Sales abound, possibly hurting retailers

Article Abstract:

The proliferation of discount sales in Hong Kong may be spoiling consumers and may have serious negative effects on retailers in the long run. According to experts, the slashed-priced marketing campaigns that have become ubiquitous since the onset of the recession may not necessarily lead to a sustainable increase in sales volume. Instead, the heavy discounting might lead increasingly price-sensitive shoppers to hold back spending until the economy improves and stores are less generous with their pricing.

Sales & consumption, Hong Kong, Retail Store Chains, Economic aspects, Retail industry, Retail trade, Chain stores, Discounts (Sales)

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Navigating with no hands: voice-directed program drives web browsers

Article Abstract:

A new voice recognition program for web browsers has been developed by researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The program, the Speech-Assisted Online Search Agent (Salsa), allows speakers to use Mandarin, English and Cantonese vocal commands to drive web browsers and has been tested successfully for voice recognition despite differences in accents. Researchers are now adding French and Japanese to the program and expects the program to be available to the public by 1999.

Prepackaged software, Research, Innovations, Computer software industry, Software industry, Internet access software, Web browsers, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

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