Andy Murray's Wimbledon Title Prospect Enhances

Andy Murray beat Lu Yen-hsun to reach third round at Wimbledon 2013 avenging an embarrassing defeat at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Murray took just two hours to get past Lu Yen-hsun with 6-3, 6-3, 7-5, scorecard. He might have served a little more consistently but he hit 11 aces and 41 clean winners, with only 14 unforced errors.

While other players in the tournament seemed to be falling in an undignified heap, Andy Murray kept his nerve and his footing to advance to round three with a quietly efficient dismissal of Lu Yen-hsun on Court No.1, where Rafael Nadal made a shock exit on day one and Victoria Azarenka took the tumbles on day two that put her out of the competition.

Andy Murray'S chances of making history by breaking a 77-year British sporting jinx at Wimbledon have been dramatically enhanced by the shock exits of heavyweights like Roger Federer, the defending champion, Rafael Nadal and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The decimation of the lower half of the men's singles draw leaves Murray with Nicolas Almagro, as his highest-ranked opponent on a route to the final.

McLaren to bring big upgrades for Silverstone

McLaren has tested its latest upgrade package at the Idiada circuit in Spain to decide which to keep on the car. As Formula One returns to Eurpore this weekend, Mclaren is hoping to make a decent step forward at Silverstone. They used the opportunity between the Canadian and British Grands Prix to test thier upgrades during an allowed straight-line test.

In the recently concluded Canadian Grand Prix, the Woking based team failed to bring either of their cars inside top ten position. This is the first time in 64 consecutive races they have failed to score a point. Jonathan Neale, Mclaren's managing director, feels the car is lacking downforce and that is what they are trying to create at the moment.

British fans are looking forward to see Mclaren secure their first podium in 2013 at Silverstone. British Fans will also witness a four-man Brit attack at this weekend in Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton, Max Chilton, Paul di Resta and Jenson Button will compete for a win at home. Lewis Hamilton was victorious in the 2008 race with McLaren. Wish he recreates the magic again.

Buy British Grand Prix Tickets at the Gate of Silverstone Circuit

Undoubtedly the British Grand Prix is the best attended race on the Formula 1 calendar year.But Britain's lack of success on the track has caused a slump in ticket sales for the first time in a decade. The organisers of this weekend's grand prix which for the past two years has sold out, will sell tickets at the gate in an effort to boost attendance across all three racing days. The lack of a British driver winning a race so far this season combined with McLaren's poor form, is being blamed for the drop in ticket sales. But managing director of British Grand Prix, Richard Phillips, is not expecting to reach the record attendance levels of 2011 and 2012, still anticipates another big crowd at Silverstone this weekend.

Ticket sales were slower than usual during the early days, but have seen a significant upturn in interest and buying patterns since F1 returned to Europe. Also an improvement in the weather and a promising forecast for the weekend, will boost ticket sales to fans deciding to turn up on the day. This weekend’s attendance looks set to be one of our biggest in recent years. The British Grand Prix organisers have opened a new counter at Gate 1 to purchase ticket.
For more information, click here.

INFINITI "Curved Visions"

Designboom, in collaboration with INFINITI, are launching the next stage of their amazing International Digital Art Competition – his time inspired by the theme “Curved Visions”.

Recently, designboom and INFINITI launched an international competition worldwide to find the best of the best talent in the digital art world, with each theme focussing on one element of the INFINITI brand.

Viral video by ebuzzing

The first theme was “Inspired Performance” (http://www.infinitieurope.com/aboutinfiniti/digitalart.html) and garnered huge international interest, with over 500 entries from all over the globe. Six finalists were announced and their work was exhibited at various INFINITI Centres across Europe.
In March this year, Japan-born Shinji Nukumi was announced as the winner and was awarded €10,000 for his brilliant artwork entitled ‘INFINITI Passion’ at the official inauguration of the INFINITI Centre Marseille. His design is composed of a series of eye-catching projections on to an Infiniti G Coupé model, which focuses on the ‘inner’ dimension of the car to be able to see the potential of the brand.
Now, designboom and INFINITI are launching the next theme in the competition – “Curved Visions”. Participation is open to applicants worldwide, particularly professionals, design-enthusiasts and students. Participants are asked to design a memorable experience via spectacular or interactive digital artworks or performance, to be displayed in the new showrooms that INFINITI is opening throughout Europe and during other premium events of the brand.

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Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

There are many hybrids on the market, but none of them can match the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

The world's first diesel plug-in hybrid is Volvo Car Corporation's most technically advanced model ever - an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the mere touch of a button you can choose which of your three cars you want to drive at any given moment in time.

The production version of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched in just one color - Electric Silver. Sales get under way at the start of 2012, and the first cars will be built in the autumn of that year. "Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Now we're taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver color, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Viral video by ebuzzing

The first 1,000 units of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are only available in Electric Silver livery. The car is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black, such as the grille and the aerodynamic front spoiler. The chromed "Plug-in Hybrid" emblem is found both on the lower part of the tailgate and in a smaller version on the front wings.

Exclusive interior
The interior of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid has black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood. Other distinctive interior details include a leather-covered steering wheel, specially designed mats and a gear lever knob with integrated indicator.
The list of standard equipment includes features such as speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call.
Standard is also the High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with its 4x40 W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen.

Smartphone app
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the first Volvo to be launched with an entirely digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM). The conventional analogue gauges have been replaced by a one-piece LED screen offering a large number of display options. The driver can choose which information to show via the car's menu setup.
It is also possible to communicate with the car via a mobile app. This gives the owner access to a number of smart functions such as air conditioning, pre-cooling and after-cooling, and a reminder to connect the charge cable if this has not been done by a predetermined time.

The first Volvo with the D6 badge
On the car's tailgate there is a D6 badge. The reason is that the combined performance of the five-cylinder turbo diesel and electric motor puts the car firmly within the same horsepower range as the petrol powered T6.
The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm. The car has a six-speed automatic transmission.
The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.
The sophisticated and exceptionally compact battery pack consists of 10 modules each containing 20 cells. An integrated computer monitors the system and compares temperature and charge level in each of the 200 cells. The battery pack also has an integrated water-cooling system driven by the car's climate unit.

Three driving modes - three cars in one
The driver selects the required driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

• In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 50 kilometers and its carbon dioxide emissions are zero. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.
• Hybridis the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emission (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) is 49g/km, corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100km. The car has a total range of up to 1,000km.
• In Power mode the technology is optimized to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Save battery power for later  
The driver can choose to save battery power in order to drive on pure electricity later on, for instance in an urban green zone or in the heart of a city.
When Save is activated, the on-board system ensures that there is always sufficient charge for driving later in Pure mode. If necessary, the high-tension generator will charge the battery pack so there is sufficient capacity for driving in Pure mode.
The aim is that the Save mode should ensure there is sufficient battery power for about 20 kilometers of driving on electricity alone.

Charge at home - cooling or heating in advance
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a parking lot. Recharging time varies with amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours. This is cut to 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.
It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment to provide a more comfortable start of your journey. This also means that more battery power is used for actually propelling the car.
The pre-conditioning function can also cool the batteries. The ideal operating temperature for the battery pack is 20-30°C. This means that cooling prior to driving is very important in order to maximize battery charge and thus also range.
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has two heating systems. In electric mode the car uses a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) air heater. The car also has a diesel-powered heater.

Better pulling power with four-wheel drive (AWD) 
Pressing the AWD button activates the electrical four-wheel drive. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically-driven rear axle. The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.
However, owing to the electric motor's lower power, torque to the rear wheels is limited and four-wheel drive is active up to 120 km/h.
When four-wheel drive is activated, the diesel engine operates continuously and the generator ensures that the charge level in the battery pack is sufficient to supply the rear axle with the necessary power.
Since electric four-wheel drive is only activated by the driver when necessary, it is more economical than conventional permanent four-wheel drive.

Two-stage braking system
A two-stage braking system is yet another smart feature of the Volvo Plug-in Hybrid. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system starts braking the rear axle's electric motor. This braking energy is then used to recharge the car's battery pack.
The mechanical brakes are activated only when the situation requires more braking power than the rear axle can provide.

Orange Supporter's Cupfootball

With less than 100 days until UEFA EURO 2012TM: Orange launches the Orange Supporters’ Cup to win tickets and more.
Launching across 11 countries in Europe, the Orange Supporters’ Cup gives fans the opportunity to win prizes including tickets to UEFA EURO 2012tm

Fans will compete, individually or in teams, against others in their country and across Europe in a series of online and mobile games – with the most passionate supporters competing for a grand prize of a VIP bus to the tournament and match tickets

Viral video by ebuzzing

Orange is an official partner of UEFA EURO 2012tm, the official technology provider in Poland, and with UEFA is developing the official mobile application for the tournament

With just under 100 days to go until UEFA EURO 2012tm, Orange is launching its first pan-European competition to give football fans the opportunity to show support for their team and prepare for the top European football tournament like never before.

The Orange Supporters’ Cup, launching today at www.supporterscup.orange.com, will showcase supporters from across Europe, from the casual fan to the die-hard supporter, and give them opportunities to compete for prizes including Orange’s UEFA EURO 2012tm merchandise, exciting new phones, and VIP bus trips for the winning teams to Warsaw and Kiev for the opening and final matches of the tournament.

Anyone in Orange’s 11 markets in Europe can participate in the Supporters’ Cup, whether they are an Orange customer or not, and Orange will launch other campaigns in the coming months to help bring EURO 2012tm to life for football fans supporting from home or at the tournament.

“UEFA EURO 2012tm will be a highlight of the year for football supporters, and through the Supporters’ Cup, the official mobile app, and other campaigns that will be launched for the tournament, we are supporting our customers’ passion for football. Through exciting competitions, products and services, we hope to bring EURO 2012tm to life for our customers and fans across Europe” – said Séverine Legrix De La Salle, Vice president, Brand for Orange.

The competition consists of a series of individual and team challenges online and via mobile. Supporters can register and form teams from today to prepare for the competition by creating a supporter avatar, learning more about the national team, and even brushing up on their national anthem.

Orange is a proud sponsor of UEFA EURO 2012TM, with Orange Poland acting as the exclusive technology provider in Poland, and Orange and UEFA developing the official mobile application for the tournament. This is Orange’s first pan-European sponsorship, with the following countries participating in the sponsorship and Supporters’ Cup competition: Spain, Poland, France, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Luxembourg, Moldova, Switzerland and Armenia.

Pay with Barclaycard's PayTag

Watch Hollywood Hero, David Hasselhoff, celebrate the first ever payment by a customer using their Barclaycard PayTag in this surprise extravaganza featuring a group of Shaolin Monks, Can-Can dancers, Cheerleaders and a Brass Band.

About Barclaycard PayTag
PayTag can turn any mobile into a contactless way to pay, in seconds.

Viral video by ebuzzing

There’s no need to fumble with cash, find your card, or enter a PIN. And because it simply sticks to the back of your mobile, it’s right there when you need it most. Putting the convenience of this new way to pay in the palm of your hand.

Find out what happened when a Barclaycard customer used his PayTag as a contactless way to pay.
What is a PayTag?

It’s the new way to pay using contactless technology. Around a third of the size of a credit card, it’s a sticker you can attach to the back of your mobile phone, allowing you to make contactless payments.
Is it safe?

In a word – yes. If you lose your PayTag or it gets stolen, you’ll be protected against fraudulent activity, in just the same way as with your contactless Barclaycard.
Where can I use it?

PayTag can be used on over 100,000 contactless readers across the UK

From your first morning coffee to your late taxi home, with a new PayTag you can make contactless payments up to £15 (increasing to £20 from 1st June 2012)* in seconds at a huge range of places, wherever you see the contactless symbol.

Description: Contactless symbol

By the end of 2012 it is predicted that there will be over 150,000 contactless readers across the UK, including many household names such as Waitrose, Boots and Tesco’s. And we’re adding more every week.

Sandwich shops, sports clubs, newsagents and cafés – even convenience stores are now more convenient.

Your new way to pay is waiting to be discovered.

*Date subject to change, may differ on non-Barclaycard readers.

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