Zion Tech Group

Tag: Offering

  • Best Practices for Offering Remote Technical Support

    Best Practices for Offering Remote Technical Support


    In today’s digital age, remote technical support has become an essential service for businesses and individuals alike. With the increasing reliance on technology for everyday tasks, the need for efficient and effective remote technical support has never been greater. Whether you are a small business looking to provide support to remote employees or an individual in need of assistance with your devices, following best practices for offering remote technical support is crucial.

    One of the key elements of successful remote technical support is communication. Clear and concise communication is essential for both the technician and the customer. It is important to establish a communication channel that is convenient for both parties, whether it be through phone, email, or a chat service. Additionally, the technician should provide regular updates on the progress of the support session and explain any technical jargon in a way that is easy for the customer to understand.

    Another best practice for offering remote technical support is to use secure and reliable remote access tools. Remote access tools allow technicians to remotely access a customer’s device to troubleshoot and resolve issues. It is important to use reputable remote access tools that have security features in place to protect sensitive information. Additionally, technicians should always obtain permission from the customer before initiating a remote session and ensure that the session is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

    Furthermore, it is important for technicians to have a thorough understanding of the customer’s technical issue before attempting to resolve it. This may involve asking the customer specific questions to gather more information about the problem and conducting diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. By fully understanding the problem, technicians can provide more efficient and effective solutions to the customer.

    In addition, remote technical support should be personalized to meet the specific needs of each customer. Every customer is unique and may have different levels of technical expertise. It is important for technicians to tailor their support approach accordingly, whether it be providing step-by-step instructions for a novice user or more advanced troubleshooting for a tech-savvy individual.

    Lastly, it is important for technicians to follow up with customers after the support session to ensure that the issue has been fully resolved and the customer is satisfied with the service provided. This demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and helps build trust and loyalty with customers.

    In conclusion, offering remote technical support requires a combination of effective communication, secure remote access tools, technical expertise, personalized support, and follow-up. By following these best practices, businesses and individuals can provide efficient and effective remote technical support to meet the growing demands of the digital age.

  • LCSO Offering Citizens’ Police Academy


    January 31, 2025


    LCSO Offering Citizens' Police Academy

    Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

    Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Livingston County Sheriff’s deputy?

    “The Citizens’ Police Academy is an informational overview for citizens to better understand through education on what the Sheriff’s Office has to offer them.”

    The classes will be held on Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for 17 weeks. The academy is tentatively set to begin on April 17, with graduation set for Aug. 31. There may be a break during certain holidays.

    One class will be held on a Saturday at the Fowlerville Proving Grounds. It will include a block of emergency vehicle operation, which includes driving a patrol car with lights and sirens along the course.

    “Classes will consist of scenario-based applications, a jail tour, Special Units, Crime Scene Investigations, Accident investigations, shoot, don’t shoot scenarios and more,” the release about the academy said.

    The academy is free to all Livingston County citizens.

    Those interested should contact Deputy Ray Marino. His email is rmarino@livgov.com and his phone number is 517-546-2440. He can send an application and answer questions about the course.

    Classes are limited to the first 14 participants that are 18 years old or older.

    (photo credit: LCSO)



    The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce that they will be offering a Citizens’ Police Academy for community members who are interested in learning more about law enforcement and the daily operations of the sheriff’s office.

    This academy will provide participants with a behind-the-scenes look at how the LCSO operates, including hands-on training, interactive demonstrations, and informative lectures from experienced officers. Topics covered will include patrol procedures, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and more.

    The Citizens’ Police Academy is a great opportunity for residents to gain a better understanding of law enforcement and build positive relationships with their local sheriff’s office. Participants will also have the chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and engage in open discussions with law enforcement professionals.

    If you’re interested in participating in the LCSO’s Citizens’ Police Academy, be sure to stay tuned for more information on how to apply and when the next session will be held. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get an inside look at the important work that the sheriff’s office does to keep our community safe.

    Tags:

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    2. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
    3. Police Academy for Citizens
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    7. Citizens’ Police Academy Registration
    8. LCSO Public Safety Initiative
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    #LCSO #Offering #Citizens #Police #Academy

  • John Hancock Investment Management Expands Alternatives Offering Launching Asset Backed Securities Fund with Manulife


    BOSTON, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock Investment Management, a company of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, announced today that it has launched John Hancock CQS Asset Backed Securities Fund (the fund) with its affiliated investment manager Manulife | CQS Investment Management (Manulife | CQS), a London-based multi-sector alternative credit specialist.

    The fund’s investment objective is to seek to generate a return comprised of both current income and capital appreciation. The Manulife | CQS team looks to access diversified and steady sources of income in an actively managed portfolio of asset backed securities (ABS) such as residential and commercial mortgages, bank regulatory capital and collateralized loan obligations. In pursuit of the fund’s objective, the portfolio managers seek to achieve risk-adjusted returns by investing in ABS subsectors that have exhibited low correlations to credit and equity markets. The team seeks to enhance returns by exploiting inefficiencies in the pricing of credit and related risks in the ABS market, while seeking to buffer volatility and mitigate risk.  

    “We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our second fund in collaboration with Manulife | CQS Investment Management. This fund brings their expertise in asset-backed securities investing to advisors and their clients, catering to the growing demand for alternative investment solutions,” said Kristie Feinberg, Head of U.S. and Europe at Manulife Investment Management, and John Hancock Investment Management’s President and CEO. “This new fund offers investors additional opportunities to diversify their credit allocation, potentially increase income, and leverage the broader benefits of the asset class with the seasoned management of the Manulife | CQS team.”

    “ABS is at the very core of our alternative credit platform, a strategy we’ve been managing for the better part of 19 years,” said Soraya Chabarek, CEO, Manulife | CQS Investment Management. “Launching alongside our Multi Asset Credit strategy on the John Hancock fund platform will offer a line-up that is focused on income generation potential while mitigating the downside. We are excited about what ABS markets can offer John Hancock investors: a diversifier to their credit allocations and the potential for high levels of stable income through accessing the real economy. We think the real benefit of ABS is its global, diversified nature, allowing our dedicated ABS team to select the right geographies, sectors, and different parts of the capital structure to help seek consistent risk-adjusted returns.”

    Jason Walker, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Manulife | CQS Investment Management and portfolio manager of the fund said, “I’ve been investing in ABS markets for almost 30 years and on average my dedicated team has been active in these markets for 20 years. It is an exciting space and a $4.5 trillion market. We see compelling opportunities for investors across ABS subsectors which have historically exhibited low correlation to broader equity and credit markets. To take advantage of opportunities, detailed bottom-up credit analysis and sophisticated analytics capabilities are essential. We focus on assets that may offer high levels of income, which serve to help buffer portfolios against volatility. We also look for strong credit quality that can help to protect against potentially deteriorating macroeconomic and borrowing conditions.”

    John Hancock Investment Management continues to expand its alternative investment capabilities having launched three alternative funds last year including: John Hancock CQS Multi Asset Credit Fund Class I, John Hancock Disciplined Value Global Long/Short Fund Class I, and John Hancock Manulife Private Credit Plus Fund Class I. The firm believes interest in alternative and private markets solutions will continue to grow and provides a range of additional strategies to meet the demand of advisors, their clients, and qualified investors through multiple distribution platforms.

    This material is not intended to be, nor shall it be interpreted or construed as a recommendation or for providing advice, impartial or otherwise. John Hancock Investments and its representatives and affiliates may receive compensation derived from the sale of and/or from any investment made in its products and services.

    Diversification does not guarantee a profit or eliminate the risk of a loss.

    The Fund is an “interval fund” and, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, subject to applicable law, will conduct quarterly repurchase offers of the Fund’s outstanding common shares of beneficial interest (“Common Shares”) at NAV. There is no secondary market for the fund’s shares and none is expected to develop. Investors should consider shares of the fund to be an illiquid investment. The fund’s use of leverage may not be successful and may create additional risks, including the risk of magnified return volatility and the potential for unlimited loss. ABS include interests in pools of debt securities, commercial or consumer loans, or other receivables. The value of these securities depends on many factors, including changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the credit quality of the underlying assets, the market’s perception of the servicer of the pool, and any credit enhancement provided. In addition, ABS have prepayment risk. Investors could lose all or substantially all of their investment. Convertible securities are subject to certain risks of both equity and debt securities. Fund distributions generally depend on income from underlying investments and may vary or cease altogether in the future. Investing in distressed debt securities is highly speculative and risky, as they often do not generate interest, may not repay principal, and can result in a total loss of the investment. Exposure to credit risk due to the types of investments and loans made by the fund. Fixed-income investments are subject to interest-rate and credit risk; their value will normally decline as interest rates rise or if an issuer is unable or unwilling to make principal or interest payments. Foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability.  Please see the fund’s prospectus for additional risks.

    Clients should read and carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To request a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other important information, please call us at 800-225-6020, or visit us at jhinvestments.com.

    John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC Member FINRA, SIPC 200 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02116 800-225-6020 jhinvestments.com

    NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT INSURED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

    About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management

    As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management provides global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering people today to invest for a better tomorrow. As a committed partner to our clients and as a responsible steward of investor capital, we offer a heritage of risk management, deep expertise across public and private markets, and comprehensive retirement plan services. We seek to provide better investment and impact outcomes and to help people confidently save and invest for a more secure financial future. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

    About Manulife | CQS Investment Management

    Manulife | CQS Investment Management, a company of Manulife Investment Management, is a multi-sector alternative credit manager. The firm has a 20+ year history of managing research-driven credit strategies over multiple market cycles, with core capabilities that span corporate credit (loans and bonds), asset-backed securities, regulatory capital, collateralized loan obligations and convertible bonds. Our ambition is to continue to help investors achieve their goals across market cycles by selecting good quality credits and generating income. We are committed to building enduring partnerships with investors, generating long-term risk-adjusted returns and delivering high levels of service, tailoring mandates across a range of return objectives and risk appetites. For additional information, please visit cqs.com.

    SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management



    John Hancock Investment Management, a leading provider of investment solutions, is excited to announce the launch of a new Asset Backed Securities fund in collaboration with Manulife. This expansion of our alternatives offering further demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative investment solutions to meet the evolving needs of investors.

    The Asset Backed Securities fund will offer investors the opportunity to access a diversified portfolio of high-quality, income-generating securities backed by a variety of assets such as mortgages, auto loans, and credit card receivables. This fund aims to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns while also offering diversification benefits to investors’ portfolios.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Manulife to launch this new fund, as we believe that Asset Backed Securities can play a valuable role in a well-rounded investment strategy,” said Michael McNamara, Head of Alternative Investments at John Hancock Investment Management. “This fund will provide investors with access to a unique asset class that has the potential to deliver consistent income and enhance overall portfolio diversification.”

    The Asset Backed Securities fund will be managed by a team of experienced investment professionals with deep expertise in the fixed income and alternatives space. With a focus on rigorous credit analysis and risk management, the team aims to identify attractive investment opportunities and generate strong risk-adjusted returns for investors.

    We are excited about the launch of this new fund and look forward to helping investors achieve their investment goals through innovative and diversified investment solutions. To learn more about the Asset Backed Securities fund and our full suite of alternative offerings, please visit our website or contact your financial advisor.

    Tags:

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    4. Manulife
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  • Government website offering reproductive health information goes offline


    Government website reproductiverights.gov appeared to be offline on the evening of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. 

    The site, launched in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a public awareness campaign, contained information on access to abortion and reproductive health care and a Know-Your-Rights patient fact sheet.

    “Reproductive health care, including access to birth control and safe and legal abortion care, is an essential part of your health and well-being,” a statement on the website read. “While Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion remains legal in many states, and other reproductive health care services remain protected by law.”

    The site affirmed that most employer-based health plans and private health insurance plans are required to cover certain prescription birth control methods under the Affordable Care Act, which Trump has made calls to repeal. It also displayed a list of other services covered by most insurance plans, including breast and cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care and HIV screenings.

    The site reiterated that while abortion legality varies by state, Mifepristone, in a regimen with misoprostol — otherwise known as a medication abortion — has been approved by the FDA and is safe and effective when used correctly. 

    It was not clear exactly when the site went down but it had been active as recently as Jan. 15.

    CBS News has reached out to the Trump administration for clarification on why the site was down, but has not heard back.

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was tapped by Trump to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services, has flip-flopped on his public stance regarding abortion. He said on Facebook last year that “abortion should be legal up until a certain number of weeks, and restricted thereafter,” but also wrote that “every abortion is a tragedy,” calling for the reduction of abortions “by better supporting mothers, parents and families.”

    In 2023, he expressed to an NBC News reporter that he would support a national ban on abortion after the first three months of pregnancy, but then hours later a spokesperson for Kennedy said that he “does not support legislation banning abortion,” the outlet reported. 

    Trump, meanwhile, has said that abortion decisions should be left to the states and that he would veto a federal abortion ban while also repeatedly taking credit for the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.

    According to the Guttmacher Institute, 12 states currently have a total abortion ban and in four states abortion is banned after six weeks, when most women are not yet aware they are pregnant. According to a CBS News poll, most Americans continue to favor abortion being legal in all or most cases. 



    It has recently come to light that a government website dedicated to providing important reproductive health information has gone offline. This website served as a valuable resource for individuals seeking information on topics such as birth control, STD prevention, and family planning.

    The sudden disappearance of this website has left many people in a state of confusion and concern. Without access to this vital information, individuals may struggle to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

    It is crucial that the government takes immediate action to restore this website and ensure that it remains accessible to the public. Reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and everyone deserves access to accurate and up-to-date information on this topic.

    In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to seek out alternative sources of information, such as reputable health organizations and clinics. It is important to stay informed and empowered when it comes to making decisions about your reproductive health. Let’s hope that the government acts swiftly to rectify this situation and ensure that this valuable resource is once again available to those who need it.

    Tags:

    government website, reproductive health, information, offline, reproductive health resources, health information, government resources, online health resources, reproductive health services, government health website, reproductive health access

    #Government #website #offering #reproductive #health #information #offline

  • Delta offering waivers to Atlanta travelers because of wintry weather in Georgia


    ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Delta Air Lines is offering waivers to customers traveling to or from Atlanta because of wintry weather in Georgia.

    The Atlanta-based airline said Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may be impacted by the cold stretch of weather moving across the state.

    Delta is issuing waivers for customers who booked flights arriving at, departing from or connecting to the airport between Monday, Jan. 20, and Tuesday, Jan. 21.

    The airline said customers must rebook their flights on or before Friday, Jan. 24. Passengers who rebook for flights on or before Jan. 24 will be eligible to have fare differences waived. Customers who reschedule their flights for after Jan. 24 will have their change fee waived, but a difference in fare may still apply.

    More information on the travel waiver can be found here.

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    Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.



    Attention Atlanta travelers! Delta Airlines is offering waivers for flights affected by the wintry weather in Georgia. If you have a flight scheduled to or from Atlanta during this time, you may be eligible to rebook your flight without any change fees. Stay safe and check with Delta for more information on how to reschedule your flight. #Delta #Atlanta #WinterWeather #TravelNotification

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  • The theaters offering deals, free popcorn


    You butter believe it! National Popcorn Day is Sunday, so popcorn companies and theaters all over the country are offering deals to celebrate the crunchy snack.

    National Popcorn Day is organized by The Cinema Foundation, a California-based nonprofit that takes data and collaboration and uses them to promote the film industry.

    Bryan Braunlich, executive director of The Cinema Foundation, said in a news release that the nonprofit will celebrate all year long, starting with National Popcorn Day on Sunday.

    “This Sunday is the perfect day to catch up on all the awards contenders, along with a slate of other entertaining titles, to celebrate the excitement of going to the movies with America’s favorite moviegoing snack,” Braunlich said.





    Looking for a fun night out at the movies without breaking the bank? Look no further! Several theaters are now offering special deals and promotions, including free popcorn with your ticket purchase.

    Whether you’re a fan of the latest blockbusters or indie films, there’s something for everyone at these theaters. From discounted tickets on certain days of the week to free popcorn with a combo purchase, you can enjoy a cinematic experience without emptying your wallet.

    So grab your friends and family, head to the theater, and take advantage of these amazing deals. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a movie night with free popcorn – it’s the perfect way to make your movie-going experience even more enjoyable.

    Tags:

    theaters, deals, free popcorn, movie theaters, discounts, popcorn deals, theater promotions, cinema offers, entertainment deals, movie snacks, concession deals

    #theaters #offering #deals #free #popcorn

  • Inaugural LCK Cup set to begin offering ticket to new international LoL event


    Courtesy of LCK

    The inaugural cup tournament of League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) was set to kick off Wednesday to pick a team to join the newly created international competition for the globally popularly online game, its organizer said.

    Ten Korean teams, including the defending world champion T1, will compete in the LCK Cup that will run through Feb. 23, according to Riot Games.

    The winner of the tournament will represent the LCK at the First Stand Tournament, the fresh international competition of the game, League of Legends (LoL), to take place from the 2025 season.

    Korea will host the inaugural First Stand Tournament in Seoul in March.

    Meanwhile, LCK Cup will adopt the “fearless draft” rule for the first time in the Korean league of LoL as part of efforts to facilitate more diversity in team compositions and game play.

    Under the fearless draft system, teams will not be allowed to play the same set of champions twice in a row.

    This year’s event will be held in a group stage format, with teams divided into two groups to compete against each other.

    The top three teams from each group will directly move on to the playoffs, and all of the other remaining teams will compete for three more tickets to the next round in a play-in stage. (Yonhap)





    Exciting news for League of Legends fans worldwide! The Inaugural LCK Cup, a brand new international event featuring top teams from the Korean League of Legends Championship Series, is set to begin soon. And even better, tickets are now available for purchase!

    The LCK Cup will bring together some of the best teams and players from Korea in a highly competitive tournament that is sure to showcase some incredible gameplay and intense matchups. Fans can expect to see top-tier talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments as these teams battle it out for glory.

    If you’re a fan of competitive League of Legends and want to witness the action live, now is your chance to secure your spot at this exciting event. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural LCK Cup and cheer on your favorite teams as they compete for victory.

    Get your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Inaugural LCK Cup!

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    #Inaugural #LCK #Cup #set #offering #ticket #international #LoL #event

  • No one is offering Julia Louis-Dreyfus any dramatic roles

    No one is offering Julia Louis-Dreyfus any dramatic roles


    Even the most awarded and esteemed of actors can get pigeonholed in a certain type of role. Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a lot of awards, but they’re all for comedy, and Hollywood hasn’t provided a lot of chances for her to leave that lane. Asked in a new interview for W Magazine‘s Best Performances issue whether she’s gotten “other offers for sadder or more serious roles” since her dramatic turn in Tuesday, Louis-Dreyfus says, “No, I really have not. People usually come to me with comedic bits.” In fact, the movie was so out of her usual wheelhouse that “I did think, Why me?” she admits.

    Louis-Dreyfus’ preternatural comedic talents combined with a truthfully spotty filmography may have something to do with the industry’s reluctance to let her go dramatic. (Or, to indulge in conspiracy, it’s the Jennifer Lawrence problem where her team isn’t even letting those offers make it to JLD’s desk.) “But I would argue that the films that I’ve made with Nicole Holofcener have melancholy,” she adds. “Certainly, there’s dramas baked into her stories.”

    With Tuesday, “I was looking for something, I’m not going to use the word ‘dark,’ but dramatic, and it came at the right time, and this exact role, I felt like I had a way into it. I had an emotional understanding of what the task was before me,” Louis-Dreyfus told IndieWire in June 2024. Praising the film’s director Daina O. Pusić, she said, “This movie required me to go to a place … I have not gone before as an actor in such a big way. Perhaps when I was younger on stage, and I did dramatic parts, but to do a film that explores this kind of dramatic material, I needed to make sure I was in safe, tender hands.”

    As The A.V. Club‘s Emma Keates has argued, however, the best hands to guide Louis-Dreyfus’ immense talents on the silver screen remain Holofcener’s. Luckily, that’s a relationship both director and actor are keen to continue: “We’re trying to come up with something, but it’s not for lack of trying. We’re working on it. I’m going to see her soon. I’m definitely going to work with her again, but I can’t tell you what it is yet,” Louis-Dreyfus shared with IndieWire. In the meantime, if any other directors want to test out her dramatic abilities, she’s interested!



    Julia Louis-Dreyfus is undeniably one of the most talented comedic actresses in Hollywood, but it’s time for her to showcase her dramatic chops as well. Despite her incredible range and versatility, it seems that no one is offering her any dramatic roles.

    From her iconic roles in “Seinfeld” and “Veep” to her numerous Emmy wins, Louis-Dreyfus has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy. However, it’s clear that she has the acting chops to tackle more serious and emotional roles as well.

    It’s a shame that Hollywood seems to be pigeonholing Louis-Dreyfus into comedic roles, when she has so much more to offer as an actress. Hopefully, someone will recognize her talent and offer her the opportunity to showcase her dramatic skills in a powerful and compelling role.

    Julia Louis-Dreyfus deserves the chance to prove that she is not just a comedic actress, but a truly versatile and talented performer. It’s time for Hollywood to start offering her the dramatic roles she deserves.

    Tags:

    Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress, dramatic roles, Hollywood, television, comedy, career, Emmy winner, Seinfeld, Veep, entertainment industry, acting opportunities, leading lady, talented performer

    #offering #Julia #LouisDreyfus #dramatic #roles

  • Why Apple is offering rare iPhone discounts in China

    Why Apple is offering rare iPhone discounts in China


    Getty Images Two young women look at an iPhone 16 Pro at an Apple Store in Chengdu, China.Getty Images

    The US tech giant cuts prices in China as it faces growing competition from local rivals

    Shoppers in China are getting rare discounts on iPhones as Apple faces growing competition from local brands.

    The four-day promotion, which starts this Saturday (4 January), includes discounts of as much as 500 yuan ($68.50, £55.30) on some of the US technology giant’s newest handsets.

    Chinese phone maker Huawei has also cut prices of its high-end mobile devices by as much as 20%.

    The discounts come as consumers in China remain hesitant about spending because of the country’s economic challenges.

    The offer covers Apple’s top models as well as older handsets and some other devices.

    The biggest discount of 500 yuan will apply to Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 Pro, which has a starting price of 7,999 yuan, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max which currently costs 9,999 yuan.

    The firm held a similar promotion in China last year ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. This year, the festival starts at the end of January.

    Changing behaviour

    “Apple’s strategy has changed to adapt to the change in Chinese consumers’ shopping behaviour,” said Will Wong, a senior research manager for market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC).

    “The value-seeking trend has made price discounts more attractive to consumers. Apple may fall behind other competitors if it doesn’t adopt such a pricing strategy.”

    The discounts being offered by Apple and Huawei reflect a wider trend in China.

    From online retail giants to the country’s car makers, deals are being offered in a bid to attract customers who have been reluctant to spend as the world’s second largest economy slows.

    The Chinese government has also stepped up efforts to boost consumption.

    Last year, Beijing launched a trade-in programme to encourage consumers to replace old products such as cars and household appliances.

    The plan was expanded on Friday to include mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches and fitness bands.

    Local competition

    Against this backdrop, Apple’s share of the Chinese market has come under increasing pressure from local rivals, such as Vivo and Xiaomi.

    The US firm re-entered China’s top five smartphone makers in the third quarter of 2024 after briefly dropping off the list.

    According to IDC’s latest research, Vivo was China’s best-selling smartphone maker in the period as its sales jumped by more than 20%.

    During the same period, Apple saw sales dip by 0.3%. Huawei’s jumped by more than 40%.

    “We’ve seen market competition increase with almost everyone launching a flagship last quarter,” said Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research.

    Huawei has seen demand for its products surge after its return to the premium smartphone market in August last year.

    The Shenzhen-based firm has since launched several new devices powered by advanced technology despite the company facing US restrictions.



    Apple is currently offering rare discounts on its iPhones in China, and many are wondering why. There are a few possible reasons for this unexpected move by the tech giant.

    One reason could be the increasingly competitive smartphone market in China. With companies like Huawei and Xiaomi gaining popularity, Apple may be feeling the pressure to lower its prices in order to stay competitive and attract more customers.

    Another possible reason for the discounts could be the slowing economy in China. With consumers feeling the pinch, Apple may be looking to entice more people to purchase its products by offering lower prices.

    Additionally, Apple may be trying to clear out older iPhone models in preparation for the release of new products. By offering discounts on older models, the company can make room for new inventory and generate excitement for upcoming releases.

    Overall, the reasons behind Apple’s rare iPhone discounts in China are still unclear, but one thing is for certain – customers in China can take advantage of these deals and get their hands on a brand new iPhone at a discounted price.

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  • Disney Cruise Line Is Offering 50% off Kids for Disney+ Subscribers — What to Know

    Disney Cruise Line Is Offering 50% off Kids for Disney+ Subscribers — What to Know


    Disney Cruise Line is rewarding Disney+ subscribers by offering half-price cruises for kids next year.

    The promotion, which must be booked by Feb. 16, 2025, welcomes third and fourth guests under 18 years old to sail for 50 percent off when they travel with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom, according to the company. The sale is available on select 2025 sailings from Jan. 3 through June 13.

    The promotion is valid on select cruises on the Disney Wish, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Wonder.

    “Disney+ Subscribers: Now is the time to give your family a Disney Cruise Line vacation,” the company wrote on its website about the promotion. 

    To take advantage of the deal, travelers must be Disney+ subscribers and book a stateroom category between 04A and 11C. Cruisers can book up to two staterooms with the offer, but two full-fare guests must stay in each stateroom.

    The promotion does not include gratuities, and the Disney+ subscriber must be listed as the primary guest on the reservation. To book, travelers must sign in to their MyDisney account using the same email address associated with their Disney+ subscription.

    A Disney+ subscription is available as part of a bundle with Hulu, Max, or ESPN+ and starts at $10.99 per month.

    Disney operates a fleet of six ships: the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Wish, and its newest ship, the Disney Treasure. The Treasure is the second in the company’s Wish class of ships and features stories from “Aladdin,” “Moana,” and “Coco,” along with adults-only restaurants, the classic Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the company’s immersive kids’ clubs, and more.

    Disney Cruise Line, considered one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite cruise lines, sails to destinations across the world from the Bahamas to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and beyond. The company plans to add seven more ships to its fleet by 2031.



    Are you a Disney+ subscriber looking to plan your next family vacation? Well, you’re in luck because Disney Cruise Line is offering a special deal just for you!

    For a limited time, Disney Cruise Line is offering 50% off kids’ fares for Disney+ subscribers. This means you can save big on your next family cruise and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

    But before you book your cruise, here’s what you need to know:

    1. This offer is available for select sailings and it is subject to availability. Be sure to check the terms and conditions before booking.

    2. To take advantage of this offer, you must be a Disney+ subscriber. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can sign up for Disney+ and start saving on your kids’ fares.

    3. Kids must be 17 years old or younger to qualify for the discount.

    4. This offer is not valid on previous bookings and cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.

    So, if you’ve been dreaming of a magical Disney Cruise vacation, now is the perfect time to make it a reality. Don’t miss out on this incredible offer and start planning your family’s adventure on the high seas today!

    Tags:

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