Top Headlines - part 71
Start-Up Lytro to Shift Instant Camera Focus
BUSINESS June 15, 2011 | 2:05 PM
- Lytro to release new point-and-shoot camera that will refocus images after capture
- Light field camera captures more light and image detail
- Analysts say overabundance of players in the digital camera market could be a challenge
Start-up technology company Lytro is promising to revolutionize instant photography with a new camera that lets people refocus images after capturing the moment.
The Silicon Valley based group has made major advances in light field camera technology, which opens the door to various new possibilities. A new range of lenses and sensors based on this technology make the new camera unique in the world of digital photography.
Read more »Citigroup Added to the List of Latest Cyber Attack Victims
WORLD June 15, 2011 | 12:03 PM
- Hackers accessed account information for 200,000 Citigroup customers in North America
- Attack on Sony PlayStation exposed over 100 million user accounts
- Sony Pictures security breach touched more than 1 million user accounts
- Classified data from the Canadian government was stolen at the start of the year
The account details for nearly 200,000 Citigroup customers – or close to 1% of the bank’s total client base – in North America were exposed in the latest cyber attack.
During a routine check, Citigroup realized that hackers were able to access the bank’s online account services and view customer account numbers, names and contact details (email, etc). While hackers were able to see pertinent information, they were unable to access birth dates, social security numbers, card security codes or card expiry dates.
Read more »US May Reduce Security Checks For Low-Risk Passengers
WORLD June 15, 2011 | 9:06 AM
- Reduced security checks may be available for low-risk passengers; High-risk passengers would have to undergo extensive screening
- Strict security discouraging to travelers; $85 billion loss from fewer trips
- No date is set for the launch of the new speedier airport screening measures
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that travelers who are a low security risk may be able to get through airport security faster.
The new measures proposed include a line set aside for travelers who are low risk and a special program that allows passengers to be screened faster. However, these changes would require authorities to identify passengers who they feel pose a greater risk, which would mean more extensive screening for those selected.
Read more »Hipra To Build Animal Pharmaceutical Headquarters in Iowa
BUSINESS June 13, 2011 | 6:22 PM
- Funds approved to build $90 billion manufacturing plant in Ames, Iowa
- Research and development unit to be added for vaccines
- Iowa location chosen for existing focus on and infrastructure for animal healthcare
Laboratorios Hipra, a Spanish veterinary pharmaceutical company, is planning to build a $90 million manufacturing plant as its US headquarters in Ames, Iowa, starting the fall of 2011. A research and development unit is also included in the plan, and production in the plant should start by 2014.
Government incentives recently approved funds for the construction, sweetening the deal for the plant that was proposed for the Iowa State University Park. The incentives consist of almost $149,000 of forgivable loans, and a $475,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Board, according to the Des Moines Register.
Read more »OECD Survey: Canadians Pay Highest Roaming Rates Worldwide
WORLD June 13, 2011 | 5:52 PM
- Canada has the highest international roaming rates out of 34 OECD countries, with prices at $24 for one megabyte of data
- US ($21) ranks 2nd, with Mexico ($20) in 3rd place
- Lack of competition has driven prices up; leaders need to adjust offers and find new solutions
Based on a recent survey of 34 countries, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that Canadians pay the highest fees for international data roaming in the world.
Examining average data roaming prices from two major wireless operators in each of the countries polled, the report found that Canadians traveling outside of North America paid over CDN$24 to use one megabyte of data – or almost three times the OECD average of $9.27.
Read more »Sector Snapshot: Retail in the United States
BUSINESS June 13, 2011 | 4:22 PM
- US retailer Walmart one of the largest companies in the world
- Internet shopping, mobile phone shopping predicted to be biggest retail trends in 2011
- US retail industry supplies jobs for nearly 14 million people
The United States leads the retail industry based on revenue numbers, with Walmart contributing front and center as both one of the largest companies in the world and the largest global retail chain.
Fortune Magazine's 2010 Global 2000 reports that out of the 10 largest retail stores in the world, half of the companies are based in the United States, with the other half in Europe.
Read more »Sprint Goes Green
BUSINESS June 13, 2011 | 4:05 PM
- Sprint plans Electronics Stewardship Policy, aims to have over 70% of its products meet environmentally-friendly design criteria
- Green ID full of environmental apps added for Sprint phones
- Samsung Replenish released with solar-powered battery charger
Sprint is one of the most environmentally responsible companies out there, and has recently announced it will begin a Electronics Stewardship Policy, dictating green design, components and disposal programs.
The goal is to have over 70% of its products within the criteria for environmentally-friendly design, namely to make products that are easy to upgrade, take apart, to reuse and to recycle. Sprint is even looking to extend the life of their devices, a move that will save money for both the company and consumers.
Read more »Germany Searches for Origin of Deadly E. Coli Outbreak
WORLD June 13, 2011 | 2:28 PM
- German authorities step up efforts to find source of deadly E. coli strain in Europe
- European trade ties under pressure following Germany’s premature accusations of contaminated Spanish cucumbers and Russia’s ban on import of EU fresh produce
- Spanish President expected to seek compensation for farmers
German health officials have set up a taskforce in an attempt to determine the origins of an unusually toxic strain of E. coli that has killed 19 people and infected over 1,700 in Europe.
Authorities are still unclear as to the source of the outbreak that has dented Spain’s agriculture industry and heightened health concerns in Europe with people unsure as to the safety of eating raw vegetables.
Read more »Cargill Opens Technology Center To Improve Food Experience
BUSINESS June 10, 2011 | 6:07 PM
- Cargill invests $12.6 million in 20,000-square meter technology center in Brazil dedicated to food experience
- Center created with sustainability in mind to preserve vegetation and topsoil in area
- Cargill launched program to help Brazilian farmers increase cocoa crop yields
Worth an investment of nearly $12.6 million, international food production leader Cargill has opened a new technology center in Campinas, Brazil, to house laboratories that will conduct research to improve customer experience in the fields of food, beverages, sweets and snacks.
Totaling 20,000 square meters, the new laboratories will develop improved aromas for foods as well as innovation to enhance food taste, with the end goal of bettering the way people experience the texture of foods.
Read more »Hartville Group and ASPCA Renew Agreement
BUSINESS June 10, 2011 | 5:13 PM
- Hartville Group and ASPCA renew partnership to provide low-cost pet insurance plans
- In exchange for using ASPCA name, Hartville Group to pay royalties
- Vet care spending is predicted to reach $14 billion in 2011
Hartville Group and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have renewed a partnership to continue to offer affordable pet insurance plans in the US. Hartville and ASPCA first partnered in 2006 for the creation of their Pet Health Insurance.
As part of the agreement, the Hartville Group can use the ASPCA trademark, paying a royalty fee of up to 10% of the purchase price; ASPCA will get at least $1.95 million over a minimum of three years, according to a media statement.
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