Retail News CRM

Tag: asia

  • Unilever New Zealand appoints new executives

    Unilever New Zealand appoints new executives

    Unilever New Zealand has promoted Nigel Melhuish, Keely Pipkin, and Sailen Mudaly to senior executive positions.

    Nigel Melhuish, who will serve as head of country New Zealand in addition to his role as supply chain manager, has been with the company for eight years and has 20 years of expertise in FMCG.

    He previously worked at Henkel for 12 years in several roles, including head of process and systems Apac and ANZ supply chain director.

    Meanwhile, Keely Pipkin will join the company as head of sales in New Zealand on March 17. Pipkin joins Unilever from Nestle Purina, where she was head of sales.

    For the ice cream business in New Zealand, Unilever has named Sailen Mudaly the head of country and sales. Mudaly was most recently the GM of sales at Essano, where he was responsible for driving development across numerous channels and major retail banners in Australia and New Zealand.

    “The next year will be about re-founding Ice Cream to create a world-leading, stand-alone business with greater flexibility and autonomy,” said Mudaly.

    “This will enable us to focus, move with pace, and foster closer collaborations with our customers to deliver market-leading availability, category growth, and perfect execution. I’m really looking forward to leading the New Zealand business through this exciting new chapter.”

    Unilever’s split of Ice Cream is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Ice Cream will be separated through demerger, with the business listed in Amsterdam, London, and New York.

    Lees ook:

  • Popular US chain Blue Bottle Coffee to open first Singapore café

    Popular US chain Blue Bottle Coffee to open first Singapore café

    Renowned US specialty coffee brand Blue Bottle Coffee is set to open its first café in Singapore at Japanese retailer LUMINE’s flagship store in Raffles City Shopping Center.

    “We will share the opening date and hours soon, so please stay tuned for further updates,” the firm said in an announcement on Wednesday.

    This would mark the brand’s first café in Southeast Asia, it added.

    The new café will replace Blue Bottle Coffee’s temporary gift shop, which opened last August as the brand’s entry point into the city-state, .

    Founded in 2002 as a small coffee cart in California, Blue Bottle Coffee has since expanded across the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and China.

    Its Singapore debut comes through a partnership with LUMINE. Several of the chain’s cafés in Japan are also located within shopping centers operated by the retailer.

    The brand, which calls itself a “destination for coffee lovers,” is expected to feature a seasonally curated espresso menu at its upcoming shop, according to AsiaOne.

    It might also serve snacks like lemon poppy seed pound cake and candied orange scones.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Grab acquires Malaysian supermarket chain Everrise

    Grab acquires Malaysian supermarket chain Everrise

    Ride-hailing Grab is acquiring Malaysian supermarket chain Everrise as part of its ongoing efforts to grow its grocery business in a vital market.

    The company is purchasing the supermarkets from Navis Capital Partners but has not revealed the deal’s value, it said in an announcement Monday as reported by Bloomberg.

    Everrise operates 19 high-end grocery in East Malaysia.

    Grab intends to modernize Everrise’s operations with digital tools and introduce on-demand grocery delivery for its customers.

    The move came three years after Grab’s acquisition of Jaya Grocer, a larger Malaysian chain primarily based in the Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur.

    As Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing and food delivery company, Grab is venturing into new sectors like online banking and groceries to stay competitive with rivals such as Indonesia’s GoTo Group.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Chubb acquires Liberty Mutual’s insurance businesses in Vietnam, Thailand

    Chubb acquires Liberty Mutual’s insurance businesses in Vietnam, Thailand

    Chubb Limited has announced agreements to acquire the insurance businesses of Liberty Mutual in Thailand and Vietnam without disclosing the terms.

    The two companies — LMG Insurance in Thailand and Liberty Insurance in Vietnam —offer a range of consumer and commercial property and casualty (P&C) products, including automotive, acccident & health and non-motor insurance such as fire/property and industrial all-risk.

    This portfolio is coupled with complementary distribution through 56 branches, 2,600 brokers and agents, and 26 finance partners. The combined operations produced approximately US$$275 million in net premiums written in 2024.

    The transactions are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025 (Thailand) and late 2025 / early 2026 (Vietnam) and are subject to required regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

    With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.

    The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally.

    Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide.

    Lees ook:

  • Conversational “LLM Siri” might not arrive until iOS 20

    Conversational “LLM Siri” might not arrive until iOS 20

    Many iPhone users, including myself, have eagerly waited for the new “personal Siri” that can go through emails, texts, and other apps to find the answers to personal questions you might ask Siri to respond to. For example, you might ask Siri to tell you the date and time when your mother’s plane will arrive at the airport so you can pick her up. The new “personal Siri” will look through apps for correspondence containing the answer and pass it along to you.

    In his weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said that this feature will be released in May, 11 months after Apple previewed it during last year’s WWDC Developers Conference. Gurman says that the current version of Siri has two brains. One deals with legacy requests like making calls, and setting alarms and timers. The other brain handles advanced questions and tasks and is the one that will go through user data to respond with personal information.

    Gurman says that in order to rush Apple Intelligence out in time to be included in iOS 18, Apple did not put the two “brains” together which he blames for the feature not working as smoothly as it should. The Bloomberg scribe says that a new “Siri architecture” will be displayed at this year’s WWDC convention in June before getting rolled out in June 2026 as part of iOS 19.4. At that time, both of Siri’s brains should be merged into one bigger brain and this will result in a smoother-running Siri.

    But one new Siri capability, Large Language Model Siri (known around Cupertino as “LLM Siri” for short) will not be available until iOS 20 in 2027! This is the version of Siri that is more conversational and gives Siri many of the features that we like to see in AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini to name a couple. And this leaves Apple way behind in AI. Even Amazon, with the unveiling of its Alexa+ last week, has moved far ahead of Apple in this field.

    Remember the awe you felt when Apple introduced Siri with the iPhone 4s in 2011? Remember how cool you thought this technology was when you saw Siri in use for the first time? Apple clearly had an opportunity that it let slip away.

    Part of the problem is that Apple has had some key employees poached and some supplies, like AI accelerators made by Nvidia, are getting hard to find. Heck, even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the other day that his company had run out of GPUs. Gurman says that Apple’s more than capable chip team is working on “solutions” which means that Apple is developing its own AI accelerator chip.

    For now, you can follow my game plan as long as you don’t mind installing beta versions of iOS. I plan to continue installing each new beta release hoping that some of them will include new Siri features. I do this so I can show you any new changes when they occur. You can do this to be first on your block and thus impress your friends and family by having “personal Siri” and eventually “LLM Siri” on your iPhone. One warning: you might have to deal with the unstable nature of beta releases until stable iOS 20 is released in September 2027 so back up your iPhone first.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Apple teases a new Air device

    Apple teases a new Air device

    Anticipation is reaching peak levels today as Apple has hinted at a new “Air” device launching this week, and while a MacBook Air refresh seems probable, many are hoping for an iPad or even an iPhone version. A brief social media post from Apple CEO Tim Cook, featuring a cryptic video and the phrase “There’s something in the air,” has fueled this anticipation.

    Though analysts like Mark Gurman from Bloomberg suggest updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, powered by the M4 chip, are the most likely candidates, the desire for a new iPad or iPhone Air persists. This is especially true given recent reports of Apple clearing out existing iPad Air inventory, a common precursor to a new product launch. The timing aligns with past releases, as Apple introduced the M3 MacBook Air around this time last year.

    The possibility of a new iPad Air would enhance features and design improvements in Apple’s tablet line. Given how much many users enjoy the iPad, this would be a welcome change.

    The more distant, but still tantalizing, possibility is a new iPhone “Air” model. Although it is generally believed that this is too soon, the thought of a new iPhone model is still exciting. This iPhone rumor, while less likely, adds an element of surprise to the unfolding narrative.

    The focus on the M4 chip, if it does pertain to a MacBook, indicates Apple’s continued push for performance and efficiency in its laptop series. However, the prospect of a refreshed iPad or even a new iPhone “Air” model offers a different kind of excitement, especially with the focus on thin devices that smartphone OEMs seem to be heavily focused on lately. The clearing of iPad inventories adds some weight to this hope, even if the MacBook refresh is the most likely outcome.

    Personally, I’m hoping for the iPad Air. While the MacBook is always welcome, a new iPad Air would be a nice change for those who like tablets. A new iPhone would be even better, but that seems like a long shot.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • ZTE to Highlight “Catalyzing Intelligent Innovation” at MWC Barcelona 2025

    ZTE to Highlight “Catalyzing Intelligent Innovation” at MWC Barcelona 2025

    In collaboration with industry partners, ZTE will promote the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and connectivity, accelerating intelligent innovation and jointly shaping a future that is highly efficient, intelligent, and green.

    ZTE’s booth, located at 3F30, hall 3, Fira Gran Via, will be the venue where the company showcases its innovative solutions, integrating connectivity and AI across six key thematic areas: Ultra-Efficient Mobile Network, All-Optical World, AI-Inspired Value, Engines of Intelligence, Infinite Future, and Smart Life.

    Addressing the fundamental network needs of operators, ZTE will demonstrate how to leverage next-generation, ultra-efficient mobile networks and all-optical networks to build a modern, future-proof foundational network with efficiency and low carbon emissions.

    In the field of mobile networks, ZTE continues to lead UBR innovation, launching the industry’s first TDD+FDD dual-mode Massive MIMO AAU and 400M OBW ultra-wideband AAU, creating ultra-simplified, highly efficient, and green sites. Targeting indoor and agricultural network scenarios, ZTE unveiled several new solutions to enable comprehensive traffic coverage. Focused on pioneering new momentum in 5G-A development, ZTE is driving innovation in air to ground (ATG) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite communication, to build the Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN) to achieve ubiquitous connectivity.

    By integrating sensing and communication, ZTE empowers the low-altitude economy and water management. Additionally, with the introduction of the 5G-A new media solution, ZTE enhances brand-new augmented reality (AR) live broadcast experiences.

    In the field of all-optical networks, ZTE is committed to advancing the high-quality development of optical networks. For all-optical homes, ZTE is driving revenue growth through Wi-Fi 7, FTTR, and other solutions; reducing operational costs through digital tools; and enhancing scene development with AI-driven smart terminals. For all-optical cities, ZTE is expanding into office, hotel, and campus scenarios through all-optical ToB, boosting customer ARPU. For all-optical infrastructure, ZTE has launched intelligent ODN, Full-Band OTN, and AI-Enhanced IP solutions to build an ultra-simplified, ultra-fast, and highly efficient foundational network.

    Looking towards future evolution, ZTE is dedicated to the integrated development of 5G-A and 6G, creating a distributed intelligent network that combines connectivity, sensing, and intelligence to support the ubiquitous, AI-driven world of the Internet of Everything (IoE). Through key technological innovations and business ecosystem development, ZTE aims to collaboratively build a new high ground for value-driven services.

    ZTE positions intelligent computing as the company’s long-term core focus, actively promoting the integration of connectivity and AI innovation. It has launched an all-in-one, end-to-end AI solution to support customers in their digital transformation and seize future market opportunities.

    During MWC Barcelona 2025, ZTE will showcase its full-stack intelligent computing infrastructure, including liquid-cooled data centers, intelligent computing servers, general-purpose computing servers, storage, high-speed switches, and the AiCube integrated training and inference unit supporting DeepSeek full-version deployment. This solution is designed to flexibly meet the computing network needs of large data centers, edge data centers, and integrated enterprise deployments across various scenarios. Additionally, ZTE will unveil the industry’s first integrated energy storage solution, combining multi-scenario new energy integration with intelligent energy scheduling to enhance energy efficiency.

    In addition, ZTE leverages technologies such as heterogeneous convergence and computing-network integration to launch a series of solutions, including AIR RAN and AIR Core, to build end-to-end, AI-native networks that help operators reshape their business models.

    Focused on industry innovation, ZTE offers a full-stack, AI-integrated application solution, covering chips, hardware, software, and integration services. Focusing on achieving optimal application outcomes, ZTE integrates its own capabilities with industry-leading resources to help customers build the most cost-effective AI applications. The Digital Nebula 3.0, featuring the Nebula large model, integrates a complete suite of tools for model training, inference, and application development. This enables industry customers to leverage AI efficiently, quickly, and cost-effectively. At the Nanjing Binjiang Factory, the Nebula industrial large model has accelerated process document generation by 10 times and reduced quality inspection labor costs by 70%. Additionally, ZTE empowers external innovation applications in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and energy, driving the monetization of AI’s value.

    Adhering to its “AI for All” product strategy, ZTE continues to expand its complete portfolio of AI-powered devices in various forms. By positioning AI smartphones as the primary gateway, ZTE is building a new multi-modal interaction experience centered on AI voice.

    Within its AI OS framework, ZTE achieves system-level integration of top-tier global AI capabilities. Its multi-modal architecture seamlessly incorporates advanced LLMs such as Google Gemini, ByteDance Doubao, DeepSeek, China Mobile Jiutian, and China Telecom Xingchen. ZTE is not only pioneering the integration of the full-scale DeepSeek-R1(featuring 671B parameters) in the flagship smartphone, nubia Z70 Ultra, but will also progressively integrate DeepSeek-R1 and other top-tier LLMs across its entire product lineup, making the multiple values of AI accessible to a broader range of consumers.

    nubia will unveil the world’s first next-generation true full-screen flagship smartphone featuring industry-leading photography capabilities—the nubia Z70 Ultra—alongside the stylish, compact, foldable smartphone—the nubia Flip 2. Embracing the “Born to Win” concept, nubia continues to drive the development of its gaming smartphone for everyone through the nubia Neo 3 series. nubia will also introduce its first AI earphones—nubia LiveFlip—which interact seamlessly with nubia AI smartphones via its AI OS, further enhancing the AI-powered, full-scenario interaction experience.

    REDMAGIC, a globally recognized professional gear brand, will launch the world’s first 1.5K Wukong true full-screen gaming flagship as part of the REDMAGIC 10 Pro series. The company will debut its first 4K eyewear-free 3D gaming laptop and tablet, as well as a variety of esports accessories, further refining its esports ecosystem and offering comprehensively professional support for gamers.

    Moreover, ZTE will showcase the world’s first two-in-one 5G+AI Cloud Pad along with a range of multi-form AI devices tailored for home users at the event.

    Pioneering the Future of Digital Intelligence

    During MWC Barcelona 2025, ZTE will also host several key activities at its exhibition booth, including the “AI for All” ZTE Devices New Products Launch Event, the AIR DNA for Future Network Launch Event, and multiple joint customer release events, presenting a series of innovative products to the industry. Additionally, ZTE will participate in the major thematic forums organized by the GSMA, where it will share the latest insights and case studies on key topics such as the evolution of future networks, AI’s role in reshaping networks, and how private networks empower various industries. ZTE will collaborate with global operators, industry partners, and thought leaders to accelerate intelligent innovation across industries.

    The convergence of AI and ICT technologies is dissolving the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds, ushering in a new era driven by intelligent innovation and seamless connectivity. From March 3rd to 6th, join ZTE to witness the acceleration of progress and step into the new future of digital intelligence.

  • Thai Airways selects ECS Group’s Aero Cargo Belgium to enhance cargo connectivity

    Thai Airways selects ECS Group’s Aero Cargo Belgium to enhance cargo connectivity

    ECS Group announced a new strategic partnership between its subsidiary Aero Cargo Belgium and Thai Airways, set to redefine cargo connectivity on essential routes between Europe and Asia.

    The agreement, which took effect on February 1st, focuses on the Brussels (BRU) to Bangkok (BKK) route, offering seamless transit options to destinations including Australia, Korea, India, Japan, Manila, and Singapore.

    Thai Airways operates daily flights using Boeing 787-800 aircraft, each providing a payload capacity of 15 tons. The airline will not only benefit from ECS Group’s in-house technology but also from the full deployment of CargoTech suite of digital tools.  This collaboration caters to a diverse range of cargo, with a particular focus on pharmaceuticals, ensuring reliable and efficient transport solutions for time-sensitive and specialized shipments.

    Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, commented: “ECS Group is proud to support this collaboration with Thai Airways, which reflects our commitment to building long-term, value-driven relationships with airlines. By enabling them to achieve operational excellence and deliver tailored solutions for their unique needs, we are setting a new standard for global connectivity and efficiency in the cargo industry.”

    “This agreement is a significant milestone for Aero Cargo Belgium,” added Bert Moortgat, Managing Director of Aero Cargo Belgium. “With daily flights and access to a network of vital destinations in Asia-Pacific, we are able to offer our customers unparalleled opportunities to connect their goods to global markets efficiently and reliably, particularly for high-value and sensitive commodities such as pharmaceuticals.”

    This partnership between Thai Airways and Aero Cargo Belgium marks a significant milestone in connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific with efficient and reliable cargo solutions. By combining Thai Airways’ extensive network with Aero Cargo Belgium’s expertise, the collaboration promises exceptional service and the strengthening of global trade routes for key industries.

    Lees ook:

  • Thailand tightens disease control measures at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Thailand tightens disease control measures at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    The Department of Disease Control (DDC) under Thailand’s Ministry of Heath has tightened disease control measures at Suvarnabhumi International Airport regarding an outbreak of an unknown illness in Congo, its Director General Doctor Panumas Yanwetsakul has said.

    Currently, no suspected cases of this disease have been identified in Thailand. Nevertheless, the DDC has enhanced surveillance, prevention, and control measures, including stricter screening protocols at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

    Travelers arriving from Congo are required to undergo temperature checks and provide their addresses and contact numbers in Thailand, along with details of their departure from Congo.

    Additionally, those who have traveled from Congo within the last 21 days must complete a health reporting form and adhere to the guidelines on the Health Beware Card issued by health officials.

    People who have been in Congo within the past 21 days should monitor for initial symptoms such as fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, or exhaustion. If these symptoms worsen, they must seek medical attention immediately and inform doctors of their travel history for diagnosis and treatment to prevent disease transmission, Dr. Panumas advised.

    As of Feb. 19, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s data indicated that the outbreak in Boloko and Bomate villages in Equateur province of Congo had resulted in 955 cases and 60 fatalities, reflecting a 6.3% fatality rate.

    Laboratory tests confirmed that the illness was not caused by the Ebola or Marburg viruses.

    Lees ook:

  • Text bubbles fill out before your eyes on the latest version of Google Messages

    Text bubbles fill out before your eyes on the latest version of Google Messages

    Google constantly works on improving certain native Android apps. Google Maps is one of those, and so is Google Messages for Android. We’ve recently passed along some new updates coming to the Google Messages app, including a larger pill-shaped text field, and a revised user interface for the “view details” feature. Now, we’ve caught wind about another change that is supposed to improve the look of the Google Messages app for Android.
    First spotted in the January beta of the app in version 20250115_03_RC00, the new chat bubble animation lives in the stable version of the app, 20250212_01_RC00. With the new version installed on your Android phone, messages will no longer just slide up when sent or received. Instead, a new animation will show the message bubbles starting out small and then growing in size to fill out the space they are allotted. It is not a major change but it brings a cool new look to the Messages app and the good news is that the new animation works regardless if a message is being sent or received via RCS or SMS.
    To be clear, there is no way you can disable this feature once the update is installed on your phone. And its also possible that if you didn’t know that this change is coming, you might not notice a difference when it does finally arrive on your Android phone. The new-look message bubble should start appearing on Android phones sometime during the next few weeks.
    With the open nature of Android, there are so many messaging apps available in the Play Store that you might not be using Google Messages. If you want to make a change and install the app on your Android phone, you can always tap on the following link to download Google Messages from Google’s app storefront.
    If you want to know whether you have received the new look message bubbles, go to Settings > Apps > All Apps > Messages and scroll down to the very bottom of the page. That’s where you will find the version number of the Google Messages app that is on your Android phone. To reiterate, you’re going to want to see a stable version number of 20250212_01_RC00 or higher. For example, the version of Google Messages on my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 beta 2 is 20250225_00_RC00.
    If you do have the new expanding text bubble on the Google Messages app installed on your Android phone, let us know how you like it by writing your comments in the box below.
    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Fuel prices decline

    Fuel prices decline

    Gasoline and diesel prices fell Thursday afternoon after reaching a six-month high a week earlier.

    The popular gasoline RON95 dropped 1.03% to VND21,110 (US$0.83) per liter.

    Biofuel E5 RON92 went down 0.96% to VND20,650.

    Diesel fell 0.58% to VND18,950.

    Regulators said that in the last seven days fuel prices were affected by the U.S.’ push on hiking tariffs on goods from China and other trading partners.

    Other factors included increasing U.S. oil reserves and the potential of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

    Gasolines dropped 1.5% in the period while oils fell 0.01%-1.5%.

    RON95 is now at $86.1 per barrel and diesel at $90.2.

    Lees ook:

  • Maxis Partners with Nokia to Modernize Data Center Infrastructure

    Maxis Partners with Nokia to Modernize Data Center Infrastructure

    The deployment will support Maxis’s business growth by providing a scalable, secure, and efficient data center architecture.

    The modernization of Maxis’s data center connectivity technology will help the company simplify its network operations, solve issues faster, and automate workloads, all on a robust and secure infrastructure.

    Nokia will deploy its cutting-edge 7220 Interconnect Router (IXR) data center switches and EDA technology across Maxis’s multiple data centers. This upgrade will enable Maxis to provision infrastructure resources without delay, will reduce complexity, and will ensure that Maxis’s current applications running on the network can scale gracefully.

    “This expansion of our longstanding collaboration with Nokia will drive next-generation connectivity in anticipation of customers’ growing needs. It reflects Malaysia’s emergence as a hub for data centers and hyperscalers in line with greater adoption of AI-enabled cloud infrastructure. This initiative will enhance our network capabilities, ensuring we are able to continue providing best-in-class, connectivity-adjacent solutions powered by fast, secure, and reliable connectivity,” said Goh Seow Eng, Chief Executive Officer at Maxis.

    “Data center networks are critical infrastructure and need to be extremely reliable while also being simple to deploy and operate. We are pleased to work with Maxis to modernize their data center infrastructure with our advanced data center switches and EDA technology to provide Maxis with a future-proof architecture that is scalable, resilient, and easy to deploy. This collaboration is a testament to the strength of our technology and our commitment to supporting our customer’s growth in the booming data center market in Southeast Asia,” added Ming Kin Ngiam, Head of Southeast Asia South for Network Infrastructure at Nokia.

    Nokia is helping cloud builders worldwide to construct modern data center networks that are highly reliable, secure, and easy to operate, which is essential to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads globally. Nokia’s EDA ensures faster response times, reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, consumes less compute resources, and handles network-wide operations at-scale with consistent performance. By proactively resolving issues, it boosts reliability and reduces operational costs.

    The Nokia 7220 IXR, a key component of Nokia’s Data Center Fabric solution, provides fixed-configuration, high-capacity platforms that offers unmatched scale, flexibility, and operational simplicity within data center and cloud environments. These scalable, next-generation platforms are designed to meet the high connectivity and density demands of webscale companies, service providers, and enterprises.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Update to Google Messages app leaves it with a larger pill to swallow

    Update to Google Messages app leaves it with a larger pill to swallow

    It appears that after an update Google has seemingly increased the size of the text field in the Google Messages app. The text field, the pill-shaped area where new messages are typed into, has been the beneficiary of an increase in size that makes it thicker and longer (no wisecracks, please). It certainly is not an illusion and neither is the size increase of the Voice memo button which is outside of the text field on the right side and turns into the send button.
    All of the buttons remain in their same places with the plus button still found inside the text pill on the left side. That button opens up several features including:
    • Gallery
    • GIFs
    • Stickers
    • Files
    • Location
    • Contacts
    • Schedule Send
    • Selfie GiF
    Other shortcuts inside the text pill include the smiley face emoji which takes you to the emoji keyboard when tapped. Lastly, inside the pill there is the Gallery shortcut which shows the camera app on top with the photo gallery on the bottom. The wider text pill in the Messages app has appeared with beta version 20250224_01_RC00 of the app.
    While Google has yet to roll out this update widely, you can always look for it by opening the Play Store app and tapping the profile icon in the upper right corner. Tap on Manage apps & device, Updates available, and scroll down to Messages. If the app is listed there, it means that an update for the app is available. Tap on “Update” and let the process finish. The latest update to the app on my phone was version 20250225_01_RC00 which means that you should probably update the app right away if you want the larger text field right away.
    You can check to see which version of the Google Messages app is on your phone by going to Settings > Apps > See all XXX apps > Messages. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the version number of the app that is installed on your phone.
    If you aren’t using Google Messages on your Android phone (after all, there are many options to choose from), you can add it to your handset by tapping on this link which will take you to the Google Play Store from where you can download the Google Messages app.
    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • FedEx strengthens connectivity between Singapore and Johor amid JS-SEZ growth

    FedEx strengthens connectivity between Singapore and Johor amid JS-SEZ growth

    Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is strengthening trade connectivity between Singapore and Johor to better serve customers in the region. Inbound shipments from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. will be routed to the FedEx Gateway in Singapore before journeying to Johor, enabling importers and businesses to receive their packages two hours earlier.

    This enhancement is enabled by direct import clearance at Senai customs, bypassing the previous route through Kuala Lumpur that added a 300-kilometer detour before reaching the FedEx Senai Gateway for processing and delivery. This new approach not only enables businesses in Johor, particularly industries that rely heavily on timely imports, including manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce, to receive their shipments with greater convenience, it also offers Singapore exporters greater efficiency in delivering their packages to Southern Malaysia.

    “Optimising logistics is more than just speed — it’s about enabling businesses to grow and serve their customers better,” said Eric Tan, managing director of FedEx Singapore. “This improvement not only reinforces Singapore’s role as a key gateway for global trade, but also empowers businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive and interconnected marketplace.”

    The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is poised to significantly enhance economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing, and data centres. In 2023, Malaysia was Singapore’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 79.6 billion. Singapore also served as Malaysia’s largest source of approved foreign direct investment (FDI), contributing USD9.5 billion. As trade volumes rise, enhanced logistics connectivity will be instrumental in facilitating seamless cross-border movement of goods, further reinforcing Singapore’s position as a regional trade hub.

    As Singapore continues to grow as a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia, FedEx remains dedicated to fostering local businesses’ success and contributing to the regions’ economic development. The accelerated delivery service is just one of many ways FedEx is working to drive growth for its customers.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Senior Aerospace UPECA and DHL contribute to more sustainable air freight with SAF

    Senior Aerospace UPECA and DHL contribute to more sustainable air freight with SAF

    Senior Aerospace UPECA, a subsidiary of Senior plc, an international manufacturer of high technology components and systems, has signed an agreement with DHL Express for the use of the GoGreen Plus service. The partnership enables UPECA to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to drive up to 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions associated with their time-definite international shipments.

    “At UPECA, we believe SAF is one of the most promising means of decarbonising long-haul flight,” said Kavan Jeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of UPECA. “Ready for deployment in existing aircraft, it complements intensive efforts to transform aviation into a more sustainable industry. We are delighted to sign up for DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus and help contribute to a commercially-viable market for such renewable energies.”

    GoGreen Plus currently stands as the sole solution within the global express logistics sector that allows customers to leverage SAF towards their Scope 3 footprint, which refers to the indirect release of greenhouse gases within a company’s supply chain activities. Made from sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil and other residues, SAF cuts around 80 percent of lifecycle carbon emissions from air transport compared to conventional jet fuel.

    UPECA’s subscription to GoGreen Plus applies across its overseas trade lanes, encompassing key markets in Europe and North America. It comes amidst a report by the International Energy Agency that aviation has grown faster in recent decades than rail, road, and sea transport as a source of worldwide CO2e emissions. The trend emphasises the urgency for the upscale and uptake of SAF in order to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) target of having SAF comprise 50 percent of global aviation fuel consumption by 2050.

    “SAF is an important lever for achieving cleaner air mobility, but there remains progress to be made on the production and adoption fronts. Having UPECA onboard demonstrates an increasing shift among businesses to explore innovative pathways for a green transition in their operations. These collaborations are essential as we continue to promote SAF accessibility and affordability at the pace needed to address current climate challenges,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

    Launched in 2023, GoGreen Plus is made possible through strategic collaborations with bp and Neste to procure up to 800 million litres of SAF as well as an agreement with World Energy to purchase up to 668 million litres of SAF via sustainable aviation certificates. The air freight network accounts for around 70 percent of DHL Group’s carbon footprint, so sustainable air transportation solutions are crucial for emission-reduced logistics.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: