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Major accounting firm Deloitte reports extensive cybersecurity breach
Deloitte, a major US and global accounting firm, revealed that it was hit with a cybersecurity breach that may have extended from October of last year through this past March, the Guardian reports. The company -- one of the world's Big Four accounting firms -- which works with large banks, global firms and government agencies, among others, provides tax and auditing services, operations consulting, merger and acquisition assistance and, wait for it, cybersecurity advice.
Brits will send 300 billion IMs in 2014, and it's all down to sexting
The traditional lull in news during the summer seasons means that throughout August, companies pump out swathes of research that would otherwise get ignored or drowned out. Coincidentally, Deloitte is claiming that the UK population is likely to send around 300 billion electronic instant messages this year, up from 160 billion in 2013. What's the cause of this sudden near-doubling of iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger chat? Sexting. At least that's what Paul Lee, Deloitte's media and telecoms chief, believes, saying that teenagers sending winky emoticons and Snapchatting pictures of their genitals pets is the biggest contributor to the rise. According to the firm, the average person sends just seven texts, but nearly 50 IMs in a single day, and that if the trend continues, 2014 will be the first year that text messaging numbers fall compared to its free rivals. Just think, it'll be September soon, so we can all go back to reading about actual developments in the world of technology.
Can't I help you? Shoppers are shunning store assistants in favor of smartphones
Although it often feels like you're stealing, being able to walk into an store, pay for a product with your phone and leave without any employee interaction can be liberating. It's an experience that an increasing number of consumers are starting to enjoy too, as evidenced by a new report from Deloitte that suggests shoppers would rather pull out their smartphone or tablet inside a store than speak to an associate. More than half of the people surveyed admitted they prefer using a mobile device to compare prices, gather more information or check availability, while just under half of respondents said they'd rather use complete a mobile payment than head to a cash register. Even unmanned kiosks (think touch displays or tables full of tablets) outranked small talk with a retail employee.
Millennials are watching video on tablets and computers more than TVs
Apparently kids these days prefer to watch shows and movies on things other than a TV. According to a new study by Deloitte, 56 percent of "training millennials" (people ages 14-24) are tuning in to their favorite shows on computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming devices rather than a television. The majority, 32 percent, are watching on their computers, while just 7 percent are keeping up with the Kardashians on their tablets. That's a huge contrast from grandma's "mature" 67+ age group where a whopping 92 percent of viewers are still watching the tube the traditional way, and even a noticeable difference from millennials ages 25-30 where 53 percent of viewers are still cuddling up in their Snuggies in front of a traditional set. If the trend continues, all those 4K TV makers might need to look at focusing their efforts on something a little smaller instead.
HMV facing 66 store closures, 930 layoffs
HMV, a multimedia chain and one of the UK's top high street game retailers, is closing 66 of its 220 stores, with 930 employees losing their jobs as a result. Deloitte, the company's administrators, said the closures should occur within the next one to two months."This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of securing the business' future as a going concern," said Joint Administrator Nick Edwards. "We continue to receive strong support from staff and are extremely grateful to them for their commitment during an understandably difficult period. All other key stakeholders remain very supportive and I continue to be hopeful of securing a future for the restructured business."HMV also posted a statement on its Facebook page this morning, echoing Deloitte by saying the closures give the retailer the best chance possible of a viable future on the high street: "As you may be aware, a number of our stores in the UK have been earmarked for closure. This decision has not been taken lightly and, though very sad and regrettable, it is necessary to give HMV the best possible chance of emerging from administration and having a future on the high street. We'd like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of affected colleagues, who continue to work with great passion and dedication, and this decision in no way reflects on their considerable efforts on behalf of HMV. We also sincerely thank our customers in these locations for their valued support over many years, who we hope will continue to shop at HMV." HMV entered administration in January after failing to secure $483 million for debt financing. Hilco, a British restructuring company, subsequently took on the debt and is expected to take over the company. HMV's struggles have headlined a tough 2013 so far for British games retail, with Play.com closing its retail operations and Blockbuster UK also entering administration.
Blockbuster closures in UK hit 160 stores
Deloitte, the group handling the administration of Blockbuster UK, will close 160 of the retailer's 500 stores. Blockbuster UK went into administration Wednesday, appointing Deloitte to the task of handling the bankruptcy proceedings and finding a buyer for the company.Lee Manning, an administrator with the group, told GamesIndustry International, "Having reviewed the portfolio with management, the store closure plan is an inevitable consequence of having to restructure the Company to a profitable core which is capable of being sold." Deloitte noted that more store closings may hit in the coming weeks.
Report finds British families game together, Wii very popular
A recent report conducted in Britain by research firm Deloitte says that the average Brit spends about 6.6 hours a week playing video games. As part of that report, Deloitte also found that a quarter of the individuals who were polled owned a Wii, with another quarter stating that they intend to own one in 2009. It's no surprise, if you've been keeping up with sales figures.Another aspect of the report that is quite interesting is the perception of gaming overall. Apparently, video games are considered part of "family time" over there for those between the ages of 26 and 42. It warms our heart to think of all the families getting along splendidly, enjoying gaming together. How many of you enjoy gaming with your family? What games do you all play together? Is gaming your main hobby?[Via Joystiq]
Report: Half of Brits own or intend to buy Wii in 2009
A new report, entitled "Media Democracy," by research firm Deloitte claims that the average media-consuming Brit spends 6.6 hours per week playing video games. The most staggering finding in the report is that a quarter of respondents owned a Wii, while another quarter said they intended to buy one by the end of this year. That would mean the Brits owning a Wii would outnumber those who assisted in the great Adipose breeding program.The research report also found that gaming is now considered "family time" for those between the ages of 26 and 42, with interest in the activity declining after 40. Speaking of which -- we can't confirm whether The Doctor has picked up a Wii, but we do know Her Majesty has done some Wii Sports bowling.
