King's Candy Crush Saga Wins the International Mobile Gaming Award's 2013 "Best Social Game" Award
SAN FRANCISCO and LONDON, March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- King, the worldwide leader in cross-platform, bite-sized games, is proud to announce that its hit game Candy Crush Saga has been awarded the title of "Best Social Game" by The 9th International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA), one of the oldest and most established competitions celebrating games for handheld devices.
"King started its mobile game development just a year ago. Now, we are ecstatic to announce that we have 49 million monthly active players on mobile devices and have been awarded one of the most prestigious accolades the industry has to offer," said Tommy Palm, Games Guru at King. "The team has put a lot of effort into the production of Candy Crush Saga and it's this type of growth and recognition that shows us our hard work has paid off."
"This serves as an inspiration for us to continue making our games better and better as we've really just emerged as a cross-platform games company and have many more great mobile and social games ahead of us," added Palm.
The announcement comes on the heels of the company disclosing that it is now seeing over 108 million players and 12 billion gameplays a month across its entire network of online, mobile and social games.
King is the world leader in cross-platform, bite-sized games, offering 150 exclusive games in 14 languages. The company has grown rapidly to become the second largest developer of games in the world on Facebook and a leader in mobile with over 108 million monthly players generating over 12 billion game plays per month across Facebook, mobile and the website http://www.king.com. King has offices in London, Stockholm, Barcelona, Bucharest, Hamburg, Malta, Malmo and San Francisco. For more information, visit http://about.king.com.
Carbonite Expands Award-Winning Customer Support Offerings
TechForce launches to bring customers convenient and affordable tech support for their third-party software needs
BOSTON, March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With customer care at the core of the company,Carbonite, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARB), a leading provider of cloud backup solutions for consumers and small businesses, today announced updates and accolades for its customer support operations. Carbonite is enhancing its customer support - which has recently won two awards for excellence - to provide people with a-la-carte technical services for a variety of non-Carbonite related issues, as well as delivered new customer support forums.
Carbonite offers affordable tech support for non-Carbonite programs
Starting today Carbonite launched TechForce, a new service that expands Carbonite's support capabilities beyond its own products. Carbonite customers can now receive help with third-party applications and programs such as Quickbooks, Outlook and iPhoto from a dedicated technical support team. The service is the result of feedback from Carbonite customers expressing the desire for help with non-Carbonite tech issues from Carbonite's US-based support team. Charges per support session are $39 or $79 based on the complexity of the issue. TechForce is able to bring highly sought support to end-users at a significant savings compared to using other customer support systems; a list of common requests is available at http://cbnt.it/TechForceOverview.
Carbonite customer support honored with recent awards
In 2011, Carbonite repatriated its customer support back to the US from multiple outsourced partners abroad. As a result, Carbonite now employs hundreds of customer and technical support representatives in its offices in Boston and Lewiston, Maine. The Lewiston support center was named a Silver Stevie Award winner for Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats) at the 2013 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Additionally, this team received the Business Leadership Award from the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce for its role in the community and the high level of customer support.
"The most common reason Carbonite customers contact us is because they need assistance with data recovery. We know that this can be a stressful experience and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to get back up and running again," said Rich Surace, SVP of Customer Support, Carbonite. "We are honored to receive this recognition and are excited to expand our award-winning support with TechForce."
Additional updates to Carbonite's customer support operations include:
-- Currents forum support makes troubleshooting socialCustomers who use
Currents, Carbonite's new file syncing and collaboration tool, can now
visit Currents.Zendesk.com to access information and tips on how to best
use the app. The Community Support function allows people to share their
feedback, request new features for the product and help others
troubleshoot issues.
-- Technology upgrades improve customer support processA range of consumer
and small business customers rely on Carbonite to safeguard their
personal and business data. To streamline communications on the back
end, Carbonite is upgrading both its customer relationship management
and telephone software to offer improved tracking and resource
management abilities. Carbonite's support team will be able to respond
even quicker now to spikes in contact activity to provide the best
customer experience possible.
For more information about Carbonite, please visit http://www.Carbonite.com or connect with Carbonite at Facebook.com/CarboniteOnlineBackup or on Twitter at @CarboniteBiz.
About Carbonite
Carbonite, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARB), is a leading provider of online backup solutions for consumers and small businesses. Subscribers in more than 100 countries rely on Carbonite to provide easy-to-use, affordable and secure cloud backup solutions with anytime, anywhere data access. Carbonite's backup solution runs on both the Windows and Mac platforms. The company has backed up more than 300 billion files, restored nearly 20 billion files, and currently backs up more than 350 million files each day. For more information, please visit http://www.carbonite.com, twitter.com/carbonite, twitter.com/carbonitebiz, or facebook.com/CarboniteOnlineBackup.
Media Contacts:
Megan Wittenberger
Carbonite
media@carbonite.com
617-421-5687
Heather Gordon
Finn Partners for Carbonite
heather.gordon@finnpartners.com
Expedia Adds Beautiful, Simple Itinerary with Live Data to Award-Winning Booking App
Expedia Shares New Download Numbers, Passes 11 Million Downloads Milestone on Eve of Mobile Itineraries Launch
BELLEVUE, Wash., March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedia.com®, the world's leading online travel company, today announced the addition of a set of robust, visual mobile itineraries capabilities to its award-winning Expedia mobile app. Because the itinerary is connected to the traveler's Expedia itinerary, the mobile app gives the traveler up-to-date info in their hands at every stage of travel using a set of rich visual cues. Using location awareness and time zone updates, the app surfaces the most relevant part of the itinerary and related information like airport maps, flight status, confirmation codes and addresses at the moment the traveler is most likely to need that piece of information. The addition of mobile itineraries neatly complements the features that have made the free Expedia app one of the top apps in travel: flight booking from more than 200 airlines, selection of more than 140,000 hotel properties and mobile-only deals.
"Unlike other itinerary applications, we've built what travelers really want. We are giving them live access to the most up-to-date travel data and wrapped it in a beautiful experience. We're launching our itinerary in 30 countries and 16 languages; on Android and iOS; for both phones and tablets around the world simultaneously. This is our biggest mobile launch ever," said John Kim, Senior Vice President, Global Products, Expedia.
The Expedia app's Mobile Itineraries feature delivers the following benefits:
-- The most real-time data; the app updates information automatically.
-- Free flight status updates (competitors tend to require premium upgrades
to access this feature).
-- Itinerary sharing via email and SMS.
-- Login-free itinerary access using email and itinerary number.
-- One-touch access to Expedia customer service.
-- Itinerary information for all bookings made on desktop or mobile.
Namely:
-- Flights. Mobile Itineraries displays confirmation code, airline,
flight number, travel dates and times, gate information and flight
status. Additionally, it provides a flights map showing pins for
departure and arrival, as well as potential layover airports and
paths between them. The app also shows airport terminal maps for
over 200 major airports worldwide.
-- Hotels. The Hotel Page shows hotel address, contact information and
a map of where hotel is located.
-- Car Rentals. Provides confirmation code, car rental company, phone
number for national 800 number, local phone number and the pickup
and drop-off date and time.
-- Cruise. See the day your cruise starts, then tap your cruise to open
up your full cruise itinerary on the web.
-- Destination Services. Shows the valid start date for each activity,
the date the activity expires, the number and name(s) of guests and
a link to redeem vouchers, which provides barcodes for the activity.
Expedia also announced today that the Expedia mobile app has been downloaded over 11 million times in 228 different countries and territories including iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows 8 tablet versions.
About Expedia
Expedia.com is the world's leading online travel site, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (http://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, resorts, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, services and travel apps. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com customers can get the best rates available online for all types of travel. Whether you want to relax in Turks and Caicos, scuba in St. Lucia or spring ski in Vail, we know every trip and every traveler is unique and we want to help you Find Yours(TM).
Changyou.com Announce the Open Beta Testing of "Dou Po Cang Qiong" on April 10, 2013
BEIJING, March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Changyou.com Limited ("Changyou" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CYOU), a leading online game developer and operator in China, today announced that it will begin open beta testing of Dou Po Cang Qiong, a self-developed 2.5D fantasy MMORPG, on April 10, 2013.
Dou Po Cang Qiong is a 2.5D fantasy MMORPG that has been under development by Changyou for the past 3 years. The game is adapted from the popular online novel of the same name. Using the specially tailored PyroEnigma game engine and other new technologies, the game recreates classic elements in the novel including Yi Huo (PyroEnigma), Dou Qi Continent, and Alchemy. The game version intensifies the usage of Dou Qi skills, allowing players who have reach a required level to evolve their own "Wings of Dou Qi" and giving them access to mid-air combat. In this game, players can control Yi Huo of various types just as the main characters in the novel do, experiencing the intense combat among the numerous forces of the unique Dou Qi Continent.
Mr. Xiaojian Hong, Changyou's chief operations officer, commented, "We continue to expand our portfolio of MMO games with the upcoming launch of our new in-house developed game, Dou Po Cang Qiong. The game recreates the Dou Qi Continent from the novel from which the game was adapted, enabling players to experience the unique glamour of the Dou Qi world. We expect the game to attract new players with its interesting and innovative gameplay, ultimately further expanding our user base."
About Changyou
Changyou.com Limited (NASDAQ: CYOU) is a leading developer and operator of online games in China with a diverse portfolio of online games that includes Tian Long Ba Bu, one of the most popular massively multi-player online ("MMO") games in China, and DDTank and Wartune (also known as Shen Qu), which are two popular web games in China. Changyou also owns and operates the 17173.com website, a leading game information portal in China. Changyou began operations as a business unit within Sohu.com Inc. (NASDAQ: SOHU) in 2003, and was carved out as a separate, stand-alone company in December 2007. It completed an initial public offering on April 7, 2009. Changyou has an advanced technology platform that includes advanced 2.5D and 3D graphics engines, a uniform game development platform, effective anti-cheating and anti-hacking technologies, proprietary cross-networking technology and advanced data protection technology. For more information, please visit http://ir.changyou.com/.
OUYA Video Game Console Lands For Your TV On June 4
Hundreds of Original Games Being Prepped for Launch from Top-Name Developers and Up-and-Comers
LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It's game on for OUYA which todayconfirmed the new video game console will launch in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. on June 4, 2013, for $99.99. OUYA upends the current console model by being open to any game developer who wants to create and publish games for the TV. For gamers, this means they can now download any game they choose, and try it for free -- no more discs to buy and no more risk of paying for games you don't love.
This concept has earned OUYA widespread support from developers of all kinds and gamers -- both of whom have shared their feedback on what they wanted in a game system, along with millions of dollars in crowdsourced funding. Tens of thousands of OUYAs were sold in its first month when announced in 2012. OUYA will begin shipping units to its early backers today as part of a preview program leading up to the June retail launch.
Featuring vivid HD graphics, immersive sound, and a gamer's controller, OUYA delivers a unique platform for enjoying games of every genre, from racing to shooter, action-adventure to RPG, and platformer to puzzle. More than 8,000 game developers worldwide are currently developing games, from a wide range of established and up-and-coming developers, including Square Enix, Inc., Double Fine Productions, Tripwire Interactive LLC, Vlambeer, Phil Fish's Polytron Corporation, and Kim Swift's Airtight Games.
"Nine months ago, we shared an idea for an immersive, beautiful and powerful game console that generated an outpouring of support from game developers, gamers, technology enthusiasts, and more. With that, we set out to bring the OUYA concept to life, and today, we're delivering," said Julie Uhrman, CEO of OUYA. "We're giving early backers the first look at the final OUYA console and controller, and we look forward to their continued input as we gear up for the official launch at retail on June 4."
OUYA includes:
-- Console: Designed by Yves Behar, OUYA features a sleek, compact cube
design that plugs into the TV. The days of waiting out long boot cycles
are over, because OUYA wakes up instantly.
-- Controller: A gamer-envisioned and refined, intuitive wireless
controller with fast, responsive buttons, triggers that FEEL like
triggers, laser-precise analog sticks, a cross-style D-Pad, and even a
touchpad.
-- Power: An on-board Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset delivers fast performance and
amazing graphics for a truly, immersive game experience in 1080p HD.
-- Games: Games will be added daily to OUYA into the June launch and
beyond. All games on OUYA will be downloadable and free-to-try. The
system was designed as an open platform to enable all developers the
freedom to create games and publish to the TV.
-- Apps: In addition to games, OUYA fans can access their favorite steaming
video and music apps including content directly from Twitch.tv,
Flixster, Plex, XBMC, Crunchyroll, iHeartRadio and many others.
"It's an exciting time for game developers as it becomes easier to get games into the hands of gamers," said Ed Fries, industry veteran and OUYA advisor. "OUYA is a big part of the future of console gaming. It removes content filters, empowers all game creators, and enables true gamer-driven curation."
"OUYA is different from any other product," said Michael Pachter, senior analyst, Wedbush Securities. "Thousands of games and apps should appear over time, and players will end up with tons of choices accessible through their TV using a controller that is really easy to use."
"It's about time somebody tried to do what OUYA is trying to do, and doing it differently, too," said Phil Fish Polytron founder and Fez creator. "Working with the OUYA team has been a breath of fresh air."
OUYA is now shipping to early backers as part of a preview program. Starting June 4, OUYA will be available for purchase in the United States, Canada, and the UK through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, GAME, GameStop, Target, and the store on OUYA.tv for $99.99. Extra controllers will retail for $49.99. Consumers can pre-order OUYA today at any of these retailers.
About OUYA
OUYA was created in 2012 by Julie Uhrman, a video game industry veteran who saw an opportunity to open up the last closed game platform -- the TV. Uhrman and an initial team of game developers and advisors brought the concept to life, with the help of Yves Behar. OUYA is a new kind of game console that is $99.99, and where all games are free to try. OUYA will ship to early backers on March 28, 2013, followed by a full retail launch in June, and available at Amazon, Best Buy, GAME, GameStop and Target. For more information, please visit http://www.ouya.tv or follow @playouya.
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SUSE is Platform of Choice for Big Data Innovators
Enterprise Linux platform and tools make SUSE ideal foundation for Big Data solution providers
NUREMBERG, Germany, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SUSE® today announced its enterprise Linux platform is a preferred OS for running Big Data solutions among top Big Data solution providers. In cooperation with SAP, Teradata, Cloudera, Hortonworks, WANdisco, InterSystems Corporation and Intel, SUSE helps organizations innovate, address customer needs and quickly respond to competitive threats by rapidly processing huge sets of varied data across physical, virtual and cloud environments.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is designed to harness the volume and velocity of Big Data. As a result, enterprise Linux products from SUSE have been chosen to run today's most innovative Big Data technologies including in-memory database, data warehouse and Apache Hadoop-based solutions.
"Organizations are finding many challenges in combining Big Data with traditional RDBMS data resources," said Jean S. Bozman, vice president of enterprise server research, IDC. "SUSE's long-time experience forming strategic partnerships focusing on high-performance and high-availability makes SUSE a solid foundation for companies selecting solutions to address Big Data."
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is the recommended and supported operating system for use with SAP HANA®, the real-time database platform that streamlines analytics, planning, and predictive and sentiment assessments to allow business to operate in real time.
Teradata delivers its entire portfolio of solutions exclusively on SUSE Linux Enterprise, including the Teradata Aster Big Analytics Appliance, which brings together open source Apache Hadoop and Teradata Aster into a single highly integrated appliance based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.
"SUSE is an open-source partner that works closely with Teradata to deliver value to our joint customers. The partnership provides truly enabling technology to help customers exploit big data opportunities," said Scott Gnau, president of Teradata Labs. "Our tight engineering relationship with SUSE enables Teradata to drive performance and functionality across all of our data warehouse platforms and solutions enabling 'right-time' analytics supported by all data sources and types. These industry-leading capabilities include the remarkable performance and flexibility of Teradata hybrid-storage systems and the efficient allocation of all system resources through powerful workload management."
In addition to long-time partnerships with SAP and Teradata, SUSE recently expanded its Big Data partner ecosystem to include the Intel Distribution for Apache Hadoop, InterSystems Corporation, Cloudera, Hortonworks and WANdisco -- all of whom offer Big Data solutions fully supported on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
"The explosion of data in the enterprise and the opportunity to mine it for valuable business information has resulted in huge interest in Big Data solutions from our customers," said Michael Miller, vice president of global alliances and marketing, SUSE. "Our partnerships with market leaders like SAP and Teradata mean that thousands of businesses worldwide are already deploying SUSE Linux Enterprise Server today as the foundation for their Big Data solutions."
SUSE, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable Linux and cloud infrastructure solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed--today and tomorrow. For more information, visit us at http://www.suse.com.
(C) 2013 SUSE LLC. All Rights Reserved. SUSE and the SUSE logo are registered trademarks of SUSE LLC in the United States and other countries. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SUSE
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CONTACT: Mike O'Connell, PAN Communications, +1-617-502-4300, suse@pancomm.com
WalkMe Inc. Launches Next Generation of Interactive Guidance System for Websites and Online Service Providers
Company Announces Enhanced System with Updated Automatic Guidance Sequences, To-Do Progress Lists and Integrated Search Capabilities
SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- WalkMe Inc., provider of the world's first interactive guidance system for websites and online services, today announced the availability of the next generation of its WalkMe(TM) system, offering new features for website owners, online service providers, and SaaS vendors. WalkMe offers Walk-Thrus which are step-by-step guides for site visitors that help them to easily complete forms, make purchases, or perform other related tasks, no matter how complex. The new system features industry-first automatic guidance sequences, integrated search engine widgets, and a unique to-do list feature that acts as an advanced progress tool to show users how far along they are in a process.
WalkMe's Walk-Thrus are automatic guidance sequences in the form of interactive tip-balloons that are overlaid on the screen, and guide users step-by-step as they progress through a task, until it is successfully completed. The back-end of these guidance sequences is controlled by various condition builders which are logic-based rules an editor can create to make Walk-Thrus run at optimal efficiency. For example, conditions can be set that present different Walk-Thrus to those who are or those whom are not first-time visitors to the site. For example, those using WalkMe for their Salesforce.com can be presented with specific Walk-Thrus if they are identified as "sales," "marketing," or "HR", for example.
The new WalkMe now allows for the best search results from a company's knowledge base, which can include user forums, tutorials, help pages, and even external resources. Site owners can easily customize a search widget that can be set to only search a specific domain, such as a support page. This control allows a site to focus users on finding answers quickly, instead of using a broader search tool that might take the user away from the site. As users can search directly via Walk-Thrus, these can be populated with the keywords of the editor's choosing. WalkMe also now offers integration with popular support centers Desk.com and Zendesk.com, so users can easily search through a site's support page even if they are not currently on that page.
The system update now features a WalkMe To-Do List, an advanced onboarding feature that automatically guides first-time users through a list of action items. It helps them successfully complete the "orientation" stage of using a new service or website so they feel more comfortable and can be prompted to make additional purchases. The feature gives direct feedback to the user to see how much they have accomplished, and also provides analytics to the website owner who can view which users reach progress "goals" on a website. Such analytics can help administrators to spot user stumbling blocks on their site, thus providing important data on the site's UI, content, or the order of the process itself in order to encourage more signups and order completions.
"In order to add amazing value for our clients, we are constantly working to advance WalkMe's features, and this system update offers users more control over the kind of information they need to succeed," said Dan Adika, CEO of WalkMe Inc. "These new features not only streamline the experience for the end user, they also provide vital analytics for site owners that give them the necessary insights to change their Walk-Thrus and related processes. There is no solution on the market that provides the same capabilities and we consistently out-perform on compliance, security, performance, as well as vendor stability and support. WalkMe is the only system that can serve the needs of every business, from a small family-run ecommerce site to Fortune 500 companies with hundreds of Walk-Thrus."
WalkMeenables any web platform, such as websites, SaaS vendors, web applications, online banking, healthcare, trading platforms, e-commerce and others, to create interactive on-screen Walk-Thrus, thus assisting end-users in quickly and easily finishing even the most complex tasks. The system also allows companies to cut support costs while improving conversions and overall end-user satisfaction.
About WalkMe
WalkMe Inc. is the provider of WalkMe(TM), the world's first interactive online guidance system, which enables businesses to simplify the online experience and eliminate user confusion. Similar to a GPS, but instead of giving driving directions, WalkMe(TM) guides users every step of the way to successfully complete their online tasks. Businesses use WalkMe(TM) to increase conversation rates, reduce support costs, increase self-service adoption, accelerate training and improve customer experience.
Founded in 2011, the company has offices in San Francisco and Tel Aviv. It is funded by Gemeni Israel Funds, Mangrove Capital Partners and Giza Venture Capital.
Epic Cross-Platform MMO Action Comes To iPad With The Launch Of Dragon Eternity
Game Insight Brings Massive Role-Playing Adventure Across Platforms to iPad
MOSCOW and SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Game Insight, a world leader in mobile and social games, has announced that its epic massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, Dragon Eternity, is now available on the Apple App Store for iPad. A web browser version game is already in open beta with more than a million users worldwide, and an Android version will be released in the near future as well.
Dragon Eternity offers unprecedented depth and an astounding variety of content in the form of a deep MMO experience in which players join either the rival Vaalor or Sadar factions with a new character, then explore a colorful and deadly new world. In the game, players choose from one of three character classes, the Paladin, the Berserk, and the Witcher, and gain honor and glory by completing thousands of quests, collecting dozens of rare sets of weapons and armor, and can eventually earn the trust of a mighty dragon that will follow them throughout their travels and fight by their side.
In Dragon Eternity, players traverse the war-torn realm of Adan, exploring deadly dungeons, making allies with key political factions, and forming alliances with like-minded adventurers to create massive warrior clans. When they're not hunting monsters in the wilderness or performing rewarding quests, players can also explore 9 different harvesting and crafting professions, browse for better gear by way of the game's extensive in-game auction system, and participate in five different varieties of head-to-head, player-versus-player (PvP) battles to unlock exclusive PvP-only rewards.
Dragon Eternity will be a cross-platform game that lets players adventure simultaneously with their allies on either iPad or via web browser. Players will keep their accounts and characters across platforms, so that they can seamlessly play a session via web, then pick up where they left off on iPad, or vice versa. The upcoming Android version will let players on all three platforms (web, iPad, Android) venture forth concurrently from their platform of choice.
Dragon Eternity offers an enormous variety of quests, battles, items, adventuring companions, professions, competitive game modes, and social options. Download the game from the Apple App Store for your iPad now and begin your epic journey!
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About Game Insight
Founded in 2010, Game Insight is a global-facing developer and publisher of varied, user-focused, and free-to-play games for all major mobile and social platforms, including iOS, Android, Facebook, and Web. We are a team of more than 500 passionate game developers who actually play games ourselves. Our internal network consists of more than ten different studios that constantly create and update high-quality games, many of which have already become #1 top-grossing hits in mobile application stores and on social networks around the world, which has led Game Insight to build a global audience of more than 140 million active users per month. Visit http://www.game-insight.com/ for more info.
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Richard Nanula to serve as Chairman of the new Board and Industry Veteran Michael Ribero Named CEO
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Colony Capital LLC ("Colony"), a global real estate investment firm and one of the largest investors in hospitality assets, today announced that it has led a syndicate of investors in its acquisition of LodgeNet Interactive Corporation ("LodgeNet"). This investment is concurrent with LodgeNet's approximately $70 million recapitalization and a new $358 million long term credit facility. The investor group has been issued new common stock representing 100% ownership of LodgeNet. This completes the Company's emergence from Chapter 11.
Richard Nanula, Colony Principal and Chairman of Miramax, will serve as LodgeNet's Chairman. Mr. Nanula has previously served as Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company and Amgen and President and Chief Operating Officer of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
LodgeNet also announced the appointment of hospitality, marketing and entertainment veteran Michael Ribero as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ribero previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Hilton and Eastern Airlines and held executive positions at other technology-based advertising and marketing firms. He is currently on the board of the Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
"Mike's substantial marketing experience in the hospitality industry and focus on execution speaks directly to the needs of our customers, and his leadership of media and technology companies will enable LodgeNet to capitalize on the many growth opportunities that lie ahead," said Mr. Nanula. "We are confident that the combination of LodgeNet's new management team, the Company's improved financial flexibility and the previously announced strategic partnership with DIRECTV will significantly benefit customers, partners, employees and all stakeholders in the months and years ahead."
"We are refocusing LodgeNet to provide a new range of opportunities for our customers," said Company President and CEO Michael Ribero. "LodgeNet is committed to partnering with the hotel and healthcare industries to deliver innovative, user-friendly, value-added media and entertainment solutions." Mr. Ribero continued, "Together with Colony, which brings financial and operational flexibility and the new strategic partnership with DIRECTV, we will offer our customers new entertainment and connectivity options, as well as equipment financing that provides a solid foundation for growth."
Liner Grode Stein LLP, Sullivan & Cromwell and Guggenheim Securities LLC represented Colony in this transaction. Miller Buckfire & Co. LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp., FTI Consulting, Inc. and Moorgate Securities LLC served as financial advisors to LodgeNet; Wiel Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as restructuring legal counsel; and Leonard, Street and Deinard acted as corporate legal counsel to the Company. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and CDG Group, LLC acted as advisors to the agent for the term lenders.
About LodgeNet
LodgeNet Interactive is the leading provider of interactive media and connectivity services to hospitality and healthcare businesses and the consumers they serve. Recently named by Advertising Age as one of the Leading 100 US Media Companies, LodgeNet serves approximately 1.5 million hotel rooms worldwide in addition to healthcare facilities throughout the United States. The Company's services include: Interactive Television, Broadband and Advertising Media Solutions along with nationwide technical and professional support services. LodgeNet owns and operates businesses under the industry leading brands LodgeNet, The Hotel Networks and LodgeNet Healthcare. For more information, please visit http://www.LodgeNet.com.
About Colony Capital LLC
Founded in 1991 by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., Colony Capital is a private, international investment firm focusing primarily on debt and equity investments in real estate-related assets and operating companies. The firm has invested $48 billion in over 19,000 assets/loans through various corporate, portfolio and complex property transactions. Colony has been one of the largest owners of hospitality assets in the world with investments in Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Accor, Amanresorts and dozens of individual hotels globally. Colony's investments have also included the legendary integrated resort Costa Smeralda on Sardinia, the award-winning hospitality platform sbe, the conversion of the Mayfair Hotel in New York to the luxury condo 610 Park Avenue, the Savoy Hotel Group's five-star hotels in the UK, the five-star Stanhope Hotel in New York, The Orchid at Mauna Lani in Hawaii and the La Tour private hospital group.
Colony is also an active investor in the media and entertainment space and the firm's portfolio currently includes Miramax, the global film and television studio with a 700-plus film library that holds some of the world's most original and acclaimed independent films. Colony has a team of more than 250 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in New York, Boston, Scottsdale, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Beirut, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei. For more information, visit http://www.colonyinc.com.
Global Payments Continues Focus on Mobile Payments in the UK
LONDON, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Payments is further strengthening its mobile payment offerings in the UK following the latest roll-out of Intuit Pay, an integrated mobile payment solution provided by Intuit.
Global Payments is now a partner of choice for three major UK mobile payments providers, which include previously announced agreements with O2 and hibu. All three solutions offer businesses an affordable and flexible way to accept card payments using a smartphone or tablet. The addition of Intuit to the marketplace is a significant step toward the more widespread adoption of mobile payments among small businesses in the UK.
Intuit Pay is fully chip and PIN compliant and allows small businesses and individuals to accept card payments with their mobile phone, using a dedicated reader and downloadable app. Generally available in the UK since March 2013, Intuit Pay was recently featured as iTunes Editor's Choice App of the Week and reached number six in the iTunes Business App Store. Intuit was also awarded Best SMB Innovation at the 2013 PYMNTS.com Innovator Awards.
"Our goal is to help small merchants run their businesses more cost effectively and efficiently using the latest payments technology, regardless of their size or budget," said Chris Davies, Managing Director Global Payments. "We believe the Intuit launch is the latest step in a series of progressive developments for the mobile payments market, and has the potential to open up an entirely new customer base for small businesses."
About Global Payments
Global Payments is HSBC Bank plc's preferred supplier for card processing in the UK.
Global Payments in the UK (formerly HSBC Merchant Services) was acquired by Global Payments Inc. in 2009 and specialises in card payment processing for merchants ranging in size from multinationals to owner-managed businesses. Every year Global Payments Inc. processes billions of transactions for over one million merchant locations worldwide.
Our terminals feature some of the most up-to-date technology in the industry, and our comprehensive services include alternative payment methods from contactless cards to near-field communication (NFC) enabled mobile phones, stickers and wristbands.
Global Payments is a trading name of GPUK LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England, with a Head Office in Leicester and offices in London and Sheffield. Visit http://www.globalpaymentsinc.co.uk for more information about the company and its services.
For more information, please contact:
Sophia Morrell, Greentarget: +44 (0)20 7324 5487 / sophia.morrell@greentarget.co.uk
Comcast To Double Speeds Of Two Of Its Most Popular XFINITY Internet Speed Plans In Washington State At No Additional Cost
LYNNWOOD, Wash., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast, the nation's largest Internet service provider, today announced it is increasing the speeds of two of its most popular XFINITY Internet speed plans, Blast! and Extreme 50, in Washington state for no additional cost. Customers will enjoy more than twice as fast Internet speeds on multiple devices, allowing them to surf, chat, stream HD movies and TV shows, or game online with double the speed. Also for no additional cost, Comcast is increasing the speed of its widely used Performance plan by more than 30 percent.
"As customer demands and technology evolve, we continue to increase our broadband speeds to deliver the best, fastest and most reliable Internet experience possible for our customers," said Len Rozek regional senior vice president of Comcast's Washington market. "Whether chatting, surfing, streaming, gaming, skyping or downloading, families will get the superfast, high-performing Internet service they need, with no extra charge."
Specifically:
-- The Blast! plan is increasing download speeds from up to 25 Mbps to
speeds up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds from up to 4 Mbps to up to 10
Mbps
-- Extreme 50 customers will receive download speeds up to 105 Mbps
(formerly 50 Mbps) and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps (formerly 15 Mbps).
-- The Performance plan is increasing to speeds up to 20 Mbps from 15 Mbps
downstream and to 4 Mbps from 2 Mbps upstream.
To activate the new speeds, customers just need to re-start their cable modems.
For the third year in a row, the Federal Communications Commission has shown that Comcast delivers speeds to customers that are even faster than the advertised speeds. Comcast is not only delivering the nation's fastest Internet, but it is also providing the fastest in-home WiFi with its latest XFINITY Wireless Gateway, an all-in-one device that gives customers reliably fast speeds with the most coverage in their home so everyone can get online and do more on their devices all at the same time.
Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
Media Contact:
Walter Neary
Walter_Neary@cable.comcast.com
NJVC Cloudcuity Management Portal to Provide Secure Cloud Brokerage Services to NCOIC
Geospatial Community Cloud Demonstration will be led by NJVC and its Three Industry Partners
CHANTILLY, Va., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NJVC® will lead efforts to provide secure cloud brokerage services to the Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC) using its first-to-market Cloudcuity(TM) Management Portal during a series of 2013 geospatial community cloud demonstrations that will be conducted on behalf of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). NJVC's partners are The Aerospace Corporation, The Boeing Company and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).
Hosted through the secure Cloudcuity Management Portal, NCOIC members will have access to CloudScreen(TM), an automated set of evaluation tools that:
-- Determines cloud infrastructure feasibility
-- Estimates cloud infrastructure cost and benefits
-- Conducts physical capacity for cloud translations
-- Matches application requirements to cloud provider capabilities based on
features and functionality
-- Compares provider costs and quality of service
"NJVC is honored that NCOIC chose the Cloudcuity Management Portal as its brokerage of choice to offer cloud services to the geospatial community," said Kevin L. Jackson, vice president and general manager of NJVC cloud services. "This NCOIC demonstration is significant as it will represent a new procurement model for the geospatial community, which is at the frontlines of protecting and responding to national and international crises in times of conflict. Procurement of cloud services will be less complicated, making deployments to the cloud easier and more efficient than ever before. This will benefit first responders and other non-traditional NGA users."
Team members' unique contributions include:
-- The Boeing Company: Geoservices through a Boeing-developed set of
capabilities via its OpenGeo software
-- The Aerospace Corporation: An OpenStack-based cloud and a virtual
organization management system patterned after the one used by the
Worldwide Large Hadron Collider Computing Grid
-- OGC: Expertise to monitor, offer advice and report on the use of OGC
standards throughout the demonstration period
Once feasibility is assured and providers are selected, Cloudcuity Management Portal users will leverage the integrated virtual application and data center manager services to design virtual data centers through a user-friendly console. Once the design is finalized and approved through an automated review process, virtual resources will be provisioned simultaneously, across the group of selected providers through the cloud service bus, which has application program interface connections to different cloud providers.
The Cloudcuity Management Portal also will provide advanced monitoring, consolidated billing, chargeback and policy governance to ensure provider compliance and NCOIC satisfaction.
About NJVC®(
)With a focus on information technology automation, NJVC® specializes in supporting highly secure, complex IT enterprises in business- and mission-critical environments, particularly for the intelligence and defense communities. We offer a wide breadth of IT and strategic solutions to our customers, ranging from strategic consulting to managed flexible services in five business areas: Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Data Center Services, IT Services and Print Solutions. We partner with our customers to support their missions with security-cleared, dedicated and talented employees ready to deploy globally. To learn more, visit http://www.njvc.com.
Anatomical Dolls app for child assault investigations now available on App Store
SEATTLE, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- App developer fishdog.net has released Anatomical Dolls, a new app for health and law enforcement professionals to help child victims visually communicate assault information. The app is a valuable tool for therapists to help traumatized children who lack the verbal ability to accurately describe their assault. With this app, these victims can use an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to communicate where inappropriate contact occurred.
In many cases children who have been assaulted don't have the ability or proper words to accurately describe what happened to them. While life-size anatomically-correct dolls have primarily been used to gain valuable information from a child about these crimes, those dolls are pricey and often lack distinguishing characteristics that would aid a child in relating to the doll. In addition, boys are often reluctant to work with these dolls because they feel dolls are stereotypically for girls. With this new app, Anatomical Dolls, the cost and the stigmas attached to traditional therapeutic dolls are nullified. The dolls can be designed to mimic a particular child's skin color and physical appearance, and in today's computer age, victims are more inclined to work with the app than with the traditional life-size dolls.
By tapping the colored tabs from top to bottom, one can create a doll by selecting gender, age, hair and skin color from a series of options. Clothing items from clothing tabs can also be selected to match the child's attire at the time of the event. Once the doll's look is complete, the victim can tap the camera tab at the bottom to show front- and rear-facing versions of their doll. The child
then should tap the screen to indicate the places on the body where contact occurred. A rectangle or rectangles are displayed on the screen in the location where the child taps. Pictures can then be saved to the device or emailed to the appropriate locations.
Anatomical Dolls was designed by licensed therapist Gail Sabo, who has 20 years' experience helping abused children in the Florida foster care system, and by app developer Dave Peterson, creator of apps with intuitive user interfaces for 17 years.
Anatomical Dolls is available now in the App Store or iTunes via this forwarding link: http://anatomicdolls.com. The app runs on iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch with iOS version 5.0 or higher.
fishdog.net is the publisher of over 30 app titles for Apple's iOS operating system. fishdog.net's website is http://fishdog.net.
SOURCE fishdog.net
fishdog.net
CONTACT: Dave Peterson, (425) 686-5567, owner-developer of fishdog.net, LLC. Send email to dave@fishdog.net.
BlackBerry Z10 Now Runs Microsoft Windows Desktops and Applications with 2X RDP / Remote Desktop Client
Simple and secure connection to Microsoft Windows Desktops and Applications with your BlackBerry Z10 and the 2X RDP / Remote Desktop Client for Blackberry App
DALLAS, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
2X Software, a global leader in virtual desktop and application delivery solutions, is
pleased to announce that the updated version of the 2X RDP / Remote Desktop Client for
BlackBerry [http://www.2x.com/rdp-client/blackberry ] has been released. Extensive
improvements to existing functionality have been made, while new features have also been
added. Likewise, the new version supports Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 connections,
along with support for BlackBerry Z10 devices.
The 2X RDP / Remote Desktop Client for BlackBerry
[http://www.2x.com/rdp-client/blackberry ] provides users with the ability to stay
connected to their home or office Windows PC. The 2X Client allows you to simply, and
securely, connect via RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) to your remote Windows desktop and
applications whenever you want, wherever you are.
Additionally, you can experience the full benefits of published remote Windows
applications and desktops connecting to 2X ApplicationServer XG. This way, the 2X RDP /
Remote Desktop Client for BlackBerry [http://www.2x.com/rdp-client/blackberry ] seamlessly
runs published Windows applications and desktops from Windows Terminal Server and all
major VDI Hypervisors including Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware or Citrix Xen.
The core features included are as follows:
- Unlimited connections
- Unique mouse with right click
- Full keyboard
- Full screen experience
- Minimal bandwidth usage
- SSL security
Features in Detail
Access Remote Desktops & Files
Securely access your home or business PC, hosted virtual desktops and files on-demand
wherever you are, whenever you want.
Run Remote Applications
Run hosted remote applications, such as Microsoft Office, seamlessly on your
BlackBerry PlayBook.
High Mobile Access Security
Secure your mobile device access through 2X Client SSL and two-factor authentication
support.
Configurable Mouse Layout
You can choose between two different mouse layouts that make it easier to interact
with your applications and desktop using the touch screen.
Sound & Keyboard Redirection
Redirect sound from any desktop to your BlackBerry PlayBook. 2X Client automatically
opens the device's keyboard as soon as an input field is detected.
2X ApplicationServer XG Integration
Access virtual desktops and applications hosted on hypervisors such as Microsoft
Hyper-V, Citrix Xen, VMware vSphere and more.
2X Software is a global leader in virtual desktop and application delivery, remote
access and cloud computing solutions. Thousands of enterprises worldwide trust in the
reliability and scalability of 2X products [http://www.2x.com/products ]. 2X offers a
range of solutions to make every company's shift to cloud computing simple and affordable.
For additional information, visit http://www.2x.com or contact Charlie Williams by
email cw@2x.com, phone +356-2258-3800.
Comcast To Double Speeds Of Two Of Its Most Popular XFINITY Internet Speed Plans In Oregon And SW Washington At No Additional Cost
BEAVERTON, Ore., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast, the nation's largest Internet service provider, today announced it is increasing the speeds of two of its most popular XFINITY Internet speed plans, Blast! and Extreme 50, in Oregon and SW Washington for no additional cost. Customers will enjoy more than twice as fast Internet speeds on multiple devices, allowing them to surf, chat, stream HD movies and TV shows, or game online with double the speed. Also for no additional cost, Comcast is increasing the speed of its widely used Performance plan by 33 percent.
"As customer demands and technology evolve, we continue to increase our broadband speeds to deliver the best, fastest and most reliable Internet experience possible for our customers," said Rodrigo Lopez, Regional Vice President of Comcast in Oregon and SW Washington. "Whether chatting, surfing, streaming, gaming, skyping or downloading, families will get the superfast, high-performing Internet service they need, with no extra charge."
Specifically, the Blast! plan is increasing download speeds from up to 25 Mbps to speeds up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds from up to 4 Mbps to up to 10 Mbps, while Extreme 50 customers will receive download speeds up to 105 Mbps (formerly 50 Mbps) and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps (formerly 15 Mbps). The Performance plan is increasing to speeds up to 20 Mbps from 15 Mbps downstream and to 4 Mbps from 2 Mbps upstream. To activate the new speeds, customers just need to re-start their cable modems.
The speed increases mark the 11(th) time that Comcast has increased its Internet speeds for customers. In addition, for the third year in a row the Federal Communications Commission has shown that Comcast delivers speeds to customers that are even faster than the advertised speeds. Comcast is not only delivering the nation's fastest Internet, but it is also providing the fastest in-home WiFi with its latest Xfinity Wireless Gateway, an all-in-one device that gives customers reliably fast speeds with the most coverage in their home so everyone can get online and do more on their devices all at the same time.
For more information on Comcast's XFINITY Internet services, customers can call 1-800-XFINITY or visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com.
About Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
Q&A:
Q. I just heard/saw an ad that Comcast is doubling two of its most popular Internet speed plans can you be more specific?
A. Yes, we are doubling our Blast! tier from 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps downstream and from 4 Mbps to 10 Mbps upstream. We're also doubling our Extreme 50 tier, from 50 Mbps to 105 Mbps downstream and from 15 Mbps to 20 Mbps upstream.
Q. How will customers know when they have the new speeds?
A. They will receive a direct communication, either by email or letter or both, to let them know.
Q. Do customers need to do anything to get the new speeds?
A. Customers simply have to re-start their cable modems and/or routers, which will download new software that enables the new speeds. No other action is required.
Q. How do I restart my cable modem?
A. for more information about how to power-cycle your modem, please see the website here and the video here.
Q. Will this require new customer equipment to be installed?
A. For the overwhelming majority of customers, no. However, there may be a small number of customers who will need a new cable modem. We are conducting an inventory of who those customers are now and will proactively reach out to them. If they lease a cable modem from Comcast and need a new cable modem, then we will replace their current one for free.
Q. How do I know what kind of modem I have?
Here is a website where customers can go and look up by their model number to see what type of modem they have: http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/
Q. Will this cost more money?
A. No, these increases are being offered for no additional charge.
Lockheed Martin Launches Technology Hub To Connect Silicon Valley Innovators With Federal Government Needs
SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Space Systems Company today announced an initiative aimed at expanding its collaboration with Silicon Valley companies to meet the diverse technology needs of the federal government.
Called the Lockheed Martin Silicon Valley Alliance, this technology hub will provide the federal government with greater visibility into innovative technology solutions developed locally, including affordable software and cyber security solutions. For example, a game developer's software could improve the realism of a military simulation system.
"Lockheed Martin has played an ultra-high-tech role in the Silicon Valley story since 1956 when we opened our facility in Sunnyvale, adjacent to Moffett Field," said Tory Bruno, Lockheed Martin's president of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems. "The government market catalyzed the initial growth of all high-tech industries in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now, through the Lockheed Martin Silicon Valley Alliance, we can help to reconnect today's companies to that market, which continues to be substantial despite a challenging economy."
Technology companies will gain greater access to Department of Defense, NASA and other U.S. government markets, with Lockheed Martin facilitating partnerships that mature innovations into products that meet federal requirements.
The high-performance systems that Lockheed Martin develops require a range of technologies, including cloud computing, biometrics, information management, modeling and simulation, precision pointing, energy management and storage, optics and electro-optics, and nanotechnology.
Companies interested in participating may register at the following web page:
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.
Lantiq.com has been Updated and Tailored to Provide Customers with Highly Improved Usability and One-Click Navigation Structure
MUNICH and NEUBIBERG, Germany, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lantiq, a leading supplier of broadband access and home networking technologies, today announced that the company has re-launched its website with improved levels of content for customers. The fresh and new design of the site fully reflects the key Lantiq brand concept. The new website is engaging and simple to navigate and includes unique features and design elements:
Enhanced Product and Application Section: The new underlying infrastructure makes the site far faster and more reliable. The website prominently features Lantiq's key products for ADSL and VDSL Broadband ICs and SoCs, its Network Processor families, the company's broadband Channel Bonding and DSL Vectoring solutions, its field proven and mature AnyWAN(TM) technology and Lantiq's Wi-Fi solutions for Gateways.
One-click Navigation: More user friendly navigation, with useful content just one click away and fastest access via smart drop down menus.
Improved Customer Satisfaction and Support: Technical details, improved and interactive block- and application diagrams and chip design specs are prominently and easily accessible on the new page. Customers do always have a one-click access to the Lantiq Customer Data Center (Competence Center) from any page on the site.
Dedicated Section for Carrier and Network Service Provider: The Website is divided into three core areas: Access Networks, Digital Home and Service Provider Needs. The Service Provider Needs section includes dedicated news and content for our customers; operators like e.g. Verizon, Deutsche Telekom or China Telecom get individual content and support for their respective needs in the Broadband Gateway and Central Office markets.
Lantiq Branding Concept Consequently Implemented: The fresh and new design of the site fully reflects the key Lantiq brand concept which helps to improve user experience on the website, all routed via the dynamic and interactive entry/landing page.
Chrysler Group Launches New York Auto Show iPad App for Media Site
NEW YORK, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group has gone mobile ... again ... with an iPad app for the 2013 New York International Auto Show.
Journalists and analysts can quickly and easily access Chrysler Group's press materials and news from the 2013 New York Auto show, including press releases, photos and video, using the new iPad app.
Livestream Takes Next Step in the Future of Live Production with Launch of Livestream Studio(TM) HD50, HD900 and HD1700
Launches three new Livestream Studio(TM) models and plans to unveil a control surface at NAB 2013 to further democratize live production.
NEW YORK, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the success of the ultra portable Livestream Studio HD500 and Livestream Studio(TM) Software, Livestream (livestream.com) today unveils its full suite of live production switchers: Livestream Studio(TM) HD50, HD900 and HD1700, available today for pre-order. To further its mission to democratize live video, Livestream is extending its line of all-in-one broadcast quality switching hardware to enable HD live production at any size.
-- Livestream Studio(TM) HD50: Affordable, semi-portable, 5 input model;
featuring digital HD. Price $6,999 (MSRP)
-- Livestream Studio(TM) HD900: 9 input rackmount model; ideal for
studios, facilities and live production trucks. Price $14,999 (MSRP)
-- Livestream Studio(TM) HD1700: 17 input rackmount model; ideal for
studios, facilities and live production trucks. Price $24,999 (MSRP)
Livestream Studio(TM) features include:
-- HD Live Inputs: HD-SDI, HDMI, Analog and AES EBU Audio
-- HD Live Output: HD-SDI, HDMI, Analog and AES EBU Audio
-- Multi-view: Full field-rate multi-view to preview your cameras in
real-time with audio level overlays
-- Live transitions: Fade, SMPTE Wipes
-- Live audio mixing and monitoring: with support for embedded audio
-- Two Graphics & DVE: Overlay, transparency, dynamic text titling, live
countdown, picture in picture
-- Two downstream keys (DSKs)
-- Record to full resolution Blackmagic Design® MJPEG AVI (100Mbps)
-- Two media players: Playback video clip files with automatic transition;
built-in transcoder to import other formats such as MP4, QuickTime and
more
-- Built-in live streaming encoder: Enables one-click live streaming in HD
multi-bitrate to the award- winning, ad-free Livestream Platform or any
platform of your choice, including YouTube(TM) Live, Ustream(TM),
Akamai(TM), Wowza(TM) Media Server and any CDN or server that
supports RTMP
-- Support: Includes two months of the industry's only 7 day a week
phone support with knowledgeable customer service and technical support
"Live production is a space that is ripe for disruption, and Livestream is leading the charge in creating affordable, broadcast-quality production switchers," said Max Haot, CEO and Co-Founder. "Livestream is committed to democratizing live video and with the launch of the Livestream Studio family of products, we are providing every event, from a high school football game to major concerts and award shows, with all the tools they need to produce live in HD."
Livestream will also debut a hardware control surface product line and a free software update to all future and existing customers at the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas (April 8 - 11, 2013). Visit Livestream at NAB in booth SL10716.
Livestream's mission is to connect people and live events. Livestream offers event owners a complete set of hardware and software tools to share their events with a growing community online. More than 30 million viewers each month watch thousands of live events from customers including The New York Times, Facebook, ESPN, SpaceX and Warner Bros. Records. Founded in 2007, Livestream is headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Ukraine and India. http://www.livestream.com
New Multimedia App Designed for Twitter, Millennials and Job Seekers
BOSTON, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gozaik (gozaik.com), a free social web application for recent graduates and young professional job seekers that allows users to produce multimedia, mosaic-style resumes for Twitter, launches in Beta today. The platform makes all jobs tweeted searchable within their system, and enables users to apply for jobs via Gozaik's aggregated Twitter algorithm (employers can utilize the site to find candidates, too).
"There are two huge problems in the job market today," says Budzienski. "One is that recent graduates and young professionals seriously struggle to express how they'll be able add value to a work place, and with how to effectively market themselves -- especially in this economy where the competition is fierce. The other major issue is that tens of thousands of jobs are tweeted every day and there is no product that allows an easy 'apply to' option with a multimedia resume. It's easier and more convenient for a recruiter to reply to your tweet than to pick up the phone all day. Twitter facilitates the quickest response possible. Gozaik solves both of these problems, allowing a platform for young job seekers to express who they are and the skills they possess, using the social media know-how they've acquired, and employers to receive a quick, clear, accurate snapshot of who a candidate actually is through Twitter."
Gozaik currently has two patents pending; the technology of the first patent dissects, organizes, and structures the tens of thousands of jobs tweeted on a daily basis by employers, and allows users to directly apply to a tweeted job using their Gozaik resume, which is a series of mosaic-style tiles each displaying a part of them: an introductory video, education, skills, recommendations, photographs, art, awards, volunteer experiences, and social media handles.
Gozaik's second patent revolves around the ability to spotlight candidates and employers who are "trending" across locations and fields, based on certain data points within an algorithm. Candidates and jobs with the most activity trend within a user's or employer's dashboard, increasing the ability for both to get maximum exposure and help to foster an atmosphere of growth and competition among users.
With the technology showcased through the two patents, employers can use Gozaik to receive candidates through direct tweets or on their Gozaik Dashboard, and more easily locate the talent they're looking for.
Gozaik's team is a big believer in tapping into the power of Twitter to create a more successful hiring experience for job seekers and employers. Gozaik's philosophy is that since 24% of its demographic is on Twitter, there is a huge opportunity to link this exposure to finding jobs. "Every job seeker should be on Twitter, and every employer should tweet their jobs with us," Budzienski says. "Every Gozaik user will be able to see companies' jobs for free, and instantly apply to them. If companies don't have someone managing their Twitter feed, or paying attention to candidates applying through this method - now is a good time to start."
Gozaik aims to differentiate itself from other social job sites like LinkedIn, and sees itself as filling a different need for a different generation. "LinkedIn does networking very well - I use LinkedIn," Budzienski says. "But it's become too crowded for our demographic to navigate successfully." He observes that with over 5 million millennials unemployed, and their reports of finding it difficult to use LinkedIn, it's a clear sign younger job seekers need a different mode to navigate their job searching.
"In 2025, the number of college graduates, globally, is estimated to double to 225 million," notes Budzienski. "The traditional resume just isn't working for this generation. Gozaik provides them with a resume, yes - but a resume that really tells their unique story, and what value they'll bring to a company. In thirty seconds, a hiring manager can feel like she just had coffee with her next marketing assistant, graphic designer, financial analyst, or teacher. She can see that Candidate X is well-spoken, has a good sense of humor, has a great design sense, or whatever the case may be, in under a minute. That's powerful. And in today's world -- necessary."
Coming soon: the Gozaik mobile app, and an app designed for Facebook, which allows employers to search a candidate on social media and select their Gozaik app in order to view their credentials, while keeping the rest of their Facebook profile private. Gozaik is also developing systems to make college campus recruitment more cost-effective, eventually hosting social job conferencing that will allow recruitment efforts to take place online via group conversations and information sessions.
About Gozaik
Founded in Woburn, MA by staffing and technology entrepreneurs Joe Budzienski and Venkat Janapareddy, and named by Mass High Tech as one of the "Five to Follow" start-ups in 2013, Gozaik aims to revolutionize the way millennials apply for jobs - and the way employers find young talent. Visit https://gozaik.com/ for more information.
Telltale and DC Entertainment Announce 'The Wolf Among Us'
A Telltale Games Series Based on Bill Willingham's 'FABLES' Set to Premiere on Consoles, PC/Mac this Summer
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Mar. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading developer and publisher of digital entertainment, Telltale Games, in cooperation with DC Entertainment, unleashes 'The Wolf Among Us' this summer. Based on Bill Willingham's award-winning comic book series 'FABLES' and licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Telltale Games will premiere its new series on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network, and on PC and Mac from the Telltale Online Store and other digital distribution outlets.
A consistent New York Times bestseller, 'FABLES' is one of DC Entertainment's longest-running series published under its Vertigo imprint since 2002. With over a dozen Eisner Awards, including Best Writer, Best New Series, and numerous wins for Best Serialized Story, the FABLES universe has become one of the richest mythologies in the world of comics, imagining that characters like Snow White, The Big Bad Wolf and Pinocchio from the world's most beloved storybooks are real - Real, and living among us, with all of their powers intact.
"Developing 'The Wolf Among Us' based on the 'FABLES' universe has allowed our studio to build upon all of the hallmarks of what makes our episodic series so engaging for players," said Dan Connors, CEO and Co-Founder of Telltale Games. "Through an evolution of our approach to choice and consequence, we can further explore the complexity of each and every iconic character in a universe rich with untold history from the darkest sides of the storybooks."
Set prior to the events seen in the first issue of the FABLES comic book series, The Wolf Among Us puts players in the role of Bigby Wolf, a man once more infamously known as The Big Bad Wolf. Now the sheriff of a hidden community in New York City, exiled from the land of fairy tales, Bigby is tasked by the bureaucrat Snow White to keep order within a society of mythical creatures and characters trying to remain undetected in the world of the mundane. From a chain-smoking member of 'The Three Little Pigs,' to a car-stealing Mr. Toad itching for his next wild ride, The Wolf Among Us examines the lives of beings straight from the pages of myth and lore, now trying to survive on the meanest and most run-down streets of New York City.
For more information on the game, visit the official website, Facebook, and follow Telltale Games on Twitter.
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc., is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to such iconic DC Comics properties as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, MAD Magazine, and 'FABLES', is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its superheroic characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing over 1,000 comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Comics is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.
About Telltale, Inc.
Telltale Games is an innovative and independent developer and publisher of video games, and is the pioneer of the creation and delivery of episodic gaming content. Winner of numerous accolades, the studio is the recipient of over 80 Game of the Year Awards, Studio of the Year and other honors for The Walking Dead, a game series based on Robert Kirkman's hit comic book. Telltale continues to expand its lineup with internationally recognized and acclaimed properties from partners such as DC Comics and others - yet to be announced - that will delight and excite gamers across the world. Telltale is a fully licensed third party publisher on Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3, and Wii and also publishes games on the PC, Mac, and Apple iOS platforms. For more information visit http://www.telltalegames.com.
All product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or copyright material of the respective owners. All rights reserved.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Ekahau Introduces the Next Generation of Ekahau Site Survey(TM) 6.0 for IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi Network Planning and Optimization
Ekahau Site Survey ESS(TM) 6.0 provides advanced Wi-Fi tools for planning, analyzing, and measuring 802.11ac network performance
RESTON, Virginia, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Ekahau Inc., the leader in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and innovative Wi-Fi
planning and deployment tools, announced today the new Ekahau Site Survey(TM) version 6.0
(ESS[TM]) with support for 802.11ac devices. ESS[TM] is the leading Wi-Fi design and
deployment software tool
[http://www.ekahau.com/products/ekahau-site-survey/overview.html?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=ess_6_pr ]
that enables streamlined Wi-Fi network planning, site surveys,
and administration.
The emerging next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard will bring a number of
improvements resulting in increased data rates and capacity. Taking full advantage of the
new features requires an understanding of 802.11ac technology and also makes network
planning and analyzing more challenging. ESS[TM] 6.0 offers both manual and automatic
network planning with automated AP placement and channel optimization to minimize
interference, channel overlap, and to ensure adequate coverage. In addition, by selecting
the AP type, users automatically receive information on the device's 802.11ac
capabilities, within the ESS(TM) software tool.
The ESS(TM) 6.0 software models the key 802.11ac parameters and allows estimation of
network capacity for a set of user-configurable client devices and their applications.
ESS(TM) 6.0 enables Wi-Fi administrators to estimate how network capacity differs, for
example, between first and second generation 802.11ac devices.
"The goal of doing a network analysis is to understand network capacity--whether it
can support and perform up to required standards with the increasing volume of wireless
clients resulting from the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend", said Mikko Lauronen,
Product Manager, Ekahau Wi-Fi Tools. "The ESS(TM) capacity analysis feature allows users
to accurately estimate the capacity of the planned network with a different set of client
devices and traffic patterns," Lauronen continues.
Ekahau Inc. is the performance leader in providing Wi-Fi-based Real-Time Location
Systems (RTLS) and Wi-Fi Planning and Deployment tools. We provide Wi-Fi-based Real-Time
Location Systems (RTLS). Ekahau RTLS with Ekahau Vision(TM) software and Wi-Fi-based smart
tags give staff and managers unprecedented visibility into the location, condition and
status of assets, people and workflows. Thousands of Fortune 500 companies, hospitals and
other facilities rely on Ekahau's patented technology to reveal business intelligence that
drives decision-making. Ekahau partners include leading wireless software developers,
systems integrators and WLAN providers. Learn more about Business Intelligence Through
Location at: http://www.ekahau.com or on the Ekahau Blog [http://ekahau.wordpress.com
], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/ekahau ], Twitter [https://twitter.com/ekahau ] and
LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/ekahau ].
The Exclusive MLB Digital Trading Card Game Slides Into the App Store
NEW YORK, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Topps Company, Inc. today released BUNT 2013, the exclusive Major League Baseball digital trading card game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Available now on the App Store, BUNT 2013 brings to life everything baseball fans love about collecting baseball cards--and more--in a casual, social game.
In BUNT 2013, baseball fans collect their favorite Major League Baseball players, play their cards to earn points, and compete with other fans to climb the leaderboard and unlock awards. Every detail of classic card collecting is brought back to life in BUNT 2013.
BUNT 2013 offers a set of fun features that include:
-- Authentic and Official Collecting - Collect singles or multiples of 300
of today's hottest Major League Baseball stars on the exclusive digital
trading cards from Topps.
-- Real-time Valuation - Is your favorite player in a slump? Cards change
in value based on actual on-the-field performance, all in real-time. Use
all-new interactive charts, player rankings, and heat indexes to scope
out players on the rise or down in the dumps.
-- Real People Matter - Card conventions weren't run by robots. Chat and
trade with your actual friends and neighbors, not with bots or
simulators, using deep Facebook and Twitter integration.
-- Strategic Trading - Can't get that super-star or that guy with the
mullet? Try 3-for-1 trading to get the rarest or most coveted of cards,
but choose your cards and your trading partners wisely.
-- Creative Completion - Complete to the beat of a different drummer. Mix
and match your collection and get rewarded for fun and interesting
collections, like the "All Mustache Club."
-- Constantly Informative - Don't just collect, but learn about your
players, from their stats to their superstitions. Stay up-to-date and in
the know as the back of the baseball card is digitally reimagined.
"Based on fan feedback, we completely re-imagined BUNT 2013 to offer fans what they wanted, which is a genuine experience of one of America's favorite pastimes: collecting and trading baseball cards," said Michael Bramlage, Vice President of Digital at the Topps Company, Inc. "BUNT is a mix of nostalgia and innovation. It's just like what you remember from growing up, but with added twists like real-time scoring. That's why we believe BUNT 2013 is a must-have app for baseball fans of all ages."
With the fun and thrill of baseball card collecting now in an app, one wonders, where's the gum?
BUNT 2013 is free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Founded in 1938, The Topps Company is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of sports cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery. Topps' leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, English Premiere League, Bundesliga, Indian Premiere League, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. Topps' newest division is Topps Digital, which is focused on bringing the iconic Topps brand to new users through digital media. Visit topps.com for more information.
Media Relations
Greg Dawson
AppMotionPR
509-901-7444
SOURCE The Topps Company, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130328/SF84925 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
The Topps Company, Inc.
Lightweight Web Applications Integration Now Available with inContext Apps from SimplyBox
Twitter and Salesforce among first platforms benefiting from inContext App's simple integration approach
CAMPBELL, Calif., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With its inContext Apps, SimplyBox is innovating by delivering packaged lightweight integrations bridging popular systems with the power of context, and requiring no IT involvement for deployment. Users will benefit from being able to interact with their multiple applications from the context that makes the most sense to them - increasing productivity and usage of existing systems.
Just released is Twitter inContext, a free app that brings Twitter wherever you go on the web, for fun or for work. It allows you to see the latest tweets related to the page you are reading, to join the conversation, and to find new people to follow. Twitter inContext adds a new dimension to every page you visit.
With a more business focus, Salesforce inContext for Gmail and Salesforce inContext for LinkedIn are two additional inContext Apps just released, and are also available on Google's Chrome Store. Users are now able to manage Salesforce opportunities, leads, cases, and contacts directly from Gmail or LinkedIn without the need to jump to or navigate through another application. Each of the Salesforce inContext apps is priced at $1.99 per user per month. There is a 14-day trial period.
"Technology users want simplicity. Our inContext Apps give them a more effective way to leverage the different solutions they interact with daily," said Mario R. Cavagnari, CEO of SimplyBox. He added: "since inContext apps are built with our Contextual Integration Platform, we have the ability to release new inContext apps on a monthly basis." The company plans to deliver support for all major browsers.
About SimplyBox, Inc.
SimplyBox is the leader in contextual integration. The company has partnerships with industry leaders such as SAP, HP, and Moxie Software. SimplyBox is headquartered in Campbell, California with a center for international operations in Barcelona, Spain.
Zinio Announces Exclusive Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 Application
Upcoming launch of Zinio Windows Phone 8 app exclusively on Nokia Lumia to feature a premium digital magazine experience optimized for smartphones.
NEW YORK, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinio today announced a strategic partnership with Nokia to launch the world's largest digital newsstand exclusively to Nokia Lumia smartphone customers.
The Zinio Windows Phone 8 app debuts a new look and feel that has been optimized specifically for the smartphone experience, supporting and promoting the unique and intuitive features inherent in the Windows Phone 8 platform and on Lumia devices. The partnership will also deliver special magazine promotions to Nokia Lumia customers providing them with the next generation digital magazine reading experience.
The announcement, released today at the Association of Magazine Media's Swipe 2.0 conference in New York, marks a further expansion of Zinio's reach and coverage, following its Windows 8 launch across tablets, notebooks and desktops in late 2012.
"We're delighted to bring Zinio's leading app experience to Nokia Lumia smartphones with Windows Phone 8," said Bryan Biniak, VP for Global Partner & App Development at Nokia. "Our ClearBlack phone displays are packed full of technology that delivers an enhanced viewing and reading experience in all conditions, be that at home or out and about on a sunny day."
Zinio's new app provides the leading digital magazine experience to the Nokia Lumia range.
Michelle Bottomley, President of Zinio, states, "Nokia Lumia smartphones with Windows Phone 8 were the perfect platform for Zinio to bring the future of digital magazine reading for discerning digital readers. We've rethought every portion of our smartphone reading experience to be as intuitive as possible, allowing digital readers to fully immerse themselves in the magazine content that connects them with their diverse interests."
Zinio's Windows Phone 8 app will be exclusive to Nokia Lumia customers at launch and is designed to provide an engaging reading experience that encourages the discovery of new and relevant content. New features include:
-- Reading List - a seamless, up to the minute stream of select articles
from trending magazines and full issues from user libraries, available
offline and online
-- Background downloading - Reading Lists update automatically while on
wireless, fetching new articles and magazines.
-- Personalization features - new preference picker allows users to define
the article stream in their Reading List by area of interest
-- Windows Phone 8 live tile support, bookmarks, pinning, and more
-- Improved text mode support for easy reading on smartphone screens
Zinio fans will still enjoy all of the core benefits and features Zinio has always offered including seamless reading, cross-platform access, and the ability to purchase content as single issues, subscriptions and back issues.
About Zinio
Zinio delivers the ultimate magazine experience for digital readers - from news, politics, technology, art, style, travel and more. Connect with the stories that shape history, the in-depth analysis and coverage you trust, from the magazines that matter to you. Zinio's products include the world's largest newsstand and top-rated applications for iPad, iPhone, Android, PCs and Windows 8. Zinio's catalog includes titles from Hearst, Conde Nast, Future, IPC, Bonnier, Wenner Media, Dennis, Mondadori, and thousands of other magazine brands worldwide in more than 50 languages. The company was born in 2001 in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London and Barcelona.
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia's technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia.
Youku Tudou to Add 33 U.S. TV Serials & Shows in One Year
BEIJING, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Youku Tudou, Inc. (NYSE: YOKU), China's leading Internet television company ("Youku Tudou"), recently announced the addition of 33 popular American TV dramas and variety shows, produced by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, The CW and WB, to its international library in 2013.
Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Revenge, Elementary and Modern Family, as well as edgier titles like 2 Broke Girls, 666 Park Avenue, and Cougar Town represent a diverse range of content highly attractive to Chinese audiences. These new shows join American Idol and Scandal, the 2nd and 3rd highest ranked prime time TV shows according to Hollywood Reporter.
The new crop of titles is only the latest addition to Youku Tudou's extensive collection of foreign TV, which includes one of the largest libraries of licensed American TV content in China. Since 2010, Youku Tudou has imported more than 20 hit U.S. TV dramas and variety shows, including Desperate Housewives, Glee, Survivor, America's Got Talent, X-Factor and more. The fastest growing content category, U.S. TV viewership in China has seen explosive growth, including a roughly 400% increase from 2011 to 2012. Average views for single episodes reach as high as 2.5 million.
Through its in-house content metrics and analysis platform, Youku Tudou identifies foreign dramas with domestic appeal. Together with its dominant market share in the online video industry, Youku Tudou has provided much U.S. TV content with unparalleled access to Chinese audiences. After appearing on Youku.com, The Walking Dead became the most watched U.S. serial in China, reaching the Top 3 on Baidu's TV list with the third season garnering more than 95 million views.
In addition to the new U.S. content, Youku Tudou's library received a boost recently through an exclusive partnership with Hong Kong Television Broadcasts Limited ("TVB"). The deal sets the stage for Youku.com and Tudou.com to host over 2500 hours of popular TVB dramas, both new and classic, each year for the next two years. The TVB deal is only the latest new partner for Youku Tudou, which has also signed agreements with AMC, the BBC, and Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Corp. ("MBC") recently.
About Youku Tudou Inc.
Youku Tudou Inc. is China's leading Internet television company. Through Youku.com and Tudou.com, China's two largest online video platforms, Youku Tudou offers viewers a rich library of premium licensed content, user generated content, and original in-house productions. Our mission is to become the primary source of online video content for Chinese internet users across all Internet-enabled devices. Youku Tudou's American depositary shares are traded on NYSE under the symbol "YOKU."
Contact:
Jean Shao
Director of International Communications
T: (8610) 58851881-7128
E: shaodan@youku.com
Goldfish® Brand Introduces New "Goldfish My Way" E-Commerce Site
Snack fans across the nation can customize packages to celebrate everyday occasions
NORWALK, Conn., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Providing a custom way to snack in an increasingly digital world, the Pepperidge Farm(®) Goldfish(®) brand is thrilled to announce the launch of http://www.GoldfishMyWay.com. This innovative e-commerce site brings one of America's most popular snack crackers to the next level and allows consumers to create a truly customized snacking experience.
To coincide with the Goldfish brand's 50(th) birthday, the new Goldfish My Way e-commerce site allows users to celebrate their own special occasions all year long. The site offers users an array of fun options to personalize Goldfish packages. Users can add their own photos and custom messages, and even pick their favorite Goldfish cracker colors to create special combinations.
With special themes rolling out to coincide with major holidays, consumers have many ways to enjoy a Goldfish My Way experience. Consumers can choose from a 4.5 ounce customized gift box, 1.0 ounce customized party favors, or single-serve themed party cups. The site, http://www.GoldfishMyWay.com, is easy to navigate, and the high-quality packages are guaranteed to spread smiles during holidays, birthday parties, school and sporting events and every occasion in between.
"We love spreading smiles through the iconic Goldfish brand," said Jared Konstanty, Senior Vice President, General Manager Snacks. "It's our pleasure to bring new ways for our fans to engage with the product and personalize the way they enjoy their favorite crackers, and we are so excited and honored to be part of people's celebrations throughout the year."
The Goldfish My Way e-commerce experience was developed in strategic partnership with True Action, who collaborated with its eBay Inc. partners, Magento, GSI Commerce and PayPal.
About Pepperidge Farm
Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, is a leading provider of premium quality fresh bakery products, cookies, crackers, and frozen foods. Among the company's most popular products are Sausalito(®) and Milano(®) cookies, Goldfish(®) and Baked Naturals(®) crackers, frozen Puff Pastry, frozen garlic loaves and Texas toasts, and more than 50 varieties of fresh baked breads including Pepperidge Farm(®) Swirl, Farmhouse and Whole Grain. The company added Ecce Panis(®) gourmet artisan breads to its portfolio in 2009. Pepperidge Farm was founded in Connecticut in 1937 by Margaret Rudkin, an entrepreneurial homemaker who began baking fresh, all-natural bread for her allergy-afflicted son. The company is now a nationwide business with 9 manufacturing facilities and almost 5,000 employees. Pepperidge Farm has been part of Campbell Soup Company since 1961.
CONTACT:
Kayla Wall
MSL New York
Kayla.Wall@mslgroup.com
(646) 500-7951
PERFORM and American City Business Journals Inc. Form Partnership to Create PERFORM Sporting News Limited
PERFORM Sporting News Limited, which will operate under the Sporting News Media brand, will combine PERFORM's ePlayer, the number 1 sports video platform in US, and Sporting News digital assets, and reach over 33m sports fans monthly
NEW YORK, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- PERFORM Group plc ("PERFORM") and American City Business Journals, Inc. ("ACBJ"), a division of Advance Publications Inc., announced today that they are partnering to create a new sports media venture in the US and Canadian markets - PERFORM Sporting News Limited. The new entity, which will operate under the brand, Sporting News Media, will see the two organizations combine their management, sales, content, technology, editorial and media assets to create one of the leading digital sports media businesses in North America.
ACBJ owns Sporting News, one of the oldest and most iconic sports media brands in the US which has a number of products and services across PC, mobile and tablet - including SportingNews.com, a top 10 US sports site that reached over 11m unique sports fans in February[1].
PERFORM owns and syndicates ePlayer, the number one sports VOD platform in the US that streams highlights and news from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour, MLS, WTA, ATP, UFC, SEC, Pac-12, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC conferences across over 250 news publisher websites and reached 20.9m[2] unique fans in February; PERFORM also owns Goal, the world's largest soccer portal available on PC, mobile and tablet. Goal attracts over 1m US and Canadian unique soccer fans per month.
The combination of these media assets puts the new venture's reach at over 33m[3] unique sports fans per month and positions Sporting News Media as a top 5 digital sports media property in the US market.
For over 127 years Sporting News has looked to fuel informed conversations among fans through thought provocative, original multi-media content and expert curation of third party content delivered to the consumers' favorite devices. The new venture embodies the successful transition from the traditional print brand to a leading player in the digital sports media space.
"We are excited to be partnering with PERFORM which has rapidly become a global digital sports media powerhouse," commented Whitney Shaw, CEO of ACBJ. "Their focus on multi-media innovation that serves sports fans on any device is exactly what Sporting News is aiming at doing for its next 127 years. By partnering with PERFORM, we are combining the heritage and editorial excellence of one of the US's oldest sports media brands with a forward-looking, digitally-focused organization with tremendous technology, content and media assets to create an innovative leader in the digital sports space."
Oliver Slipper, Joint-CEO of PERFORM, added, "in Sporting News we have found the right partner that will enable us to accelerate the growth of our US business. The transformation of the Sporting News brand from all print to all digital over the last few years has truly been remarkable. With growth in digital reach of 950% and digital revenue growth of almost 300%, Sporting News has accomplished something many legacy brands only aspire to achieve. Combining that powerful brand with the digital video leadership of PERFORM's ePlayer will enable us to build a truly dynamic business in the United States and Canada. Additionally as soccer cements itself as a top 5 sport in the US, Goal is an extremely exciting asset for this partnership to nurture and grow, in particular with the World Cup around the corner."
Juan Delgado, Managing Director PERFORM Americas, and newly named Managing Director of Sporting News Media added: "We could not be more excited about this new venture. The synergies between Sporting News and PERFORM provide attractive immediate opportunities and position Sporting News Media among the leading sports media brands in the US market. The scale and reach of this business alongside its deep technical, editorial and content capabilities will provide US sports fans with great news, video and data content and, as importantly will offer brands the opportunity to reach and engage with these fans in unique ways."
Jeff Price, President of Sporting News and newly named President of Sporting News Media, commented: "This is a huge step forward in the continued evolution of Sporting News' appeal to sports fans and marketers. While the majority of the scaled players in the US sports category are hyper-focused on the 'live window' around games, Sporting News Media has become the leading alternative to serve fans looking for insights and information between games. Given the increasing amount of time that fans are spending across multiple devices outside the 'live window' to find an edge that helps fuel the sports 'water cooler' conversation, Sporting News Media is well positioned to deliver unique value to both fans and marketers across web, video, mobile and social media platforms."
Transaction Summary
PERFORM and American City Business Journals have established a joint venture, which is owned 65% by PERFORM and 35% owned by ACBJ.
About PERFORM Group Plc
PERFORM is a market leader in the commercialization of multimedia sports content across internet-enabled digital platforms. Through production, technical and commercial solutions, PERFORM powers digital channels that distribute content in a number of forms - video, editorial, audio and data - across multiple platforms, to millions of sports fans around the world. PERFORM Group Plc is a FTSE 250 business and listed on the London Stock Exchange.
About American City Business Journals & Sporting News
American City Business Journals, owned by Advance Publications Inc. a privately held media company, is the premier print and digital publisher of local business news in the United States.
Sporting News is one of the oldest sports media brands in the USA. For over 125 years Sporting News has provided the very best, 'to-the-source' reporting and curated the "best of" related content across topics, teams and writers to enable smart, personal, authenticated conversation amongst sports fans. SportingNews.com is a top 10 U.S. sports destination on comScore, SportingNews.com provides strong reach and compelling sponsorship opportunities for video and display advertising around multi-media content.
[1] Comscore Sports My Metrix, February 2013
[2] Comscore Sports Video Metrix, February 2013
[3] Based on Comscore, Sport My Metrix and Sport Video Metrix for February 2013; Sporting News (11.3m), Goal sites (0.9m) and Perform Sports network (20.9m)
As we continue to be bombarded with new technologies, we find ourselves in an
increasingly disposable world of electronics. Computers, mobile phone, monitors, games,
toys and other devices are constantly replaced by newer technologies. This electronic gear
can not only contain a large amount of personal and business data, they can also contain
hazardous materials. Some even contain small amounts of precious metals.
The disposal of large amounts of electronic equipment through traditional means is not
acceptable, and certainly no longer legal. Recycling these materials through safe, secure
and environmentally sound processes is the solution. This is where SIMS Recycling
Solutions excels. SIMS is a worldwide recycling solutions company with 88 locations around
the globe. They have a mission of recycling materials that have served their useful life.
SIMS currently safely and securely recycles an amazing 750,000 tonnes of this Waste
Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) each year. SIMS Recycling Solutions meets and
exceeds government regulations in the handling of these materials.
Now, SIMS Recycling Solutions is pleased to announce the launch of its new SIMS
Recycling UK web presence. The new website features full disclosure of the variety of SIMS
services available to make this a greener planet, including information on setting up
Eco-days for schools, businesses and communities. These Eco-days help bring people
together with the common goal of gathering materials for the recycling process.
The new SIMS Recycling Solutions website is a porthole for everything "green"
including recycling resources on videos, whitepapers and presentations that can be
utilized for educational purposes. It has multiple links to other environmentally oriented
websites like that of The Environment Agency [http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk ], The
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and The British Metals Recycling
Association. Each link provides access to a wealth of information on how we can all help
to make ours a safer, greener planet.
More information on the green efforts of Sims Recycling Solutions is available on
their new website at http://www.simsrecycling.co.uk [
\\lonpivdocs\redocs\2013\www.simsrecycling.co.uk ].
Contact:
Name: Sarah Whitworth
Tel: +44(0)1789-722033
PathPartner Technology is now Associated With GENIVI as Associate Member With a Focus on Automotive IVI Development
BANGALORE, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
PathPartner's [http://www.pathpartnertech.com ] alliance with GENIVI will
enable it to be part of ecosystem and offer solutions and services to OEMs and IVI supply
chain organizations to benefit and reduce time to market.
PathPartner Technology [http://www.pathpartnertech.com ] a leading provider of
embedded multimedia software services and solutions announced that it has joined the
GENIVI Alliance, a non-profit industry association whose mission is to drive the broad
adoption of an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) open source development platform. Having
worked with various leading automotive OEMs and makers for embedded multimedia solutions
it comes as quick adaption into PathPartner's automotive business practice.
"PathPartner Technology [http://www.pathpartnertech.com ] will soon address the
product development challenges of companies looking at launch of GENIVI compliant products
by offering design service and end-to-end solutions". Said Ramkishor Korada, Executive
Vice-President and Head of Global Sales and Business Development at PathPartner Technology
[http://www.pathpartnertech.com ]. We are looking at nurturing our partnerships with
automotive design and development eco system by offering industry ready product solutions
and design services.
"Our primary goal in this Alliance is to reduce development time and minimize
development costs. Furthermore we see GENIVI as an important step towards standardization
in the infotainment domain." Said Tushar Kanti Adhikary CEO of PathPartner Technology
[http://www.pathpartnertech.com ].
"We will be offering GENIVI compliant feature rich and high performance IVI solutions
on TIZEN platform" said Dipanjan Ghosh CTO of PathPartner Technology
[http://www.pathpartnertech.com ].
OEMs/ODMs looking for PathPartner's offerings in automotive infotainment can reach out
to sales@pathpartnertech.com [solutions@pathpartnertech.com ]
About GENIVI Alliance: GENIVI Alliance is a non-profit industry association whose
mission is to drive the broad adoption of an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) open source
development platform. GENIVI will accomplish this by aligning requirements, delivering
reference implementations, offering certification programs and fostering a vibrant open
source IVI community. GENIVI's work will result in shortened development cycles, quicker
time-to-market, and reduced costs for companies developing IVI equipment and software.
GENIVI is headquartered in San Ramon, Calif. http://www.genivi.org
About PathPartner Tech: PathPartner Technology [http://www.pathpartnertech.com ] is a
Bangalore (India) based Tech Corporation focused on providing products and services for
rich media devices. Founded in July 2006, PathPartner has expertise and focus on
audio/video/image codecs, imaging and vision algorithms, system integration and
application development for media centric devices. PathPartner offers ready to license
system solutions and services for multimedia centric embedded devices.