InPost parcel locker networks has entered the French market for a debut launch, the around the clock self-service collection and dispatch terminals are being planned to open in 2,500 convenient locations until 2016.

"In 2014, InPost has also made alliances with Carrefour Italy, TNT Express Italy and with the Italian ecommerce platform Banzai. According to estimates, over 1,000 InPost parcel lockers will be installed around Italy by the end of 2015. London Underground stations and Transport for London (TfL) have also confirmed cooperation with InPost lockers set to be installed at parking locations and the locker market is accelerating. A further agreement with Supermarket Morrisons, operating over 500 UK stores, has also been secured by InPost."

"The company also announced its plans for the Middle East and North African regions in its joint venture with global logistics company Aramex, ensuring the transportation of goods throughout the MENA regions. By the end of 2014, the network should cover the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt and the Republic of South Africa."

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Source Smartinsights.com

German consumers are ready for mobile payment methods.

"One in three (33%) of those surveyed would like to make mobile payments at gas stations. With smartphone owners – 40 million, half of all Germans – this rises to 43%, or more than 17 million potential consumers. But, the study adds, even a quarter of respondents without a smartphone would like to use a mobile payment solution at gas stations."

"33% of all respondents and 45% of smartphone owners (18 million people) would like to pay for their bus and train tickets using mobile phones – as well as 21% of people without smartphones. 30% of all respondents, 41% of smartphone owners, and a fifth (20%) of consumers without smartphones would like to use mobile payment solutions in supermarkets and drugstores."

"42% of smartphone owners and 29% of all those surveyed also mentioned that additional information, such as always having an up-to-date insight into expenditure incurred, provided added value to paying by smartphone that they would find convincing. 39% of smartphone owners (29% of all respondents) would appreciate to make mobile payments everywhere – in-store, online, and when paying on invoice."

"28% of all respondents and 37% of smartphone owners would appreciate a faster payment process provided by mobile payments, in comparison to conventional methods. This is consistent with the finding that 14 to 29 year-olds in particular (83%) suffer from queues at the cash register and 43% of 30 to 39 year-olds are annoyed when they have to make a detour to the bank to get cash."

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UK-licensed online gambling operators reported revenue of EUR 1.26 billion (GBP 1.06 billion) in the 12 months ending September 2013, up 16% year-on-year.

"Online sports betting revenue improved 17% to EUR 1.1 billion (GBP 879 million)."

"Online pool betting added revenue of EUR 136 million (GBP 108 million) whereas the casino vertical cumulated around EUR 38 million (GBP 30 million). As far as the bingo vertical is concerned, it recorded 20% increase to EUR 2.5 million (GBP 2 million). Both online gambling accounts and active accounts registered a rising trend and new player registrations jumped to 5.2 million, the highest level in the last 5 years."

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Despite the risks, Bitcoin could bring benefits to Middle Eastern investors - "the digital currency is seen as a disruptive technology that could help ignite the region’s ecommerce industry".

"Given the high smartphone penetration (50% of its mobile phones are smartphones) in the Middle East, Bitcoin may be suited to the need of the population, as its demographics is dominated by youth."

"The study also points out that investors in North America and Europe are currently capitalizing on an increasingly varied field of Bitcoin startups for investment. However, according to data, GCC investors have fewer local options and will have to take on more risk to achieve gains or turn to international services."

"The same report also mentions that investors however should conduct their own due diligence in ventures before investing as they are risky investments. Bitcoin, still being in an experimental phase, has an 80% probability of going to zero, as the value of bitcoin is basically driven by people’s acceptance."

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