(Brands & Consumers)
As excitement builds for Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour, thousands of her UK fans have fallen victim to ticket scams, resulting in losses exceeding £1 million, a major British bank reports. Lloyds Bank revealed that more than 600 customers have reported being defrauded, with individual losses averaging £332 and some victims losing upwards of…
Starbucks has unveiled a sustainable makeover for its plastic cups, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the familiar experience for customers. The coffee chain announced on Thursday a redesigned plastic cup for all sizes of its cold beverages, featuring an innovative design that uses up to 20% less plastic compared to its predecessor. Developed…
Law enforcement agencies across 19 countries have collaborated to dismantle an online platform known as LabHost, which facilitated cybercriminals in launching phishing attacks worldwide. Led by the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom, the operation targeted a sophisticated phishing service that generated over £1 million ($1.17 million) in revenue by providing phishing kits to hackers….
Google has terminated the employment of more than two dozen employees who participated in protests against the company’s cloud computing contract with the Israeli government. The dismissals came after an internal investigation found that the protesters had disrupted operations at Google offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California. The demonstrators reportedly entered the office of…
In response to directives from China’s internet watchdog citing national security apprehensions, Apple has taken the decisive step of removing WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in the country, accentuating the ongoing regulatory scrutiny faced by foreign tech firms operating within China’s digital sphere. An Apple spokesperson underscored the company’s adherence to local regulations,…
Rumours surrounding the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro continue to swirl as leaks provide insight into Sony’s upcoming gaming console refresh. Leaks suggest that while the PlayStation 5 Pro will utilize the same CPU as its predecessor, it will boast significant upgrades in graphics performance and other key areas. Recent updates reveal that the PlayStation…
Apple has taken down iGBA, one of the first retro-gaming emulators, from the App Store, marking a significant setback for emulation enthusiasts. The move comes less than a week after iGBA was approved for download and amidst Apple’s recent decision to allow emulators on its platform. The iGBA app, which allowed users to play Game…
Zoom, the popular video conferencing platform, has launched its latest version, Zoom Workplace app, featuring a major overhaul of its user interface (UI) and introducing new AI companion capabilities. The update, labelled Version 6.0, brings significant changes to the Zoom experience, catering to the evolving needs of users in the digital collaboration landscape. Notable among…
In a significant shift in the global smartphone market, Samsung has dethroned Apple to emerge as the largest smartphone vendor, according to recent data from IDC. The change comes as Apple experienced a notable decline in iPhone shipments, dropping by nearly 10% in the first quarter of 2024. During this period, Apple shipped 50.1 million…
Mike Ybarra, former president of Blizzard, has stirred a debate by suggesting that gamers should have the option to leave tips for developers after completing a game, in addition to the standard purchase price. Ybarra took to social media to share his idea, expressing admiration for certain single-player games that left him awestruck and wishing…
Ubisoft has stirred controversy among gamers after discontinuing access to its online-only racing game, The Crew, reigniting debates over digital ownership rights. As of April 1, players found themselves unable to play the game, with Ubisoft Connect displaying a message stating, “You no longer have access to this game.” The move by Ubisoft has left…
This April marks the continuation of the dynamic partnership between adidas Originals and BAPE® as they introduce the adidas N x BAPE® sneaker, a testament to urban style and 2000s inspiration. The collaborative silhouette features a sleek suede upper, complemented by a rubber outsole and contrast stitched Three Stripes, embodying a fusion of classic and…
Apple faces a significant setback in its smartphone sales, experiencing a staggering 10% decline in the last quarter, as reported by market research firm IDC. The primary factor behind this downturn is a sharp drop in iPhone sales within the Chinese market. In China, Apple has encountered challenges due to a combination of factors, including…
Renowned model Miranda Kerr has come full circle by accepting the prestigious role of the first global brand ambassador for the esteemed jewellery brand Michael Hill. The 40-year-old beauty, known for her successful career and family life with her husband Evan Spiegel and her son Flynn, has expressed her excitement about this significant collaboration. Kerr…
FC Barcelona finds itself at the negotiation table with sportswear giant Nike, as reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest an enticing offer that could alleviate the club’s financial woes. According to anonymous sources cited by Mundo Deportivo, Nike representatives convened with FC Barcelona on Monday to present an enhanced 10-year contract proposal. This offer includes a…
In a significant move aimed at fortifying the U.S. semiconductor industry, the Biden administration announced plans to allocate up to $6.4 billion in grants to South Korea’s Samsung Electronics. The funds, part of the 2022 Chips and Science Act, will support the expansion of chip production facilities in central Texas, as unveiled by the Department…
Tesla, the trailblazer in electric vehicles, is poised to trim over 10% of its expansive global workforce of 140,000 employees, marking a significant restructuring move in response to market dynamics. This decision, outlined in an email reportedly sent by CEO Elon Musk over the weekend, underscores the company’s drive for “cost reductions and increasing productivity”…
HP finds itself embroiled in yet another legal battle as a class-action lawsuit accuses the tech giant of monopolizing the aftermarket ink cartridge industry, raising concerns over consumer choice and fair competition. The lawsuit, filed in January and representing disgruntled consumers, challenges HP’s practices regarding printer ink cartridges. At the centre of the dispute is…
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly vital, Google announces a monumental $1 billion investment aimed at bolstering undersea infrastructure in the Pacific. Termed Pacific Connect, this initiative underscores Google’s commitment to fortifying global digital networks. The endeavour involves the construction of two new undersea cables in partnership with various collaborators. The first cable, Proa, named after…
As anticipation builds for the launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 series later this year, attention is already shifting to the potential features of the iPhone 17 lineup slated for 2025. Recent leaks and reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could set a new standard in smartphone technology by being…
Adobe, the software giant, is venturing into artificial intelligence with a text-to-video generator akin to OpenAI’s recent innovation. Documents obtained by Bloomberg reveal Adobe’s initiative to compensate artists and photographers for capturing footage of individuals performing everyday tasks and displaying basic emotions, such as happiness or anger. The company seeks videos depicting interactions with common…
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is stepping into the classroom with its virtual reality (VR) technology, aiming to revolutionize education through immersive experiences. This initiative, spearheaded by Meta’s President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg, promises to reshape traditional learning methods and bring students into digital worlds previously unimaginable. The company’s upcoming software for educators, designed…
Google has initiated the removal of links to California news websites in response to proposed state legislation that seeks payment for news content usage by tech companies like Google and Meta. This decision, announced by Google on Friday, is being framed as a “test” to assess the impact of the legislation on its product experience….
In the aftermath of Iran’s recent airstrikes on Israel, airline passengers are grappling with cancellations and disruptions to flights bound for Israel and neighbouring regions. The attacks, which marked Iran’s first-ever direct assault on Israel, have triggered a wave of precautionary measures within the aviation industry. Among the affected airlines, EasyJet has taken the proactive…
Senator Sherrod Brown, chair of the Senate Banking Committee and representing the car-producing state of Ohio, has issued a fervent call to President Joe Biden, urging the administration to implement a comprehensive ban on the importation of electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China. This move comes in response to mounting apprehensions regarding the potential threat…
Following inspections by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA), a Pepsi bottling facility in Indianapolis has been fined $15,600 for seven serious workplace safety violations. The violations, cited at the Pepsi Beverage Company Bottling Group LLC facility located at 5411 W. 78 Street in Indianapolis, were identified during inspections conducted on December 21,…
In a bid to broaden its host base, Airbnb is advocating for more renters to have the opportunity to share their space on its platform, not just homeowners. The initiative, announced by the company on Friday, underscores Airbnb’s commitment to working with state and local governments to advocate for short-term rental regulations that enable renters…
Roku, the popular streaming service has revealed that approximately 576,000 user accounts were compromised in a cyberattack, marking the second security breach for the platform this year. According to a blog post by Roku, hackers gained unauthorized access to these accounts using stolen login credentials. The breach was detected during routine account monitoring following a…
Google, the ubiquitous search engine utilized by over a billion individuals globally, is reportedly contemplating a shift towards monetizing premium content generated through artificial intelligence (AI). The tech giant, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is purportedly reassessing its business strategy and exploring the possibility of placing select AI-driven features behind a paywall. If implemented, this…
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has adjusted the minimum age requirement for the messaging app in Europe, reducing it from 16 to 13 years old. This alteration, implemented across the European Union on Thursday, aligns with a similar change announced for users in the United Kingdom earlier in February. The decision has raised concerns…
Boeing, amid ongoing scrutiny and leadership changes, revealed an additional $546,000 expenditure on personal air travel for four top executives, bringing the total cost to $1.9 million since 2021. CEO Dave Calhoun, along with CFO Brian West, Stan Deal, former CEO of the commercial airplane unit, and Theodore Colbert, CEO of the defence, space, and…
Taylor Swift’s music has made a comeback on TikTok, signalling a resolution to her ongoing dispute with music distributor Universal Music Group over royalty issues. The reintegration of Swift’s songs into the popular social platform coincides with the imminent release of her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” scheduled for next week. CNN confirmed on…
Toyota Motor Corporation is injecting $300 million into its venture capital arm to support early-stage startups dedicated to climate and frontier technologies such as carbon capture, artificial intelligence (AI), and space commercialization. This significant investment raises the total assets under management for Toyota Ventures to over $800 million, a development slated for announcement on Wednesday,…
In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts in China, Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase have announced the resolution of their dispute, paving the way for the return of iconic titles such as “World of Warcraft” to the country. The California-based Blizzard and the Hangzhou-based NetEase had severed their longstanding partnership in 2023 amid disagreements, leaving millions…
Boeing, the aerospace giant, experienced a resurgence in commercial jet orders in March, driven primarily by a substantial order from American Airlines for a model awaiting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to commence passenger flights. American Airlines finalized orders for 85 units of Boeing’s 737 Max 10, the largest variant of the aircraft, alongside converting…
After almost 15 years without major updates, the iconic Toyota 4Runner SUV is stepping into the future with the unveiling of its latest version, set to include a hybrid option. Known for its rugged off-road capabilities and long-standing popularity among enthusiasts, the 4Runner is undergoing significant changes in its 2025 model, including the addition of…
Actress Jessica Alba has announced her resignation from her role as chief creative officer at The Honest Company, the renowned baby products and personal care business she co-founded in 2012. In a statement released on Tuesday, The Honest Company stated that Alba’s decision to step down from her position would enable her to channel her…
The alliance between Jay-Z and PUMA has long been a staple in the world of fashion and footwear. From collaborative projects to Jay-Z’s consistent sporting of PUMA sneakers, the partnership has left an indelible mark. Yet, recent sightings of Jay-Z donning sneakers from other brands have raised questions about the current status of their relationship….
In response to mounting antitrust pressure from regulators in both the US and the European Union, tech giant Apple has announced a significant reversal of its App Store policies. Among the changes, Apple will now permit retro game emulators to be listed on the platform, marking a notable shift in its previous stance. The decision,…
During the opening night of WWE WrestleMania 40, fans were quick to spot Roman Reigns donning new Nike attire as he clinched victory alongside his cousin Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, took to Instagram to reveal a fresh partnership with the renowned sportswear brand, showcasing exclusive Bloodline-themed Air Jordan products…
Following the release of Beyoncé’s collaboration with Post Malone on a country song titled “Levi’s Jeans,” Levi Strauss & Co. experienced a significant surge in its stock price, climbing by 20% on Thursday (April 4). The song, featured on Beyoncé’s recent album “Cowboy Carter,” led to an immediate impact on Levi’s brand recognition, prompting the…
Elon Musk, renowned for his visionary pursuits, has declared Tesla’s long-awaited robotaxi unveiling scheduled for August 8, igniting anticipation among enthusiasts and sceptics alike. In a characteristic move, Musk’s announcement arrived via a succinct post on X, devoid of detailed insights but brimming with implications. “Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8,” declared the Tesla CEO, signalling…
Despite Boeing’s ongoing challenges, CEO Dave Calhoun received a significant boost in compensation in 2023, totalling $32.8 million, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. This hefty sum includes a substantial stock bonus, underscoring the disparities between executive pay and company performance. Calhoun’s decision to decline an annual incentive bonus of $2.8 million, following…
A recent global survey conducted by Swiss staffing firm Adecco Group, in collaboration with research firm Oxford Economics, highlights executives’ expectations regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment over the next five years. The survey of 2,000 C-suite executives from 18 industries across nine countries revealed that 41% anticipate a reduction in their…
Walmart customers across the United States and Puerto Rico may find themselves eligible to claim compensation of up to $500 as part of a recently settled class-action lawsuit against the retail giant. The lawsuit, which was initially filed in late 2022 and subsequently amended in 2023, alleges that Walmart engaged in deceptive pricing practices, particularly…
In a significant reversal, Elon Musk, the CEO of X, has abandoned his contentious blue checkmark subscription model, reinstating the coveted verification badges for prominent users on the platform. The move marks a shift in strategy for Musk, who previously insisted on charging $8 per month for the blue checkmark, aiming to monetize the feature…
When Lagos state authorities notified Nigerian business mogul Paul Onwuanibe in late March that he had seven days to leave his multimillion-dollar beach resort so it could be torn down, he thought it was an April Fools’ Day hoax come early. Onwuanibe, 58, was told in a government letter that his Landmark Beach resort –…
Aspiring musicians dream of making it big in the US, but for many, the escalating costs of obtaining a visa are turning that dream into a financial nightmare. Overseas performers and their supporting crew are grappling with exorbitant fees for visas required for professional artists and entertainers, with costs surging to over $1,000 (£800) per…
In a monumental deal, the iconic hard rock band Kiss has sold its extensive catalogue of songs, alongside its brand, likeness, and intellectual property, to Swedish music investor Pophouse Entertainment for a staggering sum believed to exceed $300 million (£237 million). The transaction signifies the band’s retirement from live performances, as they conclude their End…
Renowned British billionaire Joe Lewis, whose family trust holds ownership of Tottenham Hotspur football club, has been fined $5 million (£4 million) after pleading guilty to insider trading. This marks a significant development in a case that unfolded following a mid-air incident involving the illegal passing of confidential stock information. The intricate scheme, which saw…
