XELS launches eco-conscious blockchain platform for carbon offset credits


TOKYO, April 7, 2021 — XELS, a startup that hopes to tackle climate change by increasing participation and transparency in carbon markets, has launched its blockchain-based carbon offset platform. The company is initially focused on voluntary carbon offset credits, which are increasingly attractive to companies that want to show consumers they’re serious about reducing their carbon footprint.

Since the birth of carbon markets following the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, fraud has hindered the effectiveness of carbon credit sales and trading. Bad actors sometimes sell fake or expired credits, and "recycling" fraud had led to the double spending of unretired credits. Carbon markets are the perfect use case for blockchain’s distributed ledger technology, as transactions cannot be modified, reversed, or duplicated. Carbon credits that exist on the blockchain can also be "burned," with a publicly visible record proving it has been retired forever.

"We believe that decentralization is the only way that carbon markets can work effectively," explains XELS founder and CEO Takeshi Nojima. "XELS will enable the industry to maintain open, transparent records – from generation, to sale, to retirement. Making it easy for corporations to transparently offset their carbon without fear of fraud will make them even more willing to combat global warming, and it will pay dividends as far as consumer trust that they’re truly intent on making a difference for the environment."

In addition to putting voluntary carbon credits on the blockchain, the company also seeks to offer "compliance" credits, which are heavily regulated under national cap and trade agreements. Japan lags behind European nations, where businesses are compelled to buy compliance credits to avoid heavy taxes. XELS is already in talks with numerous listed companies in Japan that are keen to get on board with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s target of reaching net zero domestic emissions by 2050.

XELS is cognizant of concerns surrounding the high energy consumption associated with popular incumbent blockchains. Later this year, XELS will migrate its platform to a proprietary, low-energy blockchain that the company has been developing since 2017. XELS Chain takes a hybrid proof-of-stake and proof-of-work approach, while enabling users to run a full node on a basic laptop without the need for power-hungry mining hardware.

XELS, based dually in Tokyo and Hong Kong, is a member of the Climate Chain Coalition.

Learn more about XELS at www.xels.io

For media inquiries, please contact pr@xels.io

 

MediaTek and Samsung Introduce World’s First Wi-Fi 6E Enabled 8K TV

MediaTek’s MT7921AU delivers Wi-Fi 6E for unparalleled streaming experiences

HSINCHU, Taiwan, April 7, 2021MediaTek and Samsung today introduced the world’s first 8K QLED TV – the flagship Samsung 8K QLED Y21 – powered by MediaTek’s MT7921AU, delivering the fastest connectivity experiences through its cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E capabilities. Following their announcement of the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 enabled 8K TV in 2020, MediaTek and Samsung are yet again driving the smart TV industry forward with the latest connectivity features and premium 8K imaging for unparalleled home entertainment experiences.

MT7921AU supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 from a single, highly integrated platform. With 1.2 Gbps speeds, consumers can enjoy smoother streaming and gaming for uninterrupted entertainment. Wi-Fi 6E is designed to make use of uncongested bandwidth in the 6GHz spectrum and offers numerous advantages over previous Wi-Fi generations, such as significantly faster multi-gigabit data throughput, lower latencies and the latest security and connection reliability features.

"Consumers depend on fast, reliable connectivity, whether they are using their TV for streaming, gaming or following along with workouts. Our collaboration with Samsung has been instrumental in bringing consumers the latest smart TV technology to support these uses and beyond," said Jerry Yu, MediaTek Corporate Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Intelligent Devices Business Group. "With our advanced connectivity technologies – including WiFi-6 support – integrated into Samsung’s 8K TVs, we’re driving the premium smart TV segment forward globally."

MediaTek is the world leader for Wi-Fi technology, which is used widely in global products, including mobile devices, audio solutions, PCs, digital TVs, Blu-ray players, IPTV set-top boxes and web cams. MediaTek works closely with the Wi-Fi Alliance to ensure its connectivity portfolio supports the latest Wi-Fi features, such as Wi-Fi 6E. Affirming its leading industry position, MediaTek has recently been selected by the Wi-Fi Alliance to be part of the Wi-Fi 6E certification test bed for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ devices.

For more information on MediaTek’s smart TV solutions, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/products/entertainment/digital-tv

About MediaTek Inc.

MediaTek Incorporated (TWSE: 2454) is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables nearly 2 billion connected devices a year. We are a market leader in developing innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile device, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products. Our dedication to innovation has positioned us as a driving market force in several key technology areas, including highly power-efficient mobile technologies, automotive solutions and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD) and wearables. MediaTek empowers and inspires people to expand their horizons and achieve their goals through smart technology, more easily and efficiently than ever before. We work with the brands you love to make great technology accessible to everyone, and it drives everything we do. Visit www.mediatek.com for more information.

Related Links :

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CASETiFY Releases New MagSafe-Compatible Phone Cases

Apple’s iPhone 12 series gets a colorful shout-out with all new protective accessories that snap on effortlessly to the entire MagSafe ecosystem.

HONG KONG AND LOS ANGELES, April 6, 2021 — Today, tech accessory leader, CASETiFY, unveiled its latest collection of MagSafe-compatible phone cases. The supported technology extends to a family of beloved CASETiFY products, including the best-selling Impact Case, Ultra Impact Case, and Mirror Case. The colorful collection of protective accessories are available to shop now for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, shipping worldwide from casetify.com.

Apple’s iPhone 12 series gets a colorful shout-out with CASETiFY's all new protective accessories that snap on effortlessly to the entire MagSafe ecosystem.
Apple’s iPhone 12 series gets a colorful shout-out with CASETiFY’s all new protective accessories that snap on effortlessly to the entire MagSafe ecosystem.

Collection Images

In this release, CASETiFY invites iPhone users to explore an exciting lineup of MagSafe-compatible cases. Customers can get creative and design their brand new accessory in a variety of bold colorways, beautiful designs, and personalized options—knowing that it works seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem of MagSafe products, including wallets and chargers. Cases in the Impact series will be available in a rainbow-inspired collection of hues, allowing shoppers to choose from matte finishes and sheer surfaces, all providing the perfect canvas for personalization with names and monograms. CASETiFY fans can expect the same responsibly sourced materials in the latest line of phone covers, with styles made from 50% recycled materials, and shipped in 100% eco-friendly packaging. The fan-favorite cases retail for $55$80 USD, with built-in magnets to snap onto any MagSafe-friendly products.

"Our community can always rely on CASETiFY for the most innovative and beautifully designed accessories to support the latest technology by Apple," said CEO and Co-founder of CASETiFY, Wes Ng. "We hope this new collection inspires a new wave of creativity and self-expression among our customers."

To bring customers peace of mind, cases in the collection are constructed with the brand’s proprietary shock-absorbing material called qìtech™. Shoppers are encouraged to match their case style to their desired level of protection, with ways to bump up the protection in Ultra Impact varieties, providing four additional corners of 9.8-ft drop-proof barriers. For an extra line of defense, the latest series of Impact, Ultra Impact, and Mirror Cases are sealed with a layer of antimicrobial DEFENSiFY coating, eliminating 99% of germs from the phone case’s surface.

To shop the new collections, and to learn more about CASETiFY and its products, visit casetify.com. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay in the know.

For media enquiries, email press@casetify.com.

About CASETiFY                                                                                             

Founded in 2011, CASETiFY is recognized as the first and largest global platform for custom tech accessories. The leading Gen Z casemaker not only delivers high quality products to millions of customers around the world, but every case is inspected top to bottom for a stylishly slim, drop-proof accessory. Fans of the brand often look to CASETiFY for special edition collaborations with top creatives and talents across industries. Members of the CASETiFY Co-Lab program include Moncler Genius, Vetements, DHL, Coca-Cola, The Pokémon Company, streetwear label BAPE, and global sensation BTS. For more information on CASETiFY, its stores, partners and products, visit www.CASETiFY.com.

Acer Refreshed the Nitro 5 & Helios 300 in Malaysia

Just as the Asia Pacific Predator League kicks off, Acer has taken the opportunity to refresh two of their most popular gaming laptops: the Nitro 5 and the Helios 300. The two gaming laptops come with refreshed graphics and processors for better gaming prowess.

The Predator Helios 300 gains the honour of being the first Predator laptop to come with NVIDIA’s RTX3060 graphics processor. The new setup comes with either the 10th generation Intel Core i5-10500H or the 10th generation Intel Core i7-10870H processors. The processor is paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM. If you need more power, the laptop supports up to 32GB of RAM. In addition, it comes with 512GB of SSD with an addition NVMe and HDD slot for expansion. The Helios 300 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS display with Full HD resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. It’s complemented with DTS:X Ultra audio and 3D simulated surround sound. Acer has also packed its signature dual AeroBlade 3D fans for more efficient cooling to ensure your gaming sessions aren’t perturbed by overheating.

Acer’s Nitro 5, on the other hand, comes with the 11th Generation Intel Core series processors with 8GB of DDR RAM clocked at 3200MHz. It’s complemented by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 and 512GB of NVMe SSD memory. It also supports up to 32GB of RAM if you need to up the ante and also has an extra M.2 slot for more storage. It also comes with a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and Full HD resolution.

Pricing & Availability

The Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is available at Acer authorised resellers nationwide and the Acer Online Stores. The Nitro 5 with the Core i7-11370H processor retails at MYR4,399 (USD$1,064.75) while the Core i5-11300H version will set you back MYR3,799 (USD$919.52).

The Predator Helios 500 is also available at the same channels for MYR5,299 (USD$1282.59) for the Core i5 version and MYR5,999 (USD$1452.02) for the Core i7 version.

If you purchase either one of these laptops during the Asia Pacific Predator League which happens between 6th to 11th April 2020, Acer is offering up to MYR638 (USD$154.42) worth of freebies including 3 Years McAfee Live Safe license worth RM299 and Acer Supercare 2 worth RM339.

UTime Limited Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

NEW YORK, April 6, 2021 — UTime Limited ("UTime" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: UTME), a mobile device manufacturing company committed to providing cost effective products and solutions to consumers globally, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 3,750,000 shares of its ordinary shares at a price of US$4.00 per share to the public for a total of US$15 million of gross proceeds to UTime. 

The ordinary shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on April 6, 2021 under the symbol "UTME." The offering is expected to close on April 8, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

Boustead Securities, LLC ("Boustead"), acted as the lead underwriter for the offering, with Brilliant Norton Securities Company Limited and Fosun Hani Securities Limited serving as co-underwriters.

The offering has been made only by means of a prospectus. A copy of the final prospectus related to the offering may be obtained, when available, from Boustead Securities, LLC, via email: offerings@boustead1828.com or by calling +1 (949) 502-4408 or standard mail at Boustead Securities, LLC, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, 6 Venture, Suite 395, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. In addition, a copy of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

A registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and was declared effective on April 5, 2021.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About UTime Limited

UTime Limited operates as a mobile device manufacturing company committed to providing cost effective products and solutions to consumers globally and helping low-income individuals from established and emerging markets. UTime Limited is mainly engaged in the design, development, production, sales and brand operation of mobile phones, accessories and related consumer electronics. UTime Limited values systematic management and organizes production with strict high-quality standards and production technologies. UTime Limited continuously endeavors to improve its overall manufacturing service level, to strengthen its cost control processes, and enhance its ability to respond rapidly to market dynamics for sustainable development in its Electronics Manufacturing Services segment.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Wonderful Sky Financial Group
Melody Pan
Tel: 852-3970-2265
E-mail: melodypanj@wsfg.hk

In the United States:

Wonderful Sky Financial Group
Sana Bao  
Tel: +1-917-975-5673
E-mail: sanabaoh@wsfg.hk

For Company Inquiries, please contact:

Mengzhu Zhao
Tel: +86-755-86512181
E-mail: ir@utimemoblie.com

For Underwriter Inquiries Please Contact:

Boustead Securities, LLC
Daniel J. McClory, Head of China
Tel: +1 949 502 4408
Email:  dan@boustead1828.com

Celcom MAX – All-in-One Plan to MAXimise Your Life

You have seen the memes; you know it is true; internet and interconnectivity IS life. With the world going into lockdown and isolation because of the pandemic, the importance of having a decent internet connection and being constantly connected are even more emphasised. While the trying times also tested our resilience, our technology gets tested too. For our sanity and productivity, our internet connection became our lifeline.

Internet and data connectivity in Malaysia can be a little bit of a headache though. At our time of need, this kind of headache is exactly what we do not need. The solution is a one stop shop for everything data and internet. The solution, according to Celcom, is Celcom’s MAX all-in-one plan.

Source: Celcom

Technically, Celcom MAX is very similar to Maxis’ ONE plan. It is Celcom’s one-stop-shop for a home internet and mobile data plan for the family. For as little as MYR 179, you are subscribing to Celcom’s 100Mbps home fibre plan alongsidef a Celcom MEGA postpaid mobile plan (MYR 80). That is MYR 21 in savings every month technically.

The MAX plan also will include a free AX router for homes. That also means you get WiFi 6 connectivity out of the box if you subscribe to a Celcom MAX plan. You can also opt for a pair (2 units) of Mesh Routers for up to MYR 25/month for 24months though if you need the coverage. You are also eligible for 6 months of iflix or iQiyi or DimSum subscription for free when you subscribe to the Celcom MAX plan.

Source: Celcom

You can save even more when you buy your electronics with the Celcom MAX plan. You can get your hands on a Sharp 60-inch Android TV for only MYR 2,400 (MYR 100 x 24 months), an MYR 2,599 discount over the retail price of MYR 4,999. You can even get your hands on a Microsoft Surface Pro X 256GB LTE for MYR 5,800 (MYR 242 x 24 months), down from MYR 6,438 retail price.

The Celcom MAX plan is available today onward. You can choose between 100Mbps, 300Mbps and 500Mbps home fibre plans for MYR 179, MYR 199, and MYR 259 between the three plans. The first 100 customers to sign up for any of the Celcom MAX plan is eligible for a waiver if their first month’s bill. For more information on the Celcom MAX plan, you can head over to their website.

Key Foundry to Begin Mass Production of Automotive Semiconductor Using Gen2 0.13 micron Embedded Flash Process


SEOUL, South Korea, April 6, 2021 — Key Foundry, the only pure-play foundry in Korea, announced today that it has completed the development of its first automotive semiconductor using its Gen2 0.13 micron embedded flash process and will begin full-scale mass production this year.

Key Foundry has continued mass production of a broad range of consumer application products, such as MCU, Touch and Auto Focus with its Gen1 0.13 micron embedded flash technology for more than 5 years. This newly developed Gen2 0.13 micron embedded flash process can be applied to automotive parts, satisfying the reliability criteria of the AEC-Q100 Grade-1. The AEC-Q100 is an Integrated Circuit (IC) stress test qualification for automotive applications, and to be qualified for Grade-1, the IC should not break down for 10+ years under an extreme temperature as high as 125℃ while keeping all the data saved in the flash intact. Based on its accumulated know-how and utilizing the robust characteristics of its patented Side-wall Selective Transistor Cell (SSTC) structure, Key Foundry has developed an embedded flash technology that passes all the AEC-Q100 Grade-1 tests by adding  ECC (Error Correcting Code memory) in the embedded flash IP. This design improvement increases the flash memory reliability of the technology and makes it suitable for automotive applications.

This new process is first applied to a MCU product for a toll transponder of one of its Korean customers. The 128Kbyte eFlash IP provided by Key Foundry is embedded in the product whose product-level test is completed; mass production will begin in full swing this year. It is the first automotive-bound product utilizing Key Foundry’s embedded flash process, and Key Foundry is expecting the product’s successful development will help expand the technology’s applications to Touch ICs, wireless charge ICs and other various automotive products.

With greater reliability and more cost-competitiveness than the Gen1, this Gen2 technology is expected to be applied to a wide range of consumer applications including MCU, Touch and Auto Focus. Additionally, integrated with the BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process, it is a good fit for various power products such as USB type-C PDs, motor drive ICs, or wireless charging ICs. The application of Gen2 technology is expected to further expand to low-power IoT products with an ultra-low leakage process option. 

In addition, Key Foundry is also developing an embedded flash process in 0.11 microns, followed by the Gen1 and the Gen2 in 0.13 microns. The plan is to provide a flash IP with a memory density as high as 4Mbits by significantly reducing the size of flash cell in response to its customers’ increasing demand for higher memory density.

“We are excited to complete the first product development applying the Gen2 0.13 micron embedded flash technology and begin mass production,” said Dr. Tae Jong Lee, CEO of Key Foundry. “We will take full advantage of our accumulated technological strengths to offer highly reliable and cost-competitive foundry services and continue to increase the portion of automotive semiconductors in our portfolio.”

About Key Foundry

Headquartered in Korea, Key Foundry provides specialty Analog and Mixed-Signal foundry services for semiconductor companies to serve a wide range of applications in the consumer, communications, computing, automotive and industrial industries. With a broad range of technology portfolio and process nodes, Key Foundry has the flexibility and capability to meet the ever-evolving needs of semiconductor companies across the globe. Please visit https://www.key-foundry.com for more information.

CONTACTS:

Media Communication:
Strategy & Business Planning Team
Tel. + 82-2-3450-5191
strategy@key-foundry.com    

Sales/Marketing/Technology:
Taeho Choi (Marketing VP)
Tel. + 82-43-718-4548
taeho.choi@key-foundry.com 

 

 

Related Links :

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TCEB launches ‘MICE Winnovation’ to give MICE entrepreneurs a ready suite of tech solutions and all-round support to go digital

BANGKOK, April 5, 2021 — Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched ‘MICE Innovation, Winning with the Innovation’ to offer enhanced support for Thai MICE entrepreneurs to source and implement innovation in all aspects of event management. The goal is to ensure business continuity and long-term competitiveness of Thailand’s MICE industry.

TCEB LAUNCHES ‘MICE WINNOVATION’ TO GIVE MICE ENTREPRENEURS A READY SUITE OF TECH SOLUTIONS AND ALL-ROUND SUPPORT TO GO DIGITAL.
TCEB LAUNCHES ‘MICE WINNOVATION’ TO GIVE MICE ENTREPRENEURS A READY SUITE OF TECH SOLUTIONS AND ALL-ROUND SUPPORT TO GO DIGITAL.

It is an expanded version of the bureau’s MICE innovation incubation programme ‘Thailand’s MICE Startup’ starting in 2018, which has so far involved 37 successful startups and tech firms and the resources and experiences of which have been consolidated for the newly launched project.

At the launch of ‘MICE Winnovation’, 29 tech firms showcased their products and services to 126 trade visitors representing convention venues, hotels, event organisers, travel agents, trade associations, and education institutions. Their products and services included software for monitoring visitor traffic, face recognition cameras, robots, on-demand workforce, and livestreaming services.

Technomart, the business-matching segment of the day’s programme, gave MICE entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet a select pool of potential technology partners who are familiar with the particular requirements of MICE. A total of 101 business-matching meetings were held onsite while 51 more were conducted online. Some of the online meetings took place as a result of searches made by attendees on TCEB’s online MICE Innovation Catalog. 

To spur adoption of MICE technologies, TCEB is extending funding support in the form of Inno-Vouchers. These vouchers can be used by organisers of domestic and international exhibitions, international conventions, and festivals to offset their investment in new digital solutions. 

TCEB President, Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said the ‘MICE Winnovation’ project will enable Thai entrepreneurs to take concrete steps to embrace digital innovation in the face of a fast-shifting business landscape. "Implementing innovation is one of the four pillars of TCEB’s Operational Plan for 2021 to maintain Thailand’s competitiveness. ‘MICE Winnovation’ will unlock the resources built up under our ‘Thailand’s MICE Startup’ programme since 2018. We have witnessed the co-creation of numerous technology solutions from the programme and will continue to support our MICE entrepreneurs to future-proof their businesses through innovation, while creating trade opportunities for startups and tech firms" he said.

‘MICE Winnovation’ is made up of four components:

  • MICE Innovation Catalog – an online innovation and technology databank listing products and services for pre-event, onsite, and post-event management
  • Technomart – a business-matching platform for MICE entrepreneurs and startups throughout Thailand
  • Inno-Voucher – a funding scheme to promote innovation implementation
  • Digital Literacy for MICE – an initiative to encourage MICE entrepreneurs to attend online or offline workshops where they can exchange ideas with experts to advance their digitalisation strategy. TCEB is set to launch a quarterly podcast in 2021 to help MICE professionals stay abreast of relevant technology and trends.

‘MICE Innovation, Winning with the Innovation’ is a collaboration between TCEB and the following partners: Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), National Innovation Agency (NIA), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), and Thai International Events and Festivals Trade Association (TIEFA).

More information on Thailand’s tech entrepreneurs and their products and services is available from TCEB’s MICE Innovation Catalog at: https://innocatalog.tceb.or.th

Related Picture : https://we.tl/t-r5ITjpg6Hy

About TCEB

A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND’S MICE INDUSTRY

Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country’s strategic industries and national economy.

Recon Technology, Ltd Reports Financial Results for the First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2021

BEIJING, April 5, 2021 — Recon Technology, Ltd (Nasdaq: RCON) ("Recon" or the "Company"), today announced its financial results for the first six months of Fiscal Year 2021.

First Six Months of Fiscal 2021 Financial:

  • Total revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2020 decreased by 17.2% to $3.9 million (RMB25.2 million), while revenue from oily sludge and waste water increased by 10,618.7% or $0.4 million (RMB2.8 million).
  • Gross profit for the six months ended December 31, 2020 was $1.0 million (RMB6.7 million). Gross profit margin for the six months ended December 31, 2020 was 26.7%, representing a decrease of 12.7 percentage points compared to the six months ended December 31, 2019.
  • Net loss attributable to Recon for the six months ended December 31, 2020 was $1.4 million (RMB8.9 million), or $0.19 (RMB1.22) per basic and diluted share, compared to RMB6.7 million, or RMB1.51 per basic and diluted share, for the six months ended December 31, 2019.

Management Commentary

Mr. Shenping Yin, co-founder and CEO of Recon stated, "During the six months period ended December 31, 2020, our management focused on fund reserve and cash management to prepare for a rapid development in the coming year. We believe oil companies in China will continue to increase their capital expenditures in 2021. We expect more orders to be released in year 2021 which might be a busy year of the overall oil industry. We expect our business will benefit from this trend and our numbers will be improved from the second half year of calendar 2021."

Mr. Yin continued, "Besides, the oil industry is experiencing digital transformation. We believe oil companies will continue to increase their usages of intelligent solutions to improve the operation efficiency. We have been devoting resources and participating testing projects with our clients to develop leading solutions. We will continue to enhance our competitive strength through up-gradation with big data and intelligent analysis. We have also seen the trend of digitalization and intelligence in downstream of the oil and gas industry, especially in the management and operation of gas stations in China. We have acquired 51% of Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd. by January 2021 and will continue to invest more in this segment."

First Six Months Fiscal 2021 Financial Results:

Revenue

Total revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2020 decreased by RMB5.2 million ($0.8 million) or 17.2%, to RMB25.2 million ($3.9 million) compared to RMB30.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019 mainly due to the decreased revenue from automation products during the six months ended December 31, 2020.

Revenue from automation product and software decreased by RMB10.0 million ($1.5 million), or 44.1%, to RMB12.6 million ($1.9 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020 from RMB22.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019, as the Company’s sales activities were not able to return to normal level which was affected by Covid-19. To make a breakthrough, the Company’s management has been upgrading its automation solutions and introducing big data and intelligent technology to the Company’s products and enhancing its capacity of downhole solutions to enhance its competitive strength.

Revenue from equipment and accessories increased by RMB1.9 million ($0.3 million), or 24.9%, to RMB9.8 million ($1.5 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020 from RMB7.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019 as requirement from maintenance of heating furnaces continued to increase.

Revenue from oilfield environmental protection projects increased by RMB2.8 million ($0.4 million), or 10,618.7%, to RMB2.8 million ($0.4 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020 as the Company stared to process oily sludge during the six months ended December 31, 2020 and revenue was recorded. As of December 31, 2020, the Company received 4,680 tons of oily sludge from several oil companies and processed 796 tons of them, which was reflected in its revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2020.

Cost and Margin

Total cost of revenues increased slightly from RMB18.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019 to RMB18.5 million ($2.8 million) for the same period in 2020. The increase was mainly caused by increased cost of revenue from equipment and accessories and oilfield environmental protection segments.

Gross profit decreased by RMB5.3 million ($0.8 million), or 43.9%, to RMB6.7 million ($1.0 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020 from RMB12.0 million from the six months ended December 31, 2019. The gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased to 26.7% for the six months ended December 31, 2020 from 39.4% for the same period in 2019.

Operating Expenses

Selling and distribution expenses maintained at the same level of RMB2.7 million ($0.4 million) compared to the six months ended December 31, 2019.

General and administrative expenses decreased by RMB0.4 million ($0.1 million), or 2.7%, to RMB13.0 million ($2.0 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020 from RMB13.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to the decrease in stock-based compensation expense as well as social security expenses during the six months ended December 31, 2020.

Provision for doubtful accounts was RMB25,537 ($3,665) for the six months ended December 31, 2019, compared to reversal of provision for doubtful accounts of RMB3.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2020, mainly due to the collection of long outstanding receivables during the six months ended December 31, 2020.

Research and development expenses increased from approximately RMB2.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019 to RMB3.8 million ($0.6 million) for the same period of 2020. This increase was primarily due to more research and development expense spent on design of new automation platform systems and treatment of wastewater.

Net Loss

Loss from operations was RMB9.1 million ($1.4 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to a loss of RMB7.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019. This RMB2.1 million ($0.3 million) increase in loss from operations was primary due to decreased revenue and increase in R&D expenses.

Net loss was RMB10.0 million ($1.5 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020, an increase of RMB3.3 million ($0.5 million) from net loss of RMB7.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019. Net loss attributable to the Company for the six months ended December 31, 2019 was RMB6.7 million, or RMB1.51 per basic and diluted share, compared to RMB8.9 million ($1.4 million), or RMB1.22 ($0.19) per basic and diluted share for the six months ended December 31, 2020.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had cash of RMB70.8 million ($10.8 million), compared to RMB30.3 million as of June 30, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had working capital of RMB67.0 million ($10.3 million) while as of June 30, 2020, the Company had working capital of RMB64.1 million.

Net cash used in operating activities was RMB16.7 million ($2.6 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of approximately RMB0.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019. Net cash provided by investing activities was RMB1.9 million ($0.3 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to net cash provided by investing activities RMB3.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019. Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB56.2 million ($8.6 million) for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of RMB1.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2019.

Exchange Rate

The translation of RMB amounts into U.S. dollars are included solely for the convenience of readers and have been made at the rate of RMB6.5326 to $1.00, the approximate exchange rate prevailing on December 31, 2020.

About Recon Technology, Ltd

Recon Technology, Ltd (NASDAQ: RCON) is China’s first NASDAQ-listed non-state owned oil and gas field service company. Recon supplies China’s largest oil exploration companies, Sinopec (NYSE: SNP) and The China National Petroleum Corporation ("CNPC"), with advanced automated technologies, efficient gathering and transportation equipment and reservoir stimulation measure for increasing petroleum extraction levels, reducing impurities and lowering production costs. Through the years, RCON has taken leading positions on several segmented markets of the oil and gas filed service industry. RCON also has developed stable long-term cooperation relationship with its major clients, and its products and service are also well accepted by clients. For additional information please visit: www.recon.cn.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulation, the effect of novel coronavirus and other health matters on target markets, and other risks contained in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Liu Jia
Chief Financial Officer
Recon Technology, Ltd
Phone: +86 (10) 8494-5188
Email: info@recon.cn

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

As of June 30

As of
December 31

As of
December 31

2020

2020

2020

RMB

RMB

U.S. Dollars

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash

¥

30,336,504

¥

70,807,497

$

10,839,024

Notes receivable

4,180,885

7,789,997

1,192,472

Trade accounts receivable, net

48,244,015

35,471,068

5,429,817

Trade accounts receivable- related party, net

3,068,920

Inventories, net

1,985,723

2,117,754

324,180

Other receivables, net

6,350,802

11,004,821

1,684,589

Loans to third parties

3,200,377

950,000

145,423

Purchase advances, net

178,767

82,437

12,619

Contract assets, net

31,537,586

45,621,966

6,983,690

Prepaid expenses

198,294

Total current assets

129,281,873

173,845,540

26,611,814

Property and equipment, net

29,756,879

29,078,178

4,451,210

Land use right, net

1,280,648

1,267,028

193,953

Investment in unconsolidated entity

31,541,850

31,290,554

4,789,875

Long-term other receivables, net

3,640

Operating lease right-of-use assets (including ¥803,503 and ¥508,888 ($88,921) from a related party as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively)

2,549,914

2,070,548

316,954

Total Assets

¥

194,414,804

¥

237,551,848

$

36,363,806

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

Short-term bank loans

¥

9,520,000

¥

12,020,000

$

1,839,990

Convertible notes payable

42,448,810

6,497,951

Trade accounts payable

23,034,347

19,273,046

2,950,267

Other payables

2,609,486

1,563,002

239,260

Other payable- related parties

4,498,318

1,655,668

253,445

Contract liabilities

3,486,033

6,686,592

1,023,566

Accrued payroll and employees’ welfare

1,917,635

954,304

146,081

Investment payable

6,400,000

6,400,000

979,695

Taxes payable

1,108,288

1,381,912

211,539

Short-term borrowings

200,000

215,699

33,019

Short-term borrowings – related parties

10,230,746

12,009,174

1,838,333

Long-term borrowings – related party – current portion

847,346

882,900

135,152

Operating lease liabilities – current (including ¥450,728 and ¥461,859 ($70,700) from a related party as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively)

1,328,976

1,333,113

204,069

Total Current Liabilities

65,181,175

106,824,220

16,352,367

Operating lease liabilities – non-current (including ¥352,775 and ¥119,029 ($18,221) from a related party as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively)

1,210,088

729,909

111,733

Long-term borrowings – related party

7,379,253

6,942,795

1,062,785

Total Liabilities

73,770,516

114,496,924

17,526,885

Commitments and Contingencies

Equity

Common stock, ($ 0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 7,202,832 shares and 8,416,721 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively)*

4,577,233

5,312,021

813,150

Additional paid-in capital

282,505,455

295,104,195

45,173,769

Statutory reserve

4,148,929

4,148,929

635,107

Accumulated deficit

(184,027,586)

(192,963,238)

(29,538,302)

Accumulated other comprehensive gain

2,825,731

1,894,365

289,984

Total stockholders’ equity

110,029,762

113,496,272

17,373,708

Non-controlling interests

10,614,526

9,558,652

1,463,213

Total equity

120,644,288

123,054,924

18,836,921

Total Liabilities and Equity

¥

194,414,804

¥

237,551,848

$

36,363,806

* Retrospectively restated for effect of stock split on December 27, 2019.

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

For the six months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

2020

RMB

RMB

USD

Revenues

Revenues – third party

¥

30,405,153

¥

25,083,622

$

3,839,734

Revenues – related party

85,657

13,112

Revenues

30,405,153

25,169,279

3,852,847

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues – third party

18,437,241

18,452,239

2,824,620

Cost of revenues

18,437,241

18,452,239

2,824,620

Gross profit

11,967,912

6,717,040

1,028,227

Selling and distribution expenses

2,660,873

2,750,389

421,022

General and administrative expenses

13,366,413

13,009,013

1,991,385

Provision for (net recovery of) doubtful accounts

25,537

(3,697,024)

(565,931)

Research and development expenses

2,895,286

3,756,839

575,087

Operating expenses

18,948,109

15,819,217

2,421,563

Loss from operations

(6,980,197)

(9,102,177)

(1,393,336)

Other income (expenses)

Subsidy income

854,389

222,038

33,989

Interest income

85,745

20,168

3,087

Interest expense

(761,322)

(1,000,182)

(153,105)

Income (loss) from investment in unconsolidated entity

141,288

(251,296)

(38,468)

Foreign exchange transaction gain (loss)

209

(78,784)

(12,060)

Other income (loss)

(60,760)

50,369

7,711

Other income (expense), net

259,549

(1,037,687)

(158,846)

Loss before income tax

(6,720,648)

(10,139,864)

(1,552,182)

Income tax expenses (benefit)

316,799

(98,338)

(15,053)

Net loss

(7,037,447)

(10,041,526)

(1,537,129)

Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

(336,250)

(1,105,874)

(169,284)

Net loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd

¥

(6,701,197)

¥

(8,935,652)

$

(1,367,845)

Comprehensive loss

Net loss

(7,037,447)

(10,041,526)

(1,537,129)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

9,610

(931,366)

(142,571)

Comprehensive loss

(7,027,837)

(10,972,892)

(1,679,700)

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests

(336,250)

(1,105,874)

(169,284)

Comprehensive loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd

¥

(6,691,587)

¥

(9,867,018)

$

(1,510,416)

Loss per common share – basic and diluted

¥

(1.51)

¥

(1.22)

$

(0.19)

Weighted – average shares -basic and diluted*

4,449,980

7,330,866

7,330,866

* Retrospectively restated for effect of stock split on December 27, 2019.

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

For the six months ended December 31,

2019

2020

2020

RMB

RMB

U.S. Dollars

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net loss

¥

(7,037,447)

¥

(10,041,526)

$

(1,537,129)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

411,592

1,369,590

209,653

Loss from disposal of equipment

3,189

1,095

168

Provision for (net recovery of) doubtful accounts

25,537

(3,697,024)

(565,931)

Provision for slow moving inventories

25,312

423,714

64,861

Amortization of right of use assets

718,000

542,896

83,105

Restricted shares issued for management and employees

4,057,093

3,403,513

521,001

Loss (income) from investment in unconsolidated entity

(141,288)

251,296

38,468

Interest expenses related to convertible notes

84,607

12,951

Restricted shares issued for services

33,927

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Notes receivable

(986,826)

(3,609,112)

(552,473)

Trade accounts receivable

5,412,201

15,866,295

2,428,770

Trade accounts receivable-related party

3,409,912

521,980

Inventories

(551,200)

(765,595)

(117,195)

Other receivable

1,364,500

(4,262,681)

(652,520)

Other receivables-related parties

(23,800)

(3,643)

Purchase advance

1,108,902

96,330

14,746

Contract assets

(9,951,981)

(14,262,839)

(2,183,318)

Prepaid expense

116,917

(19,306)

(2,955)

Prepaid expense – related parties

217,600

217,600

33,310

Operating lease liabilities

(610,000)

(539,572)

(82,596)

Trade accounts payable

362,758

(3,761,301)

(575,770)

Other payables

(160,316)

(850,478)

(130,189)

Other payables-related parties

1,790,155

(2,842,651)

(435,145)

Advance from customers

1,904,753

3,200,559

489,933

Accrued payroll and employees’ welfare

1,501,406

(963,905)

(147,552)

Accrued expenses

(198,483)

(30,383)

Taxes payable

650,855

273,624

41,886

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

265,639

(16,697,242)

(2,555,967)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

(12,967)

(375,569)

(57,491)

Proceeds from disposal of equipment

900

Repayments from loans to third parties

4,960,000

3,200,377

489,905

Payments made for loans to third parties

(950,000)

(145,423)

Payments and prepayments for construction in progress

(1,297,663)

Net cash provided by investing activities

3,650,270

1,874,808

286,991

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from short-term bank loans

3,520,000

538,832

Repayments of short-term bank loans

(1,020,000)

(156,139)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

2,460,000

376,570

Repayments of short-term borrowings

(1,081,096)

(2,460,000)

(376,570)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings-related parties

13,115,000

10,100,000

1,546,081

Repayments of short-term borrowings-related parties

(10,195,000)

(8,320,000)

(1,273,604)

Repayments of long-term borrowings-related party

(365,530)

(399,422)

(61,142)

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs

9,930,015

1,520,060

Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes

42,364,203

6,485,000

Capital contribution by non-controlling shareholders

405,000

50,000

7,654

Net cash provided by financing activities

1,878,374

56,224,796

8,606,742

Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash

9,611

(931,369)

(142,574)

Net increase in cash

5,803,894

40,470,993

6,195,192

Cash at beginning of period

4,521,325

30,336,504

4,643,832

Cash at end of period

¥

10,325,219

¥

70,807,497

$

10,839,024

Supplemental cash flow information

Cash paid during the period for interest

¥

718,201

¥

849,409

$

130,025

Cash received during the period for taxes

¥

(2,002)

¥

(98,338)

$

(15,053)

Non-cash investing and financing activities

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations

¥

1,228,963

¥

63,530

$

9,725

Inventories used as fixed assets

¥

¥

302,795

$

46,351

Payable for construction in progress

¥

236,302

¥

$

Receivable for disposal of property and equipment

¥

5,000

¥

$

 

Related Links :

http://www.recon.cn/

LG Completely Backs Out of Smartphone Market

South Korea has become one of the biggest electronic giants the world has ever seen. With the likes of Samsung and LG, it is no wonder the South Koreans are highly regarded in the modern era of technology. The two electronic giants have conquered everything from televisions to even washing machines in 2021. They make some of the best-selling televisions, fridges, even down to a water purifier.

They have also been a leader in the smallest things we carry with us every day. Samsung and LG have been at the forefront of smartphone technologies for the past few years now. But there has been some interesting development for the past few weeks or so. One of them is the fact that LG has made an announcement that they are no longer interested in the smartphone business.

The announcement from LG’s very own newsroom describes that LG Electronics Inc. will close its mobile business unit as per approved by their board earlier in the day. What that means is that LG will give up its smartphone business unit and not dabble in the smartphone market in the future.

To be fair, the company has been considering the exit for a while now. LG’s Mobile Business Unit, or its smartphone division has been posting losses for the past five years at least, and they show no sign of recovering. The company has been focusing on selling some mid-range smartphones while developing interesting concepts that produces smartphones like the LG Wing. They also showed some concept of a rollable smartphone, something we do not expect to see LG producing ever with the announcement.

As per the announcement as well LG will continue to make their current inventory available for sale. LG will also continue to provide support and software updates for their current customers and their existing products until an unspecified time. Although there is no indication to when they will end their product life support. They only indicated that it will be varied by regions.

This also means that the company will have to repurpose its workforces from its mobile business units. They mentioned that this will be determined at a local level as well. Still, they have some time to repurpose everyone within the business unit.

LG is expecting the close to complete by the 31st July 2021. While LG will no longer be officially selling their devices by the end of July, they expect some existing stocks to still be available after specified date and those will still be on sale. LG will still be involved in the development of mobile technologies, however. They will continue to work on 6G network related developments even after the Mobile Business Unit concludes its closure.