#mobile data not auto connect

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Cars bricked by bankrupt EV company will stay bricked

On OCTOBER 23 at 7PM, I'll be in DECATUR, presenting my novel THE BEZZLE at EAGLE EYE BOOKS.

There are few phrases in the modern lexicon more accursed than "software-based car," and yet, this is how the failed EV maker Fisker billed its products, which retailed for $40-70k in the few short years before the company collapsed, shut down its servers, and degraded all those "software-based cars":

https://insideevs.com/news/723669/fisker-inc-bankruptcy-chapter-11-official/

Fisker billed itself as a "capital light" manufacturer, meaning that it didn't particularly make anything – rather, it "designed" cars that other companies built, allowing Fisker to focus on "experience," which is where the "software-based car" comes in. Virtually every subsystem in a Fisker car needs (or rather, needed) to periodically connect with its servers, either for regular operations or diagnostics and repair, creating frequent problems with brakes, airbags, shifting, battery management, locking and unlocking the doors:

https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-owners-worry-about-vehicles-working-bankruptcy-2024-4

Since Fisker's bankruptcy, people with even minor problems with their Fisker EVs have found themselves owning expensive, inert lumps of conflict minerals and auto-loan debt; as one Fisker owner described it, "It's literally a lawn ornament right now":

https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-owners-describe-chaos-to-keep-cars-running-after-bankruptcy-2024-7

This is, in many ways, typical Internet-of-Shit nonsense, but it's compounded by Fisker's capital light, all-outsource model, which led to extremely unreliable vehicles that have been plagued by recalls. The bankrupt company has proposed that vehicle owners should have to pay cash for these recalls, in order to reserve the company's capital for its creditors – a plan that is clearly illegal:

https://www.veritaglobal.net/fisker/document/2411390241007000000000005

This isn't even the first time Fisker has done this! Ten years ago, founder Henrik Fisker started another EV company called Fisker Automotive, which went bankrupt in 2014, leaving the company's "Karma" (no, really) long-range EVs (which were unreliable and prone to bursting into flames) in limbo:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisker_Karma

Which raises the question: why did investors reward Fisker's initial incompetence by piling in for a second attempt? I think the answer lies in the very factor that has made Fisker's failure so hard on its customers: the "software-based car." Investors love the sound of a "software-based car" because they understand that a gadget that is connected to the cloud is ripe for rent-extraction, because with software comes a bundle of "IP rights" that let the company control its customers, critics and competitors:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

A "software-based car" gets to mobilize the state to enforce its "IP," which allows it to force its customers to use authorized mechanics (who can, in turn, be price-gouged for licensing and diagnostic tools). "IP" can be used to shut down manufacturers of third party parts. "IP" allows manufacturers to revoke features that came with your car and charge you a monthly subscription fee for them. All sorts of features can be sold as downloadable content, and clawed back when title to the car changes hands, so that the new owners have to buy them again. "Software based cars" are easier to repo, making them perfect for the subprime auto-lending industry. And of course, "software-based cars" can gather much more surveillance data on drivers, which can be sold to sleazy, unregulated data-brokers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

Unsurprisingly, there's a large number of Fisker cars that never sold, which the bankruptcy estate is seeking a buyer for. For a minute there, it looked like they'd found one: American Lease, which was looking to acquire the deadstock Fiskers for use as leased fleet cars. But now that deal seems dead, because no one can figure out how to restart Fisker's servers, and these vehicles are bricks without server access:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/08/fisker-bankruptcy-hits-major-speed-bump-as-fleet-sale-is-now-in-question/

It's hard to say why the company's servers are so intransigent, but there's a clue in the chaotic way that the company wound down its affairs. The company's final days sound like a scene from the last days of the German Democratic Republic, with apparats from the failing state charging about in chaos, without any plans for keeping things running:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/07/east-germany-stasi-surveillance-documents/

As it imploded, Fisker cycled through a string of Chief Financial officers, losing track of millions of dollars at a time:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/31/fisker-collapse-investigation-ev-ocean-suv-henrik-geeta/

When Fisker's landlord regained possession of its HQ, they found "complete disarray," including improperly stored drums of toxic waste:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/fiskers-hq-abandoned-in-complete-disarray-with-apparent-hazardous-waste-clay-models-left-behind/

And while Fisker's implosion is particularly messy, the fact that it landed in bankruptcy is entirely unexceptional. Most businesses fail (eventually) and most startups fail (quickly). Despite this, businesses – even those in heavily regulated sectors like automotive regulation – are allowed to design products and undertake operations that are not designed to outlast the (likely short-lived) company.

After the 2008 crisis and the collapse of financial institutions like Lehman Brothers, finance regulators acquired a renewed interest in succession planning. Lehman consisted of over 6,000 separate corporate entities, each one representing a bid to evade regulation and/or taxation. Unwinding that complex hairball took years, during which the entities that entrusted Lehman with their funds – pensions, charitable institutions, etc – were unable to access their money.

To avoid repeats of this catastrophe, regulators began to insist that banks produce "living wills" – plans for unwinding their affairs in the event of catastrophe. They had to undertake "stress tests" that simulated a wind-down as planned, both to make sure the plan worked and to estimate how long it would take to execute. Then banks were required to set aside sufficient capital to keep the lights on while the plan ran on.

This regulation has been indifferently enforced. Banks spent the intervening years insisting that they are capable of prudently self-regulating without all this interference, something they continue to insist upon even after the Silicon Valley Bank collapse:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/15/mon-dieu-les-guillotines/#ceci-nes-pas-une-bailout

The fact that the rules haven't been enforced tells us nothing about whether the rules would work if they were enforced. A string of high-profile bankruptcies of companies who had no succession plans and whose collapse stands to materially harm large numbers of people tells us that something has to be done about this.

Take 23andme, the creepy genomics company that enticed millions of people into sending them their genetic material (even if you aren't a 23andme customer, they probably have most of your genome, thanks to relatives who sent in cheek-swabs). 23andme is now bankrupt, and its bankruptcy estate is shopping for a buyer who'd like to commercially exploit all that juicy genetic data, even if that is to the detriment of the people it came from. What's more, the bankruptcy estate is refusing to destroy samples from people who want to opt out of this future sale:

https://bourniquelaw.com/2024/10/09/data-23-and-me/

On a smaller scale, there's Juicebox, a company that makes EV chargers, who are exiting the North American market and shutting down their servers, killing the advanced functionality that customers paid extra for when they chose a Juicebox product:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/2/24260316/juicebox-ev-chargers-enel-x-way-closing-discontinued-app

I actually owned a Juicebox, which ultimately caught fire and melted down, either due to a manufacturing defect or to the criminal ineptitude of Treeium, the worst solar installers in Southern California (or both):

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/27/here-comes-the-sun-king/#sign-here

Projects like Juice Rescue are trying to reverse-engineer the Juicebox server infrastructure and build an alternative:

https://juice-rescue.org/

This would be much simpler if Juicebox's manufacturer, Enel X Way, had been required to file a living will that explained how its customers would go on enjoying their property when and if the company discontinued support, exited the market, or went bankrupt.

That might be a big lift for every little tech startup (though it would be superior than trying to get justice after the company fails). But in regulated sectors like automotive manufacture or genomic analysis, a regulation that says, "Either design your products and services to fail safely, or escrow enough cash to keep the lights on for the duration of an orderly wind-down in the event that you shut down" would be perfectly reasonable. Companies could make "software based cars" but the more "software based" the car was, the more funds they'd have to escrow to transition their servers when they shut down (and the lest capital they'd have to build the car).

Such a rule should be in addition to more muscular rules simply banning the most abusive practices, like the Oregon state Right to Repair bill, which bans the "parts pairing" that makes repairing a Fisker car so onerous:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/27/24097042/right-to-repair-law-oregon-sb1596-parts-pairing-tina-kotek-signed

Or the Illinois state biometric privacy law, which strictly limits the use of the kind of genomic data that 23andme collected:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3004

Failing to take action on these abusive practices is dangerous – and not just to the people who get burned by them. Every time a genomics research project turns into a privacy nightmare, that salts the earth for future medical research, making it much harder to conduct population-scale research, which can be carried out in privacy-preserving ways, and which pays huge scientific dividends that we all benefit from:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/01/the-palantir-will-see-you-now/#public-private-partnership

Just as Fisker's outrageous ripoff will make life harder for good cleantech companies:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/26/unplanned-obsolescence/#better-micetraps

If people are convinced that new, climate-friendly tech is a cesspool of grift and extraction, it will punish those firms that are making routine, breathtaking, exciting (and extremely vital) breakthroughs:

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/10/08/norways-national-football-stadium-has-the-worlds-largest-vertical-solar-roof-how-does-it-w

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/10/software-based-car/#based

[astra-the-dragon]

Hi! What’s a citizen scientist and how did you get involved with a group that does that? This is the first time I’ve heard of any of that and it sounds so cool

Hi there!

I'd say there's two answers to that, but I'll start with the more relevant kind. There's "layperson recruited by scientist to help with science work" and there's "amateur, self-taught scientist". The overlap is large, but the project I was talking about is one of the world's largest laypersons-scientists collaborative projects.

It's called iNaturalist (getting started page here).

They have a website, apps for iOS and Android, and several layers of help for the new or confused. (*their new app is available on iOS, you want iNat Next. I'm an android user tho). There may even be a dedicated localization team for your country, if you're outside the USA.

I've gladly sunk thousands of hours into iNaturalist between time in nature and time online.

iNaturalist's primary goal is to get people connected with nature, but the core loop for most people is like this:

take a photo (or other recording) of an organism - a bird, a plant, mold, etc. Ideally a wild one, not a pet or garden plant.

upload it to the app. it will have fields asking for additional info, but most of those should auto-fill from the photo metadata.

technically optional but PLEASE fill in "what do you think this is" / the Identification field. give it your best guess. the Computer Vision will give suggestions, or you can say, "I know this is a rose" or "I know this is a mouse".

wait a little. there are a dozen staff to millions of users. everyone else who ever helps you on iNat is an unpaid volunteer so be nice to them.

whoa! someone else has offered their own identification. If you're lucky, they even know what exact species you've found.

Once at least two people have given a specific ID, and over 2/3s of identifiers (including you) are in agreement, the observation has been given an official community ID. Now (given a few other qualifiers - eg is it wild, did you provide a date) your submission can be used for research!

within a few days, your new Research Grade observation will be uploaded to Serious Scientific Databases! Hundreds of papers cite iNaturalist data.

Now if you're freaky and/or already know a decent amount about organisms, you can also be an identifier! The app's interface for adding IDs to observations on mobile kind of stinks tbh. Maybe the new iOS app makes it good, but I haven't had the chance to try that. In any case, if you want to help be the person certifying observations, you'll be best off on the website.

So as an identifier the core loop is like this:

Open up a page of the dedicated Identify modal.

Add your filters: what species? where? when? Do you want to work with audio files, do you want to help a specific user? by oldest, by newest, random order? We have so many filters.

Open up those observations one at a time and give your best, informed guess as to the organism's identity. You might be the first identifier there, you might be double-checking someone else's hypothesis.

Use the 'more info' tabs, or the awesome built in keyboard shortcuts, to add more information, if you want. iNaturalist allows you to add phenology information or additional notes and tags.

You'll get notifications on observations you've added IDs to, to let you know if there are conflicting opinions or comments etc.

Yay! sweet karma! You've helped the scientific community!

If you're ME, there's an additional couple steps.

7. do all the above over 235,000 times

8. notifications hell, notifications unusable, notifications coming out of every orifice. additional notification filtering update when (three years and counting)

please ask me more questions. pls. pls I want to share more. I didn't touch the social aspect and I didn't get into using iNat to learn and I

[robfinancialtip]

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Powered by cutting-edge Global Navigation Satellite Systems tracking technology, the HALO SYSTEM delivers unparalleled location accuracy, comparable to the latest advancements in autonomous vehicles and drones. In fact, the HALO COLLAR's geolocation feature rivals that of leading smartphones, ensuring pinpoint accuracy within a few feet. Plus, with nightly satellite data downloads, your pet's GPS location is instantly precise the moment they step outside.

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With upgraded features and advanced technology, the HALO COLLAR 3 offers unparalleled value at the same price as the HALO 2+. Experience the future of pet safety today with the HALO COLLAR 3.

[realwizardshit]

I use various IP geolocation resources a lot for work. I feel like people know this by now but you really can't reliably track down a Person or even a single Address from an IP address. There's so many variables that can affect the address someone gets when they connect to the internet, and how accurate the location is. A person using mobile data fucks it up pretty frequently, because you basically have no idea which cell tower they're going to be hitting. And of course one's location can be purposefully obfuscated with use of a VPN. I remember reading an article a while ago, something generally about how some law enforcement agency kept harassing one person in Kansas because the exact geographic center of the US happens to be within their property, and sometimes if IP geolocation can't figure out anything specific, it just defaults to dead center. (link)

Anyway i'm posting about this because 1. bored and 2. just saw a ticket with an extremely helpful auto-generated map like this one (artist's rendition):

Ah yes. There. In the cornfield

[mint-moon25]

How to fold a napkin into a bow for the cutest table 💖🎀SA

SAFELINK - WIRELESS - TOOK

2 1/2 HRS - DIAL - ( 5 ) - 4 - YES

SUPPORT - ASK - 4 - LIFELINE

DEPT - I - SAID - DIDN'T - GET

MY - SIM - CARD - CAN - I YES

CONNECT - MY - NEW - TCL

FLIP 2 - MOBILE - CLASSIC

FLIP - PHONE - THEY SAID

'YES' - SO - GAVE - IMEI - &

CONNECTED - WHEN - ME

GAVE - MIAMI - 33130 - ZIP

THEY - GAVE - ME - PALM

BEACH - COUNTY - ( 5 6 1 )

GOOGLE - SEARCH

TEXTED - 611 611 - MINC

GAVE - 331300

LESS - THAN - 5 MIN GOT

CORRECT - AREA - CODE

786

GOT - MY - NEW - MOBILE

TELEPHONE - NUMBER

BUT - NEW - FORMAT &

YOUTUBE - WAS - EASY - 2

WITH - SMALL - MOUSE XO

WITHOUT - FRONT - SHOWING

TIME - DAY - AND - DATE

CORRECTED - TIME

EASTERN - TIME

THEN - CLICKED - 24 HRS

JUST - ADVANCED BY 1 MIN

COMPARED - 2 - SMARTPHONE

AND - TABLET - BOTH THE - YES

SAME - SO - IT's - AUTO - DON'T

HAVE - 2 - CHANGE - ANYNORE

CONSTANTLY - THIS - PHONE IS

BEAUTIFUL - TCL FLIP 2 - BY

TRACFONE WIRELESS, INC.

I - HAVE - OVER - 8 YEARS

SAFELINK WIRELESS, INC.

BUT - APPROVED - JUST NOW

12 JUNE 2023 - ACTIVATED - I

GOT - ENROLLED - AND GIVEN

ACP - AFFORDABLE CONNECT

THUS - WAITING - TWICE 4 SIM

DECIDED - 2 - JUST - USE - MY

MOBILE - FLIP - PHONE - FRM

WALMART - CONNECTED - IN

MINUTES - BY - INDIA - BUT XO

WRONG - AREA - CODE - YES

SO - ADDED - THEM

CALLS - 611

TEXT - 611 611

ADDED - CHANGED - AT - APP

AMAZON - PRIME

AFTER - SAYING - YES - 2 - YES

TEXT - MESSAGE

BELOW - CIRCLE - OK

ENVELOPE - ICON - 4

MESSAGES - NOTIFICATION

CLICK - THAT - BOX - 2 - SEE

AMAZON - TEXT

TYPE - YES

DONE

MENU - BROWSER - CHROME

CLICKED - HOME - YOUTUBE

SIGNED - IN BY - TELEPHONE

THUS - NOW - NOT - JUST YES

APPEARS - IN - MIDDLE - LIKE

B 4 - JUST - CLICK - BELOW

IN - MIDDLE - LIKE ENVELOPE

WHERE - ALL - MESSAGES - R

SO - NOW - I - HAVE

UNLIMITED - TALK - TEXT AND

DATA - INTERNET - NETWORK

FREE - 1 YEAR - THEN - APPLY

HAVE - NEW - TEL NO

THUS - INFORMING - ALL

CAN - CALL - NOW - AND

ENJOY - TINY - YOUTUBE

WAY - BETTER - THAN B 4

HARD - WITH - MOUSE - NOW

EASIER - SO - I - CAN - MAKE

CALLS NOW - BUT REQUIRED

1 - CALL - OR - 1 - TEXT - EACH

MONTH - 2 - REMAIN - ACTIVE

SO - EVERYTHING - WORKING

TOGETHER - LITTLE - BY - YES

LITTLE - 4 - OUR - GOOD JUST

GOT - MESSAGE - BOX - WAS

SCANNED - REFUND - BY THE

27TH - BUT - CHECKING - YES

TOMORROW - PER - AGENT

$72.74 - MIGHT - B - AT - MY

GIFT - CARD - TOMORROW

AS - PROMISED - MY - NEW

TOTAL - IS - EXACTLY - THE

ABOVE - WITH - TAXES TOO

WAS - DIFFICULT - GETTING

A - PERSON - AT - SAFELINK

TECH - SUPPORT - CALL 611

RESTING - RIGHT - NOW

MAIN - LIBRARY - TRULY

[ezeetel]

How Does a Cloud-Based Business Telephone System Work? Solving Communication Challenges for Modern Businesses

Introduction

In today's fast-paced business world, seamless communication is the lifeblood of any successful organization. Traditional phone systems have their limitations, making it crucial for businesses to adopt modern solutions that can keep up with the demands of the digital era. Enter Ezeetel Telecommunication, a leading provider of cloud-based Business Telephone Systems. In this blog post, we will explore how Ezeetel's cutting-edge technology works, and how it addresses the communication challenges faced by businesses today.

Understanding the Basics of a Cloud-Based Business Telephone System

A cloud-based Business Telephone System, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), revolutionizes the way organizations communicate. Unlike conventional landline systems, where communication is routed through physical phone lines, VoIP operates over the internet, transmitting voice data as packets. Ezeetel leverages the power of cloud computing to deliver a robust, reliable, and scalable telecommunication solution to businesses of all sizes.

The Inner Workings of Ezeetel's Business Telephone System

Virtualization of Phone Infrastructure: Ezeetel replaces the need for bulky, on-premises hardware with a virtual phone infrastructure hosted in the cloud. This means businesses no longer need to invest in expensive telephone exchange equipment, reducing both upfront costs and maintenance expenses.

Seamless Call Routing and Management: With Ezeetel's cloud-based system, incoming calls are efficiently routed to the intended recipients, regardless of their location. Advanced call management features, such as call forwarding, auto-attendants, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems, ensure that every call is handled professionally.

Scalability and Flexibility: As businesses grow, so do their communication needs. Ezeetel's solution is highly scalable, allowing companies to add or remove phone lines effortlessly. This flexibility ensures that the system can adapt to organizational changes without major disruptions.

Unified Communication: Ezeetel integrates various communication channels, including voice, video, and messaging, into a single platform. This unified communication approach streamlines internal collaboration and enhances external interactions with clients and partners.

Mobility and Remote Work Support: In an increasingly remote and mobile work environment, Ezeetel's Business Telephone System shines. Employees can use their smartphones, laptops, or desktop computers to access the system from anywhere with an internet connection, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

Solving Communication Challenges for Businesses

Ezeetel's Business Telephone System addresses several critical challenges faced by modern businesses:

Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the need for costly on-premises equipment and offering competitive pricing, Ezeetel significantly reduces the overall telecommunication expenses for businesses.

Reliability and Redundancy: The cloud-based infrastructure ensures high system availability, with built-in redundancy to minimize downtime. Businesses can rest assured that their communication channels remain operational at all times.

Enhanced Collaboration: With integrated voice, video, and messaging features, Ezeetel fosters seamless communication and collaboration among team members, boosting productivity and efficiency.

Business Continuity: In case of natural disasters or emergencies, Ezeetel's cloud-based system ensures that communication remains intact, allowing businesses to continue operations without disruption.

Global Reach: Ezeetel's VoIP system enables businesses to establish virtual phone numbers in multiple countries, expanding their reach and providing a localized experience for customers worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ezeetel's cloud-based Business Telephone System represents the next generation of telecommunication solutions, empowering businesses with unparalleled communication capabilities. By virtualizing phone infrastructure, enhancing collaboration, and addressing the challenges of modern communication, Ezeetel enables organizations to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape. Embrace the power of cloud-based telephony and take your business communication to new heights with Ezeetel Telecommunication.

[hifilounge]

Chord Electronics Summer Promo - Mojo2 and Poly!

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick blog to say that Chord Electronics will be running a Sunshine promotion from June 12th to August 31st 2023 on both Mojo2 and Poly! For only £395 each you can own a multi award winning British designed and made Chord Electronics Mojo2 headphone/Hifi Dac or a Poly streamer that can be used both in the home or on the move - or both for £790!

MOJO 2 Portable DAC/headphone amplifier

The British designed, engineered and built Mojo 2 is the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world. Distinctly different from all other devices, the What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year-winning Mojo 2 uses proprietary British digital audio technology perfected over more than two decades, coupled to a powerful ‘FPGA’ processor. The result is class-leading sound quality both on the move or at home, with the power to effortlessly drive any headphones. For music just as the artist intended, Mojo 2 brings you closer to the music than any other portable.

UNIQUE FPGA TECHNOLOGY

For more than 25 years, Chord Electronics has exclusively used powerful programmable (FPGA) circuits with custom coding to provide the most advanced digital-to-analogue conversion performance in the world. With digital audio technologies perfected over two decades, Mojo 2 contains more digital audio know-how than any other small DAC, resulting in unrivalled sound quality, all backed by peerless technical measurements from the lab.

COMPATIBLE WITH POLY FOR STREAMING

Completely compatible with our wireless streamer/player module Poly, for wireless streaming, control and playback

POLY Music streamer/player for Mojo 2/Mojo

Poly is a revolutionary music streamer, the first of its kind in the world. When partnered with Mojo 2/Mojo, it enables music streamed from a range of wirelessly connected devices to be enjoyed in the best possible sound quality, whether at home or on the go. Poly is also a music player: its unlimited-capacity Micro SD card slot can house huge libraries and liberate storage on smart devices. Full smartphone control using everyday apps enables effortless music playback whether streaming or playing music from the Micro SD.

Poly directly connects to Mojo 2/Mojo’s award-winning audio processing (DAC) technology dramatically improving the audio quality of streamed music.  Its advanced design enables everyday devices, including Android and Apple smartphones/tablets, to become portable ‘hi-fi-quality’ digital audio players: the smartphone becomes the controller, with Poly and Mojo 2/Mojo doing the high-level audio processing.

Poly can also be used with computers and laptops, plus it can access networked audio stored on NAS drives using popular DLNA apps. Playback is via Mojo 2/Mojo’s twin headphone outputs, plus home and in-car audio systems with auxiliary (AUX) inputs can also benefit from the improved sound quality.

Poly connects to Wi-Fi networks, including mobile hotspots when on the go, and remembers multiple networks with its auto-connect functionality. It also benefits from Bluetooth® wireless technology, AirPlay and DLNA connectivity, offering uninterrupted music streaming when transitioning from indoors to outdoors. Poly also features its own hotspot mode, enabling a connection where devices, networks or countries do not facilitate tethering. Its rechargeable LiPo batteries offer up to nine hours of playback from a four-hour charge using the device’s fast-charging USB circuit; both Poly and Mojo 2/Mojo can be charged simultaneously.

Poly is high-resolution audio-compatible, with support for the latest studio-quality files; PCM data up to 768kHz resolution and DSD64 to DSD256 (Quad-DSD). Supported file types include ACC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, OGG VORBIS, ALAC, WMA and MP3.

Please don’t hesitate to contact HFL if you have any questions or require anything else 👍

https://hifilounge.co.uk/product-category/brands/chord-electronics/mojo-2/

All the best,

Billy

[containatrocity]

Post-Apocalypse Post-Modern

"Huntsville, welcome to 2021- at least."

Below the cut is the details of iNARiOS 1.0 and it's functional applications until further updates, these are the only apps and functions of the communication system Cyan has set up in Huntsville. (5/6/23)

REQUIREMENTS: A wired home computer or laptop wired into the system Cyan has set up. Phones, tablets, and other mobile devices still do not work, as they cannot be connected to the wired network that makes up the entirety of the computers Cyan was given access to. Game consoles can also make use of this functionality to play 'local' games together but remotely. THERE IS NO WAY TO USE THIS FUNCTIONALITY ON THE GO, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A WIRED CONNECTION, PHONES AND TABLETS CAN BE SIDELOADED WITH THE INFORMATION, BUT ARE NOT ON THE NETWORK. Each computer must also load into the secondary OS, iNARIiOS, to access the network as a whole, though this is simple enough, as Cyan has left a desktop shortcut for this- a neon blue and purple fox clutching a scroll in it's mouth.

MESSAGING APPLICATION: YATAGARASU aka "CarrierCrow"

A Chatroom system with usernames, profile images, status messages, and 'group' options, CarrierCrow is the IM service of iNARiOS. stylized with the presence of a 3 legged crow and a sleek black and gold theming, it takes a lot of functionality similarities from discord, just heavily stunted, a basic text display in the center of the screen with messages tagged by usernames. This also contains the email system, allowing users to send messages in real time and into a holding inbox as well. There's cute little emoticons too- themed after the animal gods used in the applications.

DOCUMENT SHARING/CALENDAR WORKSPACES: KOMAINU aka "LionShare"

The workspace app themed after komainu statues, LionShare is where document writing and sharing, calendars, spreadsheets, and other file sharing is carried out, each user has their own specific key, and folders and documents can be set to be accessed by only specific keys, or the entire town, depending on the wants of those making the documents/calendars/sheets/etc. It carries over the usernames from within CarrierCrow, for ease of access, and Cyan has made a handful of public tutorial documents for the applications in iNARiOS, as well as an auto-updating spreadsheet including the screen names and contact information of the people around town, just in case you need to get in touch- but you'll still need their permission to send messages.

GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT: KIRIN

KIRIN is a small-scale entertainment launcher containing games created by K1TSUN3 CO, a brightly colored, friendly logo of a scaled unicorn greeting users. It currently contains both games for PC, and ones that can be sideloaded onto compatible smart phones.

-Pocket Inari: A virtual pet akin to Tamagotchi featuring the animal characters of the OS itself in many colors, patterns, and pre-programmed personalities, it's simplistic, but with over 60 collectable characters and a charming, plinky set of chiptunes of modern songs, it's a solid distraction.

-K1TSUN3 KHA0S: A slash-em-up dungeon crawler featuring a fox-masked cyberpunk protagonist fighting their way through a neon lit, monster infested future, it features around 40 levels and a in-built progression system and a surprisingly capable story, for something a handful of criminals wrote to steal data, initially. It's known for being quite difficult- at least it's cross-progression between the PC and mobile versions.

-Turnibs: A cute farming sim game akin to stardew valley or story of seasons, once again you take the role of one of the handful of animal gods (a Fox, a Crow, A stone Lion, a moon-rabbit, or a dragon-like Unicorn) in a cutesy pixel style, running a small farm outside of a town populated by similar creatures. it's rather bare bones, but is cozy, peaceful, with lots of customization of the farm, farmhouse, and player character. It's multiplayer too- just have to enter the code on the main screen to become a turnip capitalist together!

-Megalophobia: a text based horror RPG, placing the player in the shoes of a survivor of a zombie apocalypse- Cyan considered not adding this one, but given it's 70+ hours of play time through multiple endings and builds, he included it anyway- The rangers at the stations tend to like it, though.

-Moon Bunny's Cafe: the only appearance of Moon Bunny as a large theme and not an emote/player character, Moon Bunny Cafe is a match-4 puzzle game like candy crush, with a cooking mama-like set of mini games as well. Collect your ingredients by solving puzzles, then help moon bunny run her cafe by slicing, baking, and decorating various cakes, sweets, and making teas and coffee.

[anlinshyam]

Streamline Your Finances with Expert Odoo Accounting Solutions by Banibro IT Solutions

In the bustling economic hub of Dubai, efficient financial management is the backbone of business success. Odoo Accounting, a core module of the Odoo ERP ecosystem, empowers organizations to automate financial workflows, ensure compliance, and gain real-time insights into their fiscal health. As an , Banibro IT Solutions specializes in implementing tailored Odoo Accounting solutions that simplify complexity, reduce errors, and drive profitability. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, our expertise ensures your accounting processes are as agile as your ambitions.

Why Odoo Accounting?

Odoo Accounting stands out for its intuitive design, automation capabilities, and seamless integration with other business functions. Unlike traditional accounting software, it offers:

End-to-End Financial Management: From invoicing and expense tracking to multi-currency reconciliation and tax compliance.

Real-Time Reporting: Instant access to cash flow statements, balance sheets, and profit & loss reports.

Scalability: Adapt to growing transaction volumes, new markets, or regulatory changes effortlessly.

At Banibro IT Solutions, we enhance these features with industry-specific customization and unwavering support.

Expert Odoo Accounting Features Delivered by Banibro IT Solutions

Automated Invoicing & Payments

Generate and send invoices automatically based on sales orders or project milestones.

Set up online payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) for faster collections and reduced delays.

Schedule recurring invoices for subscriptions or retainer clients.

Multi-Currency & Multi-Company SupportManage transactions in AED, USD, EUR, or other currencies with real-time exchange rate updates. Consolidate financials across subsidiaries or branches seamlessly.

Tax Compliance Made Simple

Automate VAT calculations for UAE compliance, including VAT returns and filing.

Configure tax rules for international operations to avoid penalties.

Expense Tracking & Approval Workflows

Capture employee expenses via mobile apps, receipts, or email.

Implement multi-level approval workflows to ensure policy adherence.

Bank ReconciliationSync Odoo with your bank feeds to reconcile transactions in minutes, not hours.

Advanced Financial Analytics

Custom dashboards to monitor KPIs like gross margins, DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), or budget variances.

Drill-down reports for granular insights into departmental spending or revenue streams.

Integration with Odoo Modules

Sales & Inventory: Auto-update COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) and track profitability per product.

HR & Payroll: Sync employee data for accurate payroll processing and labor cost analysis.

Project Management: Allocate project costs and track ROI in real time.

Banibro’s Odoo Accounting Implementation Process

We ensure a frictionless transition to Odoo Accounting with a structured approach:

Business Process ReviewAnalyze your current financial workflows, pain points, and compliance requirements.

Tailored Configuration

Chart of Accounts: Set up accounts aligned with UAE standards or global IFRS.

Automation Rules: Configure recurring journals, payment reminders, or tax templates.

Third-Party Integrations: Connect with banking APIs, payroll systems, or CRM tools.

Data MigrationSecurely transfer historical data (e.g., invoices, ledgers) from legacy systems like QuickBooks, Tally, or Excel.

User TrainingEmpower your finance team with hands-on training on Odoo’s accounting features, from basic bookkeeping to advanced reporting.

Go-Live & OptimizationLaunch with minimal disruption, supported by our team to fine-tune workflows and resolve initial challenges.

Ongoing Odoo Accounting Support by Banibro IT Solutions

Our partnership ensures your accounting system evolves with your business:

24/7 Technical Support: Resolve issues like reconciliation errors or integration glitches promptly.

Regulatory Updates: Stay compliant with UAE VAT, ESR (Economic Substance Regulations), or global tax laws through automatic updates.

Performance Audits: Quarterly reviews to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance accuracy.

Scalability Upgrades: Add advanced features like budget forecasting, asset management, or consolidated reporting as needed.

Case Study: Boosting Financial Efficiency with Odoo Accounting

Automated invoice generation from delivery orders.

Bank feed integration for real-time reconciliation.

Custom dashboards to track cash flow and overdue payments. Results: 60% faster invoice processing, 90% reduction in reconciliation errors, and improved VAT compliance.

Why Partner with Banibro IT Solutions for Odoo Accounting?

Odoo Gold Partner: Certified expertise in financial module customization and compliance.

Industry-Specific Expertise: Tailored solutions for retail, construction, hospitality, and trading sectors.

Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of UAE’s tax landscape and business practices.

Transparent Pricing: Flexible packages with no hidden fees—scale as your needs grow.

Ready to Modernize Your Financial Management?

Don’t let manual processes or outdated software hinder your growth. With Banibro IT Solutions , transform your accounting operations into a strategic asset using Odoo’s powerful tools.

📞 Contact Us Today!Schedule a free Odoo Accounting demo or consultation to discover how we simplify finance for your business.

Banibro IT Solutions – Where Precision Meets Productivity.

[fusionnet1]

Fusionnet – Your Go-To Internet Service Provider in Gurgaon & Ghaziabad

In today’s fast-paced digital world, finding a reliable and high-speed internet connection is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working from home, streaming movies, gaming online, or simply browsing the web, your experience heavily depends on the quality of your internet connection. If you're searching for a trusted internet service provider in Gurgaon or internet service provider in Ghaziabad, Fusionnet is your ultimate destination.

Why Fusionnet is the Best Internet Service Provider in Gurgaon

Gurgaon, being a major business hub and residential city, requires seamless internet connectivity. Fusionnet has established itself as a trusted internet service provider in Gurgaon, offering a wide range of fiber internet solutions customized to meet both personal and business needs.

1. High-Speed Internet with Unmatched Stability

Fusionnet provides high-speed broadband services powered by advanced fiber-optic technology. Whether you're attending video calls, downloading large files, or watching 4K videos, Fusionnet ensures uninterrupted connectivity with ultra-low latency.

2. Unlimited Fiber Plans for Every Need                 

We understand that no two users are alike. That’s why Fusionnet offers unlimited fiber plans to suit different usage patterns. Whether you're a student, a remote worker, or a family with multiple devices, we have a plan that fits you perfectly—no data caps, just pure speed and reliability.

3. Affordable Options: Broadband Lowest Plan

Price is a big factor when choosing an internet provider. Fusionnet delivers value without compromising on quality. Our broadband lowest plan ensures you stay connected without burning a hole in your pocket. You get seamless service, high-speed data, and 24/7 support—all at an affordable rate.

Seamless Broadband Connection in Gurgaon

Tired of frequent disconnections or slow internet during peak hours? With Fusionnet, say goodbye to buffering and lag. Our broadband connection in Gurgaon is designed for reliability and efficiency. We use cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to offer you a lag-free internet experience that supports all your online activities effortlessly.

Key Features of Our Broadband Connection in Gurgaon:

Ultra-fast download and upload speeds

Consistent connectivity across all hours

Smart WiFi solutions for complete home coverage

Zero installation charges for new connections

Easy upgrade and plan switching options

Fusionnet – Trusted Internet Service Provider in Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad is rapidly growing as a smart city with increasing demand for high-speed internet. As a leading internet service provider in Ghaziabad, Fusionnet ensures that households and businesses stay connected with lightning-fast internet solutions.

Whether you need internet for work, online classes, streaming, or gaming, Fusionnet's fiber network guarantees a high-quality, low-latency experience. Our professional support team is always ready to assist you with installation, service upgrades, and troubleshooting.

What Makes Us the Preferred ISP in Ghaziabad?

Fastest fiber connectivity with 99.9% uptime

Flexible monthly and yearly plans

Dedicated customer support and technical assistance

Transparent billing with no hidden charges

Easy online recharge and bill payment

Find a WiFi Provider Near Me – Choose Fusionnet

If you’re searching online for a “WiFi provider near me,” look no further. Fusionnet offers seamless WiFi coverage with smart router solutions that can cover every corner of your home or office. Whether you live in a multi-story building or a sprawling flat, our WiFi setup eliminates dead zones and ensures smooth streaming, gaming, and conferencing.

Benefits of Choosing Fusionnet WiFi:

Advanced dual-band routers

Free installation and router with select plans

Real-time monitoring via mobile app

Guest access and parental control features

Auto bandwidth management for multiple devices

Fusionnet’s Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Fusionnet isn’t just about internet—it’s about delivering the best digital experience to our customers. We continuously invest in infrastructure, innovation, and support services to ensure our users receive unparalleled value.

Here’s what our customers love about us:

✅ Hassle-free installation in 24–48 hours ✅ Dedicated helpline with instant resolution ✅ Convenient plan customization ✅ User-friendly mobile app for billing & tracking ✅ Secure connections with next-gen encryption

Smart Internet for Smart Homes and Businesses

In the era of IoT and smart devices, having a reliable and secure internet connection is more important than ever. Fusionnet supports smart home setups by providing strong and stable connectivity required for smart TVs, voice assistants, surveillance systems, and more.

Businesses can also take advantage of Fusionnet’s scalable broadband solutions. Whether it’s a startup, SME, or enterprise, we offer dedicated leased lines, corporate broadband, and customized network solutions to boost your operational efficiency.

How to Get Started with Fusionnet

Getting your Fusionnet connection is simple and fast:

Visit our website or call our support team

Choose the plan that suits your needs

Book a free installation appointment

Enjoy blazing-fast internet in 24–48 hours

Conclusion: Make the Smart Switch to Fusionnet

When it comes to fast, reliable, and affordable internet, Fusionnet is the name you can trust. As the leading internet service provider in Gurgaon and Ghaziabad, we are committed to delivering the best online experience to our users.

Whether you’re looking for the broadband lowest plan, need a broadband connection in Gurgaon, or want to explore unlimited fiber plans, Fusionnet has it all. Don’t just settle for less—experience high-speed internet the way it’s meant to be.

So the next time you search for a WiFi provider near me, remember—Fusionnet is just a call or click away!

[theepicyus]

it's super rare that I see a random ad that actually makes me want to pursue what it's selling. most of the time, it's just annoying and in my way, or some distracting flashing thing on the side or top or bottom of my screen.

do you know when ads are actually "good?" when I'm deliberately shopping for something new that I don't really know much about, or am looking to buy or replace something useful or important. then, after I see an ad that catches my eye, I can look up reviews for the product.

I just recently did this with trying to find a pet safe bug repellant. got an ad (sponsored search result) and found something I liked and had good reviews on the company website itself, not bots on Amazon. a negative one here and there to prove it's reliable and they don't delete bad reviews.

subtle ads that don't flash in your face, ads that don't have some random long intro or annoying song, ads that frankly have zero sound at all, ads I can click the x on right away without waiting for a skip and then waiting for an x and then waiting for a second x, ads that are relevant to what I'm doing, not because they're spying my data, but because of simple relevancy, ads that don't take up insane amounts of space... all decent to me.

if an ad can't sell me what they want in a single still image, they aren't doing it right. shoving ads in people's faces and forcing them to look at it for at least 5 seconds only makes people hate them and even spite them. the most effective ads to date were children's commercials because they'd show you a cool toy or whatever and go "look how cool and fun this is, look how much you can do with it, here's footage and pictures of kids actually using it, all for this price" and those types of commercials still work on me! BETTY CROCKER DOUBLE MELT POTS AND MOON SHOES MY BELOVED! TIGER POSTER!

that, and genuine offers from companies selling genuine products when I'm searching for them, not some shady Amazon-Temu fake brand looking company with some crazy generic name, not some high end brand trying to get me to pay for their brand name instead of a good honest product.

the grossest thing I've seen ad-wise: had a mobile puzzle game I liked to play. ads were annoying me bc they were so persistent. turned off data and wifi to not get ads. GOT THEM ANYWAY because they freaking were just videos that would auto play anyway regardless of internet connection. lost my mind. Uninstalled.

used to think advertisements were just annoying but harmless but more and more every day i am growing to consider them a great and terrible evil

[pranjaldalvi]

Auto Infotainment Market: Trends, Growth Drivers, and Future Forecast

The auto infotainment market, an integral component of modern vehicles, has experienced significant growth over the past few years. With advancements in technology, shifts in consumer preferences, and the increasing demand for in-car connectivity, the market is poised for further evolution. This article explores the key trends, growth drivers, and challenges impacting the auto infotainment market, along with a forecast for the coming years.

Overview of the Auto Infotainment Market

Auto infotainment systems combine entertainment, information, and communication functions, enhancing the driving experience. These systems provide a wide array of features, including navigation, multimedia playback, voice recognition, connectivity with mobile devices, hands-free controls, and internet access. As vehicles become more sophisticated, so too does the role of infotainment systems, which are increasingly integrated with vehicle operations, safety features, and driver assistance technologies.

The global auto infotainment market has witnessed rapid growth due to the rising demand for in-car connectivity and enhanced user experiences. As consumers continue to expect seamless integration of smartphones and smart devices within their vehicles, automakers and technology companies are focusing on developing advanced infotainment solutions to meet these expectations.

Key Trends Shaping the Market

Increased Adoption of Connected Cars The trend toward connected cars is one of the most significant drivers of growth in the auto infotainment market. With the rise of 5G networks and advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, vehicles are becoming more connected to the digital ecosystem. Infotainment systems are now capable of offering real-time updates, over-the-air software updates, and enhanced connectivity with external devices. This trend is expected to continue, providing consumers with a more interactive, personalized, and convenient in-car experience.

Integration of Voice Assistants and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Voice recognition technology has become a key feature in modern infotainment systems. Voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri are being integrated into cars to allow drivers to interact with their infotainment systems without taking their hands off the wheel. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also playing a significant role in improving the personalization of in-car experiences, such as providing route suggestions based on driving habits and traffic conditions. As these technologies continue to evolve, the capabilities of infotainment systems will expand further, offering even more seamless interactions.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Integration Infotainment systems are increasingly being integrated with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems use sensors and cameras to assist drivers in navigating roads more safely by providing real-time alerts, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance. As ADAS becomes more sophisticated, infotainment systems are becoming central to the functioning of these technologies, delivering real-time data and enhancing the driving experience.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Sustainability Focus The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is also influencing the auto infotainment market. As automakers shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles, infotainment systems are being developed to offer features specific to EVs, such as battery management, range monitoring, and charging station location mapping. Additionally, there is a greater emphasis on sustainability, with automakers prioritizing eco-friendly materials in infotainment system designs and reducing the carbon footprint of production.

Enhanced Display and Touchscreen Technology The demand for larger, more sophisticated displays is rising in the auto infotainment market. Touchscreen interfaces, with higher resolution and improved responsiveness, are becoming more common in vehicles. This trend is expected to continue, with automakers incorporating larger, curved, or even augmented reality (AR)-enabled displays that offer more interactive and immersive experiences.

Market Forecast

The global auto infotainment market is projected to continue its growth trajectory, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10-12% from 2025 to 2030. The market size, valued at USD 30 billion in 2024, is expected to surpass USD 70 billion by 2030. This growth will be driven by several factors, including the ongoing advancements in connectivity, consumer preference for smarter and more personalized driving experiences, and increased demand for in-car entertainment options.

North America and Europe Leading the Charge North America and Europe are expected to remain dominant markets for auto infotainment systems, owing to the high adoption of advanced technology in the automotive sector, stringent safety regulations, and the presence of leading automakers and tech companies. The United States, in particular, will continue to be a key market due to its high vehicle ownership rate and rapid adoption of connected car technologies.

Asia-Pacific Growth The Asia-Pacific region, especially countries like China, India, and Japan, is expected to experience significant growth. China, as one of the largest automotive markets globally, is witnessing a surge in demand for advanced infotainment systems, driven by the rise of electric vehicles and government policies promoting smart transportation. India, with its growing middle class and increasing car sales, presents a substantial opportunity for automakers and technology providers.

Shift Toward Subscription-Based Models As automakers and tech companies seek new revenue streams, the auto infotainment market is seeing a shift toward subscription-based models. Consumers can subscribe to various services, including navigation updates, streaming music, and advanced driver-assistance features, offering automakers a continuous revenue source.

Challenges and Barriers

Despite the promising growth prospects, several challenges remain. One of the key hurdles is the high cost of developing and implementing advanced infotainment systems, which can make vehicles more expensive for consumers. Additionally, concerns over cybersecurity and data privacy are becoming more pronounced as vehicles become increasingly connected. Automakers will need to invest in robust security measures to protect consumer data and maintain trust.

Another challenge is the integration of multiple platforms and technologies. Infotainment systems need to be compatible with various devices, operating systems, and apps, which can create compatibility issues and hinder user experience.

Conclusion

The auto infotainment market is on the brink of a transformative era, driven by technological advancements, increasing consumer demand for connectivity, and the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles. As the market continues to evolve, automakers, tech companies, and consumers will need to navigate challenges such as cost, security, and compatibility. However, the future of auto infotainment systems is bright, with a promising forecast for continued growth, innovation, and more immersive in-car experiences.

[dhruvdave4446]

Top 10 Trends in Manufacturing Website Design for 2025

As the manufacturing industry embraces digital transformation, a high-performing website is no longer just an online brochure—it’s a critical business asset. In 2025, Manufacturing Website Design is about combining function, speed, and engagement to meet the rising expectations of B2B buyers, engineers, and procurement teams. In this blog, we explore the top 10 website design trends that are shaping the future of digital experiences for manufacturers.

1. Mobile-First Design and Responsive Interfaces

B2B users are increasingly accessing manufacturing websites on mobile devices, even from factory floors. Mobile-first design ensures seamless navigation, quick loading speeds, and full content visibility across devices. In 2025, Manufacturing Website Design must prioritize adaptive UI elements, touch-friendly interfaces, and fast performance using technologies like AMP and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

2. Enhanced User Experience (UX) with Industrial Navigation

Manufacturing websites often feature extensive product catalogs, technical documentation, and industry-specific data. Clear and intuitive navigation is critical. Expect to see robust mega menus, filterable product directories, and real-time search with auto-suggestions. Smart breadcrumbs and categorized dropdowns help users find components without friction—improving dwell time and conversion rates.

3. Integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D Product Visualization

To replicate the in-person product evaluation experience, more manufacturers are embedding AR and 3D visualization tools on their websites. Whether it’s rotating a machine part in 360 degrees or viewing it in a simulated factory layout, this immersive capability helps B2B customers make informed decisions. It’s a standout feature in modern Manufacturing Website Design.

4. AI-Powered Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

AI-driven chatbots are revolutionizing customer interaction in manufacturing. These assistants can provide instant responses to RFQ submissions, pricing inquiries, and product availability. NLP-powered bots can also guide users to relevant datasheets, CAD files, and videos. By integrating with ERP systems, these bots improve engagement and reduce manual workload.

5. Content-Rich Resource Hubs

Educational content is a proven way to build trust with B2B decision-makers. Manufacturers in 2025 are turning their websites into resource centers, offering downloadable spec sheets, CAD drawings, installation guides, and video case studies. Structured, gated content also helps in capturing qualified leads, making it a core pillar of Manufacturing Website Design strategy.

6. Seamless CRM and ERP Integration

Modern manufacturing websites are becoming intelligent data conduits. When integrated with CRM and ERP systems, websites can automatically sync lead data, track quoting activity, and update product inventory in real-time. This backend connectivity improves workflow efficiency and ensures sales teams are always working with the latest data.

7. Voice Search Optimization

As voice search becomes more common in professional environments, especially in hands-busy settings like workshops and production floors, optimizing for voice queries is essential. This includes using conversational keywords, implementing schema markup, and ensuring fast, structured responses for typical voice-based questions like “What is the lead time for part X?”

8. Sustainability-Focused Design Elements

Buyers increasingly want to know a manufacturer’s sustainability commitment. In 2025, expect eco-conscious Manufacturing Website Design to incorporate visuals, badges, and certifications reflecting green practices. Dedicated sustainability pages and lifecycle impact stats can influence procurement decisions and appeal to ESG-minded partners.

9. Localization and Multilingual Capabilities

With global supply chains and clients across continents, manufacturing websites must support multilingual content and localized experiences. Features like geo-IP redirects, region-specific pricing, and compliance notices are becoming standard. A multilingual CMS helps ensure consistency while catering to diverse buyer personas across different markets.

10. Advanced Analytics and Conversion Tracking

Tracking user behavior is critical for optimizing website performance. In 2025, manufacturers are deploying heatmaps, form analytics, scroll-depth tracking, and session replays to understand how visitors engage with their site. This data guides improvements to CTA placements, navigation flow, and content hierarchy—resulting in higher lead conversion rates.

Conclusion

The future of Manufacturing Website Design lies at the intersection of functionality, intelligence, and interactivity. Manufacturers who adopt these emerging trends will not only enhance their digital presence but also create seamless, efficient experiences for their clients. As a tech solutions provider, we help manufacturing businesses integrate these modern web technologies—ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

[aktechworld]

Building a Mobile-First CRM: UX Considerations for Developers

As teams become increasingly mobile and remote, CRMs must function seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. A mobile-first CRM isn’t just a responsive design — it’s a rethinking of how users interact with features in real-time, on the go.

Here are key UX considerations developers should prioritize when building mobile-first CRM solutions:

1. Simplified Navigation

Use a bottom-tab or collapsible hamburger menu for easy one-hand use

Prioritize the most-used features on the home screen

Limit user interactions to 2–3 taps to access critical tasks

Avoid overloading the interface with too many options

2. Offline Access and Sync

Allow users to access records even without internet connectivity

Auto-sync changes once the device goes online

Use local caching for smooth experience during field operations

Maintain data accuracy across devices

3. Touch-Optimized Interactions

Design larger touch targets for forms, buttons, and menus

Use swipe gestures for actions like delete, archive, or assign

Minimize typing by offering dropdowns, toggles, and voice input

Focus on finger-friendly UI patterns over mouse-based ones

4. Performance and Speed

Optimize loading times with lazy loading and minimal animation

Compress images and minimize API payloads

Use skeleton loaders to improve perceived speed

Reduce background processes that drain battery

5. Context-Aware Functionality

Trigger location-based reminders or check-ins for sales reps

Show recently accessed contacts or tasks upon app launch

Personalize dashboards based on time of day or past activity

Custom CRM apps can dynamically adapt to user context

6. Data Entry Efficiency

Pre-fill forms with known user data

Add barcode/QR code scanning for quick product or ticket lookup

Use camera access for attachments and visual records

Minimize scrolling with accordion or segmented layouts

7. Notifications and Alerts

Send real-time push notifications for leads, meetings, and updates

Group notifications logically to avoid spamming users

Allow users to customize alert preferences within settings

Deliver actionable alerts with quick action buttons

8. Security on Mobile Devices

Require biometric or PIN login on app launch

Encrypt stored data and use secure authentication APIs

Set auto-logout for idle sessions

Mobile CRM security must match or exceed desktop-grade protection

[123567-9qaaq9]

Automotive Mobility Market Entry China Plus One Strategy | BIS Research 

The automotive mobility landscape in 2025 is undergoing a significant transformation, influenced by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and global economic shifts. This blog delves into the current state of the market, highlighting key trends and challenges shaping the future of mobility.​

🔋 Electrification and the Rise of EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction worldwide, with China leading the charge. Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Geely are dominating the EV market, offering affordable and technologically advanced models. At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, over 70 brands showcased more than 100 new or revamped models, emphasizing the country's commitment to electrification .​Reuters

In contrast, the U.S. is experiencing a slowdown in EV adoption due to policy shifts under the Trump administration, including reduced subsidies and infrastructure spending . This divergence highlights the global disparity in EV market development.​The Washington Post

🚗 Shared Mobility and MaaS Expansion

The shared mobility sector is witnessing robust growth, expanding from $198.23 billion in 2024 to $217.80 billion in 2025. Projections indicate it will reach $356 billion by 2030 . This growth is driven by urbanization, environmental concerns, and a shift towards flexible transportation solutions like ride-hailing, car-sharing, and subscription-based services.​

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is also gaining momentum, integrating various transportation modes into a single accessible platform. The global MaaS market is projected to grow from $302.18 billion in 2025 to approximately $1,251.06 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 17.10% .​Precedence Research

🤖 Autonomous Vehicles: Progress and Challenges

Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is advancing, with companies like May Mobility testing autonomous shuttles in the U.S. and Japan. However, recent incidents, such as a fatal crash involving Xiaomi’s SU7, have led to increased regulatory scrutiny in China, prompting automakers to emphasize driver safety over full autonomy .​Reuters

In Europe, efforts are underway to develop a legal framework for AV deployment, focusing on safety and economic impact assessments . Despite progress, widespread adoption of AVs faces hurdles, including technological limitations and public trust.​arXiv

🌐 Connectivity and Smart Vehicle Integration

The connected car market is experiencing significant growth, projected to increase from $56 billion in 2020 to $121 billion in 2025 . Consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles equipped with advanced connectivity features, integrating seamlessly with their digital lifestyles.​The Future of Commerce

This trend underscores the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy, as vehicles become more integrated with digital ecosystems.​

📉 Market Challenges and Geopolitical Factors

Global vehicle sales are forecasted to grow by just 2.7% in 2025, reaching 98.7 million units . Economic pressures, such as high vehicle prices and consumer debt, are expected to constrain demand. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, including U.S.-China trade disputes, are impacting production forecasts and supply chains .​HomeS&P Global

These challenges highlight the need for strategic planning and adaptability within the automotive industry.​

📊 Key Market Indicators

Global Light Vehicle Market: Projected at 91.6 million units in 2025, a 3.4% increase from 2024 .​

Used Car Market: Registrations expected to reach 179 million globally in 2025, growing by 1.4% year-on-year .​Euromonitor

MaaS Market: Estimated at $302.18 billion in 2025, with significant growth anticipated through 2034 .​Precedence Research

The automotive mobility market in 2025 is characterized by rapid innovation, shifting consumer behaviors, and complex geopolitical influences. Stakeholders must navigate these dynamics to capitalize on emerging opportunities and address challenges effectively.

A market entry strategy is a company’s planned method for delivering goods or services to a new target market. It’s about understanding local regulations, consumer behaviors, distribution models, partnerships, and sometimes, the political landscape. A strong market entry strategy reduces risk, optimizes resources, and accelerates time to profitability.

The options vary:Exporting, Franchising, Joint ventures, Acquisitions, Greenfield investments (building operations from scratch)

For decades, China has been the world's manufacturing powerhouse. However, recent trends have highlighted the vulnerabilities of overreliance on a single country:

Rising labor costs in China

Increased geopolitical tensions (e.g., U.S.-China trade war)

Regulatory uncertainties

Disruptions from events like COVID-19

Visit our Automotive Mobility Vertical Page and have a better understanding of the same !

The China Plus One Strategy refers to a business approach adopted by many multinational companies to diversify their manufacturing and supply chain operations beyond China. 

Key Drivers 

Rising Costs 

Trade Tension 

Political and Regulatory Risks 

Supply Chain Disruptions 

Benefits 

Risk Diversification 

Cost Efficiency 

Market Expansion 

The China Plus One Strategy is not about abandoning China but about creating a more resilient and flexible global supply chain. As global dynamics evolve, this strategy is expected to shape the future of international trade and manufacturing.

Companies began adopting the China Plus One strategy—maintaining operations in China while also setting up manufacturing or sourcing in an additional country.

The global business environment is becoming more complex, and companies can no longer afford to put all their eggs in one basket. China Plus One isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a necessity.

However, success isn’t about abandoning China. It’s about strategic diversification, intelligent risk management, and building flexible, future-ready operations. A thoughtful, well-researched market entry strategy—tailored for each new country—can turn challenges into competitive advantages.

Download and have a look at our Market Entry Strategy Page ! 

[standbysafety]

Innovative Safety Equipment Solutions for Modern Businesses

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, modern businesses face increasing pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. Safety is no longer a box to tick for compliance; it is a cornerstone of operational efficiency, employee retention, and brand reputation. 

As businesses become more complex and diverse in their functions—from high-tech manufacturing plants to hybrid office environments—the safety equipment and systems they employ must evolve accordingly.

This blog explores some of the most innovative safety equipment solutions available to modern businesses today, highlighting how emerging technologies and intelligent design are reshaping workplace safety across industries.

1. The Evolution of Workplace Safety: From Hard Hats to Smart Tech

Traditionally, workplace safety revolved around physical protective equipment like hard hats, steel-toe boots, gloves, and goggles. While these remain vital, new technologies are expanding the scope and effectiveness of safety equipment.

Key Shifts:

From passive to proactive safety systems.

From manual inspection to real-time monitoring.

From general protection to personalized safety solutions.

Smart sensors, wearables, IoT-enabled devices, and AI-driven analytics are now at the forefront of workplace safety innovation, providing unprecedented levels of protection and insight.

2. Smart Wearables: Real-Time Protection and Monitoring

Wearable technology is perhaps the most transformative force in the safety equipment sector today. Devices integrated into helmets, vests, gloves, or wristbands can now monitor a wide range of safety parameters in real time.

Examples:

Smart Helmets: Equipped with AR displays and thermal imaging, used on construction sites or in hazardous environments. Some models include fall detection and SOS features.

Environmental Monitors: Wearables that detect exposure to gases, temperature extremes, and radiation.

Biometric Monitoring Devices: Track heart rate, hydration levels, fatigue, and stress to prevent overexertion injuries.

Benefits:

Early detection of dangerous conditions.

Automated alerts to supervisors and emergency services.

Data collection for continuous safety improvement.

3. AI-Powered Safety Systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enhancing workplace safety by analyzing massive data sets and predicting risks before they lead to accidents.

Applications:

Computer Vision in Surveillance Systems: AI can analyze CCTV feeds in real-time to detect unsafe behaviors such as employees entering restricted areas or not wearing required PPE.

Predictive Analytics: Using historical data to anticipate machine failures, high-risk zones, or unsafe employee habits.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Provide immediate safety guidance, training, and reporting for employees via mobile devices.

Case Study:

A logistics company reduced warehouse injuries by 35% within a year by implementing AI-based monitoring that flagged near-miss incidents and suggested corrective action.

4. Drones and Robotics: Eyes and Hands in Hazardous Zones

Drones and robots are increasingly used in industries like construction, mining, oil & gas, and agriculture to minimize human exposure to dangerous tasks.

Uses:

Drones for aerial inspections of high-rise structures, pipelines, or electrical systems—without putting workers at height-related risk.

Robots for hazardous material handling, confined space entry, and bomb disposal.

Advantages:

Reduced need for human presence in dangerous areas.

Faster, safer inspections and repairs.

Lower insurance costs due to reduced risk exposure.

5. IoT and Connected Safety Infrastructure

The Internet of Things (IoT) enables safety devices and systems to communicate with one another, creating a connected safety ecosystem.

Key Elements:

Smart Fire Alarms & Sprinkler Systems: Auto-detect smoke, fire, or gas leaks and trigger alerts or suppression systems without manual intervention.

Connected Exit Signage and Evacuation Systems: Dynamically guide employees during emergencies based on the safest available routes.

Equipment Usage Monitoring: Sensors in tools and machinery can detect improper usage or wear and tear, prompting maintenance or safety checks.

The ability to centralize data and automate alerts ensures that responses to incidents are swift, accurate, and data-driven.

6. Augmented and Virtual Reality for Safety Training

Safety training is a critical but often overlooked component of an organization’s safety strategy. Traditional slide decks and manuals are giving way to immersive learning.

Benefits of AR/VR:

Virtual Reality (VR) simulates dangerous scenarios like chemical spills, machinery accidents, or fire evacuations, allowing employees to practice without real-world risks.

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital instructions or warnings on physical environments, helping employees follow safety protocols during live operations.

ROI:

Companies using VR-based safety training have reported up to 80% retention rates compared to 20% with traditional methods, along with faster onboarding and fewer on-site errors.

7. Exoskeletons and Ergonomic Enhancements

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common workplace injuries, especially in physically demanding jobs.

Solution:

Industrial exoskeletons are wearable devices that support the back, legs, or arms during lifting or repetitive motion tasks.

Features:

Passive (non-powered) or powered assist.

Reduces strain and fatigue.

Encourages proper posture.

Used by automotive manufacturers, warehouses, and construction firms, exoskeletons improve worker endurance while reducing injury-related downtime.

8. Advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Modern PPE has moved beyond basic compliance. Now it's smart, adaptive, and designed for maximum comfort and performance.

Innovations:

Self-Cleaning Respirators: Use UV light or advanced filters that eliminate viruses and bacteria.

Adaptive Fabrics: PPE that adjusts its properties based on temperature or chemical exposure.

Communication-Enabled Gear: Helmets and vests with built-in radios or noise-canceling microphones for noisy environments.

By combining cutting-edge materials with digital connectivity, PPE is more effective and less intrusive than ever before.

9. Cloud-Based Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Safety isn’t just about equipment—it’s about oversight. Cloud-based safety platforms are transforming how organizations manage compliance, reporting, and improvement.

Capabilities:

Real-time incident reporting from mobile apps.

Automated compliance audits.

Integration with wearable and sensor data for real-time dashboards.

Workflow automation for corrective action follow-ups.

Such systems increase visibility for managers and simplify regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, ISO, etc.).

10. Sustainability Meets Safety

Innovative safety solutions are also becoming more eco-conscious, aligning with corporate sustainability goals.

Examples:

Recyclable or biodegradable PPE.

Solar-powered emergency systems.

Smart lighting that adjusts based on occupancy and daylight to improve visibility while saving energy.

These sustainable innovations not only protect employees but also contribute to broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) commitments.

11. Challenges and Considerations for Adoption

While the benefits of these innovations are clear, adopting them comes with challenges:

Cost: High upfront costs may deter smaller businesses.

Integration: Compatibility with existing infrastructure can be complex.

Training: Employees need time to adapt to new technologies.

Privacy: Biometric monitoring and surveillance raise ethical concerns.

Overcoming these barriers requires clear ROI justification, employee engagement, and vendor support.

12. The Future of Safety Equipment: A Look Ahead

Looking forward, the next wave of safety innovation may include:

Brain-computer interfaces for faster safety alerts.

AI-guided exosuits that adapt in real-time to tasks.

Digital twins of worksites for predictive risk modeling.

Blockchain for secure, tamper-proof safety records.

These advances will continue to blur the lines between physical safety gear and digital infrastructure, creating smarter, safer work environments.

Conclusion

The landscape of workplace safety is undergoing a radical transformation. For modern businesses, investing in innovative safety equipment is not just about compliance—it's about creating a culture of care, optimizing operations, and staying competitive in a world where talent and trust are paramount.

Forward-thinking leaders recognize that the tools we use to protect people today are foundational to the success of tomorrow. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, modern businesses can not only safeguard their workforce but also inspire a future of resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.

1: What types of innovative safety equipment are available for businesses today?

There are several types of innovative safety equipment that modern businesses can adopt to enhance workplace safety. These include wearable technology like smart helmets that come equipped with sensors for monitoring environmental conditions and worker vitals. Additionally, there are advanced fire detection systems, automated safety barriers, and smart PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that can communicate hazards in real time. These tools are designed to not only protect employees but also increase overall efficiency in the workplace.

2: How can businesses determine which safety equipment solutions are right for them?

To determine the right safety equipment solutions, businesses should start by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards specific to their operations. It’s also important to consider the nature of their workforce, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Engaging employees in this process can provide valuable insights on practical safety needs. Consulting with safety experts or equipment suppliers can also help businesses identify the most appropriate and innovative solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

3: Are innovative safety solutions cost-effective for businesses?

While the initial investment in innovative safety solutions may be higher than traditional equipment, they can be cost-effective in the long run. Advanced safety equipment often results in decreased workplace incidents, which can lead to lower insurance premiums, reduced downtime, and improved employee productivity. Additionally, many modern solutions are designed for durability and can save businesses money on replacements and repairs. Therefore, evaluating the total cost of ownership rather than just the initial purchase price is key to understanding their value.

4: How do innovative safety solutions improve employee engagement and morale?

Innovative safety solutions often incorporate technology that encourages employee participation in safety practices, which can enhance engagement. For example, using gamified safety training or real-time feedback tools fosters a culture of safety awareness. When employees see that their organization is investing in their safety and well-being through cutting-edge equipment, it boosts morale and fosters a sense of loyalty. Furthermore, a safer workplace contributes to more confidence among staff, leading to a more positive overall work environment.

5: What role does technology play in the advancement of safety equipment?

Technology plays a critical role in advancing safety equipment solutions through developments in IoT (Internet of Things), AI (artificial intelligence), and data analytics. For instance, IoT-connected devices can monitor conditions in real time and send alerts before accidents happen. AI can help in predicting potential safety issues by analyzing data patterns, allowing businesses to proactively address risks. These technological advancements not only enhance the effectiveness of safety equipment but also streamline operations and improve decision-making processes related to workplace safety.