Apple is using location data in a whole new way, and it’s about to transform your life

Apple changed the way we live with the iPod. Then it did it again with the iPhone.

Steve Jobs repeated the feat once again with the iPad, and just as we get used to that, his company's about to transform our lives for the fourth time.

Apple announced its iBeacon technology with iOS7 and it's been built into all the firm's operating systems and devices since 2013. If businesses simply set up some transmitters, they can send messages to nearby smartphones advertising their presence and doing everything from sending special offers to recognising a customer.

Here are outlines two things you need to know about iBeacon:

1. It's based on Bluetooth Low Energy

Bluetooth LE is fuelling the Internet of Things, and the latest version of the 10-year-old innovation was designed specifically so it's not as energy sapping as its predecessors. This is the backbone of iBeacon - despite Bluetooth's location-based technology, it wouldn't work if everyone disabled the feature to conserve battery life.

It also means it's open standard. While Apple's trademarked iBeacon, Android and other operating systems can utilise Bluetooth to do the same thing too. The only thing they'd need to do is develop a similar app - Apple decided to build it into iOS7, meaning each smartphone automatically locates itself by using its own triangulating software.

2. Bluetooth and NFC will go head to head

Near Field Communication (NFC) has co-existed fairly peacefully with Bluetooth since 2004, but many predict that relations will grow hostile as the IoT takes hold. Nine years ago, NFC was very different to Bluetooth, but while the two are based on very distinct technologies, they are growing increasingly similar.

NFC is limited to distances of just a few centimetres, while Bluetooth extends to more than 30ft. But as Bluetooth's location accuracy improves with every update, and as the IoT means close-field communication becomes more important, the question arises: don't we just need one?

Beer Brands Targeting Women

More and more we are seeing marketing campaigns from big names in the beverage industry catering towards specific consumer trends. The increasing number of people choosing to drink at home, the awareness of health benefits/drawbacks and the recognition of previously ignored consumer groups are all contributing to this shift. One of the biggest changes we’ve seen in recent times in terms of the beer industry is that companies are now realising the potential in the female consumer group.

SABmiller has recognised that “In the past brewing companies could be accused of alienating women.”

Sue Clark, SABMiller’s managing director was quoted saying “We need to develop campaigns that actually appeal to both sexes and I think getting back to the intrinsic quality of beer is a key part of that. The way we market Peroni as a mixed gender style brand is a great way of doing that while also raising the premium nature of the beer category.”

The Budweiser Super Bowl ad this year is a prime example of this shift. Their ‘Puppy Love’ commercial which featured a Golden Retriever Puppy and a Clydesdale was intended to tug on our emotions and create a lasting impression of the brand. It could be argued that this move towards tear-jerking rather than comical advertising could be due to the changing dynamics of their consumers. Women now make up nearly 50% of all Super Bowl viewers, and beverage companies would be daft not to evolve their marketing strategies with this in mind.

Rothhammer Beer have featured glossy ‘Hollywood’ ad campaigns showing women in typically masculine careers such as fire-fighting or politics to target female consumers. Some brands have taken a different tact, such as Chick Beer, which focuses completely on the female consumer. Many companies however are sticking with SABMiller’s idea and trying to promote mixed gender beverages.

The way that the beverage industry is affected by changing consumer trends and dynamics makes an enormous difference to the future outlook of the market. One of the most important ways that a business can arm itself against competitors is with up-to-date market intelligence. The Industry Report Store has a wide range of beverage reports, analysing the current market situation as well as potential opportunities for the future.

Take a look at some of our reports to see how we could help you:

United Kingdom Beer Market Insights 2013

The Premium Beer Market 2013

Global Brewer Analyser Report 2013 

Global Beer Trends Report 2013 

Contact us if you would like any sample pages or if you want to enquire about any reports that we might have.

Sources: Marketing Week, Trendhunter, Reuters, Image

About Industry Report Store:

Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors.

Social media is now integral to successful business relationships. Connect with us to be the first to find out about exclusive offers and get involved with the latest industry discussions.

Bianca Underhill

Marketing

T: +44(0)20 3220 0814 
M: bianca.underhill@progressivemediagroup.com

Headquarters: John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street | London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom

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About Industry Report Store:

Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors.

Robyn Jones

Marketing 

T: +44(0)20 3220 0812

M:  robyn.jones@progressivemediagroup.com

Headquarters: John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street | London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom

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Consumer Trends Shaping The Beverage Industry

Brancott Estate, a brand owned by France-based drinks firm Pernod Ricard, have launched a new lighter wine range - Brancott Estate Flight Song - which has been made to have 20% less calories.

Pernod Ricard USA Brancott Estate Brand director Matt Foley said that consumers have the told the company that they are looking for a wine style that is lighter in calories but doesn't compromise on the taste and flavour complexity of the wine. The new range features Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a Marlborough Pinot Grigio.

This trend for lower-alcohol and therefore lower-calorie wine has been prevalent in developed countries across the world, and is a booming market in our diet-obsessed society. The UK now has a wide selection of competing low-calorie wines with Banrock Station, South Africa’s Cape, Blossom Hill, Gallo and Weight Watchers all featuring lower-alcohol ranges which are sold at most leading supermarkets.

At the heart of this consumer trend, ‘diet wines’ offer a solution to those trying to lose weight by meaning they can still enjoy the occasional tipple. This is a trend reflected across the whole of the beverage industry, where diet versions of regular products are worth billions of dollars. An example of this is 2B Sparkling, the first beverage to use Purefruit Natural Sweetener, which uses naturally occurring antioxidants to deliver a carbonated drink without the calories. This product is a direct result of changing consumer attitudes towards health in their buying decisions. 

Understanding how the beverage market is evolving directly due to market trends is essential business information. Market intelligence will provide you with the actual market situation, key drivers and trends behind the market and forecasts for the industry so that you can stay ahead of the competition. Browse some of the beverage reports that The Industry Report Store has to offer to see how business intelligence can help you. 

Global Carbonates Report 2013  Alcoholic Beverage Reports All Beverage Reports Source: Brancott Estate About Industry Report Store: Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors. Social media is now integral to successful business relationships. Connect with us to be the first to find out about exclusive offers and get involved with the latest industry discussions. Elizabeth Ryan Marketing T: +44(0)20 3220 0814  M: elizabeth.ryan@progressivemediagroup.com Headquarters: John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street | London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom

Bitcoin Becomes a Little Less Virtual

A company called Australian Bitcoin ATMs said they are rolling out 100 Bitcoin ATMs in Australia, Auckland and New Zealand for virtual currency vending. The Melbourne-based company will acquire ATM machines from manufacturers including Robocoin, which will be deployed at shopping centres, casinos, airports and other commercial centers. 

Bitcoins can be obtained online, either through mining (whereby participants verify and record payments in exchange for transaction fees and newly minted Bitcoins) or in exchange for products, services, or other currencies, as such, these new ATM machines would provide Bitcoin owners with far greater ability to manage their online currency. According to CEO Chris Guzowski, the machine works after Bitcoin owners enter the number of coins they want to sell. The machine would then connect to an international Bitcoin exchange, completing the transaction for them. The ATM will release the cash once the Bitcoin exchange is successful. Additionally, those who want to buy Bitcoin can simply do so by using the ATM and paying cash.

Bitcoin recently received much negative publicity in regards to its use on the illicit online marketplace 'Silk Road'. The underground website allowed visitors to browse nearly 13,000 listings, many of them for illegal drugs, but also offered forged documents, computer hacking services and pirated media content, all to be purchased using the virtual currency. Both its' popularity and use regarding illicit trade has compelled authorities around the world to look at ways to regulate commerce in the currency, which have impeded its adoption and sometimes weighed on its price.

Bitcoin lost nearly half of its value after China cracked down on trading of the virtual currency among some of its financial firms including banks from handling Bitcoin related transactions, amid fears of money laundering. However, games maker Zynga revealed plans to trial Bitcoin transactions on Farmville 2 and several other games in January, which boosted Bitcoin's value back to $1000!

The global virtual currency market is forecast to grow over the next few years. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increasing usage of social media and online games. The Industry Report Store has a newly written report comprehensively covering the global virtual currency market. The report provides essential insight into the market trends, drivers, challenges and opportunities, as well as SWOT overviews of the major companies operating within the market.

If you would like to request free sample pages or to find out more about any other reports we might have please don’t hesitate to contact us.

About Industry Report Store:

Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors.

Robyn Jones

Marketing 

T: +44(0)20 3220 0812

M:  robyn.jones@progressivemediagroup.com

Headquarters: John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street | London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom

Why not take a moment to browse our site www.industryreportstore.com. We cover over 50 industries, 130 countries and include over 30,000 company profiles.

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Future of Packaging: Flexible or Ecological?

Interpack, the processing and packaging trade fair is taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany from 8-14^th May 2014, where 2,700 exhibitors from more than 60 countries will present their latest ideas, innovative concepts and technological visions for the future of packaging. This includes not only equipment and machinery for packaging and processing, but also production tools for packaging materials, materials themselves, and services for the entire industry.

Bosch Packaging Technology will be unveiling a new range of highly flexible packaging solutions designed to enable quick changeover of packaging styles, sizes and products whilst reflecting the consumer demand for versatility.

"The innovations Bosch will display at Interpack 2014 draw from extensive know-how and are created with maximum flexibility in mind. Our goal is to support manufacturers of all sizes, from small start-ups to large, globally established firms. Bosch's complete solutions for processing, primary and secondary packaging are available as modular lines as well as seamless systems and fulfill numerous packaging needs," says Martin Tanner, director business development and marketing, product division confectionery and food, Bosch Packaging Technology.

Bosch will be showcasing a whole range of machines designed to make quick and efficient flexible packaging for both large and small products, including confectionery, snacks, grains and other food and non-food products. At Interpack, Bosch will also highlight its after-sales services portfolio with a focus on solutions that improve packaging flexibility, machine efficiency and productivity. Machine upgrades and modernisations enable customers to adapt their existing equipment to new market requirements.

Flexible packaging is a huge trend for the future of the packaging industry, but it faces opposition from ecologically sustainable packaging innovations. Interpack has its own forum for special themes for the future called Innovationparc Packaging where exhibitors meet to discuss creative and visionary ideas based on ecological, social and economic themes. This year’s theme is SAVE FOOD, with an aim to develop sustainable packaging concepts with the specific goal of reducing food loss around the globe. Stakeholders in the packaging and food industry will be pitching ideas about how new packaging designs and methods could reduce some of the 1.3 billion tons of food waste every year. This year’s theme is a particular reflection on the industry trend towards more sustainable and ecological packaging. They are recognising the growing consumer trend for reducing ecological impact on the world, and the packaging industry absolutely must reflect this trend in their designs for the future or risk losing out to competitors.

The packaging industry is worth billions of dollars and is a constantly evolving market. In order to stay ahead of the changing trends it’s vital to invest in business intelligence so that you are aware of the actual market situation and prospect for the future. The Industry Report Store has a highly valuable report about the global flexible packaging market, which is essential marketing intelligence for any business requiring strategic insights into the packaging industry. This report will help you to answer questions such as, who are the key vendors dominating the market? What are the key drivers of the market and what challenges are posing a threat to the market growth?

If you are interested in this report then read more here: The Global Flexible Packaging Market 2014-2018

Contact us if you would like some sample pages or wish to learn more about our extensive range of market intelligence reports. 

Source: Interpack

About Industry Report Store:

Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors.

Social media is now integral to successful business relationships. Connect with us to be the first to find out about exclusive offers and get involved with the latest industry discussions.

Elizabeth Ryan

Marketing

T: +44(0)20 3220 0814 
M: elizabeth.ryan@progressivemediagroup.com

Headquarters: John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street | London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom

The Snowden Leaks Continue

According to recent documents revealed by ex-NSA contractor and whistle-blower Edward Snowden, the UK Government has been embroiled in a war against the hacktivists of anonymous and LulZsec, which were actively engaged in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The British Spy Agency GCHQ disrupted hacktivist communications by using one of their own techniques against them, spamming a website with more traffic than it is used to and consequently knocking it out of operation. 

Recent documents revealed by the whistle-blower signify that in 2011, UK cyberspies used DDoS attacks to force a chat room used by the Anonymous collective offline. NBC News reported that GCHQ's actions make the British government "the first Western government known to have conducted such an attack." The government DDoS attacks derived from a unit within GCHQ nicknamed the Joint Threat Research Intelligence Group (JTRIG), which has claimed it used the attacks to scare away 80% of the users of Anonymous internet chat rooms. 

GCHQ retaliated to NBC by saying: "All of GCHQ's work is carried out in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework...which ensure[s] that our activities are authorised, necessary and proportionate, and that there is rigorous oversight, including from the Secretary of State, the Interception and Intelligence Services Commissioners and the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee. All of our operational processes rigorously support this position." However, the documents also reveal that the JTRIG infiltrated these chat rooms and identified individual hackers, which In one case, helped the JTRIG send a hacktivist to prison for stealing data from PayPal, while helping to identify hacktivists who had attacked government websites in another. One cybersecurity expert expressed concern in regards to the latest leaks:
"Legally, we enter a very grey area here; where members of LulZsec were arrested and incarcerated for carrying out DDoS attacks, but it seems that JTRIG are taking the same approach with impunity."

Cyber security has come to be a big issue. It is very important for cyber security providers to identify the source of malware so that similar patterns can be tracked and observed for flaws, and a proper response to the attack can be delivered without causing undue inconvenience to the entire cyberspace community. Cyber weapons are in their infancy and are expected to rapidly evolve over the next decade. Therefore, nations are currently dedicating increasing resources at the executive policy level as well as at the private sector level, in order to deal with complex cyber threats. These resources have been well utilized as is evident from the innovations in cyber defense technologies, but as these mechanisms become commercially available and their mode of operation is scrutinized, attackers will develop more advanced cyber weapon technologies to deal with advanced defenses.

The Industry Report Store has a newly written report comprehensively covering the global cyber security industry. It provides detailed analysis of both historic and forecast global industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of the leading companies in the industry, and key news.

To find out more about this report click here: The Global Cybersecurity Market 2013–2023

About Industry Report Store: Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors.

Robyn Jones

Marketing

T: +44(0)20 3220 0812

M:  robyn.jones@progressivemediagroup.com

Headquarters: John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street | London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom

Why not take a moment to browse our site www.industryreportstore.com. We cover over 50 industries, 130 countries and include over 30,000 company profiles.

Follow us:

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

Why not take a moment to browse our site www.industryreportstore.com. We cover over 50 industries, 130 countries and include over 30,000 company profiles.