.
Google didn’t mention Windows 10 support for Chromecast but I can tell you that as long as Google continue support for the DIAL protocol in the Chromecast firmware it’s going to be available to developers through the Cast API in the Universal Windows Platform. I’ve already demonstrated that in this article and video.
Cost $35 for either video or audio versions. Chromecast Audio includes a 3.5mm connector. RCA and optical output cables are optional extras. Quality will depend on app / source content an could drive the development of high-quality streaming for HiFi fans. Chromecast audio will support multi-room synchronization.
Personally I’m still an Amazon FireTV fan because of the standalone nature of the units and their ability to support Miracast and DIAL, supported in Windows, but you can use Chromecast across platforms too…


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From January 1, 2019, the Jamaican government will ban the importation, manufacturing, and distribution of single-use plastic, plastic straws and Styrofoam containers.
The ban excludes single-use plastic bags utilised to maintain public health or food safety standards such as those used to package raw meats, flour, rice, sugar and baked goods such as bread. Parts of the medical sector will also be exempted.
There are grounds for exemption from the ban. Single-use plastics used to package raw meat and some other foodstuffs will not be included. Despite its somewhat limited range, the upcoming ban will is an indication that Carribean consumers are too becoming increasingly aware of the issue of plastic waste.


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Rina Fortmann is a formidable and well-known name in the expo industry, not only as a past director of SARCDA but also the former chairperson of EXSA. With this backing, she undoubtedly has a wealth of hands-on experience. The motivation which drove her to launch Inspire Trade Expo, was primarily driven from the need in the industry to have a focused trade platform as well as listening to influential industry professionals that also drove her to launch this show.
This promises to be a unique expo, first of its kinds in Africa, which will be showcasing impressive designer products, in addition to local manufacturers, with the aim of blending these with the cream of the industry. Inspire’s focus is on interior designers, architects, the hospitality industry, as well as retailers and corporate procurement within the industry. For a first time event, an exceptionally keen interest is being shown from many sectors of Africa as far afield as Australia.
Dave Nemeth, the local Trends’ Analyst and well known retail specialist, who has been consulting to the show, firmly believes that Inspire will become a platform for international buyers, looking for innovative ideas combined with unique design. He feels there is undoubtedly a gap in the market for this type of trade exposure – an ultimate gateway for exhibitors to get a firm foot in the door within the African market. Inspire is thus targeted primarily at the trade and is not open at all to the public. Trade registrations need to be done online, and it’s highly recommended that all prospective buyers and industry from the desk of
INSPIRE TRADE EXPO address
20A Kloof Road Bedfordview
tel +27 (11) 622 0257
fax +27 (11) 622 0239
professionals attend, in their own interest and to enhance business. Apart from spectacular design and products, the show will also feature up and coming talent, the winners from the Samsung Inspire Design competition, alongside world renowned names such as Carrol Boyes and Ronel Jordaan. So Inspire is providing a lucrative opportunity for the creativity of new talent, in addition to the more dominant, influential names in the industry.
A key focus is on brands, designers with insight and innovation, and manufacturers and retailers with a view to targeting industry, rather than the end consumer. This exciting and uplifting show will also feature the display of 3D printing options, which has immense benefits across industries in general, still very much unexplored and relatively new to South Africa.
The highlights will include a host of talks from industry professionals (with agenda posted on the website), as well as Dave Nemeth launching his much anticipated Design Trend Forecast for 2016, entitled Creative Disruption. Book your tickets now to be updated on all the latest trends he has in store for you! If you are looking for an opportunity to enhance your business with exciting, innovative ideas, then don’t miss this Show with a unique vibrant touch…. Inspire Trade Expo!
Register for this event, go to http://www.inspiretradeexpo.co.za
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Drive Midrand
10th – 12th July 2014 from 8am to 6pm daily


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How safe is your produce?
Study: Some residual pesticides on produce unsafe to eatFebruary 18, 1999
Web posted at: 1:25 p.m. EST (1825 GMT)
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Eating fresh fruits and vegetables may be good for your health, but some may contain levels of residual toxic pesticides that can be particularly dangerous to children, according to study findings announced Thursday.
Researchers who examined 27 foods found that some of the produce had residual levels that were too high to be safely consumed by young children.
The study by Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine, is one of the largest ever to examine pesticide residues on produce, and was done to fulfill a 1996 federal mandate.
In its announcement, Consumers Union said it didn't want to scare parents, but rather to help them make more informed decisions. The group said it also wanted to send a "simple message" to produce growers.
"Kids are entitled to safe fruits and vegetables," said Rhoda Karpatkin, president of Consumers Union. "Parents do their job when they tell (children) such foods are good for them ... Food growers should do their jobs by using only pesticides that are safe."
Most pesticide residue within legal limits
Almost all pesticide residues were found to be within legal limits, said Dr. Edward Groth, adding: "But does it mean they're safe? No."
"It's too easy for a child to get too much pesticide residue from their daily diet," said Groth, director of Technical Policy and Public Service for Consumers Union.
In studying the 27,000 samples of domestic and imported fruits and vegetables, the CU researchers looked at data gathered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Toxicity scores, based on a Toxicity Index (TI) created by the researchers, were computed for 27 foods.
The study was based on the latest science available, rather than scientific models, officials said. The goal was to see if the government's accepted pesticide residue levels were safe for consumption by adults and children.
The Environmental Protection Agency responded to the report by noting that "the U.S. food supply is still the safest in the world and the benefits of eating a balanced diet outweigh any risks."
"EPA is in the process of implementing the Food Quality Protection Act (of 1996)," the agency said.
"Once in effect, the new law will provide the public with the strongest protections ever against harmful levels of pesticides, and it will be especially protective of the diet of children and infants."
Many imports safer than domestic produce
Contrary to what many people might believe, imported foods don't necessarily have higher pesticide levels.
"Two out of three times, the opposite was true," Groth said.
Concerns about pesticide levels are not just limited to possible cancer links, said Nancy Metcalf, assistant editor of Consumer Reports. Rather, today's concerns are about the neurological damage that pesticides can cause, because many pesticides are designed to kill insects by attacking the nervous system.
This puts the nervous systems of children at particular risk, because they are smaller than adults, Metcalf said.
"Their nervous systems are changing and developing extremely rapidly," Metcalf said. "And ... they just don't eat what (adults) do," because they tend to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Officials said pregnant women should be especially careful of what they eat, because of the risk of harming a developing fetus.
It's still healthy
Washing and peeling fruits and vegetables doesn't get rid of all pesticides, she added, because some pesticides permeate the product.
The researchers stress that consumers should not reduce consumption of fruits and vegetables, even for small children. The benefits of eating the foods outweigh the risks associated with pesticide residue, they said.
Consumers Union advises people to lobby grocers or produce suppliers, urging them to buy fruits and vegetables grown without high-risk pesticides. Such consumer demands could eventually force growers and produce buyers to make available a wider selection of safe produce.
The Consumers Union study was conducted after President Bill Clinton signed the Food Quality Protection Act in 1996.
The act mandated a review of how the entire population -- from infants to adults -- tolerates pesticides used in growing produce.
Consumers Union said it plans to recommend that the Environmental Protection Agency reexamine accepted residual levels of pesticides on produce, particularly the pesticide methyl parathion.
Methyl parathion residue was found frequently on foods popular among growing children, including apples, grapes, peaches, pears and green beans.
Group calls for worldwide DDT ban
FQPA - Findings and Reports
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It’s revolutionary. Everything they do is bigger and better than everyone else so I had to be the first,” said RJ Wagner, of Parma.
He’s spending the night in a fold-up camping chair to be the first customer at Crocker Park’s Apple Store at 8 a.m. Friday. That’s when Apple is launching the release of their latest product, the iPhone 5.
Wagner said he was the first to park himself at the entrance at about 5 p.m. Thursday. But unlike in New York City where fans began camping as early as Tuesday, in Westlake, Wagner was only one of three guys to hold their places in line Thursday night.
Still Wagner said he’s just as excited.
“I ran straight here after work.”
When asked why he didn’t just pre-order his phone, the Parma resident said, “I went to pre-order it and I think they got backed-up right away and now I don’t think they’re coming until November and I have to have it on the first day.”
As NewsChannel5 talked with Wagner, the line slowly started to grow. Another young gentleman unpacked two folding chairs and made himself comfortable for the night. But unlike Wagner, Ryan Harvey is a little more weathered.
“This is my fourth iPhone waiting,” said Harvey. He was a little reluctant to give-up just exactly what his Apple experience was, but Harvey was just as excited to talk about the new product.
“There’s no secret, you just have to get here on time and usually when you make friends with everyone else, usually they’re pretty cool, if you need to go to the bathroom or need to go to your car. Just don’t go away for too long… But usually you become friends with everyone and everyone had a good time.”
That was certainly the case outside of the Apple Store Thursday. New specs, how many gigs they use and what apps they have was the conversation as the group of now about four guys waited.
The Crocker Park Apple Store is tight-lipped on how phones they will have available at 8 a.m., nor are they saying what they have in-store for the launch. Harvey said sometimes free products are given as a prize for being some of the first in line.
CLICK HERE to read story
article courtesy of Newsnet5.com


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It is well documented that big time football games have a significant economic impact on cities such as Houston. UT alums in Houston may let “school pride” guide their thinking. But the reality is they are doing so at a significant cost to this community. That’s real money that’s lost forever.
That’s why there is so much corruption in bowl game committees. A lot of “gifts” exchanging hands, commitments for invited schools to not only sell a certain amount of tickets (promise of tourism) but also filling up hotel rooms. It’s the only time in sports that ticket sales is a bigger revenue stream than tv advertising revenue.


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DrumNet and the Impact of Mobiles on Kenyan Farmers
Excerpted from Mark Pesce's book, The Next Billion Seconds:
“Farmers, forever at the mercy of the weather, insects and crop blights, suffered from ‘informational asymmetry’ in the marketplace: the buyers have always known more than the sellers, using that information to their advantage. Hyperconnectivity has disrupted that informational arbitrage: farmers in Kenya use DrumNet, a mobile service that allows them to check the current market prices for their produce at a range of locations. When a farmer readies his crop for sale, he sends a text message to DrumNet, using the response to choose the market which will give him the best return for his efforts. Just as Kerala fishermen phone around for the best price for their catch, a Kenyan farmer can quickly learn where he’ll get the best price for his vegetables. Hyperconnectivity makes informational asymmetries a thing of the past; every party to a transaction can negotiate a sale fully informed. With DrumNet, Kenyan farmers have been earning as much as 40% more for their crops – a rate of return which makes the service a very good investment.
The DrumNet concept has spread across the developing world. In India, Nokia mobiles come equipped with apps that illiterate farmers employ to get information about crops, weather and market prices. Nokia makes a small profit off the service – which is expected to grow to serve tens of millions of users – and farmers in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan earn more for their produce. Each of these farmers, hyperconnected, has access to informational resources as great as those available to the most well-resourced farmer, anywhere in the world.” (http://blog.futurestreetconsulting.com/2011/10/06/hypereconomics/)
Book: The Next Billion Seconds. Mark Pesce.


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First Tesla Model Y Delivered in Australia, It Seems
After reports of the first Model Y arrivals in Australia, one customer has shared a photo of the electric SUV suggesting that deliveries are underway.
Tesla has reportedly delivered its first Model Y unit in Australia, as shown in a photo taken at a Canberra Supercharger reports Tech AU.
The photo shows a white Model Y Standard Range with a white interior and 20-inch Induction wheels.
The Model Y also includes an ACT numberplate and EV label, as is customary in Australia.
Tesla Lithium Supplier in Australia Expects First Shipment by End of 2022 https://t.co/Gy1JBf6hfH
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) June 21, 2022
One Australian official said that Tesla could double the amount of vehicles on the road in the country, especially with customers beginning to take delivery of their Model Y units.
Based on a handful of recent orders discussed in Tesla forums, some who ordered as recently as June 10 already see estimated delivery dates in their accounts.
The earliest of these accounts is seeing an estimated arrival of this Friday, with the recent photo shared being the first account of deliveries.
While the Model Y is already sold out for 2022, new customers can still order the electric SUV and can expect delivery between February and May of 2023.
Demand for EVs in Australia is high, and Tesla is now planning to accelerate production of the right-hand-drive Model Y.


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Bon-Ton loses revenue, chief executive officer
A quarterly drop in revenue and news that its executive director would step down sent shares of retailer Bon-Ton Stores Inc. tumbling 7 percent last week to a Friday close of $10.07 per share.
The department store chain reported total sales of $914.9 million, 9.9 percent lower than a year earlier, missing analysts' expectations. Net income of $61.3 million fell from last year's $74.4 million. The company attributed the decline to frigid weather, snowstorms and the "polar vortex."
The York-based business also said CEO Brendan Hoffman would not renew his employment agreement when it expires in February. Mr. Hoffman said his decision was based on personal matters.
Bon-Ton's board of directors will launch a national search to find a new CEO, according to a company news release.
"The advance notice (Mr. Hoffman) has given should afford the company an opportunity to find and attract a talented leader to assume the role he is vacating and ensure a smooth transition," Chairman Tim Grumbacher said.
The company, which has stores in Wyoming and Wilkes-Barre Twp., closed its store at the Mall at Steamtown earlier this year.


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Barratt Developments warns of house sale fall in London as figures drop by 50% from the previous year
- Barratt Developments reported a 6% drop in house sales last year
- The builder sold 7,180 new homes in 2016 - down from 7,626 the previous year
- It has cut the price of some of its top London homes by 10% to drum up business
Barratt Developments reported a 6 per cent drop in house sales following a sharp fall in business in London.
The FTSE 100 builder said it sold 7,180 new homes in 2016 - down from 7,626 the previous year.
Completions outside London were the highest for nine years, but Barratt sold 367 new homes in London between July and December, 50 per cent down on the previous year.
Property plummet: Barratt Developments reported a 6 per cent drop in house sales following a sharp fall in business in London
Barratt has cut the price of some of its most expensive London homes by 10 per cent to drum up business.
By contrast, estate agent Savills said the fall in the pound has boosted sales in the capital as foreign buyers look for bargains.
It now expects 2016 profits to beat expectations.
The company made profits of £121million in 2015 and was expected to make £122million in 2016 but Chris Millington, an analyst at Numis Securities, said he now expects profits of £135million.
Barratt said it still expected profits for the six months to rise by 7 per cent to £315million.
The group said it was in a strong position for the second half of the year after seeing total forward sales rise 15.8per cent to £2.3billion.
Nicholas Hyett, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: ‘The fact that Barratt has had to cut prices and complete bulk deals suggests that there are underlying problems in the housing market.
Barratt shares dipped 0.6 per cent, or 3p to 498p.
Savills jumped 13.7 per cent, or 94.5p to 785p.
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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom has announced that it will be reviewing the artificial intelligence (AI) market. The review will focus on the potential for AI to be used to distort competition and harm consumers.
The CMA is concerned that AI could be used to create monopolies or to give certain businesses an unfair advantage over their competitors. The CMA is also concerned that AI could be used to collect and use personal data in a way that harms consumers’ privacy.
The CMA’s review will consider a range of issues, including:
* The potential for AI to be used to distort competition
* The potential for AI to be used to harm consumers’ privacy
* The potential for AI to be used to create new markets
* The potential for AI to be used to improve efficiency and productivity
* The potential for AI to be used to create new jobs
The CMA’s review is expected to take several months to complete. The CMA will publish a report on its findings once the review is complete.
This is a significant development. It is the first time that a major competition authority has taken a close look at the potential for AI to impact competition and consumer welfare. The review is likely to have a significant impact on the development of the AI market in the United Kingdom.
It is also likely to have a broader impact on the development of the AI market around the world. Other competition authorities are likely to follow the CMA’s lead and conduct their own reviews of the AI market. This could lead to a more coordinated approach to regulating AI around the world.
The CMA’s review is likely to help to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits consumers and society as a whole.


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Vampire Weekend‘s most recent album, Father Of The Bride, was released to critical acclaim this spring, and the band is following it up with another new release.
The indie rockers have teamed up with HomeState, a Tex-Mex taco joint in Los Angeles, to launch a new taco for charity. The “Vegetarian Weekend” is a veggie fajita taco that features shiitake mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, guacamole, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro in an organic corn tortilla.
The signature taco, priced at $5, will be available starting tomorrow (August 1) through the end of October at all three of HomeState’s locations (Hollywood, Highland Park, and Playa Vista). Proceeds from the taco sales will be donated to the Los Angeles branch of PATH (People Assisting The Homeless). The first five customers to purchase a Vegetarian Weekend at each of HomeState’s locations will receive a commemorative poster.
Vampire Weekend’s taco venture follows several other recent musical food collaborations. Ed Sheeran recently teamed up with Heinz for an exclusive “Edchup” ketchup bottle, and Travis Scott designed a limited edition box for Reese’s Puffs. But Sheeran and Scott’s culinary creations were technically more about branding and design than creating a specific taste profile. If Vampire Weekend sounds great, Vegetarian Weekend is sure to taste great.


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The US card scheme Visa announced they are acquiring the FinTech Plaid for $5.3 billion.
This transaction will involve cash and (to a lesser extent) retention and deferred equity.
Goal: Take on a major part in the Open Banking revolution.
Plaid was founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco. They built a technological platform enabling apps (such as Acorns and Venmo) to connect with consumers’ bank accounts, so they may feature provided mobile payment, investment and PFM services.
Plaid they integrate with more than 11,000 financial institutions in the US, in Canada and in Europe; they connect to more than 20 million customer accounts.
Their list of clients includes Acorns, Betterment, Citi, Coinbase, TransferWise, Venmo, etc.
this acquisition, Visa aims at new activities as well as at improving their existing services in the US and globally.
This deal is to close in the next three to six months, once the relevant regulatory approval granted.
Promising market. The American card scheme deems that in the US, one every four people with a bank account already used Plaid’s technology. This FinTech is positioned on a highly promising segment. Visa will then rely on this FinTech to speed up their growth and boost their revenue.
Visa already leads their market and successfully handles banks/merchants relationships. Their payment industry empire is being further expanded and they aim at successfully addressing banks’ and start-ups’ interactions, as well.
Win-win deal. The Californian start-up wants to stay partly independent, but they intend to rely on the group’s resources to keep growing.
Plaid closed a funding round in 2018: Visa and Mastercard were among investors. They were then valued $2.65 billion. Visa pulls out twice this amount for this acquisition.
Visa and Mastercard are betting on the latest technologies and have announced several buyouts over the months. Just days ago, Mastercard acquired RiskRecon, which combines AI and data analytics to assess companies’ cybersecurity.


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The cleanest, brightest and most beautiful state. This is what visitors will see when they visit Malacca, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam promised.
“This is what we can guarantee to people who come here – the beauty and cleanliness,” he said when opening the Malacca Tourism Festival at the Central Market here on Saturday.
He quipped that state government authorities, including the mayor, the state secretary and village and security development committee members were “not sleeping at night” to ensure this was possible.
In his almost 45-minute speech to “sell” Malacca to domestic and foreign tourists, he said the state offered the best food.
“Our chefs have been trained to cook better meals than what you will get at home,” he said.
He cited among them the asam pedas in front of the clock tower in Malacca city, ikan bakar in Umbai, the state’s famous Portuguese devil curry and Nyonya delicacies and fish head curry in Bukit Katil.
“The Hainanese chicken rice shop at Jonker Walk makes more than RM20,000 in sales every weekend,” he added.
Besides the state’s culinary delights, Mohd Ali said Malacca was a shopping haven where the malls sell not only items available in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore but also things not available there.
“If you do not believe me, ask my wife,” he said, gesturing to Datin Seri Asmah Abdul Rahman.
He added that there was a need to ensure information on the latest tourism products was available to the public.
Mohd Ali also expressed hope that the state could be made the first spot in the itinerary of tourists who arrive at KL International Airport.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]