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Novomatic is suffering from the corona pandemic
During the lockdown due to the corona pandemic, many companies had to accept lost sales. However, it is relatively unusual that it also affected companies that were not completely closed. One of them is Novomatic.
Sales losses of up to 20 percent
According to official estimates, Novomatic could suffer sales losses of 20 percent this year. This fact is due to the last few months, in which gambling halls with Novomatic slot machines were also affected by the closure . But Novomatic also offers online games. However, online casinos were not affected by the corona pandemic - the opposite seems to be the case. Many increased their use of online casinos after local casinos and gambling halls were closed.
The estimate of the loss of sales comes from the rating agency S&P. If the estimate is correct, it would be a case of particular hardship. Novomatic has not had to deal with such facts in recent years. On the contrary: This company, which will turn 40 this year, has made a steep climb. However, the company was not always able to fall back on its own resources; debts were also incurred. And now a repayment is due for this: In the next 12 months, liabilities of 450 million euros have to be repaid . A bond is due for disbursement in three more years.
Solutions to these financial problems may already be in place. Novomatic recently sold shares in Casino Austria to a Czech company . According to rumors, Novomatic could sell part of its properties. To what extent the financial problems will definitely be resolved has not yet been determined.
Other reasons for the economic downturn
Apart from the corona pandemic, other reasons could have led to the drop in sales:
- Ibizia affair: As part of this affair , the company is accused of bribery. The priority here was to obtain licenses. In addition, politicians are said to have been involved, who should be encouraged to change the laws in favor of Novomatic. The investigation has been ongoing since 2017 and is still ongoing.
- Novomatic's bonds have since been downgraded and are now considered speculative.
Ryszard Presch and Johannes Gratzl are currently doing their job as managing directors and have come up with some ideas to boost sales again. In terms of its core business, the company is concentrating on Germany, Italy and the UK. The USA is also in focus. In this country, Novomatic hopes to be able to set up slot machines outside of casinos. In addition to bars, petrol stations would also be considered.
Novomatic would like to focus more on online gambling
Thomas Graf, the founder's son, admitted some time ago that online gambling is becoming more and more important. But that is not due to the corona pandemic. Long ago, Novomatic realized that local sales are not always in a positive relationship to the income generated. The production of slot machines should by no means be discontinued and the sale of one of the Novomatic branches is also out of the question. If this is actually the case, the employees would not have to worry about their jobs. After all, 3,000 people work in the region around Vienna and even 30,000 employees worldwide .
Even if the online sector moves forward, it is very likely that not many employees will have to be laid off. In addition, Novomatic has already employed programmers. This profession could become even more important in the future.
So far, Novomatic has offered the following games:
- Slot mix
- Sic Bo
- Online Slots
If the Novomatic company concentrates more on online games in the future, this range will be expanded. There are already some online casinos that offer Novomatic games. These casinos include, for example, Mr. Greeen, betsafe and Dunder . If the range of games is expanded, significantly more casinos will probably use the games. The new State Treaty on Gaming, which is due to come into force in Germany next year, could give Novomatic a new upswing.
The advantages of online casinos
The corona pandemic clearly showed that online casinos offer many advantages. These were not closed due to the corona virus and every player could still try their luck. In addition, online casinos offer bonuses that a local casino does not offer. Free spins without prior deposit minimize the financial risk and could also generate high profits. Slots with jackpots offer particularly exciting chances of winning . But also the popular table game roulette is offered in numerous variants and thus increases the prospect of a high profit.
Nobody has to worry about security at an online casino. The regulations that must be met to obtain a license are extremely strict. As a result, you are playing with a reputable gambling provider who also offers some measures to prevent gambling addiction. You will look in vain for such measures at a local casino.


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Another huge GNEX Conference “experience” has been revealed for the upcoming 10th Anniversary event of the renowned vacation ownership leaders conference, which will be held in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino from February 18-21, 2020.
Since 2011, GNEX Conference which is owned and operated by Perspective Group, has attracted high-level executives and influencers in the hospitality, leisure, and vacation ownership industries from around the globe, and GNEX 2020 is slated to be the most attended conference to date as it celebrates a decade of unforgettable events.
Event organizers have now revealed that they will be taking attendees to new heights (subject to availability at time of registering) with an event that includes a dazzling helicopter flight that soars above the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Attendees will be invited to a red-carpet event at the multi-award-winning Sundance Helicopters Private Terminal at McCarran International Airport for a Welcome Party with a difference. Not only will guests enjoy the opportunity to network over drinks and appetizers, but they will also get to share an unforgettable experience with industry peers as they soar above the city lights. Helicopter tours are limited to length of event, and with record numbers expected to attend GNEX 2020, prospective attendees are urged to register now to avoid disappointment at https://gnexconference.com/register.
“Luxury Yachts, Speedboats and Supercars have all made an appearance at previous events, so we are excited to add Helicopters to the list of modes of transport” says Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO, Perspective Group. “We are busy building our most impressive event so far as we celebrate our 10th year, and so GNEX 2020 will be bursting with events, activities, new format sessions, great speakers and topics and invaluable networking opportunities – and we are sure that attendees will be talking about this shared experience for a long time.”
Attendees are also being treated to a VIP Pre-Show Cocktail Party and tickets to #1 Las Vegas Show – Absinthe! Inspired by the absinthe-drenched cabarets of late 19th century Europe, this show is an intoxicating cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville for a 21st century audience. It boasts talented performers from across the globe mixed with outrageous comedy.
GNEX 2020 will also debut two new sessions types including Expo LIVE!; which will provide select sponsors and exhibitors the opportunity to present their products and services to prospective clients in the audience from the main stage, and The Boardroom; where industry leaders will raise questions and debate solutions to hot issues within the hospitality industry.
GNEX was developed with networking at the forefront of the event, offering many opportunities that encourage people to find new business connections. General Sessions are less formal than typical industry events and the majority of panel sessions have been replaced with X-TALKS – high energy, 10-minute solo speaker sessions featuring the industry’s most dynamic individuals discussing a variety of topics. This enables attendees to drop in and out at will to catch the topics that interest them most without giving up a whole hour of potential meeting time per topic.
For more information on GNEX 2020 visit https://gnexconference.com
Confirmed sponsors include: Holiday Systems International, INTUITION Brand Marketing, Walltopia USA, Light, Resort Management Services, Wyndham Destinations, Access Development, SPI Software, Jim Madrid, My Travel Club, The Registry Collection, Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos (AMDETUR), Association of Vacation Owners (AVO), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.), Canadian Vacation Ownership Association (CVOA), ARDA Developments Magazine.
For information on Sponsorship Opportunities visit https://gnexconference.com/sponsorship
About GNEX Conference
With a new destination every year, a heavy focus on networking, high-quality events, and innovative format, GNEX Conferences attract senior-level executives from more than 130+ companies across the globe. The conference brings together a unique mix of attendees from traditionally separated segments of the hospitality industry, enabling you to network with companies that specialize in Hotels, Vacation Ownership, Resort Real Estate, Vacation Rentals, OTAs, Travel Agencies & Travel Clubs, plus all the vendors that supply them, including Resort Management, Sales & Marketing, Legal & Financial, Construction & Renovation, Technology, HR & Training and more… For more details on our next event in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino visit https://gnexconference.com

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Some of the biggest names in retail have joined together to launch Americans for Affordable Products, a campaign to defeat the border adjustable tax (BAT).
The group, which includes Best Buy, Gap, IKEA, Macy’s, Nike, Target, Walmart and many other retailers and trade associations, is opposed to the BAT on the grounds that it will increase the cost of a wide variety of goods, such as apparel, food, medicine and other items that are part of the everyday lives of Americans.
Americans for Affordable Products charges that passage of the BAT would put the government in the position to pick winners and losers. The losers would be companies that import products as well as the consumers who buy those products. The winners would be a smaller group of businesses that do not.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), whose members include some of the largest retailers in the U.S., also opposes the BAT.
“The border adjustable tax is harmful, untested, and would put American retail jobs at risk and force consumers to pay as much as 20% more for family essentials,” said Sandy Kennedy, RILA president, in a statement. “We are committed to working with Congress to ensure they understand the impact of this proposal and to pursue tax reform that reduces rates and benefits consumers and retailers alike.”
Proponents of the BAT argue that the effects would not be as severe as critics suggest. The reasoning is that the value of the dollar and foreign exchange rates would increase in proportion with the taxed imports.
William Dudley, CEO and president of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, spoke last month at the National Retail Federation Big Show. He called the BAT “a risky experiment for America.”
“I’m not of the view that import prices would go up 10% [and] the dollar would appreciate by exactly 10% so that the value that retailers pay for the imported goods would be exactly the same in dollar terms,” Dudley said.
In an online discussion last week, some of the members of the RetailWire BrainTrust were on the same page as those who opposed the BAT.
“Passing a BAT will raise prices and will not bring jobs back to the U.S.,” said Max Goldberg, president of Max Goldberg Associates. “Consumers want lower prices and better jobs. BAT is not going to deliver them.”
“If any jobs are brought back, they are not the jobs Americans seem to want or need,” Mel Kleiman, president of Humetrics. “We need jobs that create real value in relationship to the hours worked. Most of the jobs we are looking at bringing back are going to be going away because of automation.”
Others took a wait-and-see approach, while criticizing the characterization of the tax by Dudley and others.
“‘Border taxes’ are neither ‘new’ nor an ‘experiment,’” said Ben Ball, senior vice president of Dechert-Hampe. “Practically every country in the world has had some form for some period of time on some sort of commerce. It is also true that countries regularly abandon such tariffs eventually. Sometimes because they do the job intended. Sometimes because they don’t.”
One BrainTrust member speculated that the way forward for U.S. manufacturing may require a different tack than this legislation takes.
“You just can’t start making things here in the U.S. on the turn of a dime, or a decade for that matter; piece goods, hi-tech manufacturing plants, labor costs, on and on, are not things you develop overnight,” said Lee Peterson, EVP brand, strategy and design at WD Partners. “If you think that, you’re living in a dream world. We need to move on to NEW manufacturing, like the Tesla plants (who can’t meet demand) vs. regressing to 1965.”


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MRA Digital will stop outsourcing to China
Columbia company shifts manufacturing to Maryland
- Scott Dance
A Columbia electronics maker is moving its manufacturing from China to Maryland, bucking the notion that manufacturing is only affordable overseas.
MRA Digital, which makes complex circuit boards used to control electronic devices, has in the past hired Chinese firms to make its products. It then has to wait a month for them to be shipped here.
But because it sells largely in the U.S., it doesn’t make sense to pay those shipping costs even if labor is cheaper in China. MRA is scouting at least 15,000 square feet in Howard County, where it plans to hire as many as 100 engineers.
It’s an example illustrating that manufacturing is not a dead industry in Maryland despite the emphasis on a shift to a more knowledge- and service-based economy. Other companies are doing the same, whether because of high transportation costs or weak currency exchange rates. But in many cases, the savings of cheaper labor overseas still wins out.
MRA has 10 employees, all of them engineers. That could grow by 50 if it adds one manufacturing line, and 100 if it decides to add two lines, said CEO Glen Alexis. MRA is a minority- and service-disabled-veteran-owned business.
For the company, it’s not cost-effective to produce in China anymore because it does relatively small batches of production, Alexis said. For the past four years it has outsourced manufacturing to China but slowly lessened the load as transportation costs have increased with oil prices.
Alexis is looking for a larger office in Columbia to fit the production lines, and he expects the local manufacturing could be up and running within a year.
Other companies have found themselves in the same situation as MRA.
Prime Manufacturing in Savage, which makes plastic injection-molded products for a variety of industries, has found that tariffs make it too expensive to outsource to overseas manufacturers. Instead, the company has invested in robots that can increase output more than seven times over what manual labor can produce, from 200 to 1,500 pieces per hour, said CEO Luke Chow.
Roger Kashlak, a professor of international business at Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business, said there are many factors that can lead a company to choose domestic manufacturing. For example, the weakness of the U.S. dollar during the recession makes it relatively more expensive to spend U.S. currency overseas. As of Dec. 9, $1 was worth about 0.7 euro, 88 yen and 7 yuan. In the 1990s the yen weakened in Japan, he said, and in that case the Japanese manufacturing industry also saw an upswing.
Other countries can also carry more political risk — such as the possibility of big changes in government or introduction of new or higher taxes, Kashlak said.
But for companies that still do large volumes of manufacturing that is done manually, China or other countries are still cheaper.
Biocushion, a Columbia company that makes a special cushion used in physical therapy, wanted to keep its manufacturing in the U.S. so it hired a California company, owner Tom Tanglos said. But as oil prices have risen, so have his production costs. It originally cost about $18 to make one cushion, but now it’s about $120, he said. So he plans to seek out an overseas manufacturer to hire.
“Chances are we may end up having to go to Mexico or China,” he said.
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2016 was both a bad and a good year for Tesla Motors. Whether it was amazing reveal of Model 3, the first affordable electric car ($35,000) by the automaker, or the shocking merger of SolarCity and Tesla Motors, the year 2016 was pretty important for the car company. For investors, however, the year could not be as good as they expected.
The Ups and Downs of 2016 for Tesla Motors
The stock of the automaker is set to finish the year in the red, it is off nearly 9% right now. The electric car maker shocked mostly everyone in the Wall Street when it bought the solar energy company. The Chief Executive Officer of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, who also has the major share in both the companies, believed the merger was important for SolarCity, a struggling solar installer, and Tesla Motors.
Musk, who is the Chairman in the Solar Company, said on CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” that they really want a future where all cars are electric and where all power is clean and sustainable. He further added, “If you have solar panels, batteries and electric cars, you have a complete solution to a sustainable energy future … it’s just critical that all three pieces are there.”
The CEO of Tesla believes that the acquisition of SolarCity will be profitable for Tesla Motors and the solar company in the future. However, investors think that the merger with the clean energy company took the focus of the automaker off the main subject: Electric cars. Investors said they do not what Musk is thinking. This years’ chart of the automaker looks like a rollercoaster, sometimes the value of Tesla’s Stock is hiking while sometimes it is declining.
2017: An important year for Tesla Motors
In the last month and half, however, the stock of the automaker has been rallying. This was not supposed to happen. Most of the people in the tech sector were expecting the car company to get hammered after the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential elections. This is because the upcoming government of Donald Trump has made it quite clear before and after the elections that his government would slash spending in clean energy whereas the automaker has benefitted mostly from green energy.
It is possible that the automaker is now just riding the coattails of the market which rallied sharply after the victory of Trump in the US elections. Also, it is possible that maybe the fact that it is attempting to do much of its manufacturing in America could be an advantage if the president-elect gets his way and taxes are only imposed on products that are manufactured outside the country.
Whatever happens, it will be important for investors to keep a close eye on Tesla Stock in 2017. The shares of the electric car making giant have dropped 0.3% to $218.82 at 11:52 a.m. yesterday.


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Apple to kill off iTunes after 18 years
- Author: Arturo Norris Jun 02, 2019,
Jun 02, 2019, 20:43
iTunes is reportedly coming to an end.
Apple is reportedly getting ready to close down its iTunes service after nearly 20 years. Bloomberg reports that functions of the iTunes store (movies, music, TV, and podcasts) will be available in separate apps. However, Apple will be pulling back on the iPhone in the future, and place more focus on the Apple Watch. These apps are slated to be announced at the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event, which will be in just a few days on Monday, June 3rd.
Possible hardware announcements include a majorly overhauled Mac Pro, and the first new Apple-made computer monitor in several years. Sure, the iTunes app is still somewhat relevant on Macs, but it's nothing Apple couldn't replace.
Over the years iTunes evolved in typical Jobs fashion - by killing features that he and his team deemed obsolete and experimenting with initiatives.
The company has also been criticised by a group of 17 developers of parental monitoring and screen time apps, who say they have been blocked from the App Store in an anti-competitive move.
Finally, we could see Apple split up its iTunes app on the Mac with users getting dedicated TV, Music and Podcast application instead.
On Jun 3 at 10:00 AM PT/ 1:00 PM ET, Apple will hold a keynote address to kick off the start of WWDC. After all, iPhones and iPads already have standalone apps like this. For this year, beyond the revamped Health app for iPhones, the company will push into monitoring hearing health - how loud the external environment is and how loud you're playing sound on your device or headphones. There's also a rumor that Apple will show off a new external display (possibly a 6K, 31-inch Thunderbolt display).


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GURGAON: In what is a global first across all PepsiCo markets, doctors will soon begin endorsing Tropicana pure juices and Quaker Oats in India.
PepsiCo���s snack foods arm FritoLay India has tied up with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to promote both products. It���s a shift of sorts as it comes from a company that���s synonymous with celebrity endorsements.
This will also be the first time that the IMA will endorse food and beverage products. In the past, the medical body which represents over 1,75,000 doctors in the country, has endorsed Reckitt Benckiser���s Dettol soap, Procter & Gamble���s Pampers diapers, and Eureka Forbes��� water purifiers.
An MoU between PepsiCo and IMA has already been signed and the endorsement deal has been inked for a period of three years.
This is in line with PepsiCo���s global chief Indra Nooyi���s vision to dramatically increase the health focus of the company to thwart attacks from NGOs that often accuse the two cola giants for peddling sugary drinks and salty snacks.
Lining up a product portfolio that fit the health and wellness trend improves the image of the company in the eyes of both consumers and investors.
Said IMA���s immediate past president Dr Ajay Kumar, who negotiated the deal with the company in India: ���After PepsiCo approached us, we verified all their claims. Initially, there was some resistance on whether the IMA should endorse a company that also makes colas, but our research showed that Tropicana pure juices and Quaker have scientifically proven health benefits.���
He added that any changes in the ingredients of both products would imply that IMA���s endorsement gets nullified.
Representatives of the two parties said the deal was non-commercial, and that PepsiCo would help IMA in sponsoring events and other public forums, and so on.
PepsiCo VP (health and wellness) Mallika Jankiraman said: ���We believe the endorsement from a third party will strengthen the overall messaging of both products and lend further credibility to them.���
The two ad agencies on Tropicana and Quaker have begun working on the new scripts. While Tropicana is handled by JWT, the Quaker account is with another WPP agency Fortune Communications.
Said JWT���s managing partner Rohit Ohri: ���The script is under production and should be ready in two weeks time.��� He declined to divulge details of the ad script but said that the medical association would be the main message of the communication.
PepsiCo���s decision to use doctors instead of celebrities to endorse Tropicana and Quaker is being seen not only as a move to establish a foothold in the health and wellness wave, but also to edge past competitors. In the pure juices category, for example, the home-grown Dabur Real is ahead of Tropicana.
The breakfast cereals market, where Quaker is positioned, is still small but growing rapidly with Kellogg, Hindustan Unilever and Nestle directly competing with Quaker oats.
Apart from the advertising, the IMA association will also be communicated through labels on Tropicana and Quaker packaging. Both are ���good for you��� products in PepsiCo���s portfolio. IMA���s Dr Kumar added that the association���s latest endorsement could set the tone for other foods companies also wanting a similar endorsement.
In addition, the IMA will be involved in another PepsiCo programme called Get Active, which involves associating with 80 schools in Delhi and Mumbai and promoting physical activity among school children.
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About two dozen international brands are expected to enter India with their stores this year, the most in a decade, encouraged by a post-Covid consumption surge, property consultants said.
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A group of enthusiasts, led by Omer Isovic and Faruk Sahovic, will organize a manifestation of making the largest burek ever so that it’ll be in the Guinness World Record Book. They want to promote domestic products, Bosnian and Herzegovinian (BiH) culture, tradition and gastronomic offer.
On that occasion, Bego Gutic, the prime minister of Tuzla Canton, today hosted these two enthusiasts.
“Burek, as the typical BiH product and recognizable part of our gastronomic offer, is an idea opportunity to represent BiH in the world, as well as to turn our domestic public’s attention towards domestic products and domestic producers,” Isovic said.
Prime Minister Gutic expressed satisfaction with the idea and emphasized that it’s completely in line with the strategic orientation of this Government to support domestic production and producers, as well as the consumption of BiH products.
“We have several times stood in defense and protection of domestic producers and their products. We didn’t give up on that, even when we were exposed to various forms of pressure, so we’re very happy that something like will be taking place and this Government will certainly support that,” the prime minister said.


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Digital TV News: Stoneroos
Stoneroos develops Apple TV app for Switzerland's Sunrise
May 9, 2019 – As part of the launch of Sunrise TV neo in Switzerland, Stoneroos has developed a tvOS app with Single Sign-on operator login. Stoneroos is responsible for the design and development of the app, which connects to Huawei's Envision platform.
News categories: Stoneroos, Sunrise, Huawei, Apple, Apps, Digital TV, Set Top Box, Switzerland, TV Everywhere
Stoneroos provides mobile interactive TV app for DELTA Fiber Netherlands
Apr 29, 2019 – Stoneroos has announced that it has developed a mobile interactive TV app for DELTA Fiber Netherlands, available for iOS and Android devices. The app is another step towards DELTA offering its customers an integrated TV experience across all platforms.
News categories: Stoneroos, DELTA Fiber Netherlands, Annelies Kaptein, Timmy Langeveld, Apps, Digital TV, IPTV, Netherlands, TV Everywhere
Stoneroos updates STB app for DELTA Fiber Nederland
Mar 26, 2019 – DELTA Fiber Netherlands, operating under the brands DELTA and Caiway, has updated its set-top box application from Stoneroos in order to allow multicast IP streaming and to integrate the Metrological App Store.
News categories: Stoneroos, DELTA Fiber, Metrological, Amino, Digital TV, IPTV, Netherlands, Set Top Box, UX
Telfort Fiber TV and Glashart Media choose Stoneroos OTT NOW!
Apr 30, 2018 – Telfort Fiber TV and Glashart Media, both sub-brands of KPN, are using the white-labeled OTT NOW! platform from Hilversum-based Stoneroos for their OTT services. The new Telfort Fiberglass TV and Glashart Media iPad apps were developed by the company.
News categories: Stoneroos, Telfort, Glashart Media, Apps, Digital TV, Netherlands, OTT
Stoneroos delivers set-top box UI for DELTA’s IPTV service
Jan 11, 2018 – DELTA is deploying a set-top box application from Stoneroos for its new all IP-based service model. Stoneroos developed a large number of functionalities for the STB. The service also offers the Stoneroos patented TV guide.
News categories: Stoneroos, DELTA, Annelies Kaptein, Karl Heinz van der Made, Digital TV, IPTV, Netherlands, Set Top Box, UX
Stoneroos launches white-label OTT Now! product
Sep 11, 2017 – Stoneroos is launching a white-label, à la carte product for OTT services at IBC 2017. Called OTT Now!, the suite of solutions include Live & Catchup TV, On-Demand Library, Downloads, Smart Search, TV Guide, Parental Control, Picture in Picture and Promotional Areas.
News categories: Stoneroos, Apps, Big Data, Content Distribution, Digital TV, IBC, OTT, Worldwide
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The world’s most important mobile technology event set a new attendance record this year.
More than 108,000 attended this week’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, where the biggest names in the industry – alongside the most pioneering start-ups – gather to showcase their latest technologies and innovations. It was a 7% increase on 2016 numbers.
“Mobile World Congress enjoyed another record-breaking year in 2017, underlining its position as the world’s premier mobile ecosystem event,” said John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd. “The theme for this year’s show was Mobile: The Next Element, reflecting the elemental role of mobile in the lives of billions of people around the world. We once again saw a world-class speaker line-up and the unveiling of a range of major new initiatives and cutting-edge product launches, which will define the direction of the mobile ecosystem over the coming years.”
The NEXTech exhibition was a popular new edition to this year’s MWC. It provided a platform for forward-thinking companies and disruptive technologies, from virtual reality/augmented reality and robotics, to cognitive computing, artificial intelligence and more.
Innovators Magazine was delighted to be a media partner for the event’s start-up element, 4YFN and MWC itself. Next up is the Shanghai instalment of MWC this summer. As official media partners for the Chinese event, we look forward to bringing you all the build up to what promises to be another record-breaker.


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Cement prices highest in Assam & other NE states, companies manipulating market to fleece consumers, alleges AREIDA president
BY OUR STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, Sept 15: After the Assam Real Estate & Infrastructure Developer’s Association (AREIDA) dragged three top cement companies Star, Topcem and Dalmia Cements to the Competition Commission of India on September 2 last, the anti-trust watchdog has now agreed that prima facie a case of price fixing and market manipulation indeed exists.
After studying the petition filed on 2/9/16 by AREIDA alon with the evidence submitted, the Competition Commission has accepted that a prima facie case has been made out against the respondents. Taking cognizance of offence committed under Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act 2002, it registered a case, bearing no. 77/2016, against the three cement companies. The AREIDA had filed the case under Sec 19(1)(a) of the Act.
“These three cement companies have abused their domint position by leading a syndicate and indulged in rampant cartelization and manipulation of market price to fleece consumers of the Northeast. As a result of their illegal cartelization, the cement prices in the Northeast have for the past decade been the highest in India,” stated the Association.
AREIDA president PK Sharma said they filed a case under Sec 19(1)(a) of the Competitions Act 2002, for violation of Sec 3 and Sec 4 of the Act, notified by the Government of India.
“We have produced money receipts and supporting evidence to substantiate our submissions. It has been pointed out that all the three companies have recently hiked their rates and are now maintaining the same price level of Rs 360 per bag,” said Sharma. He said the money receipts of sale of these brands in Siliguri, which is 500 km away from Guwahati entailing additiol transportation costs, show that the price is surprisingly lower by Rs 110 per bag, selling at Rs 250 per bag.
“The evidence on record clearly establishes a tacit agreement among these three companies, which is later followed by the smaller companies. We have collected data from Kolkata, Siliguri, Ranchi, and Pat and placed these before the Commission,” said Sharma.
The AREIDA president further said that the price of cement in Assam and other parts of the Northeast is the highest in the country. This despite the fact that companies locally manufacturing cement here are heavily finced by taxes paid by the common man, in the form of numerous subsidies under the North East Investment and Industrial Policy (NEIIP). These include 100% income tax exemption, exemption from excise duty, transport subsidy on transportation of raw materials and finished products, manpower subsidy, power subsidy, genset subsidy, 30% capital subsidy, 99% vat exemption, and interest subsidy on working capital.
The policy was put in abeyance for new companies two years back, but for these cement companies, the subsidies continue to be availed of, as they were already registered by then — Sharma pointed out.
“Cartelisation by cement companies has become a serious issue, affecting the common man for whom we build homes. We urge upon the government to continue with its efforts in larger public interest, for the cause of ‘affordable housing’ and ensure that only a legitimate price is allowed. We as a bulk purchaser of cement on behalf of homebuyers are extremely aggrieved by this proposed unfair price hike,” said the AREIDA president.
It may be mentioned that the Competition Commission had on August 31 last ordered 11 cement companies and their lobby group Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) to pay a fine of Rs 6,714 crore for alleged cartelization. It had also held the lobby group of these manufacturers guilty of facilitating price collusion.


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For years, Chinese telecom giant Huawei has been dogged by allegations that its products contain backdoors designed to facilitate Chinese espionage operations abroad. In the U.S., long-simmering tensions came to a head this May, when the Trump administration banned the use of Huawei equipment in U.S. telecom networks. Now, the future of Huawei’s relationship with the West is in doubt as policymakers attempt to determine whether the company poses a threat to national security interests. Can Huawei products threaten your business? It really doesn’t matter. Here’s why.
But for global business leaders, answers to the Huawei questions may not come soon enough.
While the outlook for Huawei’s network business is uncertain, the company continues to be the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world, and the second-largest maker of smartphones. For better or worse, any business that operates outside of the U.S. likely stores or processes some of its data on Huawei products. The company was responsible for nearly one in five smartphone shipments and one in twenty global server shipments in Q1 2019.
Much of the Huawei conversation has focused on security surrounding the rollout of 5G infrastructure. However, if even a fraction of the company’s products were found to be vulnerable to state hackers, the data security of thousands of businesses around the world would also be thrown into question. Corporate leaders must decide now whether Huawei products pose a threat to their cybersecurity. Unfortunately, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to assessing vulnerabilities in the global IT hardware and software supply chain.
Evaluating the Huawei Threat
Huawei representatives have consistently denied allegations of Chinese state interference, and one could argue that such interference would be against the Chinese government’s best interests (particularly in the U.S., which is China’s largest trading partner by far). Any definitive evidence proving that the Chinese state is leveraging consumer electronics to spy on American citizens would be disastrous for the Chinese economy.
Huawei’s relationship with the Chinese security state apparatus.
Then again, definitive proof is a rarity in cyber espionage, and while it remains elusive in the Huawei case, circumstantial evidence abounds. A report submitted to the Senate Intelligence Committee found that China was involved in over 90% of all economic espionage cases handled by the Department of Justice over the preceding seven years. Huawei’s report card isn’t much better
It will likely be years before we understand the full scope of Huawei’s relationship with the Chinese security state apparatus. For now, these questions miss the bigger point. As Law Professor William Snyder argues in The Verge, the greatest threat to global cybersecurity is not any single corporate or government entity, but rather, the entire supply chain of IT hardware and software.
Yanking The Supply Chain
A January story from The Intercept cites multiple classified reports that identify supply chain vulnerabilities as “central aspects of the cyber threat,” also noting that the intelligence community does not have “the access or technology in place necessary for reliable detection of such operations.” Last May, Wired published a story on the hacker collective Barium, which has accessed hundreds of thousands of users’ computers by exploiting software distribution channels.
China is far from the only country suspected of supply chain attacks.
Evidence indicates that the Barium hackers are Chinese-speakers, but China is far from the only country suspected of supply chain attacks. Many will recall journalist Glenn Greenwald’s 2014 accusations against the NSA, which alleged that the U.S. intelligence agency regularly intercepts IT network devices being exported by U.S. companies, and implants the products with backdoor surveillance tools. The fundamental disconnect between state-level interests and a globalized economy means national intelligence agencies will always be motivated to engage in supply chain interference.
Protecting Your Business
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether Huawei products have been tampered with by the Chinese state. As of 2011, China was responsible for manufacturing 90% of all personal computers worldwide, and 70% of all mobile phones. Remove Huawei from the equation, and Chinese intelligence agencies would still have ample targets for supply chain interference. Remove China from the equation, and we’ll still be contending with supply chain attacks from state-sponsored and black hat hackers.
Supply chain attacks have always been difficult to detect.
Detecting supply chain attacks at the source will always be difficult. Modern IT hardware can consist of millions of microscopic components; software often contains billions of lines of code. However, business leaders can still take action to protect their companies. These include:
- Taking inventory of sensitive data, users, and devices—as well as third party vendors that may be vulnerable to attack.
- Eliminating overly permissive default access control and deploying a least privileged access model.
- Leveraging digital forensics technology to monitor network traffic and investigate potential security breaches.
- Toughening up Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and deploying mobile device management (MDM).


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Soft-serve frozen yogurt will be a top trend this year and next, and canned pure pumpkin is everywhere right now. So it's only natural that the two have come together in this month's biggest trend: pumpkin frozen yogurt. The seasonal flavor has been appearing at nationwide fro-yo chains faster than a Halloween costume quick-change.
Last Monday, Yogen Früz unveiled Pumpkin Spice, a non- or low-fat dessert made with naturally flavored syrup. Days later, Pinkberry announced its new offering, Pumpkin Pinkberry — nonfat yogurt made with pumpkin purée, nonfat milk, and nonfat yogurt, topped with whipped topping, honey grahams, and cinnamon. And rival Red Mango? Well, it was ahead of the soft-serve curve, offering Pumpkin Spice as a returning flavor this season after successful sales last year.
Have you tried any of these flavors?


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THE MEDIA BUSINESS
THE MEDIA BUSINESS; 'Flying Toaster' Case Ruling
Published: October 11, 1993
Opus, the shotgun-toting cartoon penguin, is restrained from shooting at winged bread-charring appliances.
A Federal judge in San Francisco issued a preliminary injunction on Friday barring Delrina Inc. of Toronto from selling its Opus 'N Bill screen saver software that has the images of flying toasters.
The Delrina software features the comic strip character Opus, a penguin, shooting at a flock of the flying gadgets -- icons of a popular screen-saving program by its competitor Berkeley Systems Inc., which is based in Berkeley, Calif.
United States District Judge Eugene F. Lynch said Berkeley Systems held a valid copyright on the flying toasters image, which Delrina used without permission.
Berkeley Systems sells the screen saver "After Dark," which made the toasters famous.
Wesley Boyd, the chief executive of Berkeley Systems, said: "We're exasperated that we had to go to court in the first place. I hope we can settle this before we get to trial."
Delrina said its use of the flying toaster image was a parody and subject to fair use. A spokesman for Delrina, Josef Zankowicz, said the company would comply with the ruling, "but the order only prevents us from using winged toasters."
He said Berke Breathed, the cartoonist who created Outland, Bloom County and Opus, had designed a new toaster. "We will replace the Michelangelo-style wings with a Jetsons-style helicopter toaster," Mr. Zankowicz said, adding that the new product would be marketed as "the censored version."
Mr. Breathed said that "there is more than one way a toaster can fly and there is more than one kind of toaster."


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Ford is recalling 39,013 model-year 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a risk of fire, the manufacturer announced Thursday. The cause hasn’t been determined yet, but the automaker says 16 fires have been reported among affected vehicles so far — the majority of which occurred while the full-size SUVs were parked with the engine off.
The vehicles covered in this recall were all manufactured between December 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, per a statement from the automaker. According to Ford, the fires are believed to originate near the back of the engine compartment, on the passenger side. As engineers are still looking into the issue, the company is advising owners of affected Expeditions and Navigators to park outside, far from any buildings for the time being. However, Ford says owners can safely continue driving their affected vehicles. From Ford:
“We are working around-the-clock to determine the root cause of this issue and subsequent remedy so that customers can continue to enjoy using their vehicles” said Jeffrey Marentic, General Manager, Ford Passenger Vehicles. “We recognize the importance of staying in touch with our customers until we resolve this matter.”
Of the fires that have been reported so far, 14 vehicles belonged to rental companies, while two belonged to private owners. Twelve of the fires happened when the vehicle was parked with the engine off; one occurred while a vehicle was parked but running; and three fires occurred while driving.
Ford says it’s addressing this concern with “a high sense of urgency.” Owners will be contacted by mail or through the automaker’s connected-car apps — FordPass or Lincoln Way.
Recalls due to fire risk have been in the news lately. BMW announced a campaign in March that affected almost a million cars globally, due to an engine ventilation issue. General Motors also temporarily stopped manufacturing the Chevrolet Bolt EV due to faulty batteries supplied by LG that led to thermal runaways in 16 cases. That recall involved the installation of new battery modules in every Bolt — 140,000 vehicles in total — and cost GM $1 billion when all was said and done.
Want to check if your vehicle is affected by an open recall? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has an easy, quick way to check your car. Learn all about it here.


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Spring may be late in arriving this year, but on Saturday, March 16, the Norfield Parish Hall was turned into a field of buds and blooms as the Weston Kiwanis Club prepared for the annual wine tasting event.
Greeted by Kiwanians and Key Club members, guests were treated to an evening of international wines provided by Peter’s Spirit Shop and hors d’oeuvres by Bon Soiree of Westport. The beneficiaries of this year’s event were the Weston Warm-Up Fund, Weston Social Services, and the Weston Kiwanis Club Foundation.
Ticket sales and a silent auction designed to appeal to a broad range of interests raised over $20,000 for the three beneficiaries.
Dawn Egan from the Weston Warm-Up Fund and Charlene Chang-Hillman from Weston Social Services extended a heartfelt thank-you to all of the wine tasting’s supporters and volunteers. According to Ms. Egan, who said that the wine tasting “epitomizes the best of Weston,” the funds raised for the Warm-Up Fund will help “over 50 households stay safe and warm.”
Ms. Chang-Hillman noted the immediate impact of the funds: “The significant donation is already being used to help our many families in need to prevent electric shutoff, stay warm and buy fresh foods and dairy products. Thanks to the generosity of the members of the Weston Kiwanis Club, these families were able to remain in their homes through this unrelenting winter.”
The Kiwanis Club of Weston, an organization dedicated to community service, sponsors a variety of programs and events to raise funds for local organizations whose activities benefit the community at large. The club’s membership is open to all men and women living or working in the area.
For more information, visit westonkiwanis.org.


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The Perfect Trade To Profit From The Consumer Spending Boom
Since the end of World War II, inflation has been relatively constrained. There have been just a few times when the year-over-year change of the consumer price index topped 5%.
You can see this illustrated in the chart below.
Source: Federal Reserve
In the late 1940s, inflation roared after the government lifted price controls that had been imposed during World War II. In the 1950s, inflation rose as the government increased spending to fight the Korean War. The Vietnam War explains the rise in inflation in the 1960s.
In the 1970s, wars indirectly drove inflation. In the early 1970s, oil prices jumped after OPEC imposed an embargo on countries that had supported Israel in the Yom Kippur War. Late in the decade, the revolution in Iran lowered that country’s oil production and prices rose again.
The inflationary spike in the early 1990s was again due to oil and war, this time the first Gulf War that ended quickly.
The next time inflation spiked was in 2008. This time there wasn’t a war. China’s economic growth increased demand for raw materials, especially oil, and the spike in oil drove inflation higher.
What We Can Learn From This
Over the past 70 years, history shows inflation has generally been explained by an event. This time is different. There is no easy answer on what’s causing inflation.
Oil is back to its pre-pandemic highs. But that wasn’t an exceptionally high price level.
It’s possible the Federal Reserve is behind the spike in inflation. The next chart shows that money supply has increased sharply.
Source: Federal Reserve
This could be difficult to reverse but the Fed is no doubt working on a plan.
For now, it’s likely that much of that money will be spent on goods and services or invested in stocks, real estate, or cryptocurrencies. That gives us an opportunity to profit…
How I’m Trading This
As the money is spent, companies like Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) should benefit.
Discover is a digital banking and payment services company. The company issues the Discover card, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit through its banking business. These are businesses that profit from consumer spending.
Discover charges merchants for processing payments, and its payments networks have been growing rapidly.
These small charges, on billions of dollars in transactions, should allow the company to steadily grow its earnings.
You see, most investors would simply buy a stock like DFS and hold it for the long run. There’s nothing wrong with that, but with my “Fast Money Crossover” technique, we can generate immediate income from DFS.
In the chart below, you can see that DFS is on an Income Trader Volatility (ITV) “buy” signal. This is the award-winning indicator I developed to identify trades over at my premium service, Income Trader.
The chart also shows that the price of the stock has been moving sideways for months. This sideways price action could be setting the stage for a rally in the stock.
We’ll be in the trade for 45 days or less, and expect to earn about 3% on our trade (or 25% annualized). Best of all, we get paid immediately. Contrast this with traditional buy-and-hold, where investors would have to wait an entire year to collect a yield of less than 2%. But as long as DFS doesn’t fall below a certain threshold, we can repeat another trade like this again if we want…
As I’ve said before, trading strategies like this allow us to remain flexible with our trading capital. We can earn quick income payouts, and quickly move on to the next trade. And while most regular investors may not be familiar with this strategy, the good news is anyone can do it…
This strategy has delivered a 90.2% win-rate for my readers year after year, allowing them to generate thousands in extra income each month…
In just three easy steps, they’re able to get a simple “P.I.N.” code that unlocks access on-demand cash payouts every Wednesday, like clockwork. You could be making $748 (or more) instantly from these trades in just a few minutes.
Want your chance to get in on the action before the next trade goes live? Go here now.


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PlayStation Now Open Beta Available for the PS3
Sony’s online streaming service, PlayStation now, is finally available for PS3 owners. PlayStation Now is still in the beta stages of development, but has shown some promise for streaming PlayStation 1, 2, and 3 games over the internet in up to 720P.
Sony acquired Gaikai, the online streaming service, back in 2012 for $380 million and has been developing it to work on nearly all of Sony’s electronics, including the new Bravia televisions and their Xperia smartphones. Sony has struggled to find their footing on how they will monetize the platform, but hopefully this will be worked out over the next few months. PlayStation Now is rumored to be released to the general public in 2015.


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NANETTE LEPORE’S JAPANESE DEBUT
Byline: Koji Hirano
TOKYO — Gaining inspiration from the country’s fashion magazines, Nanette Lepore opened her first boutique in Japan on Friday.
After signing a two-year licensing agreement last September with Japanese manufacturer Tokyo Style, this store seemed only natural, Lepore said at the opening.
“I talked with several companies, but Tokyo Style showed us the strongest approach,” she said. “They understand the brand very well and I am satisfied with their promotional activities.”
The 1,300-square-foot, two-story shop stands in the Minami Aoyama section of Tokyo, where other retailers include Comme des Garcons, CK Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Yohji Yamamoto and Tocca. The store’s design, created by Lepore and her husband, Robert Savage, resembles the firm’s boutique in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, which opened last summer.
“Details, from the jewelry box to the chandelier, are the same as those of the SoHo shop,” she said, pointing out that the SoHo shop is one floor and the Tokyo shop is two.
Lepore said she thought this was the perfect time to launch her brand in Japan since the country is the firm’s second-biggest market, after the U.S.
“I have brought up the brand since we started our signature line six years ago,” she said. “Our variety of merchandise has expanded and I thought that the time has come to launch the brand in Japan.”
The contract with Tokyo Style also guarantees 10 in-store shops for Lepore to start, with a total of 20 guaranteed by the end of the deal.
“We are opening 15 shops this season, including this flagship shop, one in Osaka and shop-in-shops in Seibu Department Stores,” said Yoshio Takano, president of Tokyo Style. “We will add four shops in fall-winter of this year. We project [$16.7 million] at retail through these 19 doors.”


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Ashok Leyland has set foot in Australia through its British bus making subsidiary Optare.
AshLey bought 26% of Optare in 2010 and increased its stake further in 2011. The acquisition opened the doors to many international markets and also played a vital role in making Ashok Leyland one of the top five bus manufacturers in the world.
Optare has recently appointed a dealer in Melbourne to distribute the buses in the country. The Solo SR and Tempo SR single deck bus models will be sold down under. The exclusive dealer, Avia Oceania, is also the official distributor of the Avia brand of trucks which is another Ashok Leyland subsidiary.
Glenn Saint, Deputy CEO, Optare, stated -
The appointment of Avia Oceania as our exclusive representative in Australia is a great example of the benefits we are gaining from our relationship with Ashok Leyland. As one of the world’s top five bus manufacturers it is able to support us in a number of ways to open up new markets and we are excited at the prospects of doing business in Australia through Avia Oceania.
With the medium and heavy commercial vehicles facing a downturn in the domestic market, the company hopes that venturing into international bus markets through Optare would mitigate the damage.


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Uber to give users a $50 credit if their scheduled rides don’t show up
Uber customers whose scheduled rides are late will get a consolation prize: a $50 credit.
The sweetener is part of Uber Reserve, the latest evolution of Uber’s scheduled ride program. It lets passengers arrange a ride up to a month in advance, with an on-time guarantee.
“What we wanted to do was make a statement that says…we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is,” said Geoff Tam-Scott, Uber product manager. “We wanted the amount to be noteworthy. We wanted people to say, ‘Hey, this is pretty serious.’”
Uber Reserve is available for Uber’s luxury vehicle service, Uber Black and Uber Black SUV, in 21 U.S. cities, including Dallas, New York City, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. It costs on average $8 to $12 per reservation, depending on the location.
Later this year, Uber plans to expand the program to its core Uber X ride-hailing service, in addition to its economy SUV service, Uber XL, and the roomier-ride option, Uber Comfort. More cities may also be added.
Customers who schedule a ride now get a 15-minute grace period to meet their ride. But if drivers are even a minute late, passengers get a credit in their Uber account that they can spend on future rides.
The overhauled reservation system comes as Uber struggles to attract customers back to its ride-hailing service. It also debuts as people are hesitant to take mass transit because of fears of catching the virus on overcrowded buses and trains.
While Uber Reserve aims to help riders plan ahead, it also could cost them if they fail to cancel their rides early enough. Any cancellations must be made an hour before a scheduled ride, or customers will be charged the full fare.
Tam-Scott said the new scheduled-ride feature was already being developed when the coronavirus hit and that its release was then accelerated.
“It turns out there’s a very big need for this,” Tam-Scott said.


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A rural pub in Tideswell, Derbyshire, UK has taken a step forward for the farming community by creating the “first tractor parking space” in the world.
The Anchor Inn, which is operated by Rick Ellison since 2016, focuses on fresh local produce with a farm-to-fork ethos. The new parking addition highlights this involvement for the farming community.
Taking to social media, owner, Rick Ellison said:
“When I asked the brewery for a tractor parking spot, I think the general consensus must have been that I was a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
“But over the last two years, it’s been used quite a lot, normally by modern large tractors, but sometimes with vintage ones, and on occasion a steamroller.”
The pub owner stated that he often remembers a young teenage boy who brought his girlfriend to the Anchor Inn for a meal on a “rusty old Massey Ferguson”.
He added that he felt the girl was a bit “put out” by the mode of transport but it was the thought that counts and that it was “pretty sweet”.
The tractor parking space has become a “major” talking point around the local community and many farmers have been stopping by, taking pictures of their “pride and joy” in the parking spot.
In another farm to fork story, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will provide chefs and those working in the foodservice with the story of British beef and its journey from field to fork.
The event will take place from 10:00a.m to 4:00p.m on Tuesday, April 16, at Deersbrook Farm, Shalford Green, Braintree, Essex.
The event will focus on how farmers are working with the environment to produce British beef sustainably as well as consumer insight and market intelligence.
The event will touch on consumer data and trends throughout the day, including analysing what have been the key market drivers over the past 12 months.


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Last year, a lot of funding was raised for blockchain start-ups. However, being a new trend in the market, it still is immature in its implementation. The Web development company in India assures that all the latest trends are kept in mind to deliver the excelled solutions. Blockchain technology became popular due to the well-known cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and many more. This technology is able to enhance flexibility, security issues and data processing due to its advantages.
Let’s discuss Why Blockchain Technology is the Future?
The concept of blockchain has now started to capture public attention. In simple words, blockchain technology is a cloud-based system used to store information. It is predicted that block chain technology will be soon implemented by various industries and will revolutionize traditional business processes. Some of the few blockchain technology points that will shape the world by 2030 are as follows:
1. In the Upcoming Time, Government may Adopt Some Form of Virtual Currency
It’s highly predicted that the government currency in the near future will inevitably be cryptocurrency. It’s more efficient, reduced settlement time and incredible traceability features make it more likely to be used. The government crypto currency area is going to be an area of experimentation and exploration mostly in the developing nations with its unstable economies and weak institutions. Blockchain technology is going to resolve plenty of major issues such as scalability, privacy controls, toolset maturity and interoperability.
2. Blockchain Experts are Going to be in High Demand
Though Blockchain is popular these days, there is a lack of blockchain experts in the market. There are a limited number of blockchain engineers in this increased demand for blockchain skills. If you are willing to enter into the blockchain industry and gain some experience, it is going to serve you well. Blockchain is going to soon set trends for 2030 due to its high demand in the near future.
3. Blockchain with IoT
The International Data Corporation (IDC) reports that plenty of IoT companies are implementing blockchain technology in their solutions. The IDC expects that 20% of IoT will be deployed on blockchain services by 2019. Blockchain technology provides a secure and scalable framework for communication across IoT devices. Also, it has high resistance to cyber-attacks. It will allow smart devices to take automated micro-transactions and its distributed nature is going to conduct transactions faster and cheaper. IoT devices can leverage small contracts that will be considered as an agreement between the two parties to enable money or data over a network.
4. Economy and Finance will soon Lead Blockchain Application
Unlike other traditional businesses, financial institutions have also seriously begun to consider adoption of blockchain technology for traditional banking operations. They don’t need to introduce radical transformation to their process for adopting blockchain technology. According to a PWC report, 77% of financial institutions are going to adopt block chain technology in their in-production system and process by 2020. It is going to allow the bank to reduce excessive bureaucracy, faster transactions at low costs and improve its privacy. Also, the Australian Securities Exchange is planning to use the blockchain technology system to manage the Australian Financial market by the end of 2020.
5. National Cryptocurrencies will Start to Appear
The government is soon going to exploit the benefits of blockchain derived technologies. Russia has already proposed a national crypto currency “Crypto Rouble” and is under usage. When the use of Bitcoin increased, the government expressed their doubts regarding the application of cryptocurrencies. Also, they started to worry when they found out that Bitcoin became a traceable currency that can be easily controlled by any government. By 2020, Gartner has predicted that at least 5 countries will issue a national cryptocurrency.
What is the Expected Blockchain – Cryptocurrency Market by 2030?
The Allied Market Research Projects have come up with great statistics that will completely transform the market of blockchain by 2030. Some of the statistics are:
- The cryptocurrency market will soon hit $4.94 billion by 2030, more than triple its estimated size of $1.49 billion in 2020, according to a new latest study.
- The main drivers will be increased demand for international remittances and more transparency in global payments systems, according to Allied Market.
- More than two-thirds of the industry’s 2020 size was attributable to the mining segment, which is expected to retain this position of dominance in 2030.
- However, the transaction segment is going to see the fastest growth
- Allied Market forecast says that the Asia-Pacific crypto industry will be growing fast due to increased competition from a growing number of exchanges.
Blockchain is going to revolutionize business processes in many industries, and its adoption is going to require time and effort. The government will soon adopt blockchain technologies to accept its benefits and improve financial and public services. By 2020, you will get to see some major adoption of blockchain technology into their business.


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WASHINGTON — The Clinton Administration, pushing to make economics the centerpiece of its foreign policy, said Monday that it is expanding its target list of major export markets to include Vietnam and five other rapidly growing Asian economies.
The Administration's list of "Big Emerging Markets" will be expanded to include members of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations, Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown announced.
Two years ago, the White House, which has pushed trade as a key component of its foreign policy, announced the creation of the Big Emerging Markets list of developing countries that were deemed to have the biggest potential for boosting U.S. export sales.
Indonesia was on the original list, but the Administration said Monday that it is adding the other ASEAN countries--Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Singapore--and Vietnam, which will join ASEAN next week.
Brown said these seven nations represent a nearly half-trillion-dollar regional economy that is expected to double over the next decade. He said that at the end of that time, the Administration hopes U.S. exports to ASEAN countries will equal or exceed those to China or Japan.
Adding Vietnam to the list of countries seen as offering the biggest opportunities to U.S. exporters came two weeks after President Clinton announced he was granting full diplomatic recognition to Vietnam, a step that had been pushed by U.S. companies eager to compete for business there.
Brown's announcement was made at the start of a two-day conference on the Big Emerging Markets hosted by the Commerce Department and attended by 500 American business executives and government officials from the countries on the list.
"These are the markets of tomorrow," Brown said, noting that the Administration views increased exports as a key to U.S. prosperity. Since 1987, exports have accounted for a third of total economic growth in the United States, even though exports amount to only 12% of the total economy, he said.
"Export-related jobs have increased at six times the rate of domestic employment growth," Brown said, answering critics who have attacked the Administration's free-trade philosophy as flawed because it exposes American workers to increased competition from low-wage developing nations.
In addition to the ASEAN members, the other high-priority emerging markets on the Administration list are Argentina, Brazil, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.
In a separate address to the conference, Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Harvard Institute for International Development, cautioned that the Administration must be careful in pursuing export opportunities in the developing world.
"Actions of unilateral retaliation are enormously corrosive," Sachs said, an obvious reference to the Administration's threat of punitive trade sanctions against Japan in the fight over autos and auto parts.
But U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor, who also addressed the conference, said it is wrong to accuse the Administration of undermining the new World Trade Organization, the agency set up to police trade disputes between countries.
Kantor noted that the United States had gone to the WTO in separate trade disputes involving South Korean trade barriers to American meat exports and barriers erected by the European Union involving American grain. The United States was also prepared to file a case on Japanese barriers to U.S. autos had an eleventh-hour agreement not been reached.


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Home Tags Uruguay
Local News The Spanish-speaking world is seeing additional cryptocurrency and blockchain developments with the inauguration of a new blockchain campus at a Madrid university, a number of new allegations of crypto scams in the Dominican Republic, Mexico issuing professional certificates on blockcha..
Local News Spanish-speaking countries made headlines this week, with cryptocurrency and blockchain-related developments on both the governmental and enterprise level. The Congress of the Republic of Peru spoke about the potential of blockchain tech, blockchain firm Aeternity revealed the developme..
Local News The Spanish-speaking world sees major cryptocurrency and blockchain developments with Uruguay approving a new bill that could be applied positively to ICOs, Cuba using crypto to access the global economy and Venezuela finally installing its first Bitcoin (BTC) ATM. Here is the past week..
News Bitcoin (BTC) exchange Bitex has partnered with Uruguay-based financial software company Bantotal in order to expand it cross-border payments system on the Bitcoin blockchain to Latin America. CoinDesk announced the companies’ new partnership in a report on Aug. 13. According to the report, t..


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By Bishal Deep Basnet on Feb 14,2018 - 14:40
Mahindra Auto has unveiled the new TUV Stinger concept in India. The convertible SUV features the capability of an SUV with the stylishness of a convertible. Following that, the TUV Stinger should be making its debut in Nepal soon as well.
The new TUV is powered by the powerful and iconic mHawk family. The TUV Stinger delivers 140 BHP and 320 Nm of torque.
The SUV has a pretty macho appeal with its stylish wheel arches, and robust body cladding. Its simple and distinctive lighting signature is inspired by the scorpion, while the stylish LED headlamps and taillamps add to the vehicle's contemporary appeal.
The Mahindra TUV Stinger convertible SUV concept made its public debut at the Auto Expo 2018 in India. The TUV 300 is based on the principle of the Mahindra TUV 300 sub-4 meter SUV. This new TUV Stinger has been designed keeping in mind the young buyers who live an active lifestyle.
However, Mahindra hasn't revealed any production plans, seeing that increasing number of quirky and modern utility vehicles like the Honda WR-V, Renault Captur, and even the new Ford Freestyle enter the market, we cannot ignore the possibility of the TUV Stiger eventually finding its way along the road as well.
The Mahindra TUV Stinger convertible SUV concept comes with an urban appearance. But appearance is not the only thing this monster packs. Mahindra also promises superior safety and reliability.
The SUV comes with a large chrome grille with a pretty big logo applique that Mahindra says is inspired by a bird in flight, to symbolize the spirit of freedom.
Mahindra Marazzo has been launched in India and soon will be launched in Nepal as well. An exact date is unknown, but we can expect to see the Mahindra Marazzo in Nepal very soon. The price of Mahindra Marazzo in Nepal will be revealed as soon as it is launched.
by Bishal Deep Basnet | Nov 12


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Get an Inside Look at New Products and Innovations
Now that we've got you pumped, let's cover the inaugural Unveiling event that took place Jan. 14. - Quick side note, spots are limited, but if you act fast you might still be able to snag one! - Some of our dealers and their end-users had the exclusive opportunity to check out several of our new products and upgrade possibilities. Presentations were led by our team of engineers, and they demonstrated how the products work.
This was our first of seven “Unveilings” that are set to take place every Thursday from now until the end of February. Our team at Bazooka Farmstar has spent months developing and perfecting these recently released items. We want our equipment to be sleeker, more efficient, and ultimately help the users’ bottom line.
Attendees started their afternoon by receiving a SWAG bag with some Bazooka-branded items, eating a catered lunch, and receiving an introduction from the director of engineering, Phil Minino.
Following the meet and greet, the hypothetical curtain was lifted and the products were revealed. Attendees had the chance to get up close and personal and kick the tires of each product. Any questions that popped up were answered once the engineer was finished walking through the product.
“I think they (attendees) were very impressed with our new products and excited about the updates to our existing products,” Chad Harl, engineering project lead, said. “I saw smiles and nods during our walkthroughs which tells me we are focusing on the things they care about and heading in the right direction.”
Getting people excited about what we are doing at Bazooka was a driving force behind these Unveilings. Our engineers were happy to show off and educate the new features they created and marketing team enjoyed putting on the show.
“I hope they (attendees) just liked learning more about Bazooka, the whole process that we go through, and all the effort that goes into our equipment and the attention to detail all the engineers have paid in developing the new products,” Brad Lampe, territory equipment specialist, said.
The afternoon concluded with a tour of our manufacturing plant led by production supervisor Carlos Varela-Hernandez. He showed event-goers the nitty-gritty work that goes into our products.
We'll say it again for the people in the back, every Thursday for the next six weeks, we will be unveiling our new products to those who choose to attend. Due to COVID regulations, only 15 people are allowed per event. Some attendees from our first week said the improvements that we have made to our equipment was worth the trip.
“I liked it all. It was good to see new improvements. The different ideas applied were good concepts I thought. Others should definitely take a look into coming to one,” Rob Buiter, owner of Fast Track Fertilizer, said.
“They (Bazooka) are moving in the right direction. I think all of it together works great. Just from the equipment we have. The equipment we ran. It’s making things simpler for the manure haulers,” Lucas Feasel said.
There are still several spots available for those interested in attending. If you want a sneak peek at the latest equipment at Bazooka Farmstar, click here to register and become one of the exclusive members of the Unveiling Club.


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A recent report to the NSW Parliament has recognised those Australians who are calling for a phaseout of animal agriculture and a transition to plant-based diets.
Vegan Australia made a detailed submission to the inquiry as well as presenting a petition from 436 supporters. The inquiry also took submissions from Vegan NSW, Animal Liberation, Food Frontier and many others.
Vegan Australia is pleased that the inquiry took note of many of the points about the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and health concerns of consuming animal products made in our submission and by others. Some of the report's recommendation reflected these points, but we are disappointed the recommendations did not go further, with the report stating that "traditional animal agriculture remains an important part of NSW's food systems and economy", but without giving reasons.
The report recognised the impact of food production, particularly animal agriculture, on the environment, acknowledging that "stakeholders agreed that our food production and agricultural systems are major drivers of climate change. Animal agriculture was highlighted by inquiry participants as a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane."
Growth in plant-based eating
The inquiry heard that Australians are reducing their meat intake in favour of plant-based alternatives, leading to a strong growth in plant-based alternatives. "Inquiry participants told us that research indicates a significant number of Australians are actively reducing or eliminating meat consumption from their diets." Reasons given for this were "wanting to reduce their environmental footprint and having a healthier lifestyle. Several submissions highlighted a connection between meat production and consumption and poor environmental and health consequences."
Recommendation to grow plant-based industry
One of the recommendations of the report was "that the NSW Government continues to investigate opportunities to promote the growth of the plant-based protein manufacturing industry in NSW." Under the heading "Strengthening the plant-based protein manufacturing industry", the report stated "Consumer trends indicate decreasing meat consumption and increasing consumption of plant-based alternative proteins. Strengthening the plant-based protein manufacturing industry could deliver economic benefits given rising consumer demand."
"We were referred to plans to build plant protein manufacturing facilities in South Australia, partly funded by the federal and South Australian governments. Mr Greg McFarlane, Director of Vegan Australia, told us that this project is a good example of how governments can 'boost' the emerging plant-based protein industry."
Recommendation for sustainability food labelling system
The report also recommended that the Government advocates for the development of a sustainability food labelling system in response to a growing demand from consumers for information on the environmental sustainability of foods. "Labelling can help consumers make informed choices at the point of purchase. There are many industry-produced eco-labels, which can confuse consumers. A clear, standardised label could help consumers understand the sustainability of their food choices." A number of submissions called on the Government to develop such a sustainability food labelling scheme. The report goes on: "We acknowledge the challenges of a sustainability labelling scheme. The evidence we received did not put forward a clear model for sustainability labelling, reflecting the complexity of this issue. However, we agree there is a need for standardised government-regulated sustainability labelling. We believe government can engage with stakeholders to develop an evidence-supported labelling system."
Phaseout animal agriculture
Finally, the report recognised Vegan Australia's submission by stating that "we heard calls for the Government to begin a phaseout of animal agriculture and encourage a transition to plant-based diets. This was also reflected by members of the public who provided written submissions to the inquiry." The report also states that "we accept that reducing meat consumption can have health and environmental benefits" and "we support ongoing growth of the plant-based protein market in light of consumer trends and growing demand."
We thank all of our supporters and other organisations who worked together to put the ethical and scientific case for a vegan Australia to this inquiry.


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LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of the Food Marketing Institute, and Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, have been elected to the board of governors of GS1 US, the supply chain standards organization based here.
“Pam and Leslie represent two important business constituencies, and will be extremely valuable voices on the GS1 US Board of Governors,” said Bob Carpenter, CEO of GS1 US, in a statement. “They bring a breadth of perspectives and experience that will help ensure GS1 US remains on the leading edge of thought and innovation in the supply chain, from production to the point of sale.”
The board includes executives from Coca-Cola, CVS/pharmacy, Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, McKesson, the Premier healthcare alliance, Procter & Gamble, Publix Super Markets, Sam’s Club, J.M. Smucker, Unilever, and Wegmans Food Markets, in addition to executives from GS1, GS1 Australia, and GS1 Canada.
Read More of Today's Headlines


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28 juin 2017
Big data, big money: who benefits from the explosion of data?
We are sure: the data will revolutionize the world, but who will really benefit? In 2011, consulting firm Gartner said: "Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the engine of combustion". In spite of this metaphor, each one legitimately raises the question of who tomorrow will be the tycoons of the given ... More, what will be the methods of the giants of today and tomorrow: will they be, like the oil giants in their time , at the limit of legality? Will there be oil spills? Will there be collusion with our... [Lire la suite]
09 mai 2015
Big Data, Big Analytics, Visual Analytics… what does it all mean for Thales Group ?
The Thales approach is structured around three closely interconnected themes: Big data (data management and storage), Big Analytics (processing, enrichment and value creation) and Visual Analytics (exploitation and interactive visualisation of datasets using parallelisable and/or linearisable analysis algorithms to ensure exhaustivity). credit Thales Group Never before in the history of the world has so much data been produced in such a short time. Smartphones, social media and mobile devices are responsible for much of it —... [Lire la suite]
03 février 2015
The Internet Of Things Will Transform Retail As We Know It
The number of smart devices in your home, on your body and around your office is increasing everyday. By 2020, there could be as many as 30 billion devices hooked up to the Internet of Things (IoT). As far as business goes, few industries will be more profoundly affected by the IoT than the retail sector, which will be a major topic of discussion at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention and Expo this week in New York. Some people may abandon brick-and-mortar shopping completely. Others will use applications to help them... [Lire la suite]
20 septembre 2014
From missiles to wearables: U of I startup gets $650 000 !
University of Illinois researchers figure that the same techniques that can be used for tracking missiles and space junk can make wearable fitness devices perform better. They envisioned commercializing their motion-recognition technology for defense companies until Mr. Tilton was at a developers conference last year. A speaker was trying to demonstrate a next-generation wearable fitness tracker that automatically would recognize different physical activities. But the technology wasn't working very well because it was slow to... [Lire la suite]


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Posted on 27th Jun, 2011 by Jonathan Peach
Vision Techniques is showcasing its award-winning range of vehicle safety products at the Collet Transport Show.
Posted on 24th Jun, 2011 by Jonathan Peach
Agriculture is a dangerous industry – with a whole range of unpredictable challenges. Vision Techniques ensures vehicle safety and security
Posted on 15th Jun, 2011 by Jonathan Peach
Vision Techniques recently received an award for safety and innovation. It was for most innovative health and safety products in the field of security, safety, transport and personnel management.
Posted on 10th Jun, 2011 by Jonathan Peach
It is becoming increasingly common for large vehicles to be fitted with reversing camera systems instead of relying on wing and rear view mirrors.
Posted on 1st Jun, 2011 by Jonathan Peach
Vision Techniques, is exhibiting its cutting-edge range of vehicle safety and security products at the Plant and Waste Recycling Show PAWRS in Torbay.


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NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- With AOL slipping to its lowest point of the month, investors who have held the stock for its incredible recent run are getting a little nervous.
And on the other side, people are looking to buy the "discounted" shares of the world's largest provider of online service AOL, -1.75%.
"If you own the stock, you should look to do something with it. And if you don't own it and want to own it, there's a way to get it," said Scott Fullman, chief options strategist at Swiss American Securities. "(Because) one of the things I'm trying to convince people is that the age of just going out and buying stock is over."
Shares of AOL, which reported earlier this week that it has 17 million subscribers, fell 7 to 143 7/8. That is down 16.4 percent from the closing high of 167 1/2 marked on April 6.
Although Fullman said he still likes AOL, he pointed out that the company is significantly above its 200-day moving average of about 56. Further, he projects a seasonal slowdown for AOL -- and other Internet issues -- during the summer months.
"How many people do you know sit in front of a computer in July?" Fullman asked.
To open a position, Fullman said sell the AOL July 125 puts AO, -0.15%, which would obligate the seller (or "writer") to buy the shares anytime the stock dropped below 125 between now and July 16, the third Friday of the month.
The seller takes in 15 points in premium for selling the contract, which would lower the total cost of owning AOL shares.
Fullman advocated a strategy known as a "collar" to protect an existing position. A collar involves buying and selling both puts and calls to establish a "window" where the stock can move.


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Neocraft has announced that its mobile MMO, Tales of Wind, has launched for iOS and Android devices. The game ships with four classes, each of which can progress through two advanced sub-classes. The game includes dungeons, PvE / PvP and GvG systems and a number of casual games such as racing, shooting, quizzes and more.


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A heap of vegetables greets customers at a Nilgiris store in Chennai, right outside the iconic shiny green and white building. While the décor might be a little shabby, with goods being displayed without the slightest regard to aesthetics, the brand carries with it a 100-year nostalgic history.
With its origins firmly in the commodities of bread and butter, Nilgiris was founded in the early 1900’s by Muthuswami Mudaliar, whose family carried the torch until it was sold in 2006. Thirty-five per cent of the company, however, is still owned by the family.
Nilgiris, which has sales of over Rs.600 crore and now sells nearly 1,000 items through its private label, is big in south India and it remains ambitious.
“We don’t fear competition,” says Murali Krishnan, Chief Executive Officer, referring to the move to allow foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.
When it comes to the question of why consumers prefer local businesses over national retailers, Mr. Krishnan believes that the combination of tailor-made products and personalised service seals the deal. “For us, what has worked is customised service. For example, for some of the Malayalis we prepare certain label products in a specific way. Our brand is synonymous with freshness, considering that we started with dairy products.”
“I think the idea of brands being wiped out just because Walmart is coming is a little misplaced. We have had the Birlas come in to the retail market, they are close to being a foreign-retailer, and nothing has happened. I think the Indian market presents a steep-learning curve; in fact, we ourselves are still learning. Why would anybody think Walmart is going to learn it in one day,” he says.
Mr. Krishnan believes that the Indian supply chain needs a drastic overhaul. “The number of middle-men in the farm-to-fork journey is unbelievable. Things we purchase from the farmer, for four rupees, is marked up and sold at forty. We can’t afford the investment into the back-end infrastructure. This is why FDI in retail is necessary.” He should know. Close to half of the farmers that Nilgiris sources its milk from have been with the company for the past 30-40 years.
“Some of the relationships we have forged with farmers and the SME sector are now in their third-generation. However, even if Walmart procures some of their goods internationally, they will still have to forge relationships with both the agriculture and SME sectors,” he says.


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Brandon, FL (PRWEB) January 11, 2013
January 9, 2013 — D.C. Fawcett announced that the Apple corporation need to move forward with their plans to manufacture a lower cost model of the iPhone.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the technology giant has been considering a lower end model of the touchscreen smartphone since 2009.
“As lower cost models spring up from rivals in the android market, Apple is going to find it tougher and tougher to stay competitive with their high end iPhones.” says DC Fawcett.
According to the WSJ article, Apple corporation held only 14.6% of worldwide shipments in the 2012 third quarter, down from a peak of 23% in the first quarter of 2012.
“As an Internet publisher, one of the very first things I do when reviewing a client’s marketing is to see where their products are priced with relation the rest of the marketplace for their niche.” said DC Fawcett.
DC Fawcett continued, “If they don’t have different pricing structures for different segments of the market, they need to create one immediately. While the iPhone pretty much owned the market when it came out in 2007, their market share has dwindled into the hands of competitors since the Apple corporation never addressed the lower end market. Most people cant afford $500 phones.”
Meanwhile, the same article points out that the Korean electronics maker Samsung Electronics Corporation, has nearly a 23% increase in share from 8.8% in third quarter 2010 to 31.3% share in third quarter 2012.
The iPhone is the flagship product that drove 48% of revenue for the Apple corporation ending in September.
DC Fawcett says that “...until the iPhone is competitively priced with it’s biggest competitors in the android market, it will continue to lose market share.”
DC Fawcett teaches basic business marketing principles and Internet marketing strategies to business owners and individuals alike. For more information visit http://www.internetmarketingbasicsblog.com/its-about-time-apple
DC Fawcett Corporation
622 E Lumsden Rd, Brandon, FL 33511-6524


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US Postal Service to Release Vintage Soda Fountain Stamps in 2016
Later this year, the U.S. Postal Service will introduce “Soda Fountain Favorites” stamps as part of their Forever collection, featuring illustrations by New York City artist Nancy Stahl. Each stamp features one of five illustrations: a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg cream, a banana split, a root beer float, and a hot fudge sundae.
The stamps will pay homage to the soda fountain’s long and patriotic history as an American classic, beginning when a Yale professor, Benjamin Silliman, created carbonated water in 1806. Silliman later opened an apothecary and two soda fountains where he could sell his invention — though competitors quickly opened their own shops. By the turn of the twentieth century, ice cream sodas had become a standard part of the soda fountain menu, and by the time Prohibition hit, the popularity of soda fountains had soared.
Thankfully, “the rise of refrigeration helped establishments produce, serve, and store frozen confections, whose popularity surged,” according to a press release from the Postal Service. “After all, it was difficult to resist thick milkshakes, malteds, and sundaes topped with syrups, sauces, whipped cream, and cherries.”
During World War II, soda fountains even showed up at military bases in the U.S. and abroad so that American soldiers could be reminded of home. Though soda fountains are a much rarer sight today, the nostalgic Forever stamps are meant to serve as a reminder that “the joy of sharing a soda or a sundae is an indelible American tradition.”


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Government seeks Rs 3.47 bn for vehicles – Judges, senior ministers among beneficiaries
The Government yesterday submitted a supplementary estimate of Rs. 347,500,000 to purchase 52 vehicles for several ministries and statutory boards.
The supplementary estimate was presented by Chief Government Whip, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
In addition to the purchase of vehicles, the supplementary estimate seeks the approval of the House to obtain Rs 2,521,525,000 to meet the shortfall of provisions on the capitalisation of SriLankan airlines and restructuring Mihin Lanka Airline Ltd.
The supplementary estimate also seeks Rs. 200 million for purchasing cars for the Supreme Court and Appeal Court Judges and another Rs. 180 million to purchase vehicles for the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in New York, the Netherlands and Singapore.
Other allocations are as follows:
Rs. 8 mn for a vehicle for Parliament, Rs. 6.4 mn for the Private Passenger Service Ministry, Rs. 08 million for the
Ports and Highways Ministry, Rs. 16.5 mn. for two vehicles for the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs, Rs. 08 million for the Ministry of Environment, Rs. 03 mn for a car and two other vehicles for the Ministry of Cooperative and Internal Trade, Rs. 11 mn for five cabs for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Rs 2.3 million to purchase a vehicle for the Ministry of National Heritage, Rs. 23 million for vehicles for the senior ministers, Rs. 5.2 million for the Water Supply and Drainage Ministry, Rs. 9.6 million for a vehicle for the Ministry of Traditional and Rural Industries, Rs. 5.7 mn for a vehicle for the Office of Chief Government Whip, Rs. 03 mn for a vehicle for the Ministry of Petroleum Industries and Rs. 07 mn for a vehicle for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
No comment yet.


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Verizon Wireless had a major press event at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, re-affirming its commitment to a strong, rapidly deploying LTE network with downlink speeds of 5-12 Mbps (actual speeds for me ranged between 12-16 Mbps) and uplink speeds of 2-5 Mbps. The carrier had also announced 10 new devices with 4G LTE support: 4 smartphones, 2 tablets, 2 notebooks/netbooks, and 2 mobile hotspot routers. While Verizon Wireless was eager to announce supports from its partners, ranging from Skype to EA for delivering multi-player online games and video chat capabilities, to OEMs and smartphone makers on stage, one major partner–Motorola–was noticeably missing, and we can probably imagine why.
With the Wall Street Journal’s All Things Digital reporting that an iPhone announcement by Verizon Wireless scheduled for Tuesday, January 11th, the Tuesday after CES ends, Motorola’s absence at Verizon’s press event signifies that perhaps, with the introduction of iOS onto the network, Motorola and its Droid/Android status may not enjoy flagship status on the nation’s largest carrier.
Granted that Motorola did announce the Xoom tablet and the Droid Bionic Android smartphone just a day before, the carrier is still in Las Vegas the day of Verizon’s announcement and could have made an appearance. After all, despite having an announcement that afternoon for its AT&T Android products, Motorola did make the effort to show up a few hours earlier to AT&T’s Developers Summit at CES to support the carrier’s Android development. The same courtesy and goodwill could have been afforded ton Verizon, and the only reason we can think of why that didn’t happen is that there may be some conflicts of interest as the carrier will be bringing the rival iOS platform.
As a previous major partner of Verizon, Motorola has been the favorite child of the carrier; the phone-maker has enjoyed a close relationship with Google as well having launched Android 2.0 on the Droid.
With prior priority status, it was a bit dubious when after the three smartphones from HTC, LG, and Samsung were announced, Motorola’s high-end tablet and Droid Bionic Android smartphone were lumped together with a notebook, netbook, and some MiFi units as you can see in the video below:
However, you don’t have to take our word for it. We’ve pieced together some video clips that highlight the Verizon Wireless press event so you can enjoy the event as we saw it.
Video: Verizon’s 4G devices introduction
Video: Verizon announces LG Revolution
Video: Skype joins Verizon on stage to announce video calling
Video: HTC’s CEO lauds 4G LTE for blazing fast browsing speeds with HTC Thunderbolt
Video: EA applauds Verizon’s network for enabling multi-player mobile game play
Video: Samsung’s CEO comes on stage to deliver its own 4G LTE smartphone
So, the missing party, whose Droid Bionic smartphone was demoed by Verizon’s PR reps after the press event alongside those from HTC, LG, and Samsung, was Motorola.
Below are video recaps of the Droid Bionic demo and the Motorola Xoom Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet:
Video: Droid Bionic
Video: Xoom tablet
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