Retail News CRM

Tag: model

  • Revolutionizing AI: SK Telecom Unveils A.X K1, Korea’s First Hyperscale AI Model

    Revolutionizing AI: SK Telecom Unveils A.X K1, Korea’s First Hyperscale AI Model

    SK Telecom has launched ‘A.X K1’, the first hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) model in South Korea with an impressive 519 billion parameters. This ambitious project is aimed at helping the country emerge as a major global player in the AI arena, following in the footsteps of AI giants like the U.S. and China. The comprehensive AI ecosystem that A.X K1 creates spans a multitude of areas, from semiconductors to services.

    Boosting Global Competitiveness of Korean AI

    A.X K1 is a significant leap forward in enhancing the worldwide competitiveness of Korean AI, a field currently controlled by the U.S and China. Unlike conventional AI models that absorb knowledge, A.X K1 functions as a ‘Teacher Model’, imparting knowledge to smaller models, notably those below 70 billion parameters. It also serves as a critical digital social overhead capital (SOC) that underpins the AI ecosystem. The SKT consortium plans to extend its research, enabling A.X K1 to transmit its knowledge to smaller, specialized models, thereby fuelling innovation in Korea.

    AI models, particularly those with over 500 billion parameters, demonstrate enhanced stability in complicated mathematical reasoning and multilingual comprehension. This capability makes them suitable for complex tasks such as high-complexity coding and agent-based execution.

    Enhancing Nationwide AI Accessibility

    The SKT consortium is committed to improving AI accessibility across the nation by disseminating A.X K1 through A (A-DoT), a service that boasts over 10 million subscribers. The consortium’s objective is to establish an ‘AI for Everyone’ framework enabling the public to readily access AI via various means, including phone calls, text messages, web-based services, and mobile applications.

    Liner, part of the SKT consortium, offers expert knowledge search services to its 11 million global subscribers. With A.X K1, it is poised to provide highly accurate, reliable multi-language search services.

    Boosting Industrial Competitiveness

    A.X K1 is expected to enhance industrial competitiveness by providing AI solutions such as A. Biz for manufacturing, real-time character dialogue for Krafton’s games, and autonomous behavior for humanoid AI robots.

    The AI model will also play a pivotal role in testing the competitiveness of Korea’s semiconductor industry. AI models that can handle a non-standard workload scale of 500 billion operations or more are crucial for practically verifying memory bandwidth and inter-GPU communication speed, two key performance bottlenecks in high-performance AI semiconductors.

    The SKT Consortium

    The SK Telecom-led SKT consortium comprises eight organizations: SK Telecom, Krafton, 42dot, Rebellions, Liner, SelectStar, Seoul National University, and KAIST. These organizations have collaborated to construct a fully sovereign AI platform based on proprietary technologies across the entire value chain, including AI semiconductors, AI data centers (AIDCs), AI models, and AI services.

    Plans for the Future

    The SKT consortium intends to make A.X K1 available as open-source software to businesses in Korea’s AI ecosystem. The consortium plans to provide open-source access and APIs through major developer communities and SK Telecom platforms, aiming to foster seamless AI agent development.

    The consortium also aims to establish an integrated support framework for AI model development and will disclose portions of the training data used for model development. This will be done through public and private platforms, thereby increasing Korea’s overall AI competitiveness.

    Kim Tae-Yoon, the Head of Foundation Model Office at SK Telecom, commented on the development, stating that it marks a significant moment in Korea’s journey to become one of the top three AI nations in the world.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the A.X K1 AI model?
    A.X K1 is the first hyperscale artificial intelligence model introduced in South Korea. It has 519 billion parameters and is designed to enhance the country’s global AI competitiveness.

    What role will A.X K1 play in Korea’s AI ecosystem?
    A.X K1 will serve as a ‘Teacher Model’, transferring knowledge to smaller AI models. It will enhance AI accessibility nationwide and boost industrial competitiveness. The model will also serve as a testbed for the country’s semiconductor industry.

    What is the aim of the SKT consortium?
    The consortium aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem in South Korea, improve AI accessibility, and boost the country’s global AI competitiveness. It plans to make A.X K1 available as open-source software to businesses and provide support for AI model development.

  • Zara Embraces AI Revolution: Transforms Fashion Photography with Real-Life Model Imagery

    Zara Embraces AI Revolution: Transforms Fashion Photography with Real-Life Model Imagery

    Fast-fashion powerhouse Zara has ventured into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), employing this sophisticated technology to hasten and streamline the process of creating new images featuring real models in a range of outfits. This venture is part of an emerging trend in the fashion industry that promises to transform the landscape of fashion photography.

    AI Adoption: A New Chapter for Fast Fashion

    Following in the footsteps of its Swedish competitor H&M and the European online retailer Zalando, Zara has begun to harness the power of AI in its marketing strategy. This shift towards AI integration may pave the way for quicker and more efficient creation of visual content.

    A representative of Zara’s parent company, Inditex, stated that the company is currently utilizing AI technology not as a replacement for traditional methods but as a supplement to existing processes. The company continues to collaborate with its models, obtaining their consent for the use of AI in manipulating their images, and offering compensation in line with industry standards.

    It was revealed that Zara approached models to request their permission to edit their images using AI technology, promising to pay them the same remuneration they would receive for participating in another photoshoot.

    AI as a Complement, Not a Replacement

    Similarly, H&M and Zalando, like Inditex, have emphasized that AI serves as a tool to enhance the efficiency of their creative teams’ processes and not as a substitute for their roles. This position mitigates the potential threat to photographers and production teams who are integral to fashion shoots.

    Inditex chair Marta Ortega, who is also the daughter of founder Amancio Ortega, is known for her passion for fashion photography. Through her Marta Ortega Perez Foundation gallery in A Coruna, where Zara was founded, she has hosted exhibitions featuring the works of renowned photographers. The gallery currently hosts an exhibition of Annie Leibovitz’s fashion photography and has previously exhibited works by esteemed photographers Steven Meisel and Helmut Newton.

    Ortega has been steering Zara towards a more upscale market image by consolidating its stores and focusing on larger, more stylish flagship outlets.

    The Impact of AI on Fashion Photography

    Isabelle Doran, the CEO of the Association of Photographers in London, weighed in on the implications of AI adoption in fashion photography. She indicated that the use of AI could potentially decrease the frequency at which photographers, models, and production teams are hired. This shift could affect not only established professionals but also emerging fashion photographers struggling to make their mark in the industry.

    Questions & Answers

    What impact does the use of AI have on the fashion industry?
    The adoption of AI in the fashion industry can streamline production processes, increase efficiency, and potentially alter the dynamics of fashion photography.

    How is Zara utilizing AI technology?
    Zara is using AI to create new images of real models in various outfits quickly and efficiently. This technology is used to complement and enhance existing processes, not to replace them.

    What could be potential implications of AI adoption for fashion photographers and models?
    The widespread use of AI could impact the frequency of commissions for photographers, models, and production teams, potentially affecting the opportunities and income of professionals in the industry.

  • Google Unleashes Gemini 3: A Revolutionary AI Model That’s Set to Change Your Digital World

    Google Unleashes Gemini 3: A Revolutionary AI Model That’s Set to Change Your Digital World

    Google has recently unveiled Gemini 3, a line of models touted as the company’s most powerful to date, offering both agentic and vibe-coding capabilities. The top-tier model in this series is the first to be accessible simultaneously via Google’s Gemini app as well as in Search and AI Mode.

    Gemini 3 Pro Introduced to Gemini and Google Search

    The release of Google’s new flagship AI model, Gemini 3 Pro, is a significant event due to its availability on the Gemini app. Additionally, Google subscribers have the opportunity to use this model in AI Mode in Search, with a broader roll-out to all US users expected in the near future. In the ensuing weeks, AI Mode and AI Overviews will begin to “intelligently route your most challenging questions” to this new model while reserving simpler tasks for older models.

    Gemini 3 Pro is described by Google as a “natively multimodal” model that can simultaneously process text, images, video, audio, and code, rather than tackling these elements individually. This allows users to amalgamate various information sources and ask the model to synthesize them. For example, the model can generate code for interactive learning materials like flashcards after processing a mixture of research papers, video lectures, and tutorials.

    Hailing Gemini 3 as their most intelligent model yet, Google believes this latest offering will bring users’ ideas to life. The model’s enhanced understanding of context and intent behind requests aims to achieve more results with less prompting.

    Enhanced User Interface Experiences in AI Mode

    The new features of Gemini 3 usher in significant improvements to Google’s apps. Users, for instance, can now create more comprehensive programs within the Canvas workspace of the Gemini app. The model has the capability to recognize handwritten recipes in various languages, which can then be compiled into a multilingual family cookbook.

    Google refers to the new capabilities of Gemini 3 as being able to provide ‘generative user interface experiences.’ When searching for information in AI Mode, Gemini 3 Pro will visually layout the responses to your queries. These visualizations include interactive tools and simulations that are instantaneously generated based on the user’s query.

    In the following weeks, Google will also debut a more research-focused version of the model, Gemini 3 Deep Think. This upgrade is expected to outperform Gemini 3 Pro, which is already setting the pace in independent benchmarks.

    Google Antigravity- A Gemini-Powered Coding Interface

    Along with the new model, Google has also launched a Gemini-powered coding interface named Google Antigravity. This app is akin to other agentic IDEs, merging a prompt window with a command-line interface and a browser window. Available in a free preview, the app is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux.

    Gemini: Unavoidable and Essential

    Despite Gemini 3’s impressive features, there are concerns that Google is overly ambitious in its push for AI among users. The prominent positioning of AI Overview at the top of the Search page as well as AI Mode being the first option before all results makes it impossible to miss, potentially irking users who aren’t as enthusiastic about AI.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Gemini 3 Pro?
    Gemini 3 Pro is Google’s new flagship AI model, capable of processing different types of data simultaneously, including text, images, video, audio, and code.

    What are the new features introduced in Gemini 3?
    Gemini 3 introduces ‘generative user interface experiences.’ It also allows users to create more comprehensive programs within the Canvas workspace of the Gemini app, such as recognising handwritten recipes in various languages and compiling them into a multilingual family cookbook.

    What is Google Antigravity?
    Google Antigravity is a Gemini-powered coding interface that combines a prompt window with a command-line interface and a browser window. The app is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux.

  • Tesla Unveils Affordable Model Y And Model 3 Variants: High Performance Meets Budget-friendly

    Tesla Unveils Affordable Model Y And Model 3 Variants: High Performance Meets Budget-friendly

    Tesla has recently unveiled a new line-up of affordable versions of their popular Model Y and Model 3 vehicles. Going by the names of Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard, these models are designed to offer a more budget-friendly option for consumers, in an attempt to bolster sales and strengthen Tesla’s position in a highly competitive marketplace. These entry-level models are targeted at a wider demographic, aiming to appeal to those who may not have previously considered a Tesla due to the traditionally high price point. Alongside the introduction of these new models, Tesla has also rebranded the Long Range versions of these vehicles under the Premium label. Currently, these new models are only available in the US market.

    The Tesla Model Y Standard

    The Tesla Model Y Standard brings a few changes from its other variants, including the removal of the light bars seen on the front of the higher-end models. This new, more affordable version also features 18-inch wheels. While the panoramic sunroof that is a feature of the higher-end Model Y variants is absent from this model, the color options have also been limited to just three: white, black, and grey.

    This model lacks a few of the “luxury” features seen in its counterparts: the second-row screen, heated rear seats, and it comes with manual steering and side mirrors, as well as a 7-speaker setup instead of the 15-speaker unit seen on the other models.

    However, performance has not been compromised, with the new affordable Model Y variant powered by a 69.5kWh battery capable of producing 300hp and delivering a range of 517 km on a single charge.

    The Tesla Model 3 Standard

    The Tesla Model 3 Standard also features 18-inch wheels as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 19-inch set. This model comes in a standard grey color, with customers having the option to choose a black variant for a premium price.

    On the inside, this model lacks the rear touchscreen unit seen on other variants, but it does retain the panoramic sunroof found on the other Model 3 versions.

    This model shares most of its configuration with the Model Y Standard, including the same 69.5 kWh battery pack, which claims to deliver a range of 517 km. However, the new variant is slightly slower than the Model 3 Premium RWD, achieving 0-100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.

    Despite their reduced-priced cost and the omission of several sophisticated exterior and interior features, both the Model Y and Model 3 Standards retain Tesla’s core digital features, such as the 15.4-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot, and Sentry Mode, among others.

    The Model 3 Standard has now positioned itself as Tesla’s most affordable sedan, with a new price point of around USD 36,990, a drop of nearly USD 5,000 from its previous starting price. The new Model Y Standard is priced at USD 39,990 in the US market.

    Questions & Answers

    What key features have been changed in the new Tesla Model Y and Model 3 standard variants?
    Some luxury features have been removed or downgraded in these models to make them more affordable. These include removal of the light bars, panoramic sunroof and second-row screen in the Model Y Standard, and the rear touchscreen unit in the Model 3 Standard.

    What is the performance capability of the new cheaper variants?
    Both the Model Y and Model 3 standard variants are powered by a 69.5 kWh battery pack that can deliver a range of 517 km on a single charge. The Model 3 Standard can do 0-100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.

    Are the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 Standard models still equipped with Tesla’s basic digital features?
    Yes, despite their lower cost, both models still include key Tesla digital features, such as a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot, and Sentry Mode.

  • Ferrari Unveils Ambitious Plans for Next Showstopper Model in Exciting New Era!

    Ferrari Unveils Ambitious Plans for Next Showstopper Model in Exciting New Era!

    New Model: Ferrari’s Enchanting Amalfi Steals the Spotlight

    Ferrari’s latest masterpiece, the Amalfi, made its debut in an extraordinary unveiling in Maranello, where an air of palpable excitement filled the room. With journalists present under strict embargo, the event showcased a car designed not just for speed, but to captivate the senses. And for those longing for a touch of nostalgia, the Amalfi brings back the iconic start button—much to the relief of fans who missed it in the Roma.

    The Amalfi, a front-mid-mounted V8 coupé, aims to enchant rather than overwhelm. With a formidable 640 horsepower and a top speed of 320 km/h, it’s the kind of car that impresses with its capability, yet remains inviting for those seeking a less aggressive take on Ferrari’s renowned automotive artistry.

    Learning from Success: A Shift in Ferrari’s Strategy

    Ferrari’s approach has already demonstrated success with its Roma model. Launched in 2019 and available since 2020, the Roma has effectively attracted a new clientele with its blend of elegance and modernity. The Swiss market offers a telling illustration of this trend, where the Roma has surpassed the more provocative F8 in popularity, with a total of 413 registrations since its introduction.

    Interestingly, the Roma appeals particularly to those drawn to a more lifestyle-oriented Ferrari. Swiss registration statistics show that while the 812 remains a powerhouse with 482 registrations, the more understated Roma has proven that demand exists for a Ferrari that prioritizes beauty and daily usability over sheer performance. It’s like finding that perfect balance between a coffee shop ambiance and high-octane racing fuel—who knew elegance could fuel such fervor?

    The Amalfi: Designed to Delight

    Starting at approximately 240,000 euros, the Amalfi positions itself competitively against models like the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and Aston Martin DB12. Its pricing, combined with elegant design and friendly demeanor, may entice first-time buyers who may be ready to say “yes” to Ferrari. Remarkably, around half of the clientele for these new models consists of individuals new to the brand.

    Equipped with innovative features such as a brake-by-wire system and an active rear wing that generates up to 110 kg of downforce at high speeds, the technical prowess of the Amalfi is impressive. However, its true allure lies within, where Ferrari has opted to reintegrate beloved physical controls—like the start button—into the driving experience.

    The Human Touch in a Digital Age

    This shift aims to cater to those who crave a tangible connection with their vehicles. Ferrari’s marketing chief, Enrico Galliera, noted during the unveiling, “It’s an admission that drivers are human—and humans love to feel.” The car’s interior not only reflects this philosophy but also retains the Roma’s minimalist elegance while adding a sharper, sculptural look. A redesigned center tunnel enhances a sense of space, complemented by three main displays, including a striking 10.25-inch central screen for modern convenience.

    For those who desire an indulgent experience, amenities like ventilated massage seats and a premium Burmester audio system promise to transform every drive into a memorable journey—whether coasting along the coastal roads of Italy or tackling the dynamic bends of Alpine passes.

    The Amalfi’s name is inspired by Italy’s iconic coastal region, symbolizing what Ferrari hopes to convey: an open invitation to experience “La Dolce Vita” on four wheels. It’s an enticing call to immerse oneself in the exceptional world of Ferrari.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main appeal of the Ferrari Amalfi?
    The Amalfi is designed to enchant rather than overwhelm, featuring a blend of beauty, functionality, and authentic Ferrari performance that prioritizes everyday usability.

    How has the Roma influenced Ferrari’s market strategy?
    The Roma has successfully attracted a new customer base with its contemporary design, proving that there’s a significant demand for Ferraris that emphasize elegance over raw aggression.

    What notable features does the Amalfi bring back?
    The Amalfi reintroduces the beloved physical start button, reflecting Ferrari’s commitment to providing a tactile and engaging driving experience in a digital age.

  • Mercedes-Benz GLB All Set To Make Its World Debut

    Mercedes-Benz GLB All Set To Make Its World Debut

    Mercedes-Benz has dropped a teaser of its upcoming GLB and it’s all set to make it’s world debut on June 10, 2019. The GLB, as the name suggests is based on the B-Class and is built on the MFA2 platform, which underpins the latter. It will be positioned between the GLA and the GLC models. Spy shots of the car give us a peek into what the GLB will look like and the teaser confirms much of these details. The size shows that the GLB is likely to be a 7 seater model and it’s a far cry from being a baby G-Class as it was rumoured to be. The long hood, short overhangs, and the boxy rear end all point out to a GLB being a bigger SUV.

    The upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLB is expected to be a family car like the B-Class so expect a spacious five-seater cabin with a large boot space, possibly above 500 litres. It’s said that Mercedes might even consider offering an optional third row in certain markets. In terms of design and styling for the cabin, we expect the GLB to take inspiration from the new-gen A-Class’ cabin, which was revealed last year.

    Engine options are still not confirmed but, we expect the Mercedes-Benz GLB to get the same engine options as the new A-Class. It could also get the new engines that have been developed in partnership with the Renault-Nissan alliance. The GLB is also expected to get a new electronically controlled four-wheel drive system, but can only confirm that when the SUV make its official debut.

    Lees ook:

  • Supermodel Gigi Hadid Named for McDonald’s role

    Supermodel Gigi Hadid Named for McDonald’s role

    Supermodel Gigi Hadid is facing criticism over her recent promotional Instagram post for McDonald’s.

    A photo of Hadid eating McDonald’s French fries at the Coachella music festival provoked a considerable backlash in the comments feed, with many observers taking issue with her partnership with a fast-food chain considered by many to be synonymous with obesity and poor health, considering her Instagram account is followed by 47 million people.

    Hadid’s photo caption, captioned “Pre festival with @mcdonalds yesterday fed & hydrated, thanks friends!” caused many to question her wisdom in choosing sponsors.

    One popular comment liked by more than 3600 people read “I really do not understand why you would promote McDonalds. In fact, it utterly baffles me why an intelligent, well informed and influential person like yourself would what to be affiliated with such a company. Surely it can’t be for the money? There are so many other ways to be ‘fed and hydrated.’”

    The comments have been said to reveal McDonald’s still has significant PR hurdles to overcome regarding the nutritional content of its offering, despite recent moves to become seen as a “modern, progressive” burger chain.

    As one comment put it, “Awful partnership Gigi. McDonald’s is poison.”

  • DJI Introduces DJI Terra To Capture, Visualize And Analyze Drone Data

    DJI Introduces DJI Terra To Capture, Visualize And Analyze Drone Data

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today introduced DJI Terra, a new software tool that transforms drone data into digital 3D models and maps for easy analysis and decision making. DJI Terra enables businesses and organizations using DJI drone technology to capture, visualize and analyze aerial images for a wide variety of applications across the public safety, construction, infrastructure, agriculture and film industries.

    “As the leader in the commercial drone industry, DJI continues to develop accessible and easy-to-use hardware and software solutions that help organizations transform their operations with drone technology and gain a competitive advantage in their industries,” said Sunny Liao, Director of Enterprise at DJI. “As an all-in-one mapping and modeling solution, DJI Terra makes it simple and efficient to extract value from drone data, generating conclusions and recommendations across multiple use cases from crash reconstructions to critical infrastructure inspections as well as agriculture field mapping and construction site modeling.”

    Automatic Flight Planning and Data Capture

    DJI Terra helps commercial drone pilots quickly plan automated flights with several easy-to-use options based on the area or objects they’d like to capture and the type of map or 3D model they’d like to create. It features three mission planning types:

    • Area – Capture a specific area quickly and easily by drawing a custom polygonal flight zone on a map. DJI Terra automatically generates efficient flight path options based on the area selected.
    • Waypoint – Create dynamic custom flight paths through an area or around objects using waypoints and adjustable parameters like aircraft altitude, speed, heading, gimbal pitch and angle. For more complex missions that require high attention to detail, the 3D Flight Visualization feature enables the design and simulation of missions on existing 3D models.
    • Oblique – Capture a rich data set by automatically flying the same route multiple times. Each flight automatically adjusts the angle of the camera to capture new details, giving an extra crisp 3D model of the object or asset from multiple angles.

    Real-time Mapping and Detailed 3D Models

    With real-time mapping capabilities, DJI Terra allows drone pilots to quickly generate 2D orthomosaic maps as the drone flies, ideal for time-sensitive missions where situational awareness is critical and decisions need to be made in minutes. DJI Terra’s fast processing capability also creates sharp and realistic representations of any environment through detailed 2D orthomosaics and 3D model reconstructions used for industrial applications like reconstructing vehicle crashes, tracking progress on construction projects or conducting large-scale critical infrastructure inspections on bridges and roadways.

    Easy Data Analysis

    In addition to map and model creation, DJI Terra helps users analyze data and generate instant insights with easy-to-use analysis tools that provide a variety of measurements including linear distance, surface area and volumetric estimations. To improve team communication and reporting throughout ongoing projects, annotation labels can be edited and shared. For detailed site inspections and accident reconstruction situations, DJI Terra’s photo inspection tool lets users closely examine every photo used to create the model so they can pinpoint and highlight critical elements.

    Availability

    DJI Terra is available today for purchase through authorized DJI Enterprise resellers worldwide and is compatible with Windows PCs and all current DJI Phantom 4 Series drones.

  • Mass-production of a key component for 5G Apple iPhone about to Start

    Mass-production of a key component for 5G Apple iPhone about to Start

    Since Apple is expected to use Intel’s modem chips for its first batch of 5G compatible phones, we know not to expect 5G iPhones to be unveiled until 2020. That’s because Intel won’t have its modem chip for the next generation of wireless connectivity ready until next year. The chip maker will start work next quarter on the engineering projects it needs to finish in order to begin volume production of its 5G modem.

    Once Intel starts producing its 5G modem chip in 2020, it will compete with Qualcomm’s recently introduced Snapdragon X55 5G modem, the sequel to the Snapdragon X50 5G modem. The latter will be used on most 5G Android phones this year. It also will go up against the 5G modem chip designed by MediaTek. All three firms could still be in play to become the source of Apple’s 5G modem chips, although previous reports state that Intel has already won this battle. Sources cited in yesterday’s report say that Intel will also continue to generate revenue from selling its 4G modem chips to Apple for older iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models.

    Apple currently has a contentious relationship with Qualcomm; over the last few months both sides have squared off in court on issues ranging from patent infringement to royalty payments. Just yesterday, one judge ruled that Qualcomm owed Apple close to a billion dollars in royalty payments it promised to rebate to the company (the actual figure is much. much higher says FOSS Patents). Meanwhile, a jury in San Diego yesterday ordered Apple to pay Qualcomm $31 million after it found Apple liable of infringing on a trio of patents. On March 26th, the International Trade Commission will rule on Qualcomm’s request for an exclusion order to be imposed on the iPhone in the U.S. Such an order would result in a sales and import ban of certain iPhone models in the states.

    Intel is now the exclusive source of modem chips for the iPhone

    During yet another trial held earlier this year (FTC v. Qualcomm), the plaintiffs called Apple supply chain executive Tony Blevins to the stand. Blevins testified that Apple had looked at sourcing 5G modems from Samsung and MediaTek. There is also speculation that Apple will design its own 5G modem chip, like it does for the A-series chipset that powers the iPhone and iPad. But Apple isn’t expected to deliver an in-house 5G modem design until 2021 at the earliest.

    From 2011 to 2015, Qualcomm was the exclusive provider of modem chips for the iPhone. That changed in 2016 when both Qualcomm and Intel were responsible for the modems used on the iPhone. That continued in 2017, and last year Apple sourced all of the modem chips used on the latest iPhone models from Intel.

    Apple is expected to be among the last major phone manufacturers to produce a 5G phone. Samsung has already unveiled its first 5G phone, which will debut on Verizon this summer. Huawei, LG and Oppo should also release 5G phones this year, and the 5G Moto Mod will allow the Motorola Z3 to support the faster data speeds as soon as Verizon flips the switch to turn on its new service. Once 5G service becomes more mainstream and less a curiosity, the faster data speeds will allow new services and businesses to be created. With 5G, a television series that takes 10 minutes to 15 minutes to download over 4G, will take only seconds to complete the task.

    When the industry transitioned from 3G to 4G LTE, Apple was one of the last major manufacturers to deliver a phone that supported the then-new technology. While a number of Android phones were launched with support for 4G LTE in 2011, Apple didn’t release a 4G LTE enabled handset until 2012’s iPhone 5.

    Lees ook:

  • American Eagle expands Aerie lingerie brand

    American Eagle expands Aerie lingerie brand

    Global apparel retailer American Eagle is boosting its Aerie lingerie brand, with plans to open 60 to 75 stores this year.

    The strategy, which coincides with rival brand Victoria’s Secret’s declining sales and series of store closures, involves both standalone locations and side-by-sides with American Eagle, predominantly in Texas and California. The company currently operates 1055 stores.

    “Aerie is a game changer by staying at the forefront of body positivity and women’s empowerment,” said Aerie’s global brand president Jennifer Foyle. “Our new cast of role models are even more inspirational. They embrace the Aerie lifestyle and were chosen for their influential voices, unique stories and commitment to increase the power and empowering our community.”

    The firm reported US$431 million in earnings for the last financial quarter, a 1 per cent rise over the previous year’s figures. Its total net sales also rose 1 per cent to $1.24 billion.

    “Strong execution by the teams drove a record fourth quarter and fiscal 2018, as we reached a milestone of $4 billion in annual revenue with increased operating profit,” said American Eagle’s CEO and chairman Jay Schottenstein.

    “Eagle and Aerie continued to deliver consistent performance by combining product innovation and great merchandise with an improved customer experience across channels. As we head into 2019, we will continue to leverage the strength of our brands, selling channels and the team’s commitment to continually raising the bar for our customers. The strength of our balance sheet and free cash flow enables us to make important investments in our business to fuel market share gains, future growth and returns to our shareholders.”

  • Zara campaign featuring model with freckles sparks debate in China

    Zara campaign featuring model with freckles sparks debate in China

    Spanish fashion retailer Zara appears to have inadvertently sparked off a social media furore over the appearance of freckled Chinese model Jing Wen in one of its recent ads. In China, spots on the face are generally considered blemishes and are associated with disease and old age. Freckles are somewhat rare. In a country where racial homogeneity is a touchstone for beauty, outliers – the bushy eyebrowed, the wavy haired – are unlikely to be considered attractive. In the fashion industry, however, it’s these outliers who tend to have the unique, striking looks that brands prefer for their ambassadors.

    Despite hating her freckles as a child, Guangzhou model Jing Wen eventually learned to accept and capitalise on her point of difference. As a model for such brands as Calvin Klein and H&M, her face has even been called “iconic” by China’s media. Even so, her recent work with Zara has produced an outcry among local netizens who claim the use of the model intentionally “uglifies” the Chinese people.

    A BBC report on the freckled Chinese model quoted some disgruntled users of the Weibo microblog as voicing their anger over the images. “Such pictures featuring an Asian model with freckles and an expressionless pie-shaped face mislead Westerners’ impressions about Asian women,” said one user, “and can lead to racism against Asian women.”

    A spokesperson for Zara interviewed by Pear Video website commented that the advertisements were targeted at their global market, and not specifically at China.

    “The aesthetics of the Spanish people are different,” they said, adding “our models are all photographed purely, the pictures aren’t changed, and they’re not modified.”

    Zara’s response has provoked considerable debate within China on the issue, with some claiming the model has been bullied only by her fellow Chinese, and that more should be done to help China’s people embrace beauty in diversity. Others have called into question the false patriotism of those too eager to mount an attack on foreign brands.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • 97-year-old style icon Iris Apfel signs with IMG Models

    97-year-old style icon Iris Apfel signs with IMG Models

    The nonagenarian fashion icon had been modeling for major fashion and beauty brands for years, but last week it was announced that she is newly represented by IMG Models — the same agency that managed the careers of Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Miranda Kerr, among many others. Even as she is pushing 100, Apfel shows no signs of slowing down, and told WWD she is very excited about her new deal.

    IMG will represent her for modeling, appearances, and endorsements — though do not expect to see her strutting her stuff on the catwalk.

    “How can I compete on runway? That’s ridiculous,” she said. “We’ll be doing hopefully collaborations, or maybe I’ll be a spokesperson. I leave it to them. They know better than I.”

    “I’ve had all kinds of interesting commissions in my limited career. Everything from vodka and automobiles to beauty products, and I’ve also had a number of interesting collaborations with big stores like Bon Marché in Paris, the Landmark Mall in Hong Kong, Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman.”

    Over the past decade, in particular, Apfel has modeled for a seriously impressive roster of big-name fashion and beauty brands.

    Sheis faced campaigns for Kate Spade, MAC Cosmetics, Alexis Bittar, Macy’s INC, Blue Illusion, HSN, Le Bon Marché, and the German brand Aigner.

    In each one, she showed off a facet of her style, including her signature over-sized round glasses.

    For several, she posed right alongside models a quarter of her age, including Karlie, Toni Garnn, Tavi Gevinson, and Jourdan Dunn.

    And no one is as surprised by her late-in-life modeling career than Apfel herself. Though she had a long career in fashion, it was owning her own textile company, Old World Weavers, from 1950 that kept her in the fashion world.

    “I never expected my life would take this turn so I never prepared for it. It all just happened so suddenly, and I thought at my tender age, I am not going to set up offices and get involved with all kinds of things,” she said.

    “I thought it was a flash in the pan, and it is not going to last. Somehow, people found me. People would just call. Tommy Hilfiger said that was no way to do it, and he put us together. I am very excited and very grateful.”

    In addition to modeling, she also designs her own clothing and accessories line for HSN and published a book last year.

    Her new agency is home to an impressive list of stars, inducing Alessandra Ambrosio, Ashley Graham, Amber Valletta, Barbara Palvin, Bella Hadid, Candice Swanepoel, Elsa Hosk, Gisele, Hailey Bieber, Joan Smalls, Kaia Gerber, Kate Moss, Lily Aldridge, Martha Hunt, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Stephanie Seymour, and Thylane Blondeau.

    The have also signed another mature model: Elon Musk’s 70-year-old model Maye Musk.

    Lees ook:

  • Kendall Jenner signed agreement with Penshoppe

    Kendall Jenner signed agreement with Penshoppe

    Global fashion retail brand Penshoppe has unveiled the latest addition to its roster of international ambassadors – 23-year-old world’s highest-paid supermodel and one of the most followed celebrities on social media, Kendall Jenner. The model initially appeared on Penshoppe’s DenimLab campaign in 2015, and is now headlining the brand’s Spring Summer 2019 Campaign with Zayn Malik, Paris Jackson, Nam Joo Hyuk and Sandara Park.

    “As we move from strength to strength, we couldn’t think of a better addition to our growing list of global ambassadors”, said Golden ABC’s VP for brand management Jeff Bascon. “It’s good to have you back, Kendall!”


    Penshoppe has more than 400 locations across Bahrain, Cambodia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The brand is available online in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Instagram famous Baby Chanco is now a testimonial for Pantene

    Instagram famous Baby Chanco is now a testimonial for Pantene

    A one-year-old baby with an incredible mane of hair has been signed by Pantene as one of the faces of the brand in Japan. Instagram starlett Baby Chanco has stunned social media users over the last six months as her mother uploads images of her incredible, thick hair. Baby Chanco, who lives in Japan, was born with a full head of hair in December 2017 and it has continued to sprout as she has grown.

    Chanco’s mother updates her 300,000 followers on the platform with weekly photos of the little girl’s full bouffant. Every photo shared receives around 10,000 likes from her adoring fans.

    In one of the images from the campaign, Baby Chanco, whose Instagram account is managed by her mother, Mani Kano, poses alongside Japanese TV presenter Sato Kondo, known for her grey tresses.

    Fast forward to 2019 and Baby Chanco is following in the footsteps of celebrities such as Selena Gomez as a Pantene spokesperson.

    Lees ook:

  • Victoria’s Secret apologises for ‘insensitive’ transgender model comment

    Victoria’s Secret apologises for ‘insensitive’ transgender model comment

    Following the backlash on social media, the chief marketing officer of L Brands, parent company of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, has posted an apology on Twitter for comments he made about transgender models. Ed Razek, L Brands’s CMO, released a statement on Twitter clarifying a comment he made in an interview with Vogue magazine, which read:

    “To be clear, we absolutely would cast a transgender model in our show. We’ve had transgender models come to castings… And like many others, they didn’t make it.”

    Razek and Monica Mitro, vice president of public relations for Victoria’s Secret, sat down in an interview with Vogue which touched on the topic on the casting team’s choices. Razek, who is part of the casting team, mentioned the company had considered putting plus-sized models and transgenders in the show but had not acted on it, since the company “did not market to the whole world.”

    L Brands has recently announced it is expecting a third quarter loss per share of about US$0.17.  The reported loss per share includes a total charge of about US$0.32 per share, which consists of an approximate pretax cash charge of US$20 million related to the closure of its Henri Bendel business, and an approximate pretax non-cash impairment charge of US$80 million related to certain Victoria’s Secret store assets.

    Excluding the charges mentioned, the company expects adjusted third quarter earnings per share to be approximately US$0.15, compared to its previous guidance of US$0.00 to US$0.05, principally driven by outperformance at Bath & Body Works.

    The company has recently reported an 8 per cent increase in sales of US$860.5 million for the four weeks ending November 3 and a 4 per cent increase in same-store sales for the period. It has seen a 6 per cent increase for the 13 weeks ending November 3 of US$2.78 billion compared to the previous corresponding period.

    L Brands, is scheduled to report third-quarter earnings on November 21.

    Lees ook: