Category: Tech News

Skyports strengthens maritime drone delivery commercialisation efforts

Leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure developer and drone operator Skyports has entered into two new commercial partnerships with Thome Group, a fully integrated ship management company, and Wilhelmsen Ships Agency, one of the worlds’ largest ships agents. Adding the reach and competencies of  Thome and Wilhelmsen will accelerate Skyports’ ambitions in bringing drone delivery services to Singapore’s bustling maritime sector.

With strong backing and partnerships, Skyports is on the path to full-scale commercialisation of maritime shore-to-ship delivery services and the concurrent development of the necessary infrastructure to support these services for all industry players in Singapore and beyond

Mr Yun-Yuan Tay, Head of APAC, Skyports said, “Skyports is proud to be working with some of the leaders in the shipping and maritime industry, and to have forward-looking partners like Wilhelmsen and Thome recognise the importance and relevance of using AAM in their operations. Looking ahead, we hope to continue developing the AAM industry in Singapore and the region to enhance processes in the maritime industry – by reducing delivery times and carbon emissions, providing a new transportation option that is both more efficient and more sustainable.”

Wilhelmsen and Thome are two of the biggest players in the maritime industry, managing ships and providing agency services for thousands of vessels in Singapore’s port every year.

Separate trials will see Skyports in close collaboration with Wilhelmsen Ships Agency and Thome Group, as well as the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) in Singapore, and other government agencies. Skyports will lead the development and testing of the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for Proof of Concept (PoC) operations for shore-to-ship drone deliveries, leading into the operationalisation of drone delivery services in the maritime sector.

Skyports’ trials will deploy Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) deliveries from the temporary drone delivery distribution hub at the Maritime Drone Estate to vessels at pre-identified anchorages. Skyports is looking to complete up to 100 deliveries over the partnership period. 

“Wilhelmsen is excited to be working with Skyports to incorporate drone delivery option into our service offering,” said Ms Jodie Reibel , VP Governance & Sustainability for Wilhelmsen Ships Agency. “We are committed to exploring new opportunities in renewables, zero-emission shipping, and marine digitalization, and this partnership with Skyports is just one example of such collaborations. The use of drone technology and digitalisation of shore-to-ship deliveries would improve efficiency of our operations significantly, and offer our clients a more sustainable and convenient option.”

 

Mr Peter Schellenberger, Vice President, Supply Chain, Thome Group said, “Thome is continuously improving its services and offerings to enable customers to remain competitive in the maritime sector and is happy to be working with Skyports on this new collaboration. The company works closely with partners like Skyports to explore new technologies and methods to offer customers versatile solutions in ship management and offshore structure management. With the volume of cargo moving through Singapore’s port every day, the company sees the potential of the AAM industry to change the way the maritime sector operates and is looking forward to developing this further. Regulatory compliance is extremely important, and we work closely with our clients, suppliers, and principals to tackle important issues such as decarbonisation, sustainability, and governance. This forward-thinking approach has meant that the Thome Group is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading independent international ship managers.”

Mr Ng Yi Han, Director (Innovation, Technology & Talent Development), MPA said, “The agreements between Skyports and Wilhelmsen Ships Agency as well as Skyports and Thome Group are a testament to the potential of drone technology as they seek to develop drones for shore-to-ship deliveries in the unique operating environment of Singapore. The accelerating momentum for drone technology makes such partnerships important for both regulators and industry players to better understand how commercial operations can take place in our port environment to bring about commercial solutions that are effective and safe.”

Header image – The second contract signing ceremony took place between Skyports’ Head of APAC, Mr Yun-Yuan Tay (L), and Mr Peter Schellenberger (R), Vice-President, Supply Chain, Thome Group courtesy of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

Engineering sector seeing post-pandemic boost as over 81% say their organisation plans to recruit in 2022

Confidence in the engineering sector is continuing to grow with over 81% of professionals in the area saying their organisation plans to recruit engineers in 2022, according to a new report by Engineers Ireland.

And while the engineering industry faced restrictions and difficulties during the Covid-19 crisis, 80% of public sector engineers, 77% in consultancy and 76% in utilities enjoyed salary increases over the last year, indicating a growing national focus on strategically important infrastructural projects to support renewed growth post-pandemic.

The new report, ‘Engineering 2022: A barometer of the profession in Ireland’, also found that Leaving Certificate choices have shown a growing trend of engagement in STEM subjects over the past 5 years, increasing by 27%. Since 2011 there has been a 178% increase in students sitting higher-level mathematics. The report also states that 95% of the respondents in the public survey believe engineers demonstrate a high level of competence in their work, second only to doctors and ahead of teachers, judges and the Gardaí.

Speaking at the launch of the publication, the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD said: “This report showcases the important role the engineering sector plays within Irish society. Promoting STEM subjects is a priority for the Department of Education and it is important that we as educators continue our efforts to strengthen, support and nurture interest in STEM-related careers. The recent STEPS Engineers Week campaign once again highlighted the tremendous career opportunities on offer in engineering, and I applaud Engineers Ireland’s continuing efforts to showcase the exciting world of STEM to the young, curious minds of Ireland.”

Professor Orla Feely, President of Engineers Ireland, commented: “With so many engineering firms creating jobs in the short to medium term, the challenge as always is to ensure Ireland has the ready supply of engineering skills needed to fill those positions and deliver the vital infrastructural projects needed to galvanize Ireland’s post-pandemic recovery. The encouraging signs of increased STEM interest in our schools must be built upon through strong partnership across industry, the education system and academia to produce an increased supply of the engineers our country so badly needs. Bridging the gap between men and women working in the sector is also a priority and we must do more to address the drop off between females graduating with engineering qualifications and then working in industry.”

Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, added: “The engineering sector has remained robust throughout the pandemic and has experienced continued growth, with salaries across all engineering disciplines increasing again last year. As we continue on our path to recovery, our members’ skills will be vital to delivering a sustainable, green, and digital future across all aspects of our society and realising the ambition of Project Ireland 2040.”

To see the report in full, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/News-Insights/Campaigns-and-policies/Reports/Engineering-barometer

Dell Technologies elevates the hybrid work experience with updates to the world’s most intelligent and secure commercial PCs

Team members have a new set of expectations when it comes to work. Technology that does what it was intended to do is now table stakes and building a strong employee experience is paramount. That’s why Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) is revealing a new portfolio of intelligent PCs, accessories, software and services to help solidify the future of hybrid work.

“Hybrid work is no longer an afterthought or a privilege, it is the standard,” says Ed Ward, president, Client Product Group, Dell Technologies. “While employees are moving between locations to get work done, creating a productive experience is the priority. Our latest commercial portfolio continues to put collaboration, intelligence and security at the forefront, with increased investments that meet the diverse needs of people both today and in the future.”

According to new research from Dell Technologies, 44% of people want their leaders to empower them to choose their preferred working pattern and provide the necessary tools and infrastructure to do their jobs. Dell’s latest commercial portfolio aims to help IT teams deploy the best tools for the job.

 Greater intelligence for an enhanced hybrid workstyle

At the forefront of Dell’s commercial portfolio sits Dell Optimizer, an integrated artificial intelligence software suite that powers the world’s most intelligent PCs with built-in AI – driving a more collaborative and personalized experience. New capabilities advance today’s hybrid workforce as people work from multiple locations, face increasing privacy risks and combat interruptions.

With a comprehensive suite of new Intelligent Privacy features, users can conceal sensitive information on their screen if an intruder is detected, and the PC can automatically dim when the user looks away from the screen to protect data and conserve power.

Dell Optimizer features the world’s first simultaneous multi-network connection that lets users connect to two wired or wireless networks at once for faster data transfers and downloads. It also delivers less buffering and up to 30% lower latency.

Amplifying every aspect of work

Dell is launching new products for business leaders and users who need portability and performance – all with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and the latest connectivity options, including 5G and Intel® Wi-Fi 6E.

Latitude

The Latitude 9430 is an ultra-premium laptop or 2-in-1 offering the world’s smallest 14-inch 16:10 business PC and the best screen-to-body ratio on a 14-inch business PC. Available in a new metallic graphite color, it also contains a new FHD camera for clearer video calls.

Dell’s extremely portable yet durable Latitude 7330 Ultralight configuration is the world’s smallest and lightest 13.3-inch premium commercial 16:9 laptop. Weighing 2.13lbs/0.967 kg, it incorporates all the ports required to balance productivity in a high-quality form factor without compromising Latitude grade reliability.

With increased video conferencing usage putting more strain on systems, the new Latitude 7000 series features higher performance processors and DDR5 memory options, while also improving thermals and acoustics. Pair the Latitude 2-in-1s with the new Dell Premier Rechargeable Active Pen, the world’s first active pen with Tile location tracking that can be located via Bluetooth. Dell will also update its Latitude 5000 series and introduce a new Latitude 3330.

Precision & Monitors

Creators and engineers can maximize performance and portability with new Dell mobile workstations, plus ecosystem solutions.

The new Precision 5470 is the world’s smallest, thinnest and most powerful 14” mobile workstation. It comes with up to 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i9 processors, 64GB of DDR5 memory, 4TB of storage and a choice of NVIDIA RTX ™ A1000 Graphics. Dell also introduces its thinnest and smallest 15- and 17-inch mobile workstations, the Precision 5570 and 5770.

Business and creative professionals can enhance their work in 4K clarity on the Dell UltraSharp 32 and 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitors. These are the world’s first monitors to feature groundbreaking IPS Black technology, providing rich contrast, deep blacks and improved viewing angles that boost a dual monitor usage experience. Along with the 16:10 Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor, these monitors offer wide color coverage, ComfortView Plus for enhanced eye comfort, multitasking features and a host of connectivity ports.

Ecosytstem Devices

As people transition between workspaces, ecosystem devices and IT services are essential for a seamless and simple experience.

The compact Dell Dual Charge Dock is the world’s first laptop docking station with a wireless charging stand for Qi-enabled smartphones and earbuds that can support up to dual 4K monitors, perfect for a home office. The new and upgraded Dell ThunderboltTM Dock, with its future-ready modular design, supports easy upgradability from the previous generation, delivers lightning-fast charging via Thunderbolt™ 4 and is ideal for connecting multiple 4K displays, devices and peripherals in a typical office setup. The new Dell Universal Dock – best suited for shared hoteling workspaces – offers a consistent experience for any USB-C laptop and the highest number of ports in a universal dock.

 In the era of conferencing, the new Dell Speakerphone and Dell Slim Conferencing Soundbar are the world’s most intelligent Microsoft Teams certified speakerphone and soundbar. They feature AI noise cancellation that reduces background noise, while preserving the clarity of human voices so users can enjoy a richer and clearer audio experience.

For IT admins who need to deliver custom devices to end users, faster, Dell has expanded its Connected Provisioning service to 37 new countries across Europe, including Ireland. The cloud-based provisioning service speeds up the way devices are configured to quickly deliver ready-to-use devices out of the box.

Sustainability & security

Sitting at the core of every product is Dell’s commitment to sustainability and security. The new Dell portfolios feature even more sustainable materials, including the world’s most innovative use of sustainable materials in the Latitude 5000 series. New packaging is made of 100% recycled and renewable materials – and is fully recyclable – and will be shipping on all new Latitude laptops, Precision Mobile Workstations and XPS devices, giving Dell the opportunity to make impact at scale.

Dell also offers the industry’s most secure commercial PCs – employing both software-based, above the operating system (OS) protections, and hardware-based, below the OS capabilities, to defend against current and future threats. New to all Dell Latitude devices is a Self-Healing Image Recovery that provides OS restoration after a catastrophic issue.

Pricing & availability

  • Latitude 9430, available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Latitude 7330 Ultralight configuration, available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Latitude 7330, 7430, 7530, available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Latitude 5330, 5430, 5530, available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Latitude 5431 and 5531, available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Latitude 3330 available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Precision 5470, available April 2022, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Precision 5570, 5770, available April 202, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q), available May 12, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4), available in Q2, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Dell Universal Dock (UD22), available May 12, with pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
  • Dell Premier Rechargeable Active Pen (PN7522W), available now, with local pricing to be announced.
  • Dell Speakerphone (SP3022), available now, with local pricing to be announced.
  • Dell Slim Conferencing Soundbar (SB522A), available now, with local pricing to be announced.
  • Dell UltraSharp 32 and 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitors (U3223QE / U2723QE), available now, with local pricing to be announced.
  • Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor (U3023E), available now, with local pricing to be announced.

TP-Link Tapo Wi-Fi Security Camera Full Colour Outdoor Device C320WS First Look

TP-Link®, a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, today announces the latest addition to its growing Tapo smart home range, as it launches the new Tapo C320WS Outdoor Security Wi-Fi Camera in the UK.

Security in Full Colour

With a resolution of 2560×1440, 2K QHD the C320WS delivers more delicate detail and its 8× magnification features help users to see further. Unlike the black and white view of normal night vision cameras, it’s equipped with a high resolution sensor and full light, catching more colours. What’s more, 24/7 full colour night-vision means that you can see colour video, even at night.

The Tapo C320WS high-sensitive starlight sensor captures higher-quality images even in low-light conditions so that details don’t get lost in the shadows. With an IP66 rating and waterproof microphone, loudspeaker and sealing ring, this robust device can cope with extreme weather conditions to maintain home security at any time of year.

Home Safety Made Easy

In addition to video surveillance, the Tapo C320WS camera boasts a number of features for added home security and convenience. A built-in high decibel siren and light alarm can be activated within the Tapo app to trigger light and sound effects that deter unwanted visitors.

The siren alarm can be paired with motion detection alert features to provide automatic updates straight to your smartphone. Its two-way audio capabilities enable communication through a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to always be on site when deliveries or visitors arrive at your door. For even more convenience, the Tapo C320WS is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing users to free up their hands through voice control.

TapoCam

The Tapo C320WS offers flexible wired or wireless installation options and can be connected to the home network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, safe local storage allows users to store up to 256GB 2K QHD video on a microSD card, offering fast and simple access to video footage. Through the dedicated Tapo app, users can experience live view recording, playback, save clips and set up–all in one place.

“Home security is a first priority and requires the best in quality, convenience and reliability. This latest addition to the Tapo camera range gives you just that. With full-colour night vision, easy set-up and 8x magnification, this device is packed with features that make keeping an eye on your home easier than ever before. As people start to spend more time out of their homes again, at work, travelling and socialising, the Tapo C320WS is here to give us that much-needed peace of mind whilst we are away,” commented Will Liu, Managing Director at TP-Link UK.

For more information about the Tapo C320WS, please visit: https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/cloud-camera/tapo-c320ws/

Video Link

TILE Collaborates with Dell, Lenovo, MSI and Fujitsu to make products findable.

Tile, the pioneer in finding technology, continues to expand its Find With Tile business through a variety of collaborations, including a new partnership with Dell to launch the first-ever stylus pen with built-in finding technology. Tile is also further collaborating with Intel Corporation to bring its finding technology to Lenovo™, MSI and Fujitsu PCs.

“Tile brings people peace of mind by eliminating the stress of losing or misplacing the things you need to get through your day, so embedding our technology seamlessly into the tools that are essential for productivity is a clear value add,” said CJ Prober, CEO of Tile. “We’re very proud to be teaming up with Dell to bring consumers the first findable stylus pen and to further grow our PC business to include other top OEMs in the market.”

Starting today, consumers worldwide can purchase the new Dell Premier Rechargeable Active Pen (PN7522W) with built-in Tile finding technology. The new pen features the longest battery life of any active pen with a 40-day run time and lets users create with ease on their compatible Dell 2-in-1 laptops, a convenience that’s lost if the slender pen is misplaced. To avoid that scenario, users can now use the free Tile app to ring their pen if it’s nearby, and if it’s lost on-the-go they can use the Tile app to view its most recent location or enlist the secure help of Tile’s global Network to aid in their search.

Tile is also significantly growing its presence in the PC category with the addition of several Intel-powered laptops, including models from Lenovo, MSI and Fujitsu. In January, Lenovo announced new Tile-enabled ThinkPad™ X1 laptops, and now Lenovo is adding to their lineup of findable PCs with the launch of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 and the latest ThinkPad T Series, arming a total of seven new Lenovo models with Tile’s full suite of finding features. Starting this month, consumers can also leverage Tile’s finding power in MSI’s new Intel 12th Gen Summit and Prestige Series, laptops that are built for productivity and now offer the pre-installed Tile Windows App. In Japan, the new Fujitsu FMV LOOX PCs are also rolling out this month with Tile functionality.

“We are thrilled about our continued collaboration with Tile and the growing list of partners who are delivering great wireless experiences on 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor-based laptops with integrated Intel® Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+),” said Eric McLaughlin, VP Client Computing Group, GM Wireless Solutions Group, Intel. “We can now offer not only faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latencies, and enhanced reliability but also innovative Tile finding capabilities as laptops continue to play an essential role in our lives.”

To make any of these new laptops findable, users simply download and install the free Tile Windows App from the Microsoft Store and activate their PC as a Tile. When nearby, they can then locate and ring their laptop using the free Tile app on any Android or iOS smartphone, even if it’s shut down and offline, for up to 14 days. For even more convenient finding experiences, users can sync their Tile account in the Alexa App or Google Home app for voice-enabled finding and they can ring their misplaced phone by tapping “Find” on their phone icon in the Windows app.

Tile’s embedded business has been expanding rapidly in the PC category since its first PC partnership with HP. Thanks to a collaboration with Intel, Tile is able to seamlessly integrate with PC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), making it even easier to make Intel-powered PCs findable.

Tile’s finding technology is embedded in over 55 different third-party devices across audio, wearables, travel, smart home, pet and PC categories. Learn more at tile.com/partners.

Punkt. launches a new colour option for the digital minimalist MP02 mobile phone

Punkt., the Swiss, design-led consumer technology company, launched the MP02 New Generation last winter in black, adding to the original MP02 multi-band capacity for coverage worldwide. Software and hardware changes brought subtle improvements, including a snappier response to user input. Changes to the weight and volume of the packaging have reduced the transportation CO2 footprint by 40%; switching to selling the charging unit separately means less e-waste. A light blue option is now complementing the new generation black MP02.

‘The blue contrasts the formality of the black version with a more relaxed off duty look’, says Jasper Morrison, art director and designer of Punkt. product.

The Punkt. MP02 mobile phone, first launched in 2018, is designed to help ensure our tech works for us, not the other way around. It is a phone to keep, not replace. It does not pester its owner for attention or access to an electricity supply. Privacy is built in from the ground up. And as a voicephone, it shifts emphasis to spoken communication: often more efficient, and always more personal.

Punkt phone and cases

The MP02 can be used as a second phone as a way to get some ‘digital downtime’ – everything else is left behind for a while. Alternatively, many MP02 owners use it as their sole phone and combine it with a mini-tablet as required, via the MP02’s hotspot. Having that larger screen is a major upgrade over any smartphone, and a tablet does not have the same ‘pester power’.

The MP02 offers an alternative to mass-produced, old-tech handsets. It’s not just a thin-as-possible pixel platform; it’s a solid, comfortable piece of equipment that is easy to pick up, feels great in the hand, and is never, ever going to bend. Its sleek elegance is matched by top-quality materials, producing a phone that provides a concrete reminder of why the physical world is the world that matters even before it is switched on.

Following on from the MP02’s success with both reviewers and consumers, Punkt. is releasing a new colour option: Light Blue. Still low-key, but even more calming.

To mark the launch of the light blue colourway Punkt. has also introduced two new phone cases for the MP02 to its range. Both are Swiss-made for Punkt. with responsibly sourced materials. The VICUS phone case is made from genuine Italian vegetable-tanned leather and handmade in Ticino using traditional leather-working techniques. The QWSTION phone case is made in Zurich from Bananatex®, a fabric notable for the fact that it comes from the banana tree. The water-resistant coating is natural wax, and the entire product is plastic-free and biodegradable. Watch out for our review soon.

Find out more about Punkt.’s new eco-conscious phone cases here.

Business Powered by Numarics: A New Evolution of Entrepreneurship

Numarics introduces its world’s first business operating system (OS) that completely covers business management for small and medium-sized businesses. Used by entrepreneurs and fiduciaries alike, Numarics eliminates all need for orchestrated use of disparate accounting and finance software. Startups get the services of a CFO and COO through one engine and the strong operations team behind it. The team of fiduciary and financial experts feeds the artificial intelligence of this engine with process flows – transforming the use of accounting and finance services. Currently available for in Switzerland registered businesses.

Numarics OS Completely Replaces Software

“The artificial intelligence knowledge comes from the top expertise of our operations team,” says Kristian Kabashi, co-founder at Numarics and an expert in process optimization and automation, adding, “A software is built by software developers. Our engine learns from the specialists and virtually creates itself in the process.” To build a powerful, scalable and easy-to-use true digital solution, Numarics’ founding team developed an app that allows users to further feed the state-of-the-art engine with use cases – simply by using it. “The more users Numarics serves, the more business cases it covers,” Kabashi adds. In the process, human errors due to lack of time or carelessness in repetitive activities are eliminated. Kabashi: “We use the machine to sift through a high volume of data in milliseconds. Anywhere a human can make the mistakes, the machine does not. Anything that has to do with human experience and niche knowledge, our operations team of finance experts and affiliated accountants cover as consultants.”
With Numarics, accounting is no longer an extra item. It is integrated and seamless. Automated processing also includes reporting to the appropriate local authorities. The Numarics dashboard provides real-time metrics and financial forecasts that allow users to report to their stakeholders and plan investments and cash flow.
AI-driven Numarics is a quality guarantor for reporting even as with the annual financial statement. “The annual financial statements are no longer forgotten or postponed,” says Dominique Rey, co-founder and CEO of Numarics, referring to the process integration. More and more Swiss fiduciaries are joining Numarics and empowering Numarics as a RegTech solution (solution for regulation) – that is, using Numarics as a financial tool takes care of filings and compliance with tax authorities. “The accountant connected to Numarics thus has time for the consulting services of the users assigned to him /her and can refer to very individual optimizations, such as the creation of expense regulations with the district of Zurich if the company is located there,” adds Rey, who is a Swiss business expert and certified public accountant.
Accountants are usually highly trained specialists and are empowered with Numarics to focus on quality control and high quality consulting services. Compared to purchasing manual accounting services paired with software subscriptions, users benefit from lower costs.
Numarics OS offers comprehensive features such as invoice generation and automated dunning, legally compliant digital management of all receipts and documents, and payroll automation. Numarics employs finance experts in the operations team and makes the Numarics OS available to external accountants, replacing paper, bookings and software.

“MIND-SHIFT: A Compendium on Future Mobility, Circularity and New Urbanism“

The eagerly awaited study “MIND-SHIFT: A Compendium on Future Mobility, Circularity and New Urbanism“ will be presented to the public, the impressive result of six months of in-depth research and analysis of English- and German-language lead media data.

Oliver Heyden, Chief Strategic Officer of pressrelations, talks about the methodology used during research: “We centered our research program FirstSignals ® on the systematic way for early recognition of future trends which opened up our analytic focus to totally new connectivities and developments, making it possible for us to recognize innovative and new dynamic perspectives. To put it in other words: we have concentrated our efforts on what moves mobility in the real sense of the word by looking at what serves as basis for the awareness in English- and German language lead media.”

E-Mobility, Software & In-Car-Tech, Circularity & Sustainability, New Urbanism and Logistics are some of the central issues at the heart of the new study, a preview of the fascinating subject matters and possible solutions awaiting all of us, and an in-depth look at the challenges, the latest developments and opportunities of the future.

Just in the field of mobility and digitization, media coverage increased by a phenomenal 800% in the past year alone with the main focus on digital services in the automotive industry. For 40% of the European customers, and 80% of those from China, the improved range of products in that specific field was reason enough to change their automotive brand.

The inadequate charging infrastructure is still the main discussion point when talking about mobility. Huge electric charging stations with quick-charging points represent old conventional gas station-thinking from the time of combustion engines. That slows down an effective build-up of a network of charging points as they turned out to be too expensive, too complex, and take too much time to install. Small charging points – like parking meters – are needed instead to take advantage of the ever-present availability of electricity. That way the downtime of cars, 85% of their time after all, could be used effectively.

The paradigm of smart cities loses attractiveness, for years the dominant factor in urban research. Urban flight has become a mass phenomenon, and so has become a serious concern for the cities. In its stead, urban concepts are concentrating more and more on quality of life and climate resilience.

Another example is “Shipageddon,” the supply-chain-crisis in the field of logistics. Mark Leonard, one of the world’s leading political scientists, has called it “the Connectivity Wars,” increasing protectionism globally leading to an increase in bilateral trade agreements from 38 in 1994 to 354 today.

“Shipageddon” transformed the entire global logistics industry and causes “Near-Shoring” and “Back-Shoring,” thus creating a new megatrend: circularity.

Dr. Hans Hamer, CEO of SHIFT Mobility, sees a unique approach towards the future in the holistic nature of “MIND-SHIFT: A Compendium on Future Mobility, Circularity and New Urbanism.”

“Inspiration and new ideas are mostly found at the interface where industries overlap and cross-pollinate, and so turn into a kind of a breeding ground for innovation. That is why we are looking at the entirety of the mobility ecosystem in the study, and that is why that interconnectivity is becoming such a seismograph for future developments in mobility.”

On March 30, 2022, Dr. Hans Hamer and Oliver Heyden will present first results to a prestigious group of scientists, politicians and business leaders from the mobility industries at the restaurant “Borchardt” in Berlin.

Consumer protection foundation seeks record damages of nearly €5 billion from Apple

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation announced that it is filing the largest class action damages claim in the EU on behalf of Apple iPhone and iPad consumers. Apple has illegally used its monopoly power to make consumers overpay for apps and in-app purchases for more than a decade. The lawsuit, which will be filed in the Amsterdam District Court, seeks damages for EU consumers who have bought an app in the Apple App Store or made an Apple in-app purchase since 1 September 2009, as well as a court order to force Apple to stop its unlawful behaviour.

Apple’s abusive behaviour towards European consumers

The action alleges that Apple has taken specific steps to ensure that purchasers of iPhones and iPads have had no choice but to shop for apps via the Apple App Store and pay with Apple’s own payment service Apple IAP. Because users cannot use a different platform to buy apps and make in-app purchases, Apple has effectively created a marketplace over which it has complete control. Consumers cannot purchase any apps – such as Minecraft, Angry Birds, Baby Monitor 3G, Moofer MyFitnessPal and CandyCrush – on their iPhone or iPad without using Apple’s platform.

Apple has taken advantage of its monopoly position by taking an up to 30% cut of every sale from app developers – a fee that experts have concluded is six times higher than it would have been in a competitive marketplace. In turn, app developers have been forced to increase their prices, passing the cost of Apple’s monopolistic practices along to consumers. Damages from Apple’s abusive scheme amount to nearly €5 billion, exclusive of interest.

Consumer Competition Claims

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation is a not-for-profit consumer organization that defends consumers against unfair trade practices and obtains compensation for their losses. The management and supervisory boards consist of experts in (competition) law and finance.

Bert Heikens, the foundation’s Chairman, commented, “After careful review, the board decided to take on Apple because it has clearly abused its dominance for over a decade, and caused consumers across the EU significant financial harm. This is just the type of consumer protection case that our foundation pursues.”

The Dutch foundation has enlisted the legal services of international law firm Scott + Scott, the largest law firm in the Netherlands representing victims of anti-competitive schemes, to handle its claim. “We are pleased the foundation has turned to our law firm to seek relief from Apple,” said David Scott, the firm’s managing partner.

“We demand that Apple cease abusing its dominant position in the market. In addition, it must compensate tens of millions of consumers across the EU for the damage it has inflicted,” continued Damiën Berkhout, a partner in Scott + Scott’s Dutch office.

All costs for the claim are being funded by Hereford Litigation, a third-party litigation funder experienced in the financing of group and collective litigation globally.

European consumers can register their support

The foundation calls on consumers who have made a purchase in the Apple App Store or via an Apple in-app purchase since 1 September 2009 to register at https://www.consumercompetitionclaims.com/  “We strongly encourage consumers to register on the website,” said Heikens, “Simply by adding their names, they can help ensure that they are positioned to receive the damages they deserve to collect.”