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Want To Eat Healthier in 2017? Try Taco Bell

Business

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January 8, 2017

Want To Eat Healthier in 2017? Try Taco Bell

Taco Bell announced their New Year’s resolution and the home of the chalupa revealed their plan to provide healthier food options.

Taco Bell shared in a press release that the company is going to get rid of XL soda, remove antibiotics, preservatives and additives select items and, serve 100% cage free egg ingredients. In addition, the company is planning on reducing the amount of sodium in their foods by 10%.

Taco Bell Healthy — Stock Photo: Las Vegas – Circa December 2016: Taco Bell Cantina Location. The new Taco Bell Cantina features a DJ area, VIP lounge, and upscale menu IV (Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com)

Outside of healthier food options, the company is expanding their benefits for their employees with the Live Más Scholarship, which will provide $1.3 million in funding for the next generation of “creators, innovators and dreamers.”

Looking for a job? Taco Bell is also planning on creating 100,000 jobs by 2022 and hiring 1.5 million young adults over the next decade.

Yum! Brands Taco Bell — Stock Photo:
LOUISVILLE, KY, USA – NOV. 21, 2016: Yum! Brands headquarters and support center in Louisville, KY. Yum! is one of the world’s largest restaurant companies operating Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. (Thomas Kelley / Shutterstock.com)

Taco Bell is part of the Yum! Brands corporation and is the leading Mexican fast-food restaurant in the United States. While the company is most known for their Doritos Locos Tacos, lower calorie Fresco options and the Crunchwrap, the company has been competing with Chipotle Mexican Grill.

What about Chipotle?

Chipotle Taco Bell — Stock Photo: LAS VEGAS, NV – September 22. 2016 – Chipotle App On Apple iPhone Screen. (BestStockFoto / Shutterstock.com)

Chipotle faced a major controversy as several virus outbreaks pressuring the to the restaurant to close their doors for a few hours to ensure food safety was up to par. In addition, Chipotle implemented new rules including: requiring all employees to wash their hands several times throughout the days, putting all produce in hot water for five seconds to kill pathogens, and using safety measures to prepare all food ingredients.

Despite those changes, it still may not be enough for consumers to visit Chipotle again. According to a Huffington Post/YouGov Poll, only 36% of people surveyed found Chipotle was safe to eat. In addition, 24% said they were not confident in the food’s safety.

Unfortunately, things got worse for the company. Last year, several men filed a class-action lawsuit against Chipotle. They claimed that the company incorrectly labeled the amount of calories in their food.

Samsung’s Gear S3 is Now iOS Compatible

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 8, 2017

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While smartphone users are still reeling from the release of exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7s, the Korean tech giant announces the iOS compatibility with Samsung’s wearable devices.

Last year, Samsung announced that their wearable devices will become compatible with Apple’s iPhone. Months later, Samsung has followed through on their promise with a new app.

On Saturday, the company announced the release of a new app that would allow for Samsung’s Gear S3, Gear S2 and Gear Fit2 to work with other iOS devices.

Samsung explained that Gear users will be able to download an iOS app to connect their Samsung device with their Apple device such as the iPhone.

In turn, Samsung smartwatches and fitness trackers will be able to display notifications, as well as monitoring calories burned, distance traveled and running pace.

Before this compatibility and app, only Android devices connected with Samsung’s wearable devices.

This news comes after an October 2016 study that found 34% of Samsung smartphone users planned and buying an iPhone. Branding Brand conducted a survey in September to determine the impact of exploding Galaxy Note 7s had on consumers. After surveying 1,000 people, all of whom were Samsung owners living in the US, 34% of the respondents reported that they would not buy another Samsung phone. Not to mention, 81% of those respondents said they always owned a Samsung or Android phone in the past.

Samsung Smartphones — Stock Photo: Zrenjanin, SERBIA March 15, 2016: Photo detail of Samsung Galaxy S7 against white. Samsung S7 is new generation smartphone from Samsung. The Samsung S7 is smart phone with multi touch screen. (MilsiArt / Shutterstock.com)

Late last year, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall called for the company replace over 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones. Apparently, the company reportedly shipped defected phones. In addition, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T accepted exchanges of Galaxy Note 7s for other devices after a Note 7 exploded on a Southwest flight forcing passengers to evacuate.

While, the company is still being affected by Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall. Apple has continued to gain in market share following the release of the iPhone 7. However, Samsung’s next phone, Galaxy S8, will reportedly feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, the latest processor from the Qualcomm company.

News Broadcast Accidentally Orders Dollhouses Thanks to Amazon’s Alexa

Business

Reginald Edward

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January 8, 2017

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News Broadcast Accidentally Orders Dollhouses Thanks to Amazon’s Alexa

Amazon’s Alexa was so popular that sales increased by 900%. In fact, the product was so well-liked among holiday shoppers that the e-commerce giant had trouble successfully filling orders. But, new Amazon Alexa users may need to pay closer attention to their new toy.

Earlier this week, San Diego station CW6 aired a broadcast about a child ordering a doll house through her family’s Amazon Echo. However, CW6 reported many people complained that their Alexa device ordered dollhouses following the news report.

How did this happen? Well, the CW6 TV anchor said, “I love the little girl, saying ‘Alexa ordered me a dollhouse.'”

This resulted in Alexas in the San Diego area listening to the news report and ordering dollhouses without their owner’s permission.

Amazon box — Stock Photo: PARIS, FRANCE – JAN 28, 2016: Amazon Prime logotype printed on cardboard box side seen from above on a wooden parquet floor. Amazon is an American electronic e-commerce company distribution worldwide (Hadrian / Shutterstock.com)

Amazon responded by warning users to turn off the ability to purchase items via voice or requiring a specific code to confirm purchases. In addition, Amazon explains that accidental orders can also be returned for free.

What is Alexa?

Amazon’s Alexa is expanding in the tech industry. Amazon’s Echo and Dot are voice-controlled devices that can respond to user’s voice commands. Some of the commands allow for Alexa to answer questions, control lights, and other actions. But, since the release of the Internet of Things device, more and more companies are partnering with Amazon.

Last week, Amazon partnered with ADT to deliver home security. The company explained that a new ADT Pulse update will allow for Alexa-enabled devices such as the Echo and Dot to use voice commands to secure their home.

It’s clear that the Internet of Things product is growing rapidly. The company explained that there were so many Amazon Echo and Dot sales that the company could not maintain inventory as sales increased nine-fold during the holidays.

HMD Announces the Release of Nokia 6

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 8, 2017

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As Apple’s iPhone continues to dominate smartphones and Google’s Pixel is slowly inching into the industry, HMD Global announces their very first Nokia smartphone, Nokia 6.

HMD announced the news after securing brand licensing agreement in 2016. The company will exclusively launch the the new Nokia 6 smartphone in China. The company calls the new smartphone as a step into a new design and standard for the brand.

China Smartphone — Stock Photo:
HONG KONG – CIRCA FEBRUARY, 2015: People traveling in the subway and actively use smartphones. Metro aka MRT is the most popular form of public transport in Hong Kong. (DoublePHOTO studio / Shutterstock.com)

HMD explains that they will combine quality and durability to “deliver a real-life premium smartphone experience.” HMD argues their decision to deliver a smartphone for China was due to the growing smartphone audience. The company explains that they expect the Chinese smartphone users will grow to more than 593 million users and it is “strategically important market where premium design and quality is highly valued by consumers.”

According to the press release, the company explains it takes less than an hour to make a single Nokia 6 from a single block of aluminum. In turn, the final processing of the product takes 10 hours and each phone is polished several times over. Ultimately, the Finnish company explains that the final product is the “highest level of visual and structural quality.”

The new Nokia 6 will feature a 5.5″ full HD screen encased in Gorilla Glass. In addition, the mobile phone features 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage to run the latest Android software, Nougat. Not to mention, Nokia 6’s amplifiers are expected to deliver an even louder sound. The new smartphone will also feature a 16MP auto rear focus camera and an 8MP front camera along with a f/2.0 aperture lenses. HMD also boasts of new user-interface featuring “automatic scene” detection.

In the press release, HMD Global’s CEO, Arto Nummela, explained that they worked hard to position their self as a contender in the mobile phone industry. “The Nokia 6 is a result of listening to our consumers who desire a beautifully crafted handset with exceptional durability, entertainment and display features.”

What is HMD Global?

The Finnish Company was first created last May 2016. The company develops devices under the “Nokia” brand after signing a major licensing agreement. The company makes and creates smartphones. In addition, HMD is the exclusive license owner of the Nokia brand.

NYC Subways Will Soon Feature Wi-Fi

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 8, 2017

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New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that cell phones in underground subway stations will soon be able to pick up Wi-Fi and cell phone coverage.

In a press release, the NY governor revealed that cellular connectivity in the busy NYC underground subways will be working sooner than originally scheduled. The service will allow for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless users to make phone calls and connect to the Internet, something not currently possible in New York City’s busy transit system.

Stock Photo: NEW YORK, USA – October 17, 2016. Inside New York City Subway Wagon with Other People in Background

Governor Cuomo said in a statement that by bringing Wi-Fi and cell service to the underground transit system it will help support the next generation of NYC transit riders. “This will better connect New Yorkers who are on-the-go and build on our vision to reimagine the country’s busiest transportation network for the future.”

The MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast explained that by working with the four major carriers they were able to deliver cell service connectivity two years earlier than expected.

MTA NYC Subway Wi-Fi — Stock Photo: NEW YORK, USA – October 13, 2016. Subway metro Logo during afternoon in Manhattan (Benoit Daoust / Shutterstock.com)

The MTA and New York State entered into an agreement with Transit Wireless to build the infrastructure and maintain connectivity. In fact, according to the press release, the company has invested over $300 million into the project at “no cost to taxpayers or subway riders.” In addition, Transit Wireless is sharing revenues of the service with the MTA.

The Governor calls this as another “important step” in the ongoing movement to “modernize the MTA”. Just last week, New York City announced the opening of Second Avenue Subway, which is located at the Lexington and 63rd Street Station. The new subway station will provide modern amenities and an underground art museum. The entire project cost more than $17 billion but, the first phase of the line is expected to serve 200,000 daily riders at three new stations.

Razer Launches 3 Screen Laptops and VR Projectors

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 8, 2017

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Razer Launches 3 Screen Laptops and VR Projectors

As the CES 2017 draws to a close, one of the stand-out releases at the convention comes from Razer, inc. The company released two major products including Project Valerie, a three monitor gaming laptop, and Project Ariana, a virtual reality projector.

What is Project Valerie?

Called “Project Valerie” it’s a one of a kind of laptop that features three different monitors. In a press release, the gaming company calls their new product “the world’s first automated triple display laptop”, which will allow for a more immersive portable gaming experience. Essentially, the laptop will give users the ability to play their favorite video games with “eye-popping” 4K displays.

Here’s some of the product details:

17.3 inch 4K monitor screens
11520 x 2160 resolution
NVIDIA Surround View technology
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU

But, the new laptop provides functionality outside of gaming. The company boasts the laptop will provide an expansive workspace on three different monitors to handle any project. Including, running multiple applications at once.

Project Valerie — (Image Credit: Razer.com)

Razer’s Project Ariana

While Razer has been around for the past 11 years, it is a relatively new company. The company’s CEO Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff launched their first products to cater to gamers by providing devices only intended for video game enthusiasts. But, gaming laptops are not the only products the company is investing in.

At CES 2017, the company released their own virtual reality project (Project Ariana) for video games, which won the seventh annual “Best of CES” Award.

Project Ariana takes the information from the video game and projects it around the room. Min-Liang Tan called the project “the future of gaming immersion” and explains that Project Ariana allows for everyone in the room to enjoy the virtual reality experience.

Razer is able to accomplish this by using their own lighting technology along with laser sensors, 4K projectors and integrating with video games. In addition, Project Ariana also has the ability to integrate with other surround sound devices. The company plans on creating a consumer product by the end of 2017.

Study: Long-Term Effects of Gastric Bypass in Teens

Business

Brent Edward

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January 7, 2017

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Study: Long-Term Effects of Gastric Bypass in Teens

While obesity is a major epidemic in America especially, among children and young adults, not too much is known about the impact of bariatric surgery on teens. However, a new study published in “The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology” examined the impact of bariatric surgery on adolescents.

Dr. Thomas H. Inge, MD and his team of researchers discovered that gastric bypass surgery among adolescents resulted in long-term health benefits and weight loss.

Researchers examined the benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass of 58 young adults around the age of 17. The results of their study saw a body mass index decrease of about 30%. However, approximately 48% of the 58 patients studied exhibited mild anaemia, 45% had hyperparathyroidism, and 16% had low amounts of vitamin B12.

Dr. Inge explained in his study that after gastric bypass surgery adolescents should focus on dietary supplements. In addition, researchers also assert physicians should monitor micronutrients following gastric bypass surgery among adolescents.

This news comes after recent research on gastric bypass surgery found many individuals exhibited digestive problems following the surgery. Researchers examined over 200 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. They discovered that over 70% of the patients in the study had complained of indigestion and problems eating foods with high fat or high sugar content. In addition, those same patients also had issues eating red meat.

Teenage Obesity in America

Obesity America — Image Credit:(angkrit/Shutterstock.com)

In America, the average weight of kids has increased by more than ten pounds within the past 30 years. Now, one in three children are currently overweight or obese. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health published a study in ‘The Lancet’ arguing that energy-rich and nutrient-poor foods promote weight gain in early childhood. In turn, leading to chronic health issues among teens and adolescents.

How can parents prevent kids from becoming overweight? The NIH suggests that activities should be promoted to improve children’s health, avoiding high sugar beverages and avoiding sedentary activities.

NASA is Planning Two Asteroid Missions

Business

Megan Diane

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January 7, 2017

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While the recently released movie Hidden Figures cinematically recreated the early days of NASA and space exploration, the government space program is now working on their next space mission: Lucy and Psyche.

NASA announced in a statement their plan on to explore our solar system. The first mission is called “Lucy”. The mission is to explore the diversity of asteroids that have existed for over 10 million years. The mission will use remote sensing tools to map the physical properties of a group of primitive asteroids. The goal of the space mission is to to better understand the origins of our solar system.

The second mission is called “Psyche”. Psyche is the name of an asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. A spacecraft will arrive in 2030 and will travel to the asteroid exploring the geology, surface, and other physical traits of the asteroid. The goal of this mission to understand how planets and other spacely bodies were created.

Lead Psyche researcher Lindy Elkins-Tanton of Arizona State University explained in a statement that, Psyche will allow scientists to “learn inner space by visiting outer space.”

It’s not a surprise that NASA is focusing their attention on asteroids. Last month, NASA researchers explained that the world currently does not have a plan on stopping asteroids from colliding into our planet. In fact, researchers argue that every 60 million years there is a chance of a major asteroid or comet collision an ‘extinction level’ event.

President Barack Obama Asteroid Mission — Stock Photo: CHARLOTTE, NC, USA – JULY 5, 2016: President Barack Obama is seated on stage as he listens to a speech by Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the Charlotte Convention Center. (Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com)

While the odds of this happening are highly unlikely, President Obama released a plan to stop an asteroid from crashing into planet Earth earlier this month. The program was called ‘National Near Earth Object Preparedness Strategy’ and will prevent “Near Earth Objects” from crashing into our planet. A report on how to prepare the Earth from an asteroid or comet is expected to be released shortly, followed by triennial updates.

Amazon Will Soon Accept Food Stamps

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 7, 2017

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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Thursday several companies will soon be able to receive food stamps as a form of payment. One of these companies involved in the pilot program includes the online mega retailer, Amazon.

While, Amazon is working on delivering cashier less grocery stores, the USDA is working on making it easier for low income individuals to make purchases online.

The USDA included seven different retail firms that were now in part of a pilot program that allows for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, to purchase groceries via the Internet. So when will food stamps beneficiaries be able to purchase their groceries online? Well, according to the USDA press release, the program will start this summer.

SNAP Food Stamps — Stock Photo: Indianapolis – Circa November 2013: A Sign at a Retailer – We Gladly Accept SNAP (Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com)

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack explained that ecommerce can help many SNAP participants make healthier choices. Especially, those living in urban and rural communities were access to fruits and vegetables can be a problem.

“We’re looking forward to being able to bring the benefits of the online market to low-income Americans participating in SNAP,” Tom Vilsack added.

Starting this summer, Amazon will be able to receive food stamps from low-income individuals in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Other companies participating in the pilot program include FreshDirect, Safeway, ShopRite, Hy-Vee, Inc, Hart’s Local Grocers and Dash’s Market.

The program will tested in New York, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania and Iowa.

The USDA explains that this new pilot program will examine the benefits of online ordering and payments. The government agency argues that there are many security challenges, which will need to be addressed before it is available around the country. In addition, the SNAP program will only let low-income beneficiaries to purchase SNAP authorized products. Not to mention, SNAP will not pay for delivery or service charges.

USDA Food-stamps — Stock Photo: LISBON, PORTUGAL – February 24, 2015: Photo of UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE page on a monitor screen (Gil C / Shutterstock.com)

With that being said, the USDA plans on implementing this program nationwide for SNAP beneficiaries, once the pilot program is completed and current unforeseen problems are addressed.

In many rural and urban areas access to healthy food options is a problem, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues. In order to combat this issue, the USDA spent nearly $20 million to help low-income families purchase healthy produce. The grant program was aimed to increase the purchase of healthy foods in low income areas. Since President Obama took office, Visack explained previous programs helped nearly 8 million SNAP beneficiaries purchase fruits and vegetables,

SNAP was created to help stop Americans from going hungry. Currently, the SNAP program helps millions of families with nearly 50% of all SNAP participants being children.

Facebook Taps CNN’s Campbell Brown to Head News Division

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 6, 2017

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Facebook Taps CNN’s Campbell Brown to Head News Division

In an effort to take the rise of false news stories, Facebook has decided to hire Campbell Brown to head its newly created news division. The decision to hire Mrs. Brown, who had previously worked for NBS news and is currently a host on CNN, was announced on Friday.

Campbell Brown Facebook — Stock Photo:
Campbell Brown at the West Coast Premiere Reading of “8” Shows, Wilshire Ebell Theater, Los Angeles, CA 03-03-12 (s_bukley / Shutterstock.com)

The move is part of a series of corrective actions stemming from the unfettered rise of false and misleading stories on the social network. This came to a head following last year’s election as many pundits called out Facebook for not taking a more active role in debunking, or at a minimum, minimizing the impact of such stories.

While the company can do little to stop the posting of false stories on its social network, many have pointed out that it can make sure such stories are not promoted. In December, Facebook announced it would enact a system to gauge the authenticity of news stories posted on the site.

Regardless of the election, false and misleading stories have been a sore spot for some time. During the Christmas holiday, a seemingly credible story about a bomb attack in Bangkok, Thailand triggered Facebook’s Safety Check algorithm. The story was later proven to be baseless and the company is considering ways to improve Safety Check.

What does Campbell Brown mean for Facebook?

While The New York Times has reported that Facebook does have several professional journalists on its payroll, the hiring of Mrs. Brown marks the first time that the company has set up a news division. However, company representatives, note that Mrs. Brown was not brought on to the company to act and an editor, but rather to help Facebook cooperate with new organizations. It is believed that this will help the company to balance its increasingly vital role as a news source, with its original purpose as a social media network.

Facebook News User — Stock Photo: CHIANGMAI, THAILAND -AUGUST 03, 2016:Hand holding white Iphone Smart Phone on facebook application on IPhone screen (WOVE LOVE / Shutterstock.com)

Mrs. Brown has gained notoriety for her reporting on school choice, particularly her support for charter schools and her battles with teacher unions over her positions. While Mrs. Brown is a former Republican strategist, she has been openly critical of President-elect Donald Trump.

Ultimately the decision to hire Mrs. Brown is an attempt to reshape Facebook’s role as a trusted news source for is more than 1.8 billion users. This includes looking at paid placement of false or misleading stories which have increased in frequency and in popularity in recent years.

Digital Chew

Digital Chew

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Samsung’s Gear S3 is Now iOS Compatible

News Broadcast Accidentally Orders Dollhouses Thanks to Amazon’s Alexa

What is Alexa?

HMD Announces the Release of Nokia 6

What is HMD Global?

NYC Subways Will Soon Feature Wi-Fi

Razer Launches 3 Screen Laptops and VR Projectors

What is Project Valerie?

Razer’s Project Ariana

Study: Long-Term Effects of Gastric Bypass in Teens

Teenage Obesity in America

NASA is Planning Two Asteroid Missions

Amazon Will Soon Accept Food Stamps

Facebook Taps CNN’s Campbell Brown to Head News Division

What does Campbell Brown mean for Facebook?

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