Latest news with #Island
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
George Fiji Veikoso death: Reggae icon leaves behind loving family and multi-million dollar legacy
George Brooks Veikoso, known across the Pacific and the world as Fiji, a pioneering figure in Island reggae and one of the most influential Polynesian artists of his generation, has passed away at the age of 55. The artist reportedly died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Widely referred to as The Voice of the Pacific , the singer's death has triggered an outpouring of grief and remembrance across the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, and the global reggae community. Social media tributes have flooded in since news broke that George Fiji Veikoso died on July 24, 2025. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Leadership Degree Technology Healthcare MCA others Product Management Cybersecurity Operations Management Design Thinking Others PGDM Artificial Intelligence Project Management MBA Management Data Science Data Analytics CXO healthcare Digital Marketing Public Policy Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Also Read | Fiji singer death: Who was George Fiji Veikoso, and has the cause of death been revealed? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dolly Parton, 79, Takes off Makeup, Leaves Us With No Words The Noodle Box Undo Early Life and Musical Roots Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu Province, Fiji, George Veikoso came from a musically inclined family. His uncles, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko, were pivotal in shaping his early love for music. Fiji began singing in church choirs and performing in community events from a young age. These early years provided a foundation that would later make him a household name, as per a report by Leader Biography. Following political unrest in Fiji during the late 1980s, he moved to Hawaii in 1987, a turning point that catapulted his music career to international levels. Entry into the Music Industry Veikoso began performing with the Fijian band Rootstrata before embarking on a solo journey in Hawaii. By 1994, his debut album Evolution introduced his unique fusion of reggae, R&B, and island sounds. It was the 1996 release Born & Raised that transformed him into an icon. Songs like 'Lia,' 'Smokin' Session,' and 'Good Thing' became Pacific anthems. Live Events Over the decades, he collaborated with key artists such as J Boog, Maoli, and Tenelle, earning acclaim not just for his voice but for elevating Pacific Island music on the global stage. Legacy and Awards George 'Fiji' Veikoso was the recipient of multiple accolades throughout his career. He won several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and was named Best Pacific International Artist at the 2014 Pacific Music Awards. In 2021, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to regional music. In 2024, he returned to Fiji for a historic two-day homecoming concert in Nadi that drew thousands of fans and government dignitaries. Personal Life: Family and Privacy Though a beloved public figure, George Veikoso Fiji singer , maintained a notably private personal life. While sources confirm that he was married and had children, the artist chose not to share specific details about his family in public. His social media focused on music, culture, and inspirational messages rather than his domestic life. He often expressed gratitude for his family and Fijian roots, crediting both for keeping him grounded despite international success. The Day the Music Stopped: How Did Fiji Pass Away? While an official cause of death has not been disclosed, close associates noted that the artist had been facing ongoing health complications, believed to be related to heart issues. The lack of official detail has not stopped fans and peers from honoring his life and contributions. Fellow musicians Kimie Miner and Kelly Delima were among the first to express their sorrow. 'It really hurt because I felt like I couldn't call on my mentor anymore,' Miner wrote. 'His legacy is so big, I know it will carry on forever', as quoted in a report by The Times of India. Global and Regional Tributes Following the announcement that George Fiji Veikoso died, tributes came pouring in from across the Pacific and beyond. The Fijian Prime Minister referred to him as a 'national treasure,' while Hawaiian officials praised his role in preserving and promoting native music traditions. Memorial concerts were immediately organized, with performances from regional stars such as J Boog and Josh Tatofi. Candlelight vigils took place in Suva, Honolulu, and other Pacific cities. Radio stations across the region aired 24-hour Fiji music marathons in his honor. Net Worth and Financial Legacy At the time of his death, George Veikoso's net worth was estimated between USD 2 million and USD 3 million, as per a report by The Times of India. His income streams included: Album and digital music sales Live performances and tours Licensing of music for films and TV shows (notably Baywatch: Hawaii ) Collaborations with regional and international artists He owned property in both Hawaii and Fiji and remained financially independent through decades of evolving musical trends. Cultural and Musical Influence Veikoso's unique style—melding reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz with traditional Pacific elements—earned him a revered place in world music. He mentored numerous young musicians and was an outspoken advocate for Pacific unity and youth empowerment. He also made a cameo appearance in the Hollywood film Blue Crush and co-wrote the theme song for Baywatch: Hawaii . His catalog has since achieved more than 500 million digital streams, an extraordinary feat for any artist from the Pacific. FAQs Who was George 'Fiji' Veikoso? George Brooks Veikoso, widely known as 'Fiji,' was a legendary Polynesian singer, hailed as the Voice of the Pacific . He was a pioneering force in Island reggae, blending traditional Pacific influences with reggae, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. When and where was Fiji born? He was born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu Province, Fiji.
Axios
a day ago
- Business
- Axios
Publishers race against Google Zero doomsday clock
Publishers are racing to readjust their businesses as the threat of "Google Zero" — a world where Google no longer distributes meaningful traffic to publishers — looms large. Why it matters: Traffic referrals from chatbots aren't expected to come close to offsetting traffic from traditional search. Publishers need to find new ways to make money now that one of their most reliable revenue streams is quickly evaporating. Driving the news: Wired is expanding its subscription offering with several new products at higher prices, including livestream AMAs with editors, audio narration for articles and new newsletters. Its new newsletters are Model Behavior by senior correspondent Kylie Robison covering AI and Made in China by senior writer Zeyi Yang and senior business editor Louise Matsakis. In an editor letter, Wired's global editorial director Katie Drummond framed the changes as a response to the " traffic apocalypse," citing the decline of Facebook traffic and Google search referrals. The solution is to "connect our humans to all of you humans," Drummond wrote. State of play: More media companies are investing in owned and operated channels and direct-to-reader products with newsletters, apps and events businesses. The Verge just released new site features that allow readers to directly follow its journalists and topics in a personalized feed on its homepage. The company is also launching new newsletters, including a daily flagship newsletter. Business Insider is investing in events, video and new products, including an AI-generated audio briefing, while pulling back from areas that were sensitive to search traffic like its SEO-driven commerce business, CEO Barbara Peng told Axios in June. Bustle Digital Group is expecting its most profitable year, driven by events with Nylon. It also launched an invite-only membership program. "Instead of being a website that publishes stories, we're now basically an events company," CEO Bryan Goldberg told Adweek. People launched a TikTok-like app in April with scrollable and swipeable original content, catering to fans of video-first mobile experiences over text-heavy articles. BuzzFeed is creating its own social media platform called BF Island where users can play with interactive and AI-powered features. Newsweek is launching more subscription products and expanding non-advertising revenue sources in an effort to hedge against search traffic losses. The big picture: Publishers are playing defense, building their own destinations and weaning themselves off platforms that use their content as training data. The goal is to own the audience connection and no longer be vulnerable to algorithmic and other platform shifts. Between the lines: Search traffic declines come as the publishing industry still grapples with the fallout of social media referrals. Social media traffic to news sites has cratered in recent years, as social apps prioritize short-form video over links. Traffic from search browsers now represents nearly three times the amount of referral traffic to publishers than social. Zoom out: Dozens of publishers have begun to strike content licensing deals with AI companies as a way to hedge against the revenue losses from traditional search. Those deals, which typically last between two and five years, aren't considered reliable enough for publishers to fully depend on them long term. What to watch: Google recently added a tool to its ad manager that allows publishers to collect micropayments from readers as its AI overviews erode referral traffic.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Push for Islanders in Guernsey to protect ears in the sun
Islanders are being reminded to protect their ears in the sun by a local hearing expert, after seeing regular sun damage on her Chammings, hearing aid audiologist at Specsavers, said she sees "at least two or three [cases of sun damage on people's ears] a month".To prevent sunburn, the NHS recommends using sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) and applying it generously to all exposed skin, including the ears, before going outside. Ms Chammings said: "It's an area that even when you're putting it [sun cream] on yourself, quite often you forget the tops of your ears." Ms Chammings said ears tend to "stick out a bit" so are more susceptible to also recommended wearing a hat to shield ears in the of sun damaged ears include "peely skin, redness, soreness on the top part of your ear and anything that keeps coming back or is persistent", she part of her job, Ms Chammings explained she refers people to get their ears checked by their doctor regularly. "Quite a lot of our clients have little chunks missing where they literally have to cut [sun damage] out." This story is part of BBC Guernsey's Sun Safety Campaign.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
18 Reasons to wait for iPhone 17 launch and not to buy the Apple iPhone 16
18 rumours about iPhone 17 series: If you're on the fence about upgrading your iPhone, you should hold off a little longer. Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series looks like it's shaping up to be a game-changer—especially if you value design, performance, and camera innovation. Let's walk through what makes this release one worth waiting for. Why waiting for the iPhone 17 might be worth it? Thinking of upgrading your iPhone soon? The iPhone 17 might be worth the wait, with major design changes, improved cameras, and big performance upgrades expected across the lineup. 1. iPhone 17 Air According to The Information, Apple intends to introduce an entirely new iPhone 17 model featuring a " significantly thinner design." As per Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device, potentially named "iPhone 17 Air," will showcase a "major redesign" that includes a single rear camera on a horizontal camera bar at the top of the device and a narrower Dynamic Island. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for Apple, speculates that the iPhone 17 Air will measure 5.5mm in thickness at its thinnest point. This suggests it will have a 5.5mm chassis, with a thicker rear camera bump area. It is speculated that the device will feature a 6.6-inch display and likely replace the Plus model in Apple's product range. Other reported features comprise an aluminium chassis, an A19 chip, Apple's C1 modem, an Action button, a Camera Control button, and a front camera with 24MP. 2. Redesigned camera This year's iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a significant redesign, particularly focused on modifications to the rear camera module. Recent reports indicate that Apple will transition from the well-known square camera bump to a unique aluminium camera bar that extends across the device's width. The area around the camera will have the same colour as the rest of the device. The regular iPhone 17 is not expected to feature the redesigned camera module. There are rumours that the devices will have a new rear design that combines glass and aluminium. The upper section of the back will be made of aluminium and will feature a new camera bump crafted from aluminium rather than the usual 3D glass. The lower half will consist of glass to allow for wireless charging. Apple has utilised a glass back since the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in 2017, whereas earlier iPhone models (excluding the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 5C) featured aluminium backs. According to The Information, the aluminium camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro will also be larger than earlier models. 3. All new aluminum design It has been reported that Apple intends to return all its devices to aluminium with the iPhone 17 lineup. The two flagship iPhone 17 Pro models will reintroduce aluminium frames to high-end iPhones for the first time since Apple started distinguishing between Pro and non-Pro models. In recent years, aluminium frames have been used for lower-end devices like the iPhone SE and iPhone 16. At the same time, premium models utilised stainless steel frames until the introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro, which featured a titanium chassis as a significant upgrade. The change in materials for the iPhone 17 lineup indicates a unified strategy, as aluminium frames are set to be reintroduced across all devices in the range. 4. Display size The display sizes of last year's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max increased from 6.12 and 6.69 inches to 6.27 and 6.86 inches, respectively. Apple anticipates incorporating the larger 6.27-inch display size into its standard iPhone model for 2025, while the corresponding "iPhone 17 Plus" model (tentatively named "iPhone 17 Air") could feature entirely new display dimensions. 5. Apple-Designed Wi-Fi 7 Chip The high-end 2025 models from Apple are anticipated to feature a Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple itself. With Wi-Fi 7 support, the "Pro" models could send and receive data simultaneously across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands with a compatible router, leading to faster Wi-Fi speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity reliability. The Wi-Fi chip would also enable Apple to decrease its dependence on external suppliers such as Broadcom, which presently provides Apple with a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 6. 120Hz ProMotion It is rumoured that Apple plans to extend ProMotion to all iPhone models in 2025, enabling all models to increase their refresh rate to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and video content when needed. Until now, the feature has only been available on the "Pro" models of Apple's iPhone lineup. ProMotion would allow the displays on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 "Air" to decrease their refresh rates to as low as 1Hz for greater energy efficiency, facilitating an always-on display that shows the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked. One leaker has recently disputed that the non-Pro models will feature ProMotion, asserting instead that they will have fixed 120Hz screens to preserve some differentiation. 7. 48MP Telephoto Lens While an enhanced 48-megapixel Telephoto lens on Apple's high-end devices is anticipated to be fine-tuned for use with the Vision Pro headset, specifics about its interaction with the Vision Pro remain unknown. Thanks to the enhanced Telephoto, the rear camera system of the iPhone 17 Pro models would consist entirely of 48-megapixel lenses for the first time in an iPhone, allowing it to capture even more photographic detail. It has been rumoured that the new Telephoto lens will provide a 3.5x zoom (equivalent to 85mm) instead of the current 5x zoom (equivalent to 120mm). This focal length is usually more appropriate for portraits and casual photography, as it enables users to frame shots without distancing themselves too much from the subject. However, the new 48MP sensor brings about a significant change: its higher resolution makes it possible to simulate longer focal lengths through digital cropping rather than relying on standard digital zoom, which results in less quality degradation. 8. 24 MP selfie camera According to one rumour, the iPhone 17 lineup will include a front-facing camera with 24 megapixels and a six-element lens. The iPhone 14 and 15 come equipped with a front-facing camera with five plastic lens elements and 12 megapixels. The same hardware is also found in last year's iPhone 16 series. Thanks to the iPhone 17's enhanced resolution of 24 megapixels, photos will retain their quality when cropped or zoomed in, and the increased pixel count will allow for the capture of finer details. Switching to a six-element lens also improves image quality. 9. 8K video recording It has been reported that Apple conducted 8K video recording tests on the iPhone 16 Pro models; however, this feature is not yet available. Since the iPhone 17 Pro models are anticipated to feature exclusively 48-megapixel rear cameras, they will likely be the first devices to offer 8K video recording. Several competing smartphones provide 8K video recording features, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro (through AI upscaling). Although content creators don't currently widely use 8K video recording, it still has applications. For example, shooting in 8K enables videographers to use the Ultra Wide camera for recording and then apply a 50% crop while maintaining a 4K resolution. In February, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notably reported that Apple intends to highlight the enhanced video recording features of the iPhone 17 Pro during its unveiling later this year. Therefore, 8K video recording will be one of the features Apple promotes when the new lineup is launched. 10. Memory One of the models in Apple's iPhone 17 lineup will feature 12GB. Investment firm Haitong's Jeff Pu has asserted that the base iPhone 17 will include 8GB of RAM, with both Pro models featuring increased RAM, whereas Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have 12GB. Conversely, a trustworthy source asserted that every iPhone 17 model will feature 12GB of RAM. As a comparison, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro models contain 8GB of RAM, and all iPhone 16 models also have 8GB of RAM. With such an increase, multitasking on the iPhone would be enhanced, and additional resources would be available for Apple Intelligence features that rely on large-language models being stored in memory. 11. Scratch Resistant Anti-Reflective Display One rumour suggests that the iPhone 17 will have an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield used in the iPhone 15 models. However, the new iPhone 16 Pro models are equipped with the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which has a formulation twice as tough as that of any other smartphone's glass. The iPhone 17's outer glass features a "super-hard anti-reflective layer", offering "greater resistance to scratches." It remains uncertain if Apple intends to use the Gorilla Glass Armour found in Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra, but Corning's newest technology description aligns with the speculation. Nonetheless, a source with a good track record who talked to MacRumors indicated that Apple may have scrapped its plans for the scratch-resistant coating. 12. A19 processor Each year, Apple usually enhances iPhones with chip technology that is faster and more efficient. While we do not expect the iPhone 17 series to get TSMC's next-generation 2-nanometer chips, Apple's A19 chip technology will likely be built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process. It is anticipated that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature an A19 Pro chip, whereas the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air may come with either the standard A19 chip or the A18 chip. With TSMC developing its N3P process and planning to start mass production in late 2024, we anticipate that Apple will utilize this chip technology for the iPhone 17 lineup. Compared to previous iterations of 3nm chips, the N3P chips provide enhanced performance efficiency and a higher transistor density. 13. Smaller dynamic island According to Haitong's Jeff Pu and a Chinese leaker, the most premium iPhone model 2025 will incorporate a smaller "metalens" for its Face ID system, resulting in a significantly narrower Dynamic Island. A conventional iPhone camera uses curved lenses to direct light to the image sensor. In contrast, a metalens is flat and thin, featuring microscopic patterns that allow for more precise light focusing. If this leads to a narrowed Dynamic Island, it would mark the first change Apple has made to the feature since its introduction on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. 14. New thermal design According to one report, the iPhone 17 lineup will include a vapour chamber heatsink to enhance thermal performance. Many premium Android devices already utilise vapour chamber technology. Vapour chambers distribute heat uniformly over a larger surface area, which helps prevent thermal throttling and ensures consistent performance—this is especially advantageous in slim devices. According to the report, all models in the iPhone 17 series will utilise the enhanced thermal heat spreader. 15. Big battery It is reported that Apple has made the iPhone 17 Pro Max deeper than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (whose depth was 8.25 mm) by an amount of 0.475 mm, bringing it to a value of 8.725 mm. One leaker stated that the increase "surely means a larger battery." Aside from depth, the frame of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is said to be unchanged and identical to that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 16. Reverse wireless charging According to the Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, Apple has tested a wireless reverse charging feature for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models, allowing the iPhone to deliver power to other Apple devices. A Chinese source has leaked information suggesting that Apple is working on a 7.5W wireless charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models, which could also be used to charge other Apple products such as AirPods, the Apple Watch, or possibly a future MagSafe Battery Pack. 17. New colours The standard iPhone 17 model is said to be available in six colours, including the current Black and White shades, along with four new additions: Steel Grey, Green, Purple, and Light Blue. The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be available in Black, White, Light Blue, and Light Gold. The iPhone 17 Pro models are reported to include new Dark Blue and Orange colours alongside the Black, White (or Liquid Glass?), and Grey options. 18. Qi 2.2 wireless MagSafe charging According to regulatory filings, the iPhone 17 series could be the first Apple devices to support the next-generation Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard. The filings disclose two new models of MagSafe chargers that are compatible with the standard, which can technically provide a charging output of up to 50W. On the other hand, the Qi 2 standard has a maximum output of 15W (though iPhone 16 models are compatible with enhanced MagSafe charging – using a 30W charger allows the iPhones to charge at up to 25W). Naturally, there's no assurance that the iPhone 17 will charge at the maximum 50W output that Qi 2.2 supports. Besides quicker charging, Qi 2.2 enhances magnetic alignment and charging efficiency over its predecessor. iPhone 17 Vs. iPhone 16 iPhone 17 Pro launch date in India (Expected) It is projected that the iPhone 17 series will be on sale from September 8 to September 12. Apple iPhone 17 price in India (Expected) It is anticipated that the iPhone 17 Pro would debut in India at a starting price of Rs 1,45,000. Storage capacities for this model will include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The Pro Max model, meanwhile, is probably going to start at Rs 1,60,000. The iPhone 17 is expected to launch in India for an initial price of Rs 79,900, according to pricing leaks for the device in other countries. A new model in this series, the iPhone 17 Air, would retail for about Rs 95,000 when it launches.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Love Island's Harrison hits back at Women's Aid amid backlash over villa actions
Former Love Island star Harrison Solomon has spoken out after he was criticised by fans for his behaviour in the villa amid a love triangle with Toni Laites and Lauren Wood Former Love Island contestant Harrison Solomon has spoken out about the criticism he faced from viewers. The islander had come under fire from fans during a complicated love triangle involving co-stars Toni Laites and Lauren Wood whilst in the villa. The 22-year-old attracted attention on the ITV2 show for what he deemed as a "back-and-forth" between his romantic connections with Toni, 24, and Lauren, 26. This included him sleeping with Lauren whilst separated from Toni, then urging Toni to choose him at the next recoupling. Following his recoupling with Toni, footballer Harrison proceeded to get to know Lauren once again, the Mirror reports. Lauren was dumped from the villa last week after she was left single when bombshell Angel chose to couple up with her partner Ty, and Harrison later left to reunite with her. Throughout his appearance on the show, Harrison faced criticism from audiences. Last week, during his Love Island journey, a Women's Aid representative released a statement to the Tab, referencing women being "lied to, slut-shamed and manipulated, as well as laughed at behind their backs." Harrison has now addressed the "backlash" in an interview with the Daily Mail, explaining that he found it "hard to digest." He told the publication: "I would disagree with a lot of it in terms of my respect for women, I do respect women." He described the response from Women's Aid as the "worst." He said: "I know myself and the girls on the show too, Toni said she knows I'm not a bad person, just went about situations in the wrong way, but the Women's Aid statement wasn't nice ... it's not nice coming out of the villa to my mum upset by that so I would say that's been the hardest." Harrison expressed remorse, saying he is "sorry" to the women he has "hurt" and admitted, "I got it wrong." He acknowledged that the "back and forth" between his relationships with Lauren and Toni ultimately caused "more harm" than he had intended. However, he insisted it wasn't driven by ego. The former Island said he isn't proud of the way he handled things inside the villa and won't "make excuses." Harrison stated that he simply wants to "own it" and pledged: "If people can give me the space to grow from it, I will do everything I can to be better, and that's the only thing I can do." Harrison pointed out that there's "no handbook" for dealing with being on a reality TV show, like Love Island, saying it is based on "instincts" and "intentions." He admitted to the Daily Mail that while he got "some of it right" he also "got a lot of it wrong." It's been suggested that the statement by Women's Aid particularly upset Harrison due to his relationship with his mother and younger sister. He told the outlet that he prides himself on "standing up for women," as well as being a "protector," but is "disappointed" over how he handled himself in the villa. His comments come just days after viewers saw Harrison quit the show, just a day after Lauren was dumped from the villa. Prior to his exit, an emotional Harrison offered an apology to Toni. He told her before leaving: "I want you to know that I genuinely am sorry for the way that I've treated you in here. [...] I think with me being indecisive in here and trying to spare people's feelings, I feel like I've hurt yours more." Harrison said: "Deep down, you know I've got a good heart but I've just not gone about things the right way in here." Toni went on say: "I know you're not a bad person but you've got a big head and you treated me like s**t repeatedly." He replied: "I know, I'm sorry for that."
