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Tag: asia

  • Google launches Android 11 on Android TV

    Google launches Android 11 on Android TV

    Google is bringing Android 11 to Android TV devices, the search giant revealed today. Several performance enhancements and privacy improvements will be part of the new Android update, as well as a plethora of new features specifically designed for the TV.

    Among these improvements, Google mentioned enhanced memory management, one-time permissions, and support for Auto Low Latency Mode and low latency media decoding. Since gaming has become such a major part of the entertainment industry, Google is introducing extended gamepad support for Android TV.

    Also, silent boot mode for system updates, inactivity prompts, and OEM configurable wake keys are included in the upcoming Android 11 update for Android TV. All these and more should give users greater control over TV functions.

    And for those interested, testing on Android TV will be much easier with Android 11 thanks to the addition of the so-called “test harness mode,” a feature for third-party app developers that want to automate a device for a fleet of devices.

    According to Google, Android TV OEM partners should release and upgrade to Android 11 over the coming months, so the rollout hasn’t begun yet.

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  • Japanese premium grocer Guu San opens in Hong Kong

    Japanese premium grocer Guu San opens in Hong Kong

    Independent premium Japanese grocery and lifestyle store, Guu San has opened its first store in Hong Kong.

    Guu San (Guu for valley, San for sanctuary) is an anchor of the new H Zentre commercial building located at Tsim Tsa Tsui. The 5000sqft store is designed to be a one-stop-shop where consumers can eat, shop, and rest – indoors and out.

    The space is divided into three zones: Sawaya, for non-packaged bulk-buy food following the zero waste trend, alongside snacks, beverages and fresh fruit and vegetables delivered from Japan.

    A ‘Kome Korner’ retails light meals made in-store such as omusubi (rice balls), soup, and other vegetable dishes paired with tea from Uji and Kyoto. A salad bar dubbed the ‘Salfee Bar’ will feature new salad varieties daily.

    The store also features an interactive LED art installation that changes scenes and animations according to the time of the day.

    The retailer says it sources high-quality foods ranging from local organic produce fresh from the market to curated snacks and tea delivered from Japan.

    The opening of Guu San follows the trend towards the Japanese retailing of groceries and food, which is showing strong momentum in Hong Kong. Don Don Donki recently expanded to its sixth flagship in the territory, Muji has opened its largest store, at Olympian City, and Yata department store has unveiled plans for a convenience store concept.

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  • Qualcomm’s newest 5G chipset is announced

    Qualcomm’s newest 5G chipset is announced

    Qualcomm unveiled a new 5G enabled chipset from the Snapdragon 7-Series. The Snapdragon 750G enables “truly global gaming” according to the San Diego-based company, along with True HDR gaming (with 10x brighter colors), and on-device AI. The chipset supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G; the latter delivers signals that travel far, easily penetrate structures but provide slower 5G download data speeds than what is available from mmWave 5G signals. The Snapdragon 750G chip offers some features from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite Gaming that allow for smooth gameplay with low latency.

    The Snapdragon 750G comes with the Adreno 619 GPU providing users with as much as a 10% hike in graphics rendering compared to the Adreno 618 GPU found on the Snapdragon 730G. Qualcomm states that the new chipset delivers “stunning, life-like imagery” and the 5G support allows users to play multiplayer contests or stream games through their smartphones using 5G cloud gaming platforms.

    AI tasks will be handled by the fifth-generation Qualcomm AI Engine supporting voice translation, smart camera, and video, AI-enhanced gaming experiences and advanced AI-based imaging. The AI Engine handles up to 4.0 Trillion Operations Per Second (TOPS), a 20% improvement compared to Snapdragon 730G. The chip is powered by the Kryo 570 CPU core allowing for a 20% hike in “enhanced user experience,” also compared to the Snapdragon 730G. Integrated into the Snapdragon 750G is an AI-based audio and voice communication suite that allows users to hear speech loud and clear despite dogs barking in the background, the sounds of construction, loud traffic, and more.

    The Qualcomm Spectra 355L Image Signal Processor produces noise-reduced sharp images and 4K HDR videos can be recorded. The chip will work with image sensors supporting a pixel count of up to 192MP.

    The CPU runs at a clock speed as fast as 2.2GHz and works with Bluetooth 5.1. It is Wi-Fi 6 ready and does work with a 120Hz rapid refresh rate on screens with a resolution of FHD+. The maximum display that can be driven by the Snapdragon 750G is QHD (1440p) with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The chip is manufactured using an 8nm process node and the first devices to be powered by the chip are expected to be commercially available at the end of this year.

    Verizon’s Chris Emmons, executive director device and product marketing, says, “As Verizon continues to lead 5G innovation with 5G Ultra Wideband and our soon-to-be-launched 5G Nationwide network, we know we can count on technology partners like Qualcomm Technologies to provide the superior solutions for sub6 and mmWave spectrum needed to run the next-generation 5G devices our customers rely on.”

    >Andreas Bussmann, program manager 5G Devices Deutsche Telekom, states that “Deutsche Telekom and Qualcomm Technologies have a strong strategic collaboration in driving innovation together. We are excited as this announcement will further help scale 5G for everyone and improve the overall consumer experience.” Lastly, Quanxin Wang, general manager of product and technology, Xiaomi International, said that “Xiaomi is committed to developing cutting-edge devices to address the growing consumer demand for 5G. We are proud to work with Qualcomm Technologies to launch the first commercial smartphone based on the latest Snapdragon 750G to consumers.”

    Speaking of 5G, the Snapdragon 750G offers peak speeds of up to 3.7Gbps (download) and 1.6Gbps (upload) with 5G connectivity. Peak LTE speeds are up to 1.2Gbps (download) and 210Mbps (upload).

    So now we know that a Xiaomi branded 5G handset will be the first powered by the Snapdragon 750G when the integrated circuit is released later this year.

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  • Luckin Coffee fined US$9 million for accounting fraude

    Luckin Coffee fined US$9 million for accounting fraude

    Disgraced Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee, along with more than 40 other firms involved in the deception, has been fined almost US$9 million for falsifying its financial records.

    According to reporting, China’s finance ministry has previously found Luckin to have booked RMB2.25 billion in sales via counterfeit coupons between April and December last year, as well as having inflated its reported revenues, costs, and profits.

    China’s market regulator found Luckin to have flouted Chinese regulations and misled the public over the period in question.

    “We have carried out an overall rectification on the related issues,” said a representative from the firm in acknowledging that Luckin respected the regulator’s decision. “We will further improve our operations according to related laws and regulations.”

    Luckin was formerly considered a likely competitor against Starbucks within the territory.

  • UOB Kay Hian Partners Pico

    UOB Kay Hian Partners Pico

    The bank’s securities brokerage is working with the financial markets technology services provider, which will provide managed services and support for its new trading platform.

    Pico rapidly deployed a tailored platform for trading execution in the heart of Singapore’s liquidity hub that is engineered for seamless coordination of trading and risk strategies, it said in an announcement on Wednesday.

    UOB Kay Hian is one of Asia’s largest securities trading and investment firms. Headquartered in Singapore, it has offices in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, London, Shanghai, and New York.

    Working with Pico has helped UOB Kay Hian lower its OpEx, while freeing it to focus on optimizing its trading strategies and business operations, said director Desmond Yeo.

    Pico works with firms as a specialist partner to design, build, host and manage their electronic trading infrastructure. It connects to liquidity providers via PicoNet, a private ultra-low latency, resilient and comprehensive proprietary network mesh with the fastest path connections between on-net co-location sites.

    Pico opened offices in Singapore and Tokyo in mid-2018, and a year later announced its continued expansion in Asia with new hires, additional offices, and an increased data center presence in the region.

    The firm said it has plans to add 20 more data centers by 2021, including in China, Australia, South Korea, and India, to complement its existing 30+ global locations.

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  • AirAsia Strengthens Mumbai-Srinagar Connectivity

    AirAsia Strengthens Mumbai-Srinagar Connectivity

    Identifying the demand forecast in the holiday season and driven by its mission to enhance the air connectivity in the country,  AirAsia India has launched two new routes, connecting Mumbai with Guwahati and Srinagar.

    The airline expanded its network by commencing operations on these new sectors from 19th Sept 2020 with fares starting from ₹5,192 and continues to deliver on its goal of providing connectivity between various cities in its network in India. The airline expanded its network and continues to deliver on providing connectivity between various cities on its network of 20 stations in India.

    The airline has embarked on a steady growth path as the travel industry recovers, to stay ahead of the curve. As per DGCA reports, The number of daily passengers flown continues to soar with the numbers trending at over 90K per day on an average in the month of August. With offerings such as ‘Flex Fares’, allowing guests the flexibility to change their travel dates an unlimited number of times at no additional cost, AirAsia India is focussed on ensuring a convenient and hassle-free travel.

    Speaking of the new connection, Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, AirAsia India, said “The launch of these routes is a testament to our confidence in growing passenger demand and strengthening our network. We are focused on building connectivity and introducing services that will assist our guests, making each journey enjoyable and memorable. We have been closely studying and mapping the needs of our guests and market conditions. Sensing the demand for more connectivity from the financial capital to Guwahati and Srinagar, we decided to launch these new routes before the festive season and aim to help patrons with a convenient, enhanced and safe travel experience.”

    AirAsia India will operate the following flights as per the schedule below:

    Mumbai-Guwahati from 19 Sep 2020

    FLT

    FROM

    TO

    DEPARTURE

    ARRIVAL

    I50678

    Mumbai

    Guwahati

    15:10

    18:15

    I50679

    Guwahati

    Mumbai

    19:00

    22:10

    Mumbai-Srinagar  from 21 Sep 2020

    FLT

    FROM

    TO

    DEPARTURE

    ARRIVAL

    I50633

    Mumbai

    Srinagar

    15:10

    18:05

    I50634

    Srinagar

    Mumbai

    18:50

    22:10

    With focus on operational excellence and endeavour to raise the bar of  On-Time Performance, reliability and customer experience, AirAsia India continues to leverage integrating processes and cutting edge technology to diversify its services. With an ever-growing range of service offerings, AirAsia India continually strives to provide a delightful experience to all its guests. The airline recently announced an array of innovative services like making the multilingual chatbot AVA available on WhatsApp and introducing Flyporter doorstep-to-doorstep baggage delivering key metro routes. A host of other initiatives offered by the airline such as safe and secure rides in partnership with Avis India, priority baggage and check-in with AirAsia India RedCarpet and biometric contactless boarding via the DigiYatra service at its hub in Bangalore has been paving the way forward and pioneering the new normal in Indian aviation.

  • Gmail update for iOS 14 brings a long-awaited feature for iPhones

    Gmail update for iOS 14 brings a long-awaited feature for iPhones

    A small but meaningful part of the iOS 14 update is the ability to change the default mail and internet browser apps, finally giving iPhone users the option to break free from the confines of Apple’s own Safari and Mail apps. Now, Gmail is making full use of the ability with its latest update on iOS.

    The latest version 6.0.200825 of the Gmail app for iPhones and iPads now features the ability to set it as the default email app, meaning all Mailto: links will automatically open in Google’s email client.

    In order to use this function, you’ll need your iOS device and Gmail app to both be up to date. Then, you can go to Settings > Gmail to switch it to default. This is a major change in tune for the Cupertino-based tech firm, which is famous for its ‘walled garden’ principle of maintaining tight control over all parts of its ecosystem.

    So why switch to Gmail? It’s the most popular email client worldwide, for one, and the enhanced syncing with non-Apple devices could be an attractive proposition to some. Plus, while Apple’s software is renowned for its security, April’s news concerning major weaknesses in the Mail app has proven that it isn’t perfect. The Google vs. Apple debate is really a whole different debate, but the important thing is that Apple is now offering the choice.

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  • World Retail Awards laud store design, sustainability and transformations

    World Retail Awards laud store design, sustainability and transformations

    Alibaba and Walmart were jointly named Retailer of the Year at the World Retail Awards, which were held virtually last week.

    Additionally, while Adidas London won the award from Outstanding Store Design for sites over 1200sqm, a collaboration between Singtel and Fitch took the under 1200sqm award.

    “I’m delighted to have won this award and have this work recognized on the global stage,” said Johnathan Cummings, Landor & Fitch Greater China president.

    “Our team rose to the challenge and formed a formidable combination with the Singtel team to deliver something that has delivered amazing results. I hope that it inspires the industry, brands, and agencies alike, to continue pushing boundaries and further shape the future of retail.”

    Fashion brand Reiss took home the Retail Transformation and Reinvention award, while Best Customer Experience Initiative went to Bonprix for its ‘fashion connect’ store.

    JD won the Sustainable Retailing Initiative award for its Green Stream initiative – the first time the awards have lauded companies for acting environmentally responsible.

    Circular economy app Stuffstr was named the Retail Technology Game-Changer, while

  • Shazam! Apple releases public beta for iOS 14.2

    Shazam! Apple releases public beta for iOS 14.2

    Last week, just the day after it released iOS 14, Apple introduced the developer beta for iOS 14.2. Today, the first public beta version of both was launched by Apple and it allows for the addition of the Shazam music recognition feature to the Control Center. To do this, you must first have the iOS 14 public beta installed. That can be accomplished by signing up with the Apple Beta Software Program. Then, go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the iOS 14.2 beta.

    After you’ve installed the beta, you will need to go to Settings > Control Center > More Controls and add Shazam to the Control Center. For those unaware with what Shazam does, it listens to and identifies music playing in the background, in apps, and even though a user’s AirPods. Apple, in one of its typically strategic acquisitions, purchased Shazam in December 2017 for a reported $400 billion. In iOS 14, you can even use Shazam with the new picture-in-picture feature to discover the music playing inside a video.

    Also coming to the iOS 14.2 beta is a People Detection feature that measures the distance between two people; this is found in the Magnifier app. There are also some other changes including a new icon for the Apple Watch app that shows the new Apple Watch Solo Loop. And a new Now Playing widget will be available for the Control Center that lists recently played albums that you might want to listen to again when nothing else is playing.

    If you’re wondering what has become of iOS 14.1, Apple could be planning to install it on the new iPhone 12 models just before release. That should happen sometime next month.

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  • Ducati Introduces MyDucati Mobile App For Customers

    Ducati Introduces MyDucati Mobile App For Customers

    In a bid to connect with their customers and offer a single platform for all things Ducati, the Italian bike maker has introduced the MyDucati mobile app globally. The new application is available on both Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded for free from the respective app stores. The MyDucati app brings the Italian manufacturer’s world under one roof for the user that includes new experiences, access to nearest dealerships, exclusive content, and preview to the brand’s upcoming model range. Existing MyDucati users will be able to sign up with the same credentials on the new app as the website.

    Some of the salient bits on the MyDucati app include the Garage section where the customers can consult the documentation of their motorcycle and carry a digital Ducati Card, which is the company’s official Ducatista document. The app also allows you to configure its motorcycles virtually, while owners can also customize their own rides by uploading a picture. The app allows you to save and share the picture with your friends and even the dealer.

    Furthermore, the MyDucati app can locate the closest dealer based on geo-localization, consult the services available, and even make an appointment for a test ride with a few clicks. There’s also a News section that keeps users up to date in real-time about all that’s happening around the world under the Ducati brand. There is a reserved section for the Desmo Owners Club (DOC) community where the members can interact with each other and share their experiences. The app will also offer access to promotions and personalized services based on the interests and preferences selected by the user.

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  • Apple supplier Pegatron to invest $1 bln in Vietnam

    Apple supplier Pegatron to invest $1 bln in Vietnam

    Pegatron, a supplier for Apple, Microsoft, and Sony, plans to invest $1 billion in an electronics manufacturing plant in northern Vietnam. The Taiwanese company will invest $19 million in the first phase at the Dinh Vu Industrial Zone in Hai Phong City to produce computing, communications, and consumer electronics, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Planning and Investment submitted to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

    It has received licenses for this and is seeking licenses for the $481-million second phase.

    The two phases will create 22,500 direct jobs and contribute around VND100 billion ($4.3 million) annually to the government’s coffers.

    Pegatron would invest another $500 million in the plant in 2026-2027.

    It seeks to move its research and development center from China to Vietnam at a suitable time.

    The ministry said it is working with another Taiwanese company, Universal Global Technology, which produces smartphones and earbuds parts for Lenovo and Sony, to set up a manufacturing plant in Vietnam.

    The company, a subsidiary of semiconductor maker ASE Technology Holding, is considering investing $400 million in two phases.

    These are among major companies seeking to shift production facilities from China to Vietnam as they seek to diversify their supply chains following the huge disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and trade tensions between China and the U.S.

    Apple has begun making its wireless earbuds AirPods Pro in Vietnam, and its contract manufacturer Foxconn said in June that Vietnam was its largest manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.

    Fifteen Japanese companies, most producers of medical equipment and electronic components, registered in July to move their production from China to Vietnam under a Japanese government-funded scheme.

  • SNAP deals on AirAsia Philippines

    SNAP deals on AirAsia Philippines

    To boost domestic tourism in the Philippines, AirAsia has partnered with local hotels to launch SNAP – the new way to travel.

    SNAP is a new flight + hotel combo platform on airasia.com which offers convenient fly and stay packages at unbeatable prices introduced in the Philippines at the weekend.

    AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said: “This initiative has opened up opportunities to work with partner hotels, as we start to recover from the effects of the pandemic which have devastated the travel and tourism industry. We look forward to forming more partnerships with more hotels in the future.”

    AirAsia is offering an introductory SNAP promotion of up to 50% off on flights when you book a flight plus hotel via SNAP. The promotional fare is available on airasia.com from 21 to 27 September 2020, for travel from 21 September 2020 to 25 March 2021.

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  • Hermes Japan opens a new store in Osaka

    Hermes Japan opens a new store in Osaka

    Luxury fashion house Hermes has opened a new store in Osaka, its fourth store in the city. Located at Parco shopping center, the new Hermes store spans two stories and occupies a 515sqm space.

    Designed by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the store facade features floor-to-ceiling undulating glass windows, creating a “water-like effect” on both floors. Meanwhile, the store interior is decorated with ropes hanging from the ceiling, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship with the Kumihimo braiding technique.

    Hermes’ silk collections, including the new double-sized scarves, are displayed at the store’s center while ready-to-wear collections are presented at both sides of the store. Far end of the store is an “intimate salon”, featuring women’s accessories, including shoes, jewelry, and watches.

    The new Hermes Osaka store features a bar and a made-to-measure service on the upper floor.

    “Echoing the annual theme for 2020, Innovation in the Making, this new retail space mirrors Hermes’ tribute to the human hand and to the ingenuity of its artisans,” the company said in a statement.

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  • Skoda To Add 100 New Dealers In India By The End Of 2020

    Skoda To Add 100 New Dealers In India By The End Of 2020

    Skoda Auto India is currently focusing on expanding its footprint across the country. Apart from adding new outlets, the company will also be replacing the existing ones, who do not have enough financial resources to expand with the brand. The Czech automaker is working on the dealer expansion network throughout the country alongside its digital sales growth. The automaker intends to double its dealership network by 2022 as a part of project India 2.0.

    As per the original plan, the company aimed to strengthen its network by opening 124 new dealers by the end of this year. However, the plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the brand has revised its target to 100 new outlets by the end of this year.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Rapid automatic, Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “We have reduced our target to 100 by this year-end and 130 by the middle of next year. This year we will open new outlets in Bhopal, Mysore, and Guwahati, and new service centers with completely new dealers in Navi Mumbai and other places. This year we will add 27 new outlets.”

    The company also confirmed that it will not be introducing the Kodiaq RS in the Indian market. But, the BS6 Kodiaq TSI model will hit the market by early next year. The recently launched the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic in India with a starting price of ₹ 7.49 lakh and goes up to ₹ 13.29 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).

  • Temenos, Alibaba Partner

    Temenos, Alibaba Partner

    The banking software company is joining up with the Chinese internet giant on cloud-based services. The deal opens a huge new potential market for Geneva-based Temenos: it is joining Alibaba’s cloud services, the company said in a statement on Thursday. In effect, banks can adopt Temenos’ software – Transact – on the Chinese firm’s cloud infrastructure.

    The move represents a massive step forward in so-called software as a service or SaaS. Providers like Temenos are moving towards more piecemeal sales and away from large one-time installations. Much of this is cloud-based, meaning banks can easily and less expensively grab what they need quickly. The technology providers hope for increased recurring revenue as well as scale effects.

    Alibaba and Temenos are currently testing with banks to establish so-called proof of concept, and already have joint customers in the wider Asia-Pacific region, they said. Transact is set up to be compatible with as many data clouds as possible.

    Alibaba, strongly anchored as China’s leading e-commerce and payments firm, is also the leading domestic cloud provider. The cloud subsidiary recently pledged an $28 billion investment in expanding, including hiring 5,000 new staff.