From Smart to Genius: Will Design Define Future Gadgets?

From Smart to Genius: Will Design Define Future Gadgets?

Before the iPhone, mobile phones took on a multitude of shapes and sizes. Today, however, the majority of phones feature a touch screen, a number of icons, and assume a rectangular shape. Concern has now been voiced post the Apple Inc vs Samsung Electronics trial – in which Samsung received a hefty rap over the…

“Greyjing”? Air pollution fouls Beijing’s name

“Greyjing”? Air pollution fouls Beijing’s name

Gone are the days when Beijing was considered one of the more pleasant capitals of the world. Something terrible and life-threatening is literally overshadowing its parks, centuries-old palaces, history and culture. The grey fog which is covering Beijing is caused by copious amounts of chronic air pollution, which now ranks the city as one of the worst…

Insight: Merkel and Hollande – Building a “grand bargain”

Insight: Merkel and Hollande – Building a “grand bargain”

Recently, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel began to forge a closer relationship than many expected. According to Reuters’ findings, the two leaders met discreetly in Paris to have a lengthy one-on-one discussion. As for the purpose of the meeting, sources mean that Merkel sought Hollande’s buy-in for bold steps towards greater political…

Europe Mulls Major Step Toward “Fiscal Union”

Europe Mulls Major Step Toward “Fiscal Union”

Germany is applying the pressure on its European counterparts to move toward fiscal integration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on a mission to implement some form of central authority to take charge of euro area finances, and numerous new powers for the European Commission, European Parliament and European Court of Justice. It has also been…

Slower China Economy a Worry for Western Firms

Slower China Economy a Worry for Western Firms

As China economy growth slows to a near three-year-low, large U.S. and European-based companies are growing increasingly nervous – as this means the loss of what had been one of their surest growth bets. Most Western chief executives remain optimistic with regard to China’s economy, and predict a return to rapid growth, considering this nothing…