Yearly Archives: 2022

PR Newswire

Meeting of Global Alliance of Leaders in Paris

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NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan, Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — On November 29, 2022, meeting of Global Alliance of Leaders for Nuclear Security and Nuclear-Weapon-Free World (GAL), which unites political leaders, diplomats, experts, Nobel peace prize laureates, heads of international NGOs from 45 countries, was held at Dialogue of Continents forum in Paris.

Meeting of Global Alliance of Leaders in Paris
Meeting of Global Alliance of Leaders in Paris

The participants discussed challenges over the war in Ukraine during session “How to avoid nuclear war?”.

In her speech, Angela Kane, former UN Deputy Secretary-General, stressed that nuclear escalation became possible scenario in current geopolitical crisis.

“There are currently two risks. First is destruction of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant resulting in a nuclear catastrophe. Second scenario is possibility of using nuclear weapons. This conflict upended all progress that remained for past 60 years in arms control field,” – stressed the expert.

In turn, Urban Rusnak, former Secretary-General of Energy Charter, Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Slovak Republic, noted that in light of recent international events, steps taken by Kazakhstan on voluntary denuclearization are of particular value.

“Situation in Ukraine, which, like Kazakhstan, had nuclear potential and went through denuclearization, is of particular concern. Until recently, it was difficult to imagine that nuclear infrastructure facilities could become targets for attacks,” – stressed the speaker.

Ariel Cohen, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, Director of Energy and Security Program (ITIC), focused audience’s attention on consequences of incidents involving nuclear reactors in a warzone. 

“If Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor security is compromised, that will raise catastrophic consequences not just for Ukraine, but for nuclear security in general. International mechanism to ensure security of nuclear power reactors is broken,” – summed up the expert.

Summing up the session, Kairat Abuseitov, a well-known Kazakhstani diplomat, from Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation, noted that Kazakhstan has a unique example of voluntary denuclearization.

“The country possessed world’s fourth largest nuclear arsenal (in 1991). Kazakshtan had the right to be nuclear-weapon-state. But chose a different path,” – concluded the speaker.

In conclusion, participants agreed that lack of political will to resolve issues of nuclear non-proliferation is fraught with further escalation, and importance of dialogue platforms which could restore lost mutual trust between nuclear states is important as never before.  

GAL meeting was held during an official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev to France. Kazakhstan, which produces 42% of world’s uranium, actively develop cooperation with France and EU in the field of peaceful atom and nuclear nonproliferation.

PR Newswire

Boqii Announces Unaudited Financial Results for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2023

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First Half Year Revenues of RMB589.6 million

First Half Year GMV of RMB 1,382.0 million

SHANGHAI, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Boqii Holding Limited (“Boqii” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2023 (the Six Months ended September 30, 2022).

Operational and Financial Highlights for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2023：

  • Total revenues were RMB589.6 million (US$82.9 million), compared to RMB604.0 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.
  • Loss from operations was RMB29.6 million (US$ 4.2 million), representing a decrease of 64.2% compared to RMB82.6 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.
  • Net loss was RMB 29.5 million (US$4.1 million), representing a decrease of 64.0% from net loss of RMB81.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.
  • Non-GAAP net loss was RMB28.5 million (US$4.0 million), representing a decrease of 60.6% from non-GAAP net loss of RMB72.4 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.
  • EBITDA[1] was a loss of RMB22.9 million (US$3.2 million), representing a decrease of 70.2% from a loss of RMB77.1 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.
  • Total GMV[2] was RMB1,382.0 million (US$194.3 million), compared to RMB1,484.7 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.
  • Active buyers were 3.8 million, representing an increase of 16.4% from 3.3 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

[1] EBITDA refers to net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization expenses. EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial measurement. Please refer to “Non-GAAP financial measurement”.

[2] GMV refers to gross merchandise volume, which is the total value of confirmed orders placed with us and sold through distribution model or drop shipping model where we act as a principal in the transaction regardless of whether the products are delivered or returned, calculated based on the listed prices of the ordered products without taking into consideration any discounts. The total GMV amount (i) includes GMV of products sold by Xingmu, (ii) excludes products sold through consignment model and (iii) excludes the value of services offered by us. GMV is subject to future adjustments (such as refunds) and represents only one measure of the Company’s performance and should not be relied on as an indicator of our financial results, which depend on a variety of factors.

CEO & CFO Quote

Mr. Hao Liang, Boqii’s Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, “Boqii was able to demonstrate its resilience, and highlight its value proposition in the first half despite challenges from COVID-19, supply chain, and consumer sentiment. We saw outstanding performance from our private label, with its revenue increasing 30.9% YoY to RMB105.1 million. Our Boqii mall also continues to be the preferred choice for pet parents, as demonstrated by the 16.4% YoY growth to 3.8 million in active buyers. Riding on the increasing platform stickiness and growing contributions from private labels, we also saw an expanding gross profit margin from 18.6% last year, to 21.0% this year. That should lay a solid foundation for our future development.”

Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, Boqii’s Co-Founder, Co-CEO and CFO commented, “On top of our private label development, we also saw the increasing value of prudence amid market uncertainties. During the first half of fiscal 2023, we made great strides in cost control, with our operating expenses dropped from 32.2% of total revenue last year, to 26.1% of total revenue this year. That paves the way of a significant reduction in net loss, with the first half ending with a net loss of RMB29.5 million, down by 64.0% year-on-year from RMB81.9 million last year. The improving financial performance shows that our business model and development strategy are right on track, and we look forward to serving more pet parents and industry partners in the future, while generating better results for our shareholders.”

Financial Results for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2023:

Total revenues were RMB589.6 million (US$82.9 million), compared to RMB604.0 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Revenues
(in million)

Six Months Ended September 30

%

2022

2021

change

          RMB

          RMB

   YoY

Product sales

568.7

577.6

(1.5 %)

·         Boqii Mall

238.6

215.9

10.5 %

·         Third party e-commerce platforms

330.1

361.7

(8.7 %)

Online marketing and information services and other revenue

20.9

26.4

(20.5 %)

Total

589.6

604.0

(2.4 %)

Gross profit was RMB 123.9 million (US$17.4 million), compared to RMB112.1 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Gross margin was 21.0%, representing an increase of 240 basis points from 18.6% in the same period of fiscal 2022, which is primarily due to improvement of gross margin of private label products and increased proportion of pet supplies and health care products with higher margins.

Operating expenses were RMB153.8 million, representing a decrease of 21.0% from RMB194.7 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues was 26.1%, down from 32.2% in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Fulfillment Expenses were RMB68.2 million, compared to RMB62.5 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 11.6%, compared to 10.4% in the same period of fiscal year 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increased shipping and handling expenses, which resulted from temporary logistics price increases and transportation restrictions due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in China starting from April 2022.

Sales and marketing expenses were RMB63.5 million, representing a decrease of 29.0% from RMB89.5 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decline of advertising expenses amount to RMB26.1 million resulting from (i) the lower expenditure for cost saving; (ii) the increased proportion of revenue generated from more cost-efficient channels. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 10.8%, down from 14.8% in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

General and administrative expenses were RMB22.1 million, representing a decrease of 48.4% from RMB42.8 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022. The decrease was primarily due to:(i) the decline of share-based compensation expense of RMB13.5 million, resulting form the cancellation of options corresponding to employee departures; (ii) the decline of staff costs amount to RMB3.7 million related to the optimization of our organizational structure; (iii) the decline of professional fees amount to RMB2.5 million compared with the same period of fiscal year 2022. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 3.7%, down from 7.1% in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Loss from operations was RMB29.6 million (US$ 4.2 million), representing a decrease of 64.2% compared to RMB82.6 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Net loss was RMB29.5 million (US$4.1 million), representing a decrease of 64.0% compared to net loss of RMB81.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

EBITDA was a loss of RMB22.9 million (US$3.2 million), representing a decrease of 70.2% compared to a loss of RMB77.1 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Non-GAAP net loss was RMB28.5 million (US$ 4.0 million), representing a decrease of 60.6% compared to non-GAAP net loss of RMB72.4 million in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Diluted net loss per share was RMB0.43 (US$ 0.06), compared to diluted net loss per share of RMB1.16 in the same period of fiscal year 2022.

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were RMB210.3 million (US$ 29.6million), compared to RMB290.9 million as of March 31, 2022.

Conference Call

Boqii’s management will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 8:00 AM on Thursday December 1, 2022, U.S. Eastern Time (9:00 PM on Thursday, December 1, 2022, Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

To join the conference, please dial in 15 minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin using below numbers.

Phone Number

International           

1-412-317-6061

United States

1-888-317-6003

Hong Kong

852 800 963-976

Mainland China

86 4001-206115

Passcode

1311582

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until December 8, 2022.

Phone Number

International

1-412-317-0088

United States

1-877-344-7529

Replay Access Code

9673562

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.boqii.com/.

About Boqii Holding Limited

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. We are the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, namely non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company defines (i) non-GAAP net loss as net loss excluding fair value change of derivative liabilities and share-based compensation expenses, (ii) non-GAAP net loss margin as non-GAAP net loss as a percentage of total revenues, (iii) EBITDA as net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization expenses, (iv) EBITDA margin as EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. The Company believes non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin enhance investors’ overall understanding of its financial performance and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. For reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.” The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

Exchange Rate

This press release contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“USD”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.1135 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 30, 2022 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred to could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: ir@boqii.com

DLK Advisory Limited 
Tel: +852-2857-7101 
Email: ir@dlkadvisory.com

BOQII HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)

As of
March 31,
 2022

As of
September 30,
 2022

As of

September 30,

 2022

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

162,855

85,136

11,968

Short-term investments

128,084

125,145

17,593

Accounts receivable, net

49,231

96,215

13,526

Inventories, net

109,921

107,264

15,079

Prepayments and other current assets

116,738

100,516

14,130

Amounts due from related parties

11,726

4,782

672

Total current assets

578,555

519,058

72,968

Non-current assets:

Property and equipment, net

7,779

7,298

1,026

Intangible assets

25,544

23,569

3,313

Operating lease right-of-use assets

38,567

38,693

5,439

Long-term investments

82,319

81,598

11,471

Goodwill

40,684

40,684

5,719

Amounts due from related parties, non-current

–

8,317

1,169

Other non-current asset

4,861

10,092

1,419

Total non-current assets

199,754

210,251

29,556

Total assets

778,309

729,309

102,524

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current liabilities

Short-term borrowings

161,126

142,336

20,009

Accounts payable

94,224

79,195

11,133

Salary and welfare payable

6,871

6,203

872

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

27,324

25,471

3,581

Amounts due to related parties, current

219

102

14

Contract liabilities

7,007

3,208

451

Operating lease liabilities, current

10,001

11,082

1,558

Derivative liabilities

9,086

12,970

1,823

Total current liabilities

315,858

280,567

39,441

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

4,847

4,269

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

28,197

28,078

3,947

Other debts, non-current

181,062

124,399

17,488

Total non-current liabilities

214,106

156,746

22,035

Total liabilities

529,964

437,313

61,476

Mezzanine equity

Redeemable non-controlling interests

6,522

6,844

962

Total mezzanine equity

6,522

6,844

962

Stockholders’ equity:

Class A ordinary shares (US$0.001 par value; 129,500,000 shares authorized,
55,709,591 and 55,743,337 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31,
2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively)

 

 

372

373

52

Class B ordinary shares (US$0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized,
13,037,729 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2022 and
September 30, 2022, respectively)

 

 

82

82

12

Additional paid-in capital

3,295,336

3,291,793

462,753

Statutory reserves

3,433

3,876

545

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(46,069)

(23,989)

(3,372)

Accumulated deficit

(2,889,233)

(2,919,198)

(410,375)

Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares

(164,746)

(110,133)

(15,482)

Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ equity

199,175

242,804

34,133

Non-controlling interests

42,648

42,348

5,953

Total shareholders’ equity

241,823

285,152

40,086

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

778,309

729,309

102,524

BOQII HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)

Six Months Ended September 30,

2021

2022

2022

RMB

RMB

US$

Net revenues:

Product sales

577,583

568,698

79,947

Online marketing and information services and other revenue

26,384

20,931

2,942

Total revenues

603,967

589,629

82,889

Total cost of revenue

(491,880)

(465,703)

(65,467)

Gross profit

112,087

123,926

17,422

Operating expenses:

–

–

Fulfillment expenses

(62,519)

(68,161)

(9,582)

Sales and marketing expenses

(89,454)

(63,530)

(8,931)

General and administrative expenses

(42,774)

(22,066)

(3,102)

Other income, net

67

242

34

Loss from operations

(82,593)

(29,589)

(4,159)

Interest income

9,864

4,025

566

Interest expense

(12,059)

(7,193)

(1,011)

Other gain/ (losses), net

405

7,190

1,011

Fair value change of derivative liabilities

411

(4,534)

(637)

Loss before income tax expenses

(83,972)

(30,101)

(4,230)

Income taxes expenses

1,247

418

59

Share of results of equity investees

834

184

26

Net loss

(81,891)

(29,499)

(4,145)

Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest
    shareholders

(3,683)

(299)

(42)

Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited

(78,208)

(29,200)

(4,103)

Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption
    value

(283)

(323)

(45)

Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited‘s ordinary
    shareholders

(78,491)

(29,523)

(4,148)

Net loss

(81,891)

(29,499)

(4,145)

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax

(5,765)

22,329

3,139

Unrealized securities holding loss

–

(249)

(35)

Total comprehensive loss

(87,656)

(7,419)

(1,041)

Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling
    interest shareholders

(3,683)

(299)

(42)

Total comprehensive loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited

(83,973)

(7,120)

(999)

Net loss per share attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s
    ordinary shareholders

— basic

(1.16)

(0.43)

(0.06)

— diluted

(1.16)

(0.43)

(0.06)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

— basic

67,703,830

68,841,500

68,841,500

— diluted

67,703,830

68,841,500

68,841,500

Boqii Holding Limited

Reconciliation of  GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(In thousands, except % and per share data)

Six Months Ended September 30,

2021

2022

RMB

RMB

Net loss

(81,891)

(29,499)

Fair value change of derivative liabilities

(411)

4,534

Share-based compensation

9,903

(3,567)

Non-GAAP net loss

(72,399)

(28,532)

Non-GAAP net loss Margin

(12.0 %)

(4.8 %)

Six Months Ended September 30，

2021

2022

RMB

RMB

Net loss

(81,891)

(29,499)

Income tax expenses

(1,247)

(418)

Interest expenses

12,059

7,193

Interest income

(9,864)

(4,025)

Depreciation and amortization .

3,885

3,815

EBITDA

(77,058)

(22,934)

EBITDA Margin

(12.8 %)

(3.9 %)

Notes for all the condensed consolidated financial schedules presented:

Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (USD) is based on the certified exchange rate of USD1.00=RMB7.1135 on 30
September, 2022 published by the Federal Reserve Board.

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PR Newswire

Swit announces partnership with CMS Lab to innovate company culture and productivity

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Swit Technologies Inc., a global work OS solution provider, announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CMS Lab, a leading medical cosmetic company in the global dermocosmetic market, to innovate company culture and productivity.

(Starting from left) Swit’s Sales Vice President Lee Ju-won, CMS Lab’s CEO Lee Jin-soo, Swit’s Co-founder and CEO Josh Lee, CMS Lab's Executive Vice President Kim Ki-hoon
(Starting from left) Swit’s Sales Vice President Lee Ju-won, CMS Lab’s CEO Lee Jin-soo, Swit’s Co-founder and CEO Josh Lee, CMS Lab’s Executive Vice President Kim Ki-hoon

CMS Lab, with its advanced technologies based on medical knowledge, has played a leading role in the dermocosmetic market for the past 20 years, launching its products in 3,000 clinics, hospitals, Olive Young stores, and more than 30 countries including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. CMS Lab also won the 10 Million Dollar Export Tower from the Korea International Trade Association in 2021.

While expanding its business in the specialist and retail markets, CMS Lab has been putting efforts toward employee satisfaction and happiness in addition to customer satisfaction. CMS Lab won the Grand Prize in the Happiness Management category in 2021 and the Best Family-oriented Company Certification in 2019.

Swit Technologies, a work OS company that provides an enterprise-level collaboration and project management solution, helps the companies with digital transformation by supporting integration with email, calendar, document management, and conference call features of Google and Microsoft and helping the employees work more efficiently and productively.

With the partnership between Swit Technologies and CMS Lab, the two companies will build together best practices for increased employee productivity and efficiency by using Swit, and work to enhance the company culture in a digital workplace.

CMS Lab CEO Lee Jin-soo said, “CMS Lab aims to achieve growth through data-based, agile collaboration and timely communication. Through Swit, we hope to create greater customer satisfaction by innovating the digital work environment and realizing happiness management for our employees.”

Swit’s co-founder Josh Lee said, “Quite many people around me use cosmetic products from CMS Lab brands. As CMS Lab’s culture respects and treats its employees as human beings and someone’s family, we will do our best to support the employee experience of CMS Lab incorporating people, work, culture, and technologies in synergy with Swit, which is created upon similar philosophies.”

About Swit

Swit Technologies Inc., a future collaboration OS provider, was founded in 2018 in Silicon Valley. ‘Swit’ in its current form that combines messenger and task management features was officially launched in March, 2019. Featured on Silicon Valley’s IT magazine CIO Review as one of the “Most Promising Remote Work Tech Solution Providers” and winning the “Growth Startup of the Year” by Startup Grind Global Conference in which 4,00 startups from 133 countries participate, Swit was acclaimed by many as an innovative tool that tops the messenger for business Slack, and project management tools Trello, Asana, and Monday.com all at once. Swit was recommended for Google Workspace as an innovative solution, and named to the world’s largest enterprise software marketplace G2’s Best Software List in project management for two years in a row. As of now, a cumulative number of 40,000 teams and businesses from 184 countries are using Swit.

Media inquiries  

Swit Technologies Inc. PR Lead Sophie Park (pr@swit.io)

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Source: Swit Technologies Inc.

PR Newswire

AV-Comparatives releases Long-Term Test for 17 Popular Home User Antivirus Internet Security Suites

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INNSBRUCK, Austria, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Leading antivirus test lab releases full test results covering four months of testing of the Real-World Protection Test in July-October 2022

AV-Comparatives Test Results – Real-World Protection 2022
AV-Comparatives Test Results – Real-World Protection 2022

https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-july-october-2022/

The products tested by AV-Comparatives were:
Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Antivirus Free, Avira Prime, Bitdefender Internet Security, ESET Internet Security, G Data Total Security, K7 Total Security, Kaspersky Internet Security, Malwarebytes Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, NortonLifeLock Norton 360 Deluxe, Panda Free Antivirus, TotalAV Antivirus Pro, Total Defense Essential Antivirus, Trend Micro Internet Security, and VIPRE Advanced Security.

As part of its ongoing Consumer Main-Test Series, AV-Comparatives has released the results of its July to October 2022 Real-World Protection Test for consumer security solutions. 17 popular anti-malware programs were evaluated to assess their protection against Internet-borne threats.

The Real-World Protection Test conducted by AV-Comparatives mimics real-world conditions as experienced every day by users. The test accurately determined if each threat used was able to make any changes to the test system. To ensure that security programs do not confuse users with false alarms, AV-Comparatives also put all the products through a false-positives test. Programs with high levels of false alarms had their award levels reduced.

A total of 10 products reached the highest award level, ADVANCED+, in this Real-World Protection Test. These were (in alphabetical order): Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, Microsoft, McAfee, VIPRE.

Like all AV-Comparatives’ public reports, this Real-World Protection Test report can be read or downloaded free of charge, and without registration, from the lab’s website:
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-july-october-2022/

About AV-Comparatives 

AV-Comparatives is an independent organisation offering systematic testing to examine the efficacy of security software products and mobile security solutions. Using one of the largest sample collection systems worldwide, it has created a real-world environment for truly accurate testing. 

AV-Comparatives offers freely accessible av-test results to individuals, news organisations and scientific institutions. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides a globally recognised official seal of approval for software performance. 

Contact: Peter Stelzhammer
E-mail: media@av-comparatives.org
Phone: +43 720115542

AV-Comparatives Test Results – Real-World Protection 2022
AV-Comparatives Test Results – Real-World Protection 2022
PR Newswire

Investor Communications firm Pedrosa Richardson will service global listed companies from London

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LONDON, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Investor Relations and Financial Communications firm Pedrosa Richardson started trading internationally from London today, with the purpose of supporting leading, global listed companies.

Company principals Max Richardson and Ramon Pedrosa-Lopez.
Company principals Max Richardson and Ramon Pedrosa-Lopez.

It has already secured half a dozen listed organizations as initial clients, and aims to build on its strong, established partnerships with key stock exchanges, including OTC Markets, where it is qualified as a Premium Provider in Investor Relations – as well as Euronext, Aquis in London, and BIVA in Mexico.

Its mission is to raise the profile and disseminate the financial narratives of public corporations before the investor community in the American, British, and European markets, hence driving growth and value.

Headquartered in London, Pedrosa Richardson is present in New York City (USA), Madrid (Spain) from where it oversees its EU operations, and Almaty (Kazakhstan) as it works to develop its services across Central Asia.

“We believe the key differentiator of publicly traded corporations, beyond a solid financial position, is having a strong public profile. Investor communications efforts clearly drive up market value in today’s capital markets “, said Max Richardson, the company’s principal. “And our growing client list speaks volumes.”

The management of Pedrosa Richardson has developed a proven blend of strategy and technology over the years, to advise senior management and boards of listed issuers and pre-IPO companies, envisaging a leap into the international capital markets.

Harnessing an agile, fast-moving, and digital model, the founders work upon the premise that investor communications and IR strategies demand AI, machine learning, and data analysis expertise.

The firm’s principals, Ramon Pedrosa-Lopez and Max Richardson are specialists in their respective fields, with over four decades of combined experience developing and executing campaigns for issuers listed on the LSE, OTC Markets, Euronext, and other capital markets.

Seen as a top strategist in the industry, Pedrosa’s insights have been featured in The New York Times and Forbes. He has advised private corporations in their public outreach and IR strategies and worked out of London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Madrid, Valletta, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Mexico City. He holds the highest qualifications achievable in the IR industry.

Richardson firmly established himself in the communications industry, coordinating global profile raising efforts for NASDAQ issuers, award-winning European banks, infrastructure conglomerates, and international energy and mining corporations.

www.pedrosa-richardson.uk

PR Newswire

TestingXperts creates history by winning all three major Software Testing and DevOps Awards globally

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MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — WHEN Manish Gupta laid the foundation of TestingXperts in 2014, he envisioned it to be ‘the de facto brand for QA And Software Testing globally’. Eight years down the line, Manish’s vision and his team’s hard work and passion paid off when TestingXperts swept all three major global awards in Software Testing and DevOps industry in 2022.

TestingXperts wins North American Software Testing Awards, European Software Testing Awards and DevOps Industry Awards.
TestingXperts wins North American Software Testing Awards, European Software Testing Awards and DevOps Industry Awards.

TestingXperts emerged winner at the North American Software Testing Awards, European Software Testing Awards and DevOps Industry Awards. TestingXperts has not only created history by winning all 3 awards despite tough competition but cemented its position as leaders in Software Testing and QA industry.

“It is a huge honor for TestingXperts to receive all 3 major global awards. I would like to thank the jury members, organizers, participants and most importantly our team without whom this wouldn’t have been possible. These awards have given us lot of confidence and motivation to believe that we are moving in the right direction to achieve our vision to be world’s largest and most trusted QA and Software Testing company,” said Manish Gupta, CEO, TestingXperts.

TestingXperts has been rated highly by leading analysts like Gartner and Nelson Hall in their latest reports in 2022. The company has seen consistent and high growth and has been serving key Global 2000 customers. TestingXperts won these global awards for enabling superior QA and software testing services leveraging AI/ML and RPA that shortened test cycles with 70% faster test creation, 40% reduced maintenance and delivering 50% faster time-to-market with quicker ROI.

These Awards are most renowned awards that recognize companies for their excellence and significant achievements in the software testing, DevOps and QE market.

About TestingXperts:

TestingXperts is the world’s fifth largest pureplay QA & software testing services provider, co-headquartered in PA (USA) and London, UK, with offices in Canada, Netherlands, UAE, India, and Singapore. TestingXperts’ suite of testing services covers Test Advisory, Functional and Non-Functional testing specializing in Automation, RPA, Digital, DevOps, Agile, Web, Mobility, IoT, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, etc. TestingXperts helps clients transform their QA function to achieve zero production defects and lower QA costs by up to 60% with its Next-Gen Testing Solutions, Modern Testing Approach, Skilled Teams, and a Global Delivery Model.

Media Contact:

Deepak Jaidka (VP-Marketing) 
marketing@testingxperts.com 
+1 866 888 5353

Accessories, Health, iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

The Oceanic+ App is Live! Meet Your New Dive Computer, the Apple Watch Ultra.

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Apple launched their most expensive wearable item back in September alongside their Apple iPhone 14 devices. They launched the new Apple Watch Ultra, which was made with space age technology and is built to endure the most extreme conditions you can subject your body to. One of them is to go down to depths you will only go as a scuba diver.

According to Apple, the Watch Ultra can go in depths up to 40 meters. While there are dive watches and computers that can go deeper than that, you want to remember that the Apple Watch Ultra is no bigger than the regular watch and is also built as a watch and fitness tracker you can take anywhere with you. In that sense, the Apple Watch Ultra is a feat on its own.

While it was able to go down to 40 meters under water, and into the ocean for that matter, you could only get basic information from it like a regular watch. It did not have the right tools to record your depth, or how much air you have left, or how long you’ve dived. Until now, that is, with the Oceanic+ app.

Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Complications
Source: Apple

The app was also announced when they launched the Apple Watch Ultra, so it should not come as a surprise. The app is not an in-house developed one (developed by Huish Outdoors in collaboration with Apple), that could also be why it launched later than the Watch Ultra itself. It is still 2022 though, so it is not like we had to wait years for it.

The Oceanic+ app basically turns your Apple Watch Ultra into a rather comprehensive dive computer. They say that the app allows the Watch Ultra to act as an advanced dive computer and robust dive planner. Of course, you can review all information post-dive as well.

Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Scuba Slow Down
Source: Apple

The dive computer on the Apple Watch Ultra may not be similar to other dive computers you might have come across. They say that they have built the interface to be as intuitive as possible to be used on the Apple Watch platform. The interface is designed to allow users to quickly get information from the watch and dive stress free without making mental calculations during their dive. That also means that they need to cram and simplify as much information as they can into the tiny display that is the Apple Watch Ultra. It even gives users some form of directive to ensure their safety during the dive with “Stop”, “Go Up”, and even “Go Down”.

They have managed to integrate things like surface time, depth, and gas capacity into an interface that would be familiar to any Apple Watch user. On top of that, the dive planner gives you extra information like tides, water temperatures, weather updates, currents, and updated information uploaded by other users. It even tracks your GPS location, so you know where you are in your dives. You can even tell if you have a notification from the Apple Watch Ultra in the water with the Watch vibrating. They say you can even feel the vibration through a 7mm thick wetsuit. Haptic feedback, according to the developers, is a better way for your watch to communicate with you under water.

Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Compass Scuba Air
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus second screen
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Scuba Slow Down
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Scuba Dive Settings
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Safety Stop
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus primary screen
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus pre dive
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus No Deco Planner
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Location Planner Information
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus iPhone 14 Pro in hand
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus hero
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Dive Log Book
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Dive Depth
Source: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Complications
Source: Apple
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The Oceanic+ app is now available for the Apple Watch Ultra via the App Store. Of course, there is a companion app for your iPhone as well where you can view all sorts of information from your Apple Watch post-dive. The Apple Watch Ultra will set you back from MYR 3,799 onward, which is a lot of money for an Apple Watch. Then again, a dive computer will set you back just as much or more.

Lifestyle, News

GWM Malaysia Launches the ORA GOOD CAT – Another EV for Malaysian Roads

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EVs in Malaysia is not necessarily a new idea. Industry players like BMW was keen in introducing their i3 and even i8 models into Malaysia. To be fair, the i3 and i8 were hybrid vehicles. They introduced the 13s later, which went full electric. BMW also had their wildly popular 330e, and 530e hybrid models. Mercedes-Benz had limited success when they introduced their C350e, and E350e plug-in hybrid models later. Even Volvo enjoyed some success with their top-of-the-line XC90 plug-in hybrid. Not to mention, Nissan kick-started the whole electric journey with their Nissan Leaf, officially available in Malaysia.

In any case, it seems like Malaysia is ready for another EV. At least that is what GWM (Great Wall Motors) thinks with their latest ORA GOOD CAT. It is, in the current state of writing, also the most affordable EV you can find in Malaysia today.

When we say it is the most affordable in Malaysia, you do want to take it with a pinch of salt still. It will still set you back MYR 139,800 onward. That starting price undercuts Nissan’s offering by about MYR 40,000. Even at the top, it still sits MYR 10,000 less than the Nissan Leaf.

ORA GOOD CAT 01

What you get for the money though is rather impressive. You get up to 500km in range if you go for the 500 Ultra model. For MYR 30,000 less you get up to 400km in range, which is still an impressive feat in an electric car. Both are also more than what you get from a Nissan Leaf, its closest competition in our opinions.

The motor still gives you up to 143PS, which is plenty for Malaysian commuting. That silent powertrain will get the ORA GOOD CAT going at a top speed of 152km/h, still well over the national speed limit. They did not quote its 0-100km/h time though.

Still, you get to choose between Normal, Sport, Eco, Eco+, and Auto driving modes to suit your driving style and moods. It is not all about driving dynamics either with the ORA GOOD CAT. You get intelligent parking system to assist you in three types of parking modes. To ensure that you are always safe on the road, GWM put cameras at every corner of the vehicle for 360-degree coverage and wisdom dodge system that detects large vehicles and even assist in avoiding them. It also offers auto emergency braking system, just for an added layer of safety.

ORA GOOD CAT 09

Inside, it feels more like a laptop than a car. There is a 7-inch cluster display that greets you when you enter the car. That 7-inch cluster is extended to meet a 10.25-inch touch sensitive display that controls the vehicle’s multimedia systems that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instead of a gear lever, you select your drive using a rotary knob in the center console. It even has an electronically controlled panoramic sunroof for even more interior light and that spacious feel. At the rear, your leather seats can be folded down to extend its storage to 858 liters.

The biggest problem with current EV technology is its ‘refueling’ or charging periods. With a regular AC port at your home, you can charge your car in about 8 -10 hours, depending on the size of your battery. With a fast charger, you get to charge your car fully within 2 hours, neat.

Being tech savvy does not mean that you must sacrifice sense when buying a car this high-tech. For its price, GWM has you covered extensively. If you get your ORA GOOD CAT in a package, GWM offers up to 150,000 km or 5 years warranty. Your battery is covered separately with up to 8 years or 180,000 km. While EVs are nearly free of extra maintenance services required by internal combustion engines, GWM offers your ORA GOOD CAT with five times free service labour for when maintenance is required. At the same time, GWM is even giving away a portable charger and home charger for your car.

ORA GOOD CAT 01
ORA GOOD CAT 11
ORA GOOD CAT 10
ORA GOOD CAT 09
ORA GOOD CAT 08
ORA GOOD CAT 07
ORA GOOD CAT 06
ORA GOOD CAT 05
ORA GOOD CAT 04
ORA GOOD CAT 03
ORA GOOD CAT 02
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The ORA GOOD CAT is now available in Malaysia, as mentioned, starts at MYR 139,800 for the 400 Pro option and MYR 169,800 for the 500 Ultra variant. The car has been in pre-order period for the past 3 weeks and is now officially launched. You can expect to see one on the roads soon as they are already shipping the EV to owners. You can request for a test-drive the ORA GOOD CAT at any GWM dealerships near you. More information on the ORA GOOD CAT is available on their website.

PR Newswire

VECTION TECHNOLOGIES: INITIATION OF COVERAGE BY EQUITY RESEARCH COMPANY EDISON

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PERTH, Australia, Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vection Technologies Ltd (ASX:VR1, OTC:VCTNY), the INTEGRATEDXR® company,  announced today that equity research company, Edison, has initiated coverage on the company. The initiation note can be found here.

Vection Technologies has engaged Edison to produce in-depth and regular research on the company, which is available to everyone. It is hoped this research will raise the visibility of Vection Technologies and enable investors of all classes, in any country, to develop an improved understanding of the business.

Edison’s research is read on a free-to-access basis by individuals and institutions across the globe. It has been accessed by more than 5,000 professional investment institutions since MiFID II was introduced and many other market participants including private investors, sell side, advisors, and press. Edison only produces research that falls under the minor non-monetary benefit definition in MiFID II.

“The initiation of coverage of Vection Technologies by Edison is critical to increase our exposure and attractiveness to global investors and partners” commented Gianmarco Biagi, CEO & Managing Director of Vection Technologies. “We expect that Edison’s research coverage and global distribution will enhance the company’s name recognition globally, with the vision to become a worldwide recognised technology company.“

ABOUT VECTION TECHNOLOGIES:

Vection Technologies is a growing enterprise-focused company that helps businesses bridge the physical and digital worlds. We help organizations leverage their 3D data via powerful extended reality (XR) interfaces that foster collaboration and learning, grow sales and more.

Vection Technologies is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) with ticker code VR1, and trades on the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) markets under the symbol VCTNY.

For more information, please visit: www.vection-technologies.com

PR Newswire

CGTN: China, Mongolia inject impetus into ties through three engines

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BEIJING, Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsuh is paying a state visit to China just two days after the Zuunbayan-Khangi railway, the third railway to connect Mongolia with China, started operations on November 25.

Apart from boosting connectivity, the two neighbors joined hands to fight the COVID-19 epidemic by gifting one another with sheep and tea as well as deepened cooperation and exchanges in various fields.

The two countries have set a good example for state-to-state relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted on Monday during his meeting with President Khurelsuh.

In the face of the rising instability and uncertainty in the international environment, China is willing to work with the Mongolian side to build a community with a shared future and promote the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership so as to better benefit the people of both countries, Xi vowed.

Three engines

Xi urged the two sides to deepen the three alignments between the Belt and Road Initiative and Mongolia’s Prairie Road development strategy, the Global Development Initiative and Mongolia’s New Revival Policy, and China’s “two-stage” strategic plan and Mongolia’s long-term development policy, so as to create three engines for further development of bilateral relations.

In 2013, Xi proposed the Belt and Road Initiative to improve regional connectivity and economic integration. The Prairie Road development strategy, an economic plan introduced by Mongolia, aims to boost trade with neighboring markets.

Mongolia’s New Revival Policy covers comprehensive reforms in the areas of port, energy, industry and green development, among others. While Xi on Monday voiced China’s willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as economics and trade, energy and mining, connectivity, information technology and deep processing of livestock products.

Xi said China supports Mongolia’s “Planting One Billion Trees” plan and is willing to explore the possibility with the Mongolian side of setting up a Sino-Mongolian cooperation center for desertification control.

The Chinese president also called for promoting the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the project of laying the China–Russia gas pipeline traversing Mongolia.

The first China–Europe freight train from Jinzhou Port in northeast China’s Liaoning Province to Helsinki, Finland, via Choibalsan City in Mongolia, was launched in August this year, which is in line with the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor.

Exceeding $10 billion

As China is pursuing national rejuvenation by following the Chinese path to modernization, Xi told Khurelsuh that China will not only achieve own prosperity and development but will also deliver more development dividends to its neighbors and the world.

China has been Mongolia’s top investment source and trade partner for 18 consecutive years. Last year, the trade volume exceed $10 billion for the first time.

Total trade between China and Mongolia accounts for more than 60 percent of Mongolia’s foreign trade volume, according to data from the Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences.

Customs data also showed that bilateral trade hit $9.68 billion in the first 10 months of this year. 

Join efforts for world peace, development

The two leaders agreed on Monday to make joint efforts for world peace and development.

The Chinese president urged the two sides to team up to foster a new type of international relations and contribute to the building of a community with shared future for mankind.

China and Mongolia are both developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and have extensive common interests in international and regional affairs, Xi pointed out, adding China is willing to coordinate closely with the Mongolian side to jointly defend genuine multilateralism, resist bloc rivalry and maintain international solidarity and cooperation.

Stressing that the current international and regional situation is undergoing a profound and complex evolution, Khurelsuh believes the two sides should promote Asian values and work together to maintain peace, stability and development in Asia.

The Mongolian side highly values China’s positive contribution to the maintenance of world peace, stability and development as well as the international system with the United Nations at its core, and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in international affairs and contribute to the maintenance of regional peace and development.

He added Mongolia backs the China-proposed Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-11-28/Xi-holds-talks-with-Mongolian-president-1fktm7RlgJi/index.html