Bits & Bytes | Luxury Web Battle, Zalando's Tech Focus, Apple Ring Patent

"Luxury Web Battle Looms as LVMH, Hugo Boss Develop E-Commerce" (Bloomberg)
"As department stores and publishers join the ranks of those offering luxury goods online, they're running into a new breed of competitor."

"Zalando Focuses on Tech for Growth" (The Financial Times)
"Zalando, the online fashion group founded seven years ago in a Berlin flat, plans to hire more than 800 technology staff next year as it continues its rapid expansion."

"Apple Invents Ring-Style Wearable Device with Voice Control, Haptics, Cameras and More" (Apple Insider)
"A new patent application reveals work on a finger-mounted device stuffed with microphones, motion sensors, a haptic feedback system, biometric sensors, cameras and even a small display."

"Gilt Groupe Cuts 45 Jobs amid a Quest for Profit, CMO and International Head Exit" (TechCrunch)
"Some downsizing is on the cards for Gilt Groupe, the fashion flash-sales site that has been valued at $1.1 billion. TechCrunch has learned that the company is cutting 45 jobs as it tries to turn profitable by next year."

"Pinterest Expands Its E-Commerce Programme" (Fast Company)
"The e-commerce project, which gives customers the ability to buy items on Pinterest without leaving the site, just picked up tens of thousands of merchants in a single swoop."

"European Fashion Sense Dominates Online, Too" (Bloomberg)
"It's hard to believe there are still parts of the consumer market that the e-commerce revolution has barely touched. Yet that's the case with luxury clothing, and it is preparing for explosive growth in developed markets."