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U.S. Customs Has Clarified That The Newly Redesigned Apple Watches Are Not Affected By The Import Ban

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A U.S. law enforcement agency has allowed Apple to implement a redesign to circumvent an import ban on its newer Apple Watch models, as disclosed by medical-monitoring technology company Masimo in a court filing on Monday.

The import ban, imposed by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), was initially effective from December 26, affecting Apple’s current Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. 

However, the following day, Apple swiftly secured a temporary pause on the ban from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Subsequently, Apple resumed the sale of the watches as it contested the import ruling.

Apple has indicated that the proposed redesign would address concerns related to the infringement of Masimo’s blood-oxygen reading pulse oximetry patents. 

Although the specifics of the redesign, possibly involving updates to the watches’ software, have not been publicly disclosed by Apple.

According to Masimo’s filing with the Federal Circuit on Monday, Apple informed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency that the redesigned watches “definitively do not contain pulse oximetry functionality.” 

However, the details of Apple’s filings with U.S. Customs and the agency’s decision, issued on Friday, have not been released publicly.

Masimo responded positively to Apple’s claim, stating it represents a step towards accountability. Nevertheless, Apple asserted on Monday that Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches with blood-oxygen reading capabilities are still available.

The ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo originated in 2020 when Masimo accused Apple of hiring away its employees and misappropriating its pulse oximetry technology for use in Apple Watches. 

Apple, in turn, countersued Masimo for patent infringement, labeling Masimo’s legal actions as an attempt to pave the way for a competing smartwatch.

The ITC ruled in favor of Masimo in 2021, leading to the import ban that Apple briefly adhered to by halting sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the U.S. before Christmas. 

However, the Federal Circuit’s decision to pause the ban on December 27 allowed Apple to resume sales while the appeal is under consideration.

Apple expects the appeal process to take at least a year and anticipates a decision on its request to maintain the ban’s pause as early as Tuesday. 

The Federal Circuit is yet to decide whether to continue the pause or reinstate the ban, a decision that could significantly impact the availability of Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches with pulse oximetry technology. 

Apple contends that allowing the ban to persist would cause substantial harm to the company, its suppliers, and the public. 

On the other hand, Masimo argues that pausing would adversely affect its business and reputation while challenging Apple’s claims of irreparable harm.
Source: vox-cdn.com

Does Huawei Work In USA? Check Out What Is Happening

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So, does Huawei work in the USA? Here is a question people are asking before bringing their Huawei phones to the United States of America. 

Huawei phones aren’t sold in the United States. The US government blocked their sales because they believe the company has ties with the Chinese government. 

To the United States government, Huawei poses a national security threat.  The company left the US market after a long battle with the government. 

Huawei was banned on May 15, 2019. Thus, they can’t sell their communication gadgets in America. However, does the Huawei phone still works in the country?   

Keep reading as we discuss things you need to know regarding Huawei phone usage in the United States of America.  

Does Huawei Work In USA?

Yes, Huawei works in the United States of America despite the ban on the company. Under Donald Trump’s administration, the American government banned Huawei from operating. The ban also continues under Biden’s administration. 

Huawei has tried to overturn the ban by going to court, but the Founder, Ren Zhengfei, has learned the hard way. He has learned how difficult challenging an executive order from a US President is. He also opened up that he would welcome a chat with Joe Biden, but that hasn’t materialized. 

Can You Buy Huawei Phones In The USA?

Unfortunately, you can’t purchase Huawei smartphones in the United States of America. The US government’s ban on the company prohibits it from operating on US soil. 

You can use Huawei in the United States. The government didn’t ban citizens from using the Huawei smartphones. Instead, the ban is on the company. 

The only way to get Huawei smartphones is by importing them. You can import and use the latest Huawei in the USA from Amazon.  

You can also repair your Huawei phone if yours goes bad. The company offers this service in the country. However, you would have to import the parts from Amazon too. 

So if you’re looking for a Huawei phone in the United States, you’re wasting your time. The only way to purchase the phone is via importation, and there’s risk involved. 

Note that there’s no warranty for Huawei phones imported via Amazon. 

So before you place an order, ensure you’re comfortable taking this risk. 

Which Country Uses Huawei Phones

The fact that the United States government has banned Huawei from operating doesn’t mean the company is out of business. On the contrary, they have been doing great to some extent. 

But then, losing a massive market like the United States will hurt to an extent. Huawei’s market share in China is relatively huge compared to its market share in other countries. 

They have a 29% market share in China. But in South Korea, their market share is just 0.15%. So, they’re the biggest smartphone vendors in China, but we cannot say the same for other regions. 

Places Huawei operates are Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

A Handy Tip: The US allies such as Australia and the United Kingdom have taken sides with America on the Huawei issue. They have also banned Huawei from operating in their countries. 

Who Makes Huawei Smartphones

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd produces Huawei smartphones. And they are a Chinese multinational company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. 

The company designs, develops, and makes several devices, such as telecommunication, smart devices, and consumer electronics. 

Huawei started by producing phone switches. Now, they manufacture various electronic devices and render consulting services. 

Ren Zhengfei, a former People’s Liberation Army (PLA) member, founded Huawei in 1987. Today, the company deploys its products and services to over 170 countries and areas. 

In 2012, Huawei overtook Ericsson as the largest telecommunication equipment producer in the world. Then in 2018, it overtook Apple as the second-biggest smartphone device producer in the world. Samsung occupied the first position that same year. 

In 2018, Huawei reported a record $108.5 billion in revenue, and things got even better for the Chinese electronics company in 2020. Huawei shocked the world in 2020, as they recorded the largest smartphone shipment for the first time, ahead of Apple and Samsung.

Huawei invests massively in research and development, a reason their gadgets are world-class. The EU investment scorecard report shows Huawei is the world’s 4th biggest R&D (Research and Development) investor. 

The company has a record of investing 10% of its revenue into R&D, which is commendable. The company also has 120,000 patents, making them a company with one of the highest patent portfolios in the world. 

As of December 31, 2022, Huawei claimed it is owned by its 142,315 current employees, including retired beneficiaries. The founder, Ren Zhengfei’s investment is only 0.73% of the company’s total share capital. 

Is Huawei Ban Lifted Now? 

Unfortunately, the United States government hasn’t lifted the ban on Huawei. They consider the company a national security threat. So, there’s a high possibility that the ban will remain in place. 

The US government and allies believe that Huawei infrastructure equipment may enable surveillance by China. The emergence of the 5 G network may make it easier to spy on people if the allegations were true. 

Huawei has already debunked claims that they are working for the Chinese government or being coerced to provide surveillance. They claim they’re a state company and have no bad intentions. 

Huawei’s real owners have been a matter of debate over the years. While many believe China owns Huawei, others think it’s a private company. 

Activities such as funding and employees’ connection to the Chinese government haven’t done much to clarify and exonerate the Chinese company. Over 25,000 Huawei staff have previously worked with PLA or MSS. 

Furthermore, rivals like Nortel and Cisco Systems have reportedly traced some industrial espionage to Huawei. Intelligence agencies have also implicated the company in several hacks of telecommunication networks. 

Huawei was also involved in the mass surveillance of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang internment camp, causing the United States Department of State to sanction them.

Joe Biden’s emergence as president gave Huawei’s founder, Ren Zhengfei, a boost that the ban could be lifted. Ren has filed several lawsuits against the US government with no headway and expected Joe Biden’s administration to overturn what Donald Trump did. 

Unfortunately, Joe Biden has a bigger problem than lifting a ban on a Chinese company, whom America considers a big rival. 

Will U.S. Customs Seize My Huawei Phone?

There are rumors that some US customs seized a Florida traveler’s Huawei phone. Could this be true? The answer is no!

You can ship your Huawei phone to the United States of America via Amazon and start using your device. However, keep in mind that there’s no warranty. In addition, you have to import the parts via Amazon. 

The story that a Florida traveler’s Huawei phone was seized is false. The ban applies to Huawei and prevents them from doing business on United States soil. But one thing is sure; the ban doesn’t apply to users, only Huawei.

 Are Huawei Phones Good?

Huawei’s top-rated hardware and components make it a great alternative to the highly-priced smartphones Huawei can match. 

Two areas Huawei phones excel in are battery life and camera. They produce phones with quality batteries. Huawei phones also boast great cameras. 

Conclusion

So, does Huawei work in the USA? Yes, Huawei works in the United States of America. However, you cannot find the device to buy in the United States. 

Why? The government banned them from operating in the USA, calling Huawei a national security threat.

Huawei is one of the leading smartphone manufacturers in the world, but the ban imposed on them by the United States and now its allies may have a massive impact on the company. 

The United States allies, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, have reportedly banned Huawei. There’s also a possibility that other European countries may follow suit. 

BYD Surpasses Tesla in Electric Car Sales during the Final Quarter of 2023

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In a surprising turn of events, Chinese company BYD has outpaced Elon Musk’s Tesla in the electric vehicle (EV) market for the last quarter of 2023. 

BYD announced on Monday that it achieved a milestone by selling a record-breaking 526,000 battery-only vehicles during this period, marking the first time it has surpassed Tesla’s quarterly sales.

This development comes as Tesla faces a slowdown in demand, attributed to increasing borrowing costs.

Despite BYD’s victory in the final quarter, Tesla still retained its lead for the entire year of 2023. Tesla reported delivering a remarkable 484,500 electric vehicles in the last quarter and a staggering 1.8 million for the entire year. 

Although these figures exceeded analyst expectations and showcased a 20% sales increase compared to the same period in 2022, they fell short of Elon Musk’s ambitious goal of achieving two million deliveries in 2023. 

In attempts to stimulate demand, Tesla resorted to multiple price cuts throughout the year. The competition between BYD and Tesla highlights the intense rivalry in the EV market. BYD’s accomplishment signals a shift in the dynamics of the industry, emphasizing the challenges that even giants like Tesla face. 

Susannah Streeter, Head of Money and Markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, noted that BYD’s acceleration underscores the competitiveness of the EV market and the difficulty Tesla might encounter in reclaiming the top spot.

For the entire year, BYD reported selling over 3 million new energy vehicles (NEVs), encompassing both battery-only vehicles and hybrids. 

Of this total, nearly 1.6 million were battery-only vehicles, showcasing BYD’s strong foothold in the market. BYD’s CEO, Wang Chuanfu, co-founded the company in 1995, initially gaining recognition as a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries. 

Since then, BYD has expanded its portfolio, even purchasing a struggling state-owned car manufacturer, Qinchuan Automobile Company, in 2002.

One key factor contributing to BYD’s success is its in-house battery production, a strategy that sets it apart from competitors relying on third-party manufacturers. 

The company’s proficiency in battery technology allows for flexibility in pricing, evident in the sharp price cuts that fueled a 70% increase in sales in December 2023 alone.

Source: netstorage

Seven-week Low for Tech Giant Following Barclays Downgrade over Demand Worries

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In a notable market development on Tuesday, Apple (AAPL.O) experienced a nearly 3.6% dip, marking a seven-week low. 

This downturn came in the wake of Barclays downgrading the shares of the tech giant, citing apprehensions regarding the continued weakness in demand for Apple’s range of devices, spanning from iPhones to Macs, throughout the year 2024.

Barclays’ move places it as the second brokerage to assign a “sell” rating to Apple’s stock, contributing to the highest number of bearish recommendations the company has seen in at least two years, as per LSEG data. 

Given that Apple constitutes a substantial 7% of the S&P 500’s market weight, the broader index experienced a 0.56% decline on Tuesday. 

This is a significant shift from 2023, when Apple registered an impressive nearly 50% surge, reaching a record high in mid-December, with Big Tech leading the market trends.

The tech giant has been grappling with a demand slowdown since the early part of the preceding year and had already forecasted sales for the holiday quarter below the estimates put forth by Wall Street. 

The performance of Apple in China is particularly worrisome, especially with the resurgence of local competitor Huawei. 

Barclays analyst Tim Long expressed concern over the lackluster performance of the iPhone 15 and anticipated a similar trajectory for the iPhone 16. 

He pointed to weaknesses in China and subdued demand in developed markets as contributing factors.

Long, who holds a four out of five stars rating for accuracy in his Apple recommendations according to LSEG data, also underscored rising risks for Apple’s services business. 

This segment, often outpacing growth in the hardware sector, accounts for nearly a quarter of the company’s total revenue. 

The scrutiny over app store practices in countries like the United States has further heightened concerns.

Tuesday’s stock rout led to a depletion of over $100 billion in Apple’s market capitalization, closing the shares at $185.64. 

Barclays, in its downgrade, shifted the stock to “underweight” from “neutral” and slightly reduced its 12-month price target to $160. 

Before this development, Itau BBA’s “sell” rating in July 2022 was the only bearish outlook on Apple. 

Despite the recent downturn, analysts, on average, still maintain a “buy” rating for the iPhone maker, with a median price target of $200. 

However, the company currently trades at about 28.7 times its 12-month forward earnings estimates, significantly higher than the S&P 500’s 19.8.

Source: theglobeandmail

Tencent Stock Rebounds as Regulatory Stance on Gaming Appears to Ease

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In a reassuring turn for investors, Tencent Holdings, a major player in the Chinese tech landscape, experienced a notable recovery in its shares on Wednesday. 

This followed a significant downturn spurred by the release of draft rules on Friday aimed at regulating the video game industry. 

These rules proposed measures to control spending and the distribution of incentives within games, causing concerns about a renewed crackdown by regulators.

The regulatory body overseeing video games in China, the National Press and Publication Administration, has since adopted a more cooperative stance. 

They expressed their commitment to refining the proposed rules by carefully considering public feedback. 

Notably, the administration granted approvals for 105 new licenses for domestic online games in December, a number surpassing the monthly average.

While this gesture from regulators was seen as a potential alleviation of market concerns, analysts at Nomura cautioned that it might not entirely dispel apprehensions caused by the draft regulations. 

The gaming industry in China, having recently emerged from a prolonged period of regulatory constraints in 2021 and 2022, has just begun to show signs of growth.

Tencent, a tech giant deriving a significant portion of its revenue from online gaming, witnessed a bounce of more than 5% in morning trade. 

This recovery followed a 12% decline on Friday. Notably, the Hong Kong markets had been closed for public holidays on Monday and Tuesday.

Rival company NetEase also experienced a positive shift, with shares surging by 10% compared to a 25% drop on Friday. 

This recovery was further fueled by reports suggesting renewed talks between NetEase and Blizzard, the maker of World of Warcraft. 

The companies had abruptly ended their partnership a year ago, and recent media speculation indicated a possible rekindling of collaboration.

Blizzard China, the Chinese subsidiary of Blizzard, disclosed ongoing discussions with publishing partners in China to ensure the continued service of the popular game in the country. Neither NetEase nor Blizzard responded to Reuters’ requests for comments.

The draft rules, currently open for public commentary until January 24, aim to prohibit online games from offering rewards to players for daily logins, first-time spending, or consecutive spending. 

These proposed restrictions align with broader efforts by Chinese authorities to address myopia, internet addiction, and gaming addiction among the youth.

In 2021, the government imposed curfews for minor gamers, and in August, the cyberspace regulator limited smartphone usage for children under 18 to a maximum of two hours per day.

While major players like Tencent and NetEase saw substantial rebounds, gaming shares on mainland China markets, typically representing smaller industry players, exhibited more modest gains. 

The Anime Comic Game Index showed a marginal increase of 0.4% on Wednesday, following a 15% decline over the previous three sessions.

In response to the market turbulence, several companies within the industry announced share buyback plans as a means to reassure investors. 

However, the impact of boosting share prices has been minimal at best, signaling the lingering uncertainty surrounding the regulatory landscape for the Chinese gaming sector.

Source: image.cnbcfm

After the US Import Ban on Apple Watches: What Are The Next Steps?

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In a notable development, the United States has implemented a ban on the importation of Apple’s popular Apple Watches, prompting a closer examination of its implications for consumers and the subsequent steps Apple may take.

The ban stems from a directive issued by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in October, which ordered Apple to cease importing and selling Apple Watches. 

This action was in response to a complaint filed by Masimo, a medical-monitoring technology company. 

The ITC, a federal agency specializing in international trade disputes, concluded that a feature in Apple Watches designed to read blood-oxygen levels infringes on Masimo’s pulse oximetry patents.

Despite having a 60-day window until December 25, the Biden administration chose not to intervene or veto the order based on public policy concerns. Consequently, attention turned to the implications for consumers and Apple’s future course of action.

To mitigate the ban’s impact, Apple took a proactive step by announcing on December 18 that it would halt US sales of its latest high-end Series 9 and Ultra 2 models ahead of the Christmas Day deadline. 

Importantly, the ban does not extend to the lower-priced Apple Watch SE, which lacks pulse-oximetry capabilities and remains available for purchase.

While the ITC ruling specifies that it pertains only to Apple Watches featuring the contentious light-based pulse oximetry capability, it does not explicitly identify which models are affected. 

Pulse oximetry was first introduced by Apple in its Series 6 watches, with Masimo arguing that all Apple Watches with this technology infringe on its patents. As a result of the ban, Apple also declared it would cease replacing out-of-warranty watches dating back to Series 6.

It’s worth noting that the ban’s scope is limited to Apple and its affiliated entities, potentially sparing other retailers selling Apple Watches from its impact. 

As of December 26, Series 9 Apple Watches remained available from various sellers, including major platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

The accusations against Apple from Masimo add a layer of complexity to the situation. Masimo alleges that Apple hired its employees and misappropriated its technology after discussing a potential collaboration.

A jury trial in California federal court on Masimo’s claims concluded with a mistrial in May, with no rescheduled date as of now. 

Apple, in turn, has characterized Masimo’s legal actions as an attempt to pave the way for its competing smartwatch and has countersued Masimo for patent infringement in Delaware federal court.

Looking ahead, Apple’s options involve appealing the ban to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. However, the ITC rejected Apple’s request to halt the ban during an appeal on December 20. 

Additionally, there are reports that Apple is actively working on software modifications to ensure its watches operate without infringing Masimo’s patents. 

If approved by US Customs and Border Protection, this workaround could pave the way for Apple to resume importing and selling the watches.

In response, Masimo contends that its patents encompass hardware, suggesting that a software fix might not suffice. 

Amidst these legal battles, Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani, has expressed a willingness to explore a potential settlement to resolve the dispute. 

The outcome of these complex legal maneuvers will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Apple’s involvement in the wearable technology market.

Source: allsides.com

Tips To Improve Your Audience Research Initiative

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The customer is king! Okay, that is an oversimplification of the concept behind every business. Without customers, you cannot sell a product, so it is impossible to generate revenue. Therefore, finding customers, convincing them to buy what you are selling, and delivering on promises are the only paths to success for your brand.

How do you do that effectively and for a long time? That is when things get a bit more complicated. Carving out a market share of the audience is critical for businesses, both big and small. To successfully build a customer base, you have to understand them. After all, how can you create a valuable product and craft compelling messaging if you do not know the people you are catering to?

Audience research is one of the most important strategies that companies have to adopt. Creating a product that solves their problems is difficult if you do not even know the struggles they face or how they make decisions. Let’s dive into some ideas to improve your audience research efforts.

Hire a Marketing Agency

If your schedule is jam-packed with other tasks, trying to better understand the audience could feel like an overwhelming addition to the list of responsibilities. Maybe your team is already exhausted from trying to lift the company to the next tier of success, and this initiative just sounds like more work. Fortunately, there is a whole industry dedicated to helping companies improve their marketing efforts. Businesses may need marketing agencies for various reasons, but one of them is to research the target audience. These firms are experts at figuring out what makes customers tick and how they make purchasing decisions, and they also know the best ways to learn this information. 

Google Trends

If you want a simple tool to provide insight into what people are searching for online, then Google Trends is a great place to start. This platform lets you see what the most popular search queries are in the Google search engine for a given timeframe. It can also be broken down by geographic data. This could be very helpful if you are a business trying to understand the audience in your local community. The data from Google Trends can indicate what local people care about, providing valuable insight into their needs. 

Harness Discussion Platforms

Sometimes, the best source of information about audiences is the people themselves. You can use all sorts of tools to collect third-party data, but hearing from potential customers may be your best course of action to understand how they think. Discussion forums online are a great place for this type of research since you can see what people are talking about and interact with them. For example, the discussion platform called Usenet is a separate entity from the Internet where users go to have unmediated discussions about their favorite topics, including computer software, humanities, news, recreational activities, science, and entertainment. If your business fits into one of these niches, then finding a cheap Usenet provider to connect to this network could be a great resource for audience research. 

Diversify Social Media Usage

Social media are some of the best sources of information on audiences. Similar to discussion forums, social media fosters community and communication between people across the world. People share their experiences, pictures, videos, opinions, and even job openings on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. This level of interactivity is a gold mine for businesses looking to gain information about their audience. The key is embracing the right channels depending on the makeup of your target audience. For example, a customer base that is filled with highly professional executives is unlikely to be found on Snapchat. You would be far better served with a combination of LinkedIn and maybe Facebook. 

Use Cloud Computing for Data Collection/Sharing

The cloud is an amazing innovation for the business world. Companies can increase accessibility for their employees and integrate all their software programs in one location, all while saving money on remote server infrastructure. Many applications that can be hosted on the cloud can have automated processes that make data collection and sharing within your company far more efficient. That includes insights into your customers so that various departments can serve them more effectively using better data practices. 

Strong Audience Research is About Embracing Opportunities

All the strategies listed above come down to one simple idea: the willingness to explore opportunities. If you make no effort to improve your understanding of the customer, then the success of your company could be limited. Whether you hire a marketing agency to research for you, utilize tools like Google Trends and Usenet, or migrate to the cloud to take advantage of automated data processes, embracing different strategies will yield greater insight into the behaviors and needs of your target audience. 

Intel Secures $3.2 Billion Grant from Israel for Groundbreaking $25 Billion Chip Plant

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Intel, the renowned U.S. semiconductor giant, has secured a substantial grant of $3.2 billion from the Israeli government to facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art $25 billion chip manufacturing plant in southern Israel. ‘

This financial commitment is the largest ever made by a company in Israel and exemplifies a notable collaboration between Intel and the Israeli government.

This significant development unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, particularly following the October 7 attack initiated by Hamas on Israel. 

Notably, Intel’s investment is seen as a demonstration of support from a major U.S. entity at a time when the U.S. government is urging Israel to implement measures aimed at minimizing civilian harm in Gaza.

Following this announcement, Intel experienced a positive uptick in its shares, opening at $49.28 on Nasdaq with a 2.73% increase. 

The company, which houses nearly 10% of its global workforce in Israel, strategically opted to temporarily halt U.S. sales of its latest high-end Series 9 and Ultra 2 models ahead of the Christmas Day deadline.

The proposed expansion of the chip plant is slated to take place in Kiryat Gat, where Intel already operates an existing chip plant approximately 42 km (26 miles) from Hamas-controlled Gaza. 

According to Intel, this expansion is integral to the company’s broader strategy of establishing a more resilient global supply chain, aligning with ongoing and planned manufacturing investments in Europe and the United States.

Under the leadership of CEO Pat Gelsinger, Intel has been investing billions in constructing factories across three continents. 

They’ve been aiming to regain dominance in chip manufacturing and better compete with industry rivals such as AMD, Nvidia, and Samsung. This new plant in Israel adds to a series of recent investments by Intel.

Daniel Benatar, Intel’s Vice President, underscored the significance of the Israeli government’s support, emphasizing that it ensures Israel remains a global hub for semiconductor technology and talent.

Over the past five decades, Intel has received approximately $2 billion in grants for its various facilities in Israel.

Ofir Yosefi, Deputy Director General of Israel’s Investments Authority, shed light on Intel’s decision-making process, explaining that the company chose a higher grant and tax rate over an alternative offering a lower grant and lower tax rate.

Yosefi emphasized that Israel is poised to reap substantial fiscal and economic benefits from this sizable investment.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the investment as a contribution to the values of progress for humanity, particularly amid challenges in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. 

The investment, spanning five years, involves Intel paying a corporate tax rate of 7.5%, up from the previous 5%, in line with Israeli laws designed to encourage investment in development areas.

Intel’s global investment strategy extends beyond Israel, with plans to spend over 30 billion euros ($33 billion) in Germany to establish two chip-making plants in Magdeburg, supported by substantial subsidies from the German government. 

Additionally, in 2022, Intel unveiled a plan to invest up to $100 billion in building a potentially world-leading chip-making complex in Ohio.

In addition to the $3.2 billion grant, Intel has committed to purchasing $16.6 billion worth of goods and services from Israeli suppliers over the next decade. 

The construction of the new facility is expected to generate several thousand jobs, further contributing to the region’s economic landscape.

Intel, a presence in Israel since 1974, currently operates four development and production sites in the country, including the manufacturing plant in Kiryat Gat, known as Fab 28. 

This facility produces Intel 7 technology, or 10-nanometer chips, and directly employs nearly 12,000 people, with an additional 42,000 employed indirectly.

Intel’s exports from Israel, amounting to around $9 billion, constitute 5.5% of total high-tech exports. 

Several groundbreaking technologies, such as the Centrino chip enabling WiFi use and Core processors, were developed in Israel. 

Intel’s acquisition of Israeli self-driving auto technologies firm Mobileye for $15.3 billion in 2017 marked a significant move into advanced technologies.

While the specific technology to be produced at the new Fab 38 plant remains undisclosed, construction is reported to have already commenced. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously announced in June that Intel would construct a new $25 billion chip plant in Israel, with formal confirmation of this investment provided by Intel more recently. 

The Fab 38 plant is scheduled to open in 2028 and operate through 2035, emphasizing Intel’s long-term commitment to its operations in Israel.

Source: img.etimg.com

How Long Is Amazon Flex Waiting List: Explained

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The question, “How long is Amazon Flex waiting list?” is a common question for people who have applied as Flex drivers. Amazon adds applicants to the waiting list when all available positions have been occupied. 

No applicant wants to be added to the waiting list, particularly when you’re desperately seeking a job. Unfortunately, once added to the waiting list, you cannot determine when there’ll be an available spot. You have to wait patiently at this point. 

But how long do applicants have to wait? In this post, I’ll discuss things you need to know about the Amazon Flex waiting list. Continue scrolling down for more.    

What Is Amazon Flex Waiting List?

Have you been placed on a waiting list by a college or a gig app? Amazon Flex’s waiting list isn’t different. 

When you apply to be an Amazon Flex driver, you’ll be added to the waiting list if there is no available position in your area. 

Amazon isn’t saying they won’t choose you to be an Amazon Flex driver. The platform wants you to know that it has gotten the required drivers in your area. Thus, you have to wait for an available position to become an Amazon Flex driver. 

A Handy Tip: When you apply to the Amazon Flex program through the app, you’ll get immediate notification if there are available positions in your area. 

If there is no opening in your area, Amazon will notify you to join the waiting list. Unfortunately, most people discontinue their application when they receive a message asking them to join the waiting list. 

Here are the benefits of joining the Amazon Flex waiting list.

Amazon operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. It means they’ll choose from the waiting list if there is an opening in an area. They’ll also pick a driver who joined the waiting list first, not the one who just registered. 

So, if you’re interested in Amazon Flex as a side hustle, join the Amazon waiting list. You increase your chances of joining the program and earning a living when you join the waiting list. 

Now, complete your Amazon Flex background check to join the waiting list. 

How will you know when there is an available position in your area? 

Amazon has everything under control. So, you don’t have to check your app frequently or bother yourself. 

Once there is an available spot in your area, Amazon will notify you immediately. Then, you can join and start scheduling your Amazon Flex block. 

How Long Is Amazon Flex Waiting List?

On average, expect to remain on the Amazon waiting list for 2-15 weeks. However, several drivers claimed they waited longer to get their first gig on Amazon Flex. 

Several factors determine how long one has to wait on the Amazon Flex waiting list. These include factors like the position you are on the waiting list, location, driving spot available, seasonality, and the number of Amazon Flex drivers in your area. 

In Amazon Flex Reddit, some applicants claimed they stayed on the waiting list for 18 months, while some stayed shorter. Some drivers didn’t even stay on the waiting list. 

Factors That Determine How Long Amazon Flex List Would Be

Remember that the Amazon Flex list isn’t fixed. Several factors determine how long applicants have to wait. Let’s discuss each of these factors.  

1: Where you are on the list:

Amazon Flex is a transparent program. It operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

What does this imply? 

Let’s say you joined the Amazon Flex waiting list on 7th December 2023 by 2:00 pm. Another person in your area joins the waiting list on 8th December 2023 by 2:00 pm. 

The fact that you joined before that person puts you ahead on the waiting list. Thus, Amazon Flex would consider you first if there is an opening position. 

The process is quite transparent, so there’s no foul play. You won’t be able to know who’s on the waiting list but have no fear. Amazon Flex records all applications and knows the time and date each application was made. 

To increase your chances of joining the Amazon Flex program, apply now and join the waiting list. 

2: Availability of Amazon Flex:

Is Amazon Flex operating in your area? Here’s another factor that determines how long you will stay on the waiting list. 

Amazon is a global brand and boasts a wider reach. However, the demand will determine the supply. If Amazon Flex discovers they need gig workers in an area, they’ll go for it.

A Handy Tip: You can apply to be an Amazon Flex driver in your area even if there is no Amazon Flex. When you apply, you’ll be sent to the waiting list.

In this scenario, you can’t determine how long you’ll remain on the waiting list. It could be a few days or longer. However, you could remain on the waiting list longer since the platform isn’t available in your area. 

3: Where you live:

Your location can also determine how long you’ll be on the waiting list. If you live in a city with low demand for gig workers, you could spend more time on the waiting list. 

If you live in a city recruiting drivers, count yourself lucky. Amazon Flex may accept you within 2 days or less.

4: The number of drivers where you reside:

You may end up on the Amazon Flex waiting list for two reasons. The number one reason is if there is no Flex in your area. The second reason is that Amazon Flex has gotten the number of people it wants at that moment in time. 

In other words, Amazon Flex drivers in your area have reached their limit. Therefore, other applicants must wait for demand to increase or for accepted drivers to quit the program.

5: Peak or quiet shopping season?

The peak season is always a busy period for Amazon, likewise delivery drivers. So, if you’re on Amazon Flex, be ready to be on the road often. 

The high shopping seasons, such as Christmas, put so much pressure on delivery drivers. Amazon understands this and usually recruits more drivers during this period. 

A Handy Tip: You aren’t the only one looking to join the Amazon Flex program. Hundreds of others in your area are trying to get accepted. 

Amazon Flex isn’t biased. No driver can manipulate the system and make Amazon choose them ahead of others who applied earlier.

So, apply in the quiet season. Remember, Amazon Flex operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. It means when you apply earlier, you’ll boost your chances of being accepted into the program. 

6: Available spots for drivers: 

Your waiting time will be shorter if Amazon has more warehouses in your area that are seeking drivers. And even when there are several warehouses in your area, the demand for products will determine the demand for delivery workers. 

Why Is The Amazon Flex Waiting List Important?

The Amazon Flex waiting list is important to the company (Amazon) and applicants (drivers) for several reasons. Let’s discuss them.

1: Boost driver’s chances of securing a spot in Amazon Flex:

One benefit of being on the Amazon Flex waiting list is the increased opportunity to join the program. Drivers who were the first to get on the waiting list will be the first that Amazon Flex will consider when there is a spot in an area. 

You boost your chance of securing a spot on Amazon Flex when you get into the waiting list. The duration of the waiting period can be shorter or longer. But you may likely land a spot if you don’t give up. 

2: Availability of drivers when needed:

Having many drivers on the Amazon Flex waiting list will benefit Amazon. How? When there is an increase in demand for drivers in an area, Amazon can quickly run to their waiting list and engage the number of drivers they want. They don’t have to wait for applicants to get the drivers needed. 

Amazon is customer-centered. The company values its customers and always wants to satisfy their needs. So, if there are shortages of delivery drivers in an area, Amazon will struggle to deliver products to customers. Most customers may experience a delay in their product delivery. 

3: Amazon Flex waiting list helps to strike a balance: 

Let’s look at it this way. Assuming Amazon Flex decided to accept more drivers but have little job on the ground on what? What would happen?

Many drivers would have to wait for a gig because of the number of drivers available. Eventually, some might not get a single gig in a month or have fewer gigs in a year, leading to a desire to quit. 

Conclusion

How long is Amazon Flex waiting list? There is no specific set time for the waiting list. However, on average, you can expect to wait 2-15 weeks. 

Several factors determine how long applicants must stay on the Amazon Flex waiting list. These include the available spots, location, seasonality, position on the waiting list, and so on. 

Right now, the best advice for any Amazon Flex driver is to apply and be on the waiting list. Remember that Amazon operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, apply now to give yourself a great opportunity to secure a spot in the future. 

What Is W3C And Why Is It Important: The Meaning & Reasons

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What is W3C and why is it important? This question requires a detailed response. The internet is an exciting place and the storeroom for information. Manifolds of data are stored on the internet. 

One of the advantages the internet has brought to humanity is the easy access to information. Information or knowledge isn’t constrained to a selected few. You can sit in your home and access information and entertainment or even communicate with people via the internet. 

In this post, the primary focus is W3C. What does it mean, and what makes it necessary to warrant discussion? Read to learn more!

What Is The Meaning of W3C?

The term W3C means “World Wide Web Consortium.” The W3C is an international organization recognized worldwide. The organization’s focus is to improve the web. 

The W3C is among the most critical organizations behind the World Wide Web. It comprises hundreds of member organizations from diverse IT-related industries. 

The W3C is responsible for setting standards the WWW (World Wide Web) follows. The aim is to facilitate cooperation among the various stakeholders.  

Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of WWW and father of the internet, established the W3C in 1994. The organization enables interested parties from diverse IT sectors to work together to address issues and make the web accessible to users. 

In the words of CEO Jeffrey Jaffe, the W3C’s objective is to make it possible for the web to attain its full potential. The organization has members from diverse sectors, so it doesn’t lack experts.  

Having experts in various fields, including IT, in the W3C organization makes the body highly effective.   

So, the organization’s key participants that set the standard for the web include experts in website development commercial, governmental, and educational entities. 

How The W3C Started – A Brief History

How did the W3C start? The World Wide Web Consortium was founded at the prestigious MIT Laboratory for Computer Science with the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the European Commission, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

The French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (Inria) became W3C’s host in 1995. Then, Japan’s Keio University took over in 1996.   

W3C is a prominent organization with a clear structure. The organization’s role in the growth and preservation of the web was also massive. Thus, there was a need for offices to be created to help things move forward faster. 

 In 1997, W3C started creating regional offices in different parts of the world. In addition to expanding its offices, the W3C expanded its standard. CSS and HTML became part of the standard in 1996. 

The organization didn’t stop there. In 1998, XML also became an approved standard. Then, in 2003, the host changed. This time, ERCIM became the W3C European host. It was no longer Inria.   

By 2009, the organization began to experience steady progress. They had 18 more world offices, helping to create worldwide standards across countries. These include countries like Brazil, Germany, Australia, China, Sweden and India. 

Again, 2020 was another critical year for the W3C. The W3C Office Programs became the W3C Chapters Program. 

What happened in 2003, 2004 and beyond?

Here is a quick breakdown of what happened in these periods. 

  • In 2003, the W3C accepted SOAP’s 1.2 version. It became the standard. 
  • In 2004, the W3C recommendation for SRGS VXML was finally accepted. 
  • In 2009, the W3C added two more offices: Ireland and the UK. 
  • In 2011, the W3C accepted WebRTC as the standard.
  • In 2012, W3C got more locations in Russia. Additionally, they organized a community comprising major publishers and web players to create MediaWiki. The primary goal of MediaWiki was to document open web standards.    
  • In 2013, Beihang University became the Chinese host of the prestigious institution W3C. 
  • In 2016, a standard for web payments overview was successfully published.
  • In 2018, SVG was added as a standard. 
  • In 2022, Picture-in-Picture became a standard.  

Understanding How The W3C Operates

In this section, we will provide details of how the W3C works. Firstly, remember that this prestigious organization boasts a membership that is composed of participants in the information technology sector. The organization has always been successful in its own right. 

Access to extensive data is one reason this organization has been making a massive impact. However, this comes with its limitations. For instance, there can be overwhelming information coupled with a void in knowledge.

The World Wide Web is a data ecosystem and will always be. It feeds content into the web, and people can access it via browsers. However, the web has to follow specific standards to function effectively. 

The W3C Standards You Should Know

Firstly, W3C standards describe several recommended programming languages to generally accepted principles in both open architectures and web services. 

Here are some excellent examples of web design and application standards.

  • CSS
  • HTML
  • Common Gateway Interface (CGI)
  • Document Object Model (DOM)
  • Extensible HTML (XHTML)
  • Extensible Markup Language (XML)
  • Resource Description Framework (RDF)
  • Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
  • Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)
  • Voice XML (VXML)
  • JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data (JSON-LD) 
  • Speech Recognition Grammar Specification (SRGS)
  • SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language (SPARQL)
  • Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC)
  • Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML)
  • Gleaning Resource Descriptions from Dialects of Languages (GRDDL)
  • Web Service Description Language (WSDL)

The W3C’s primary focus is developing and promoting standards that ensure the web’s long-term growth. The body comprises prominent member organizations, such as companies, research institutions, and governments. 

These organizations combine their resources, expertise, and time to develop web standards and advance the W3C.

Here are critical aspects that the W3C is working hard to develop standards.

  • Web Accessibility
  • HTML ( Hypertext Markup Language)
  • JavaScript
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
  • Web Security 

The W3C wants to ensure the web is more accessible for users to access and protect users’ privacy. For instance, the organization works hard to maintain standards for JavaScript, a programming language used to create interactive web pages. The organization also wants to ensure people with disabilities can easily access the web.   

What Makes The W3C Standards Crucial?

What’s the reason or reasons the W3C is so crucial to the survival and operation of the web? Firstly, the standards they set make the W3C invaluable to maintaining the steady function and growth of the net. 

The W3C ensures the web is accessible and fair to everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re accessing the web from. Again, when you develop a web app and adhere to the standards, it will work just like others that are W3C compliant. Additionally, everyone can have access to the application. 

The W3C serves as a quality control organization. They serve as quality filters between end-users and developers. The tools available for development and creative processes are authentic and have been vetted by experts. Thus, developers can work with the various tools with confidence that they are doing the right thing.

The confidence of users accessing and using the applications will also be higher, given that they were developed with quality tools.

The primary purpose for the existence of the W3C is to ensure the smooth operation of the web. The organization ensures the web is free and open for innovation and communication. The body also promotes the web’s long-term growth.    

The W3C ensures the development and maintenance of standards for crucial technologies utilized on the web. These include CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. The organization helps to ensure the web is secured and protects users’ privacy.  

The resources and tools the W3C provides make the smooth operation of the web possible. Managing a complex process like the web would have been super challenging without these tools. 

The organization’s conferences, workshops, and events are among the most significant and impactful in the information technology industry. These events allow the organization to bring experts worldwide together to share ideas about the web.     

So, in addition to developing the web, the W3C has been vital in its evolution and will continue to remain so. 

Conclusion

What is W3C and why is it important? The W3C implies “World Wide Web Consortium.” It is an international organization recognized worldwide. The main focus of the W3C is to develop and improve the web. 

The organization ensures the tools developers need to create innovative apps to advance the web are available. They also protect users’ privacy and serve as quality filters for developers. 

The W3C boasts members from different parts of the world. It is the most critical organization as far as the web or internet is concerned.