BIZ

HMD – Mattel launches Barbie phone

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

editor

HMD Global, which makes Nokia, opens new tab-branded phones, said it has teamed up with toymaker Mattel, to launch the HMD Barbie Phone – a pint-sized pink feature flip phone with a retro design.The phone, priced at 99 pounds ($131.24), is available starting on Wednesday. The device allows users to make calls and send texts but gives no access to social media apps.

The Barbie-pink keypad has hidden designs featuring palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark, the company said.

The launch coincides with the Barbie doll’s 65th birthday this year and follows the success of last year’s “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie, which grossed $1.4 billion at the global box office.

“I’d imagine quite a few people will be tempted to buy it as a bit of fun, but in reality, everyone is so dependent on their smartphones that anything more than the odd day of detox will be a stretch,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst at research firm CCS Insight.

Research firm CCS Insight estimates that HMD could sell more than 400,000 Barbie phones in the UK, where it will be available through Vodafone and Argos.

Finnish firm HMD, which is backed by Alphabet’s Google and Qualcomm has launched several feature phones, including reissues of classic Nokia phones such as the 3210 and 3310.

(Reuters)

BIZ

CBSL relaxes mandatory export conversion period

Published

15 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has relaxed the mandatory export conversion period in the latest exports proceeds conversion rule.

As per the new rules, the mandatory export conversion period has been extended to roughly a three-month period from an earlier one-month period.

The CBSL states : Taking into consideration the macro-economic developments, in particular the developments in domestic foreign exchange market conditions, Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued the “Repatriation of Export Proceeds into Sri Lanka Rules No. 01 of 2024” (Rules), which was published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2391/02 dated 01.07.2024, in terms of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, substantially relaxing the period applicable for exporters of goods to convert their export proceeds into Sri Lanka Rupees.

The complete press release is as follows :

press_20240907_relaxation_of_the_period_applicable_for_exporters_of_goods_to_convert_their_export_proceeds_into_sri_lanka_rupees_e Download

BIZ

3 million eggs imported from India

Published

3 days ago

September 7, 2024

editor

A shipment of 3 million eggs from India is set to arrive in Sri Lanka by the end of this week, according to Asiri Walisundara, Chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation (STC).

He stated that procurement has been completed and applications for the import have been submitted to the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) for approval.

The imported eggs are expected to be sold at approximately Rs. 40 each.

BIZ

Sri Lanka’s Starlink operations delayed until after presidential election

Published

3 days ago

September 7, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka’s plan to set up operations of Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, has been withheld till the Presidential Election is over because of some clearance pending with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, a top source said.

State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, announced earlier that the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission granted preliminary approval for ‘Starlink’ to provide satellite-based internet services in Sri Lanka.

Besides, Parliament approved amendments to a decades-old law on Tuesday to allow Elon Musk’s Starlink to set up operations in the country.

Parliament passed the new telecommunications bill, which amended the existing law for the first time in 28 years, without a vote.

The amendments introduce three new types of licences and allow Starlink to enter Sri Lanka’s telecom market as a licensed service provider.

However, a top government source said the launch would be impossible before the Presidential Elections. Sri Lankans will go to the polls on September 21 to decide on the next President to govern the country for another period of five years.

Once Starlink is launched, Elon Musk is also scheduled to visit Sri Lanka. Besides, the government authorities are planning for a Zoom meeting with Starlink.

(Daily Mirror)

(This story, originally published by Daily Mirror has not been edited by SLM staff)