FINCAD Expands Coverage with the Launch of FINCAD Analytics Suite 2012.1
FINCAD continues innovation of its derivatives valuation and risk measurement solution
VANCOUVER, British Columbia and DUBLIN, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FINCAD, the market leader for innovative derivatives solutions, announced today the launch of FINCAD Analytics Suite 2012.1. For over 20 years, FINCAD Analytics Suite has been helping more than 4,000 organizations increase the accuracy of their derivatives valuations across multiple asset classes and effectively manage their risk exposure.
The latest version of the product offers a number of new functionalities including curve construction enhancements such as Fed Funds curves and Smooth Forward Curves. Fed Funds Curves using Fed Funds basis spreads versus LIBOR rates meet the need for separate forecasting and discounting curves for pricing collateralized OTC derivatives with USD cash flows. Also, Smooth Forward Curves provide increased pricing accuracy and more precise risk measurement by smoothing any spikes in forward rates using the Monotone Convex Spline method.
"The emerging nature of market structure changes for derivatives will demand that firms raise the bar to drive operational integration, realize efficiencies and facilitate optimization. This is already driving both execution and clearing brokers to build out industrial strength "in time" pricing and risk infrastructures that are scalable and aligned through various parts of the business," said Cubillas Ding, Research Director at Celent's Securities & Investments Practice.
"We are dedicated to investing in the ongoing development of FINCAD Analytics Suite to address the evolving business needs of our 4,000 clients in over 80 countries," said Bob Park, President and CEO, FINCAD. "FINCAD Analytics Suite continues to be critical for supporting the valuation, reporting and risk management of derivatives and fixed income portfolios to banks, corporate treasuries, hedge funds, asset management firms, audit firms, and governments."
To see how FINCAD Analytics Suite clients are using the product to meet their business need,click here.
About FINCAD
Founded in 1990, FINCAD provides advanced modeling solutions built on award-winning, patent pending technology. With more than 4,000 clients in over 80 countries around the world, FINCAD is the leading provider of financial risk analytics technology, enabling global market participants to make informed hedging and investment decisions. FINCAD provides software and services supporting the valuation, reporting and risk management of derivatives and fixed income portfolios to banks, corporate treasuries, hedge funds, asset management firms, audit firms, and governments. FINCAD Analytics can be accessed through Excel, MATLAB, as a Software-as-a-Service or embedded into an existing system through software development kits. Now, over 70 FINCAD Alliance Partners embed FINCAD Analytics within their solutions. FINCAD provides sales and client services from Dublin, Ireland, and Vancouver, Canada. http://www.fincad.com
Media Contact:
Armita Seyedalikhani
Product Marketing Manager
FINCAD
604-957-1192
a.seyedalikhani@fincad.com
Misys Achieves Top Spot From Aite Group in Supply Chain Financing
LONDON, April 18, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Misys plc (LSE: MSY), the global application software and services company, today
announces that it has achieved the top score from Aite Group's analysis of Supply Chain
Finance (SCF) Software Vendors. The report examines the extent to which companies are
mature as SCF enablers and in developing SCF components.
Misys was recognised for its robust coverage of 100% of SCF components through its
award winning solutions, Misys Trade Portal and Misys TI Plus. Together, the two solutions
provide a complete solution for front-to-back office transaction banking. Misys was also
noted as the company to benchmark for any SCF competitive analysis and go-to-market
strategy.
"This is a great endorsement of our product portfolio and strategy in Supply Chain
Finance," states Olivier Berthier, Global Solutions Director, Transaction Banking, Misys.
"Misys Trade Portal and Trade Innovation are award winning solutions that help banks to
provide simple and flexible financing options and clearly Aite Group agrees that our
approach is leading the market."
The Misys portfolio received high marks during the evaluation from Aite Group and
includes reverse factoring, dynamic discounting, invoice finance, and discounting. It also
goes beyond open-account to cover LCs and guarantees. A collaboration tool that allows
users to establish a structured transactional 'chat room' that helps buyer, seller, and
banker discuss and collaborate while executing the transaction was also highlighted as a
valuable infrastructure feature.
The survey by Aite Group covered a variety of topics, including target markets,
software functionalities, delivery models, client segmentation, revenue range, pricing
models, and partnership strategies.
About Misys plc
Misys plc (LSE: MSY), provides integrated, comprehensive solutions that deliver
significant results to financial services organisations. We maximise value for our
customers by combining our deep knowledge of their business with our commitment to their
success.
Misys is a market leader with over 1,300 customers, including all of the world's top
50 banks. Misys employs approximately 4,000 people and works with over 100 partners
globally who serve customers in more than 120 countries.
We aspire to be the world's best application software and services company, delivering
results for the most important industries in the world. Working with our extensive partner
network, together we create compelling solutions enabling our customers to differentiate
themselves and drive a competitive edge.
Spread Betting Tips for Mobile Trading with City Index
LONDON, April 18, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
The following guide is aimed at new traders looking to enter the markets through City
Index.
Spread betting is an alternative to more traditional forms of trading; allowing easier
access to over 12,000 financial markets for just a small initial deposit - normally
between 1% and 10% with spread betting provider City Index [http://www.cityindex.co.uk ].
Spread Betting Provider City Index
Traders choosing to spread bet with City Index have the potential to benefit from
trading with one of the world leaders in providing spread betting, CFD trading and forex
trading accounts for nearly 30 years.
With offices in the UK, US, Poland, Singapore, China and Australia; the City Index
Group as a whole, transacts millions of trades every month for individual traders in over
50 countries worldwide.
Traders, such as you and me, can access the trading platform across professional
downloadable, browser-based and mobile trading platforms.
The City Trading(TM) mobile app, launched in 2009, was the first CFD trading and
spread betting iPhone(TM) app
[http://www.cityindex.co.uk/trading-platform/iphone-trading-platform.aspx ], winning awards
for the 'Best Mobile Trading Platform' from Money Am in both 2010 and 2011 and the
'Innovation of the Year (Mobile)' award from the Financial Times & Investors Chronicle in
2010.
Spread Betting using your Mobile
Joshua Raymond, Chief Market Strategist at City Index, has worked in the industry for
a number of years; he says that the difference between the early days of the spread
betting, to today, is quite remarkable:
"Today, people can take a view on a financial market albeit equities, commodities,
indices and many more all from the comfort of their home or mobile phone,"
Adding that they don't need to be market analysts or mathematicians; all they need to
do is pick a market, take a view and place a bet.
"The ease of doing this today has been revolutionary to where the spread betting
industry started."
Spread betting and CFD trading account holders can download the award-winning City
Trading mobile app across iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices.
The City Trading(TM) mobile app enables you to check the latest prices and market
movements - instantly - whilst opening and closing positions and accessing a live
streaming charting package.
Key features include:
- Set stop and limit orders including if done and OCO (one cancels other)
- Create new or amend existing orders
- View your pending, completed and cancelled orders
- Monitor your positions using the unique City Index positions chart
- View and amend multiple Watch Lists
- Review trade and order history
Start Mobile Trading
Start spread betting with City Index [http://www.cityindex.co.uk ] now using your
mobile by simply accessing the respective app stores (Apple App store, Android Marketplace
and Blackberry App World), search for 'City Trading' and download the app to your device
for free.
Remember, as a leveraged product, spread betting can result in losses that exceed your
initial deposit. Ensure you full understand the risks prior to trading.
About City Index:
Today more and more individual traders are discovering the benefits of derivatives,
and many of them are discovering them through a City Index trading platform.
As a group, we transact in excess of 1.5 million trades every month in over 50
countries. We provide access to a wide range of instruments including margined foreign
exchange, CFDs and, in the UK, financial spread betting [http://www.cityindex.co.uk ].
We constantly look to improve the performance of our platforms and expand our range of
services. The result is our customers benefit from innovative trading tools with
transparent pricing, competitive spreads, and a high standard of customer support. Visit http://www.cityindex.co.uk/ for details.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPod, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store
is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Source: City Index
Contact: Joshua Raymond, City Index, +44(0)20-7107-7002, joshua.raymond@cityindex.co.uk
Carl Zeiss Introduces the First Trifocal Preloaded True-MICS IOL for Enhanced Intermediate Vision
WELWYN GARDEN CITY, England, April 18, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
The trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) AT LISA(R) tri 839MP is the next generation of
multifocal IOLs from the medical technology manufacturer Carl Zeiss Meditec
[http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ]. AT LISA tri supports ophthalmologists and
ophthalmic surgeons in meeting the demands of cataract and presbyopic patients who lead an
active life and expect surgery to provide them with a quality of vision which is similar
to what they were used to before the aging process of their eyes started. With AT LISA tri
[http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ] patients can switch almost naturally between
near, intermediate and far distances without being troubled by corrective glasses. "Simply
put, there is no other IOL on the market that is as close to the natural accommodating
process as the AT LISA tri," says Dr. Wolfram Wehner, ophthalmologist in Nuremberg,
Germany.
"We would like to assist our customers in optimally addressing the challenges of
surgical cataract and presbyopia correction," says Dr. Ludwin Monz, President and CEO of
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG [http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ]. "With the AT LISA tri
trifocal IOL this means that patients are provided with the most natural post-operative
vision possible without being reliant on eyeglasses."
Functional vision in all light conditions and lower visual disturbance
Based on the established AT LISA platform, the AT LISA tri
[http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ] is designed to produce more satisfying and
predictable visual outcomes to active patients and maximized pupil independency. The IOL
features a unique asymmetrical light distribution between the three different foci - 50
percent far, 20 percent intermediate, 30 percent near. Additionally the light energy
transmittance is increased for a maintained contrast sensitivity rate and lower visual
disturbance. "My patients report significantly less halos and glare with the AT LISA tri,
even when directly questioned about these phenomena," reports Dr. Elisabeth
Frieling-Reuss, ophthalmologist in Munich, Germany, about her experiences.
AT LISA [http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ] tri can provide enhanced intermediate
vision performance with its addition of +1.66 diopters compared to apodized bifocal or
convoluted trifocal IOLs, even under poor light conditions.
Simple and safe implantation
AT LISA tri [http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ] is suitable for microincision
cataract surgery (MICS) to avoid intraoperative induced astigmatism and reduces higher
order aberrations. The preloaded AT LISA tri 839MP combined with the innovative BLUEMIXS
180 injector allows easy and safe implantation through an incision of 1.8 millimeters.
To maintain lasting visual quality and prevent posterior capsular opacification (PCO),
AT LISA tri [http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/lisa-tri ] features an anti-PCO posterior
profile. This reinforces the effect of the square edges for double prevention of PCO
formation.
DOCDATA N.V. Today Publishes Online the 2011 Annual Report
WAALWIJK, The Netherlands, April 18, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
2011 Annual Report
DOCDATA N.V. today publishes online the Dutch version of the 2011 Annual Report. The
2011 Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report contain the figures for the
2011 financial year, which the Company already announced on 29 February 2012. Printed
hardcopies of the 2011 Annual Report, as well as online versions of the translation in
English and German will be available latest beginning of May 2012.
General Meeting of Shareholders
In addition, DOCDATA N.V. ("the Company") today publishes the Agenda for the Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders ("the Meeting"), to be held on Wednesday 30 May 2012 at
2.00 PM CET in Hotel NH Waalwijk, Bevrijdingsweg 1 in Waalwijk (Sprang-Capelle). The
Agenda for the Meeting contains amongst others proposals to adopt the 2011 Financial
Statements, to distribute the announced dividend of EUR 0.50 per share and a proposal to
reappoint Mr. Alting von Geusau as member of the Management Board in the position of Chief
Executive Officer (CEO).
As of today, the complete text of the Agenda for the Meeting with the explanatory
notes, including the 2011 Annual Report, including the 2011 Financial Statements and the
Remuneration report (available in Dutch only, as the "Remuneratierapport 2011") are
available for inspection by shareholders and other entitled persons at the office of the
Company, Energieweg 2 in Waalwijk, and shall also be made available free of charge at The
Royal Bank of Scotland N.V., Gustav Mahlerlaan 10, 1082 PP Amsterdam ("RBS"), telephone
+31-(0)20-4643707 or e-mail corporate.actions@rbs.com. Also as of today, all documents
mentioned here are available online to be inspected and obtained through the Corporate
website of the Company, http://www.docdatanv.com, or through the website http://www.securitiesinfo.com.
Registration Date
In accordance with the requirements as set by law, for the Meeting those who (i) on
Wednesday 2 May 2012 ("the Registration Date"), after processing of all entries and
deletions at this date, are registered as shareholder in the (sub)registers and also (ii)
have submitted their registration to attend as stated below, will be considered as having
the rights to vote and to attend the Meeting. As (sub)registers are qualified the
administration of the intermediaries as defined in the Dutch Securities Giro Act, which
shows the holders who are entitled to the shares on Registration Date.
Registration
Holders of shares or their proxies are entitled to attend the Meeting in case they
apply with RBS via their intermediary at whom their shares are administrated before
Wednesday 23 May 2012, 17.00 hours (CET). The intermediaries are to provide RBS with an
electronic statement via http://www.rbs.com/admitted-institutions which states the
number of shares for which a registration has been applied. With the registration, the
intermediaries are requested to include the full address details of the relevant
shareholders in order to be able to verify the shareholding on the Registration Date in an
efficient manner. RBS will send these shareholders an admission ticket for the Meeting via
the relevant intermediary.
Written proxy and voting through the Internet
The voting and attending rights can also be executed by a proxy. Shareholders and
other persons entitled to attend the Meeting can give an electronic proxy with voting
instructions. In order to give a valid voting instruction via Internet, you must register
in the way as described above under 'Registration'. An electronic proxy with voting
instruction is given to the Management Board of the Company, which will vote on your
behalf at the Meeting. Shareholders can give voting instructions up to and including
Wednesday 23 May 2012, 17.00 hours (CET) via http://www.rbs.com/evoting. In case
shareholders or other persons entitled to vote are unable to give proxy with voting
instructions electronically, they can represent themselves by means of a written proxy.
This written proxy must be received by the Company no later than Wednesday 23 May 2012,
17.00 hours (CET). The proxy must present the proof of registration as well as a copy of
the proxy at the registration desk of the Meeting.
Identification
Persons entitled to attend the Meeting, may be requested to identify themselves before
admission to the Meeting at the registration desk. We therefore kindly request all persons
entitled to attend the Meeting to bring a valid identification document to the Meeting
(passport, identity card or drivers license).
Issued share capital and voting rights of the Company
At the date of convocation for the Meeting, the Company has an issued share capital of
EUR 700,000.00 representing 7,000,000 shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.10 each. As per
that date, the Company holds 86,142 (1.23%) of the issued shares, so that no voting rights
can be exercised on these shares. As a result thereof, the number of shares entitled to
vote at the date of convocation amounts to 6,913,858 shares.
------------------------------------------
The listed DOCDATA N.V. exists of two lines of business:
E-commerce service company Docdata (http://www.docdata.com) is a European market
leader with a strong basis in The Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. Docdata
offers a complete e-commerce service portfolio to clients, enabling them to be successful
on the internet.
Technology company IAI industrial systems (http://www.iai-industrial-systems.com)
is a high tech engineering company specialised in developing and building systems for very
accurate and high speed processing of all kinds of products and materials. IAI delivers
clients globally in the following sectors: securing and personalising of security
documents, processing of solar cells and modules and processing of other materials and
products.
Monsoon Commerce Enhances Product Capabilities for UK Merchants
New release supports broad product categories plus wider distribution in the European marketplace.
EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Monsoon Commerce, Inc., a leading provider of online marketplace and e-commerce business solutions for mid-sized merchants, announced today enhanced product capabilities to benefit UK merchants. With new release features that support merchant sales for a broad set of product categories plus extended support in the European marketplace, Monsoon Commerce offers UK sellers an opportunity to significantly increase sales and improve operational efficiency. The new version of its powerful solution is currently in beta release, with general availability scheduled for mid-May.
Monsoon Commerce has established itself as the premier solution for UK merchants to profitably sell books, music, videos, and DVDs on multiple marketplaces. New product capabilities will allow UK sellers to apply the powerful marketplace selling features offered by Monsoon Commerce to a broad set of merchandise categories, including Beauty, Consumer Electronics, Sports and Fitness, Toys and Games, and Health and Personal Care. Through additional category support, UK merchants using Monsoon Commerce solutions can expand their product offering and increase their market potential.
In addition, Monsoon Commerce now offers UK merchants more efficient access to European marketplaces, including eBay and Amazon. Merchants using Monsoon Commerce solutions can take advantage of Amazon's unified EU marketplace and FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), making it easier to reach a wider audience and easily manage inventory across regional marketplaces. Through a centralized system, Monsoon Commerce users can efficiently manage FBA and locally warehoused inventory of all product categories across multiple marketplaces.
"Enhancing our technology to better support our UK sellers has been a priority for Monsoon Commerce," said Peter Bohnert, senior vice president of engineering for Monsoon Commerce. "Our focus in development is building product functionality that leverages the strengths of key marketplaces. The end goal, always, is creating opportunities for our clients to grow sales and increase efficiency, which these new capabilities reinforce."
UK merchants interested in learning about general merchandise and EU market opportunities are invited to attend the Monsoon Commerce UK Summit in London in April 2012. Keynote Chris Poad, director of Amazon UK Merchant Services, will provide sellers with insider information on how to best leverage FBA in the EU. All UK Summit seminars, plus a networking reception, are free to attendees. To register for the event, please visit the event web site.
About Monsoon Commerce
Monsoon Commerce is an e-commerce solutions company powering the online success of mid-sized merchants. Our integrated solutions allow you to easily manage inventory, orders, and fulfillment; sell more products in more places; and intelligently price products across channels. Our more than 20,000 customers, including 2,500 online merchants and multi-channel retailers, commonly experience a level of success that is both impactful and enduring--at times, even transformational. We call it the Monsoon Effect. Learn more at monsooncommerce.com.
SOURCE Monsoon Commerce, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111027/MM95516LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Monsoon Commerce, Inc.
CrimsonLogic Developed National Authentication Framework Project In Bahrain - eKey Goes Live
- First-of-its-kind system in Middle-East enabling citizens to securely access government eServices
SINGAPORE and MANAMA, Bahrain, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CrimsonLogic, a leading provider of eGovernment solutions and services, announced that the National Authentication Framework (NAF) project developed for the Kingdom of Bahrain, now recognised as eKey system, was officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Informatics and Telecommunication (SCICT), Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, at the recent inauguration of the 5th Bahrain International eGovernment Forum 2012.
CrimsonLogic was commissioned by the Bahrain eGovernment Authority (eGA) in early 2011 to develop and implement the eKey system to provide a secure nationwide authentication platform that manages and safeguards citizens' identities across multiple service delivery channels, various ministries and agencies. The eKey system enables each citizen to use a single authentication profile and login to access government e-services. During the authentication process, there are three levels of security: password (PIN), smartcard and biometric (fingerprint) identity verification to ensure all citizens-to-government transactions are carried out in a highly secured environment.
"We wish to congratulate the Kingdom of Bahrain on the successful launch of their eKey system and are honoured to be part of the country's effort to positively transform its government administration," said Mr Leong Peng Kiong, CEO of CrimsonLogic. "With the system now in place, it will help the Bahrain government reduce administrative operating expenses, enhance service-delivery efficiency and improve user experience.
"This significant milestone is a strong testament of the Bahrain government's commitment and strategy to enhance government-to-citizen engagement, and also strengthened the country's competitive position in the region."
At launch, citizens can use their individual eKey (they have to first register their account on the Bahrain's eGovernment portal) to access services from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development and Electricity and Water Authority.
About CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd
CrimsonLogic is a trusted partner to governments. For over 20 years, CrimsonLogic has worked with governments globally to find innovative and sustainable solutions to collaborate more seamlessly with their citizens. The company has continued to set industry-standards by delivering world-first eGovernment solutions. CrimsonLogic provides end-to-end services from designing to operating these services, to drive substantial and lasting improvements. For more information, please visit http://www.crimsonlogic.com.
Bloomberg BNA Launches Payroll Reference App for the iPhone
ARLINGTON, Va., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bloomberg BNA's Payroll Reference Ruler, a tool for quick searches on federal and state minimum wage and withholding rates, updated annually and popular with payroll professionals, is now available as a free mobile app on the iTunes store.
"Bloomberg BNA is continually striving to meet the changing needs of our markets through the addition of mobile apps for our signature products," Bloomberg BNA VP and Group Publisher Robert Shew said. "This app brings our customers a more robust version of our already extremely popular print reference ruler. We're excited to put this tool in the hands of payroll professionals to augment our world class payroll products."
Bloomberg BNA's Payroll Reference Ruler provides access within a few clicks to minimum wage rates, unemployment wage bases, supplemental withholding rates, and annual reconciliation dates for the federal government, all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. This easy-to-use iPhone app also includes:
-- Federal Basic Deferral Limits
-- Compensation Limits
-- Standard Mileage Rates
-- Individual Tax Rate Schedules
-- Transportation Benefits Limits
-- Automobile Valuations
-- Federal Contacts for IRS/Treasury, SSA, DOL, CSE, and Citizen &
Immigration
The Payroll Reference Ruler is available for download at no cost to the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bloomberg-bna-payroll-reference/id509269201?mt=8.
Bloomberg BNA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bloomberg, is a leading source of legal, regulatory, and business information for professionals. Its network of more than 2,500 reporters, correspondents, and leading practitioners delivers expert analysis, news, practice tools, and guidance -- the information that matters most to professionals. Bloomberg BNA's authoritative coverage spans the full range of legal practice areas, including tax & accounting, labor & employment, intellectual property, banking & securities, employee benefits, health care, privacy & data security, human resources, and environment, health & safety. http://www.bna.com
Producer Jimek Wins BEYONCE's "End Of Time" Remix Competition
Selection Available on 4: The Remix Available Digitally on April 24
NEW YORK, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles-based producer, Jimek, is the winner of BEYONCE's "End Of Time" Remix Competition. The Warsaw, Poland native's remix was selected the best over nearly 3,000 mixes received over the four weeks of competition, which started on February 8.
Entries were uploaded to SoundCloud, the leading social sound platform with over 12 million registered users. Over 1.7 million fans visited the micro site in the first 10 days of the competition. By the end of the competition, all the stems were downloaded 351,000 times and 1.65 million fans listened to at least two mixes.
The competition was opened to 25 countries including Australia, Brazil, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Initial voting by fans, DJs and remixers through the SoundCloud community narrowed down the Top 50 entries. All eligible entries were voted on the basis of originality, creativity and musicality. The final winner was selected by an international panel of judges, including BEYONCE, British musician Isabella Summers of Florence & The Machine, Dutch music producer and DJ Afrojack, the duo DJ and producing team from Poland, WAWA, New York premier DJ Jus-Ske and Oscar-winning producer and composer Giorgio Moroder.
As the winner, Jimek, born Radzimir Debski, will take home $4,000 USD and will have his remix appear on 4: The Remix. The EP, filled with fan-favorite remixes, including "Countdown" by Isa Machine and an extended version of "End Of Time" by WAWA, will be available digitally on April 24.
Complete track listing for 4: The Remix, from Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records:
1. "Run the World (Girls)" Dave Aude Club Remix
2. "Countdown" Isa Machine Remix
3. "Best Thing I Never Had" Lars B Remix
4. "Love On Top" DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Remix
5. "End Of Time" WAWA Extended
6. "End Of Time" JIMEK Remix
Jimek, the son of classical and film composer, Krzesimir Debski, has a Masters degree in composition from Chopin Music Academy Warsaw and has studied film scoring and orchestration at UCLA, Los Angeles. He has worked in film and TV and is currently working on a debut solo indie album.
Here is a complete list of the 25 participating countries in the "End Of Time" Remix Competition: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.
About SoundCloud: SoundCloud, launched in 2008 by Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss, is a social sound platform that lets anyone create, record, promote and share their sounds on the web, in a simple, accessible and feature-rich way. SoundCloud allows sound creators to instantly record audio; upload large files; share them publicly and privately; embed sound across websites and blogs; receive detailed analytics, plus feedback from the community directly onto the waveform player. For more information go to: http://soundcloud.com.
MyWireless.org® Recognizes American Taxpayers by Calling for Consumer Relief on Wireless Taxes
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Americans complete the annual labor of filing their federal and state income tax returns and plan appropriately for the remainder of 2012, national advocacy organization MyWireless.org® reminds the United States Congress that it can provide consumers with much-needed and deserved relief from discriminatory state and local taxes & fees on wireless service, and also against multiple tax hits on digital purchases. Specifically, MyWireless.org supports the passage of two critical pieces of legislation before the Congress adjourns this year, the "Wireless Tax Fairness Act" and the "Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act."
"Now that we all have stepped up to our obligations, it's time for Congress to step up to theirs and establish a fair and sensible tax structure for wireless consumers," says Brian Johnston, director of advocacy for MyWireless.org. "The more than 300 million Americans using wireless technology today are being subjected to an outdated tax system that has them paying wireless taxes that are well more than their fair share, and puts them at risk of being unfairly taxed multiple times for the same digital purchase."
Johnston continued, "Passing the Wireless Tax Fairness Act is a reasonable first step toward taking an unfair burden off the backs of U.S. wireless consumers. It's a five-year time-out from having state and local governments continually piling on wireless-only taxes and fees, and would set the stage for a serious discussion about creating a tax system that reflects the realities of today's communications landscape. Wireless technology is playing an increasingly helpful and important role in our personal and professional lives, and we shouldn't be penalized for that by paying at levels that can be up to four times higher than the taxes we pay for general goods and services."
The Wireless Tax Fairness Act was introduced in the Senate (S. 543) by Sens Wyden (D-OR) and Snowe (R-ME), and in the House (H.R. 1002) by Reps Lofgren (D-CA) and Franks (R-AZ). The legislation calls for a 5-year moratorium to be placed on any new and discriminatory wireless taxes & fees at the state and local levels. The bill is currently being considered before the Senate Finance Committee, and after being scored at zero significant additional cost to any level of government, was passed by a unanimous voice vote in the House on November 1st of last year. The measure is strongly bipartisan, and gained 236 co-sponsors on the House side, while garnering 18 co-sponsors on the identical Senate companion bill.
The other legislation MyWireless.org is urging Congress to pass, the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act, was introduced in the Senate (S. 971) by Sens Wyden and Thune (R-SD), and in the House (H.R. 1860) by Reps Smith (R-TX) and Cohen (D-TN).
That legislation seeks to prohibit a state or local jurisdiction from imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on the sale or use of digital goods or services that are purchased with wireless, delivered or transferred electronically to a consumer. The bill would promote a framework, looking for simplicity and fairness in the taxation of these digital goods and services, ensuring a consumer is only taxed one time for their purchase - by the local jurisdiction where their device is registered, where their monthly wireless bill is received, and where they pay state and/or local sales tax. These measures are also strongly supported and bipartisan, with 16 co-sponsors in the House, and 3 co-sponsors in the Senate.
"We couldn't be more thankful for the leadership and the efforts of Senators Wyden, Snowe and Thune, and Representatives Lofgren, Franks, Smith and Cohen, as well as all of the co-sponsors of these important bills. We feel there is no better time to highlight their pro-consumer work than right now with Tax Week here in America. It's high time we take a breather from wireless taxes and fees spiraling ever higher, that we protect consumers from multiple and discriminatory tax hits for their purchases, and that our elected officials really take this time-out period to study new and emerging technology's usage within our society," Johnston continued. "We urge Senate Finance Chairman Baucus to consider both pieces of legislation in an upcoming 'Tax Reform - State and Local Fiscal Policy' hearing, and to help hundreds of millions of consumers by finally taking these outdated tax laws off the books."
MyWireless.org® is a national nonpartisan non-profit advocacy organization, made up of wireless consumers, businesses and community leaders from around the country, supporting reasonable pro-consumer wireless policies. To learn more, please visit http://www.mywireless.org.
Leviton Provides New Resources for Integrating Smartphones and Other Devices into a Home Network
New videos and wiring diagrams make it easy to connect to a home entertainment system
BOTHELL, Wash., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Leviton today launched a series of new videos, diagrams and equipment lists to help contractors and customers seamlessly integrate iPhone(®) and Android((TM)) smartphones and other media-streaming devices into a home network. The new materials provide detailed information on connecting devices using a set-top box like Roku(®) or Apple TV(®), or through a Wi-Fi connection using an Apple AirPort Express(®) or AirPlay(®)-enabled receiver.
The new wiring scenarios are designed to provide smartphone convenience and connected home performance. Each scenario features a Leviton Structured Media(®) enclosure to serve as the nerve center of the home network - the hub for Internet, video, voice and multi-room audio distribution. From there, Leviton connectivity equipment such as network routers, audio modules and speakers help homeowners integrate and easily share music, videos and photos throughout their entire home network.
"Starting with a Leviton Structured Media enclosure makes the initial installation quicker and easier," said Yuna Shin, connected home product manager for Leviton Network Solutions. "It also provides homeowners with a unique opportunity to easily make moves, additions or changes as their home network evolves."
Example setup configurations include:
-- Leviton Home Theater with Apple TV - using Apple TV, wirelessly stream
music or video from a smartphone or tablet and get movie theater-quality
sound with Leviton's line of JBL architectural speakers and amplified
subwoofer.
-- Leviton A-BUS(®) with Apple AirPort Express and Local Source 4-Zone
Multi-room Audio - with A-BUS technology mounted in a Leviton Structured
Media enclosure and individual volume controls, it's easy to share a
smartphone's playlist throughout the whole house, or in just a single
room.
-- Leviton System Matching Module with Apple AirPort Express - seamlessly
stream music to every room in the house with Leviton's six-zone system
matching module and an Apple AirPort Express wireless router.
-- Leviton Distributed Audio with an Airplay-Enabled Receiver - play music
wirelessly from a smartphone for everyone to hear with an Apple
AirPlay-enabled receiver, a Leviton Gigabit Router for high-performance
connectivity and Leviton's line of JBL loudspeakers for
professional-quality sound.
Detailed wiring diagrams and demonstration videos for all of the configurations above are available at http://www.leviton.com/connectedhome.
About Leviton Network Solutions
Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data center, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry's best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. Make the smart choice for a better network. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS.
About Leviton
Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today's residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit http://www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton,http://twitter.com/levitonmfg or http://www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.
Free StreetSense Course Helps Fans of The Biggest Loser Burn Financial Fat
PerkStreet Teams with Contestants from The Biggest Loser: Season 12 to Deliver e-Course
BOSTON, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PerkStreet Financial, the financial services company rewarding customers for living healthy financial lives, is pleased to announce the launch of its newest StreetSense e-course, featuring free advice and motivation from two popular contestants from The Biggest Loser.
The personal finance e-course, Building a Healthy Financial Future: Lessons Learned on The Biggest Loser, is designed to help inspire and educate those who have been putting off financial improvement. PerkStreet has already seen thousands sign up for its free, StreetSense courses, and is proud to partner with Ramon Medeiros and Jessica Limpert - the famous couple from The Biggest Loser: Season 12 - to add to its listing of financial topics.
"Ramon and Jessica are just as passionate about helping people as PerkStreet is. They inspired America last fall by losing a combined 266 pounds on the show. They're true examples of where perseverance can get you. We've teamed up with them to help Americans improve their financial futures," said Dan O'Malley, CEO of PerkStreet Financial.
"With the help of our friends at PerkStreet, Ramon and I are excited to be tackling our biggest challenge yet: Money. We know sharing this new journey with others and showing them how we're improving our financial health is going to help people - that's something we're always interested in," said Limpert.
"Jessica and I have learned that if you want to change your future, you have to make good choices today, every day. It's about willing yourself to overcome," said Medeiros, who became a finalist by winning the Biggest Loser marathon. "Financial and physical goals are both hard to pursue. Changing your behavior in these areas is tough. That's where we come in."
ABOUT PerkStreet Financial
PerkStreet provides a fully featured, online-only checking account to customers nationwide. By eliminating the costs of branches, PerkStreet is efficient enough to turn checking accounts into personal profit engines for customers. This means they can earn $1,000 per year or more using PerkStreet's cash back debit card. Founded in 2008 and backed by Highland Capital Partners and Globespan Capital Partners, PerkStreet is already giving its customers millions of dollars in cash back per year. Banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank. Member FDIC.
Pearson Selects infosnap as ISV Partner for Chancery SMS
Designation Recognizes the Value of infosnap Online Solutions to Chancery SMS Customers
AUSTIN, Texas, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- infosnap, the leading provider of online admission, enrollment and registration solutions for schools, today announced that the K-12 Technology group of Pearson has named the company an "Independent Software Vendor" (ISV) for online registration with Chancery® SMS, forming a relationship that allows Pearson and infosnap to jointly bring functionality to market that logically extends the Chancery SMS student information system (SIS).
"We are expanding our ongoing ISV relationship with infosnap to include our Chancery SMS product," said Oliver Wreford, director of business development for Pearson's K-12 Technology group. "As a PowerSchool ISV partner, infosnap has been very successful in introducing numerous PowerSchool districts to online registration. The team at infosnap has demonstrated a deep understanding of the technical, process, and service requirements for successful online registration. We believe the efficiencies and cost savings of online registration will be even more valuable for the larger districts served by Chancery SMS," said Wreford.
infosnap already serves dozens of Pearson's PowerSchool SIS customers nationwide, working with public school districts, charter schools and independent schools to help them re-engineer their antiquated, paper-based data collections processes. These schools benefit from enhanced staff efficiency, saved time and money, improved accuracy and timeliness of student information, and they make registration easier for parents and families. The recently established Chancery SMS - infosnap partnership is designed to accomplish the same benefits for Chancery SMS customers.
"infosnap is honored and excited to be working even more closely with Pearson and the Chancery SMS user community, and to be recognized as an exclusive ISV partner for Chancery SMS," said Karin Holtz, infosnap Director of Sales and Marketing for Public Schools.
About Pearson
Pearson, the world's leading learning company, has global reach and market-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing (NYSE: PSO). For more information about the K-12 Technology group of Pearson, visit http://www.pearsonschoolsystems.com/.
About infosnap
With more than 12 years' experience, infosnap is the leading provider of online enrollment and registration solutions with data integration services to multiple SISs, for PreK - 12 public school districts, independent schools, and charter schools. To learn more, visit http://www.infosnap.com.
SOURCE infosnap
infosnap
CONTACT: Karin Holtz, +1-301-907-7075, karin@infosnap.com
Projecis Releases New Version of Its Cloud-Based Project Content Management Platform With Improved User Interface and Expanded Contact Capabilities
Projecis 2.0 advances project collaboration in the cloud with improved features for files, tasks, issues, discussions, and communication within a managed team environment
SAN DIEGO, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Projecis, Inc., a content and collaboration software company, has released a major upgrade to its flagship cloud-based project management platform.
Projecis 2.0 includes a re-designed user interface to promote quicker access to content and features, and home page access to Calendar, Recent Activity and To-Do Items for "At-a-Glance" update capability. Combined with key features such as unlimited storage, file sharing, VoIP meeting center, milestone-task tracking, "work-from-email" ability, document review, and contact management, Projecis allows companies and individuals to track projects and manage information effectively.
Projecis subscribers will now find an Activity area where project content actions generated by team members can be tracked; from posting files to generating issues to commenting on news, tasks and other items. Details on milestones provide a breakout of assignments required to achieve goals. Subscription members are better coordinated in the Projecis Workspace area, where members are easily assigned to projects with given roles and privileges, or can be deactivated from projects and designated as a "contact."
File features continue to be a strength of Projecis. Unlimited file storage is provided with any subscription, along with these features:
-- File Sharing:
-- Share files among team members in a secure environment
-- Generate optional public URL to share files with those outside your
team
-- File Versioning:
-- Ensure your team is working on the most current file version
-- Keep track of file versions and maintain access to earlier versions
-- File Activity:
-- Monitor who reviewed and/or downloaded files and which version
-- File Review & Workflow:
-- Files can be placed in the Projecis review feature for approval or
as part of staff training
"Projecis 2.0 raises the bar for project collaboration. It's more feature-rich than products like Basecamp, much less expensive than Office 365, and has communication features ignored by other systems," says Paul TanPiengco, head of business development at Projecis.
One Projecis client is the Public Health Alliance for Clinical Trials (PHACT), a non-profit group focused on testing drugs for delivery to the poorest regions in the world. "The Projecis platform allows our group to collaborate as a team on all our projects, which is especially advantageous since we have team members from around the world," says Ellen Morgan, president of PHACT. "We are able to distribute files more easily and securely, as well as communicate more readily with online chat and group discussions. It's more than a 'To Do' list, since we generate milestones and then associate assigned tasks and issues to each milestone for ease of tracking project goals. Projecis really increases our team effectiveness. We wouldn't want to work without this tool."
Projecis is running a free 10-day trial offer. At less than 50 cents per day/per seat, Projecis is one of the most cost-effective products on the market. For more information: http://www.projecis.com/Home/Pricing.
Verizon Wireless Expands its 4G LTE Network In Stockton on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Quail Lake, Lathrop and More
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas of Stockton can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Cities and towns in the expanded 4G coverage area include:
-- Quail Lake
-- Lathrop
-- Waterloo
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in Stockton in October 2011.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including Stockton on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in Stockton reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more areas near Stockton can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless , +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
Bridgepoint Education Delivers New Interface, Updated Features for Ashford Mobile and Rockies Mobile Online Classroom Apps
Student requests fueled ideas for upgrades to Ashford, Rockies Mobile Version 2.1
SAN DIEGO, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI) and its Mobile Classroom Product and Development Team have just released a significant update for Ashford Mobile and Rockies Mobile app users on both Apple® and Android®-powered tablets. These online classroom apps offer an expansive connection with the online learning experience to students and faculty of Ashford University and University of the Rockies, academic institutions owned by Bridgepoint. The update is already available for current Ashford and Rockies Mobile app users, and more information may be found online at ashford.edu and rockies.edu.
The Version 2.1 mobile classroom update includes new student services, new classroom features, and a new "just-in-time" course interface that delivers a weekly course overview containing an up-to-date view of students' current coursework. Aesthetically, the look and feel of Ashford and Rockies Mobile has been adjusted to reflect each University's revised branding.
"Continuing improvements to the mobile classroom go hand in hand with support of our student body," stated Dana LaFleur, director of Learning Architecture at Bridgepoint Education. "Just as important, this update delivers enhancements for Ashford and Rockies Mobile that were specifically requested by regular users of the app."
Noteworthy among the advancements incorporated into the update is the digital student ID (a.k.a. DSID), which gives students a method to identify themselves as college students. Students will also have access to their financial ledger card to better track specific account information, and individual discussion comments will be more readily identifiable by student and instructor thanks to revised post icons. Student and faculty input played a large part in the advancements delivered with Version 2.1, with large percentages of surveyed users at Ashford University and University of the Rockies requesting these improvements.
Version 2.1 updates for Ashford and Rockies Mobile will be available at the Ashford University and University of the Rockies websites (ashford.edu and rockies.edu), and from the Apple® store (apple.com/ipad/from-the-app-store/) and Android's® Market (market.android.com/).
About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its accredited institutions - Ashford University and University of the Rockies - embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master's and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit http://www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.
About Ashford University
Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (http://www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor's degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University - where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit http://www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.
About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow's thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master's and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (http://www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format and at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit http://www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.
Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations
858.668.2580 · shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com
Verizon Wireless Expands its 4G LTE Network in San Luis Obispo on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Arroyo Grande and More
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas of San Luis Obispo can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Cities and towns in the expanded 4G coverage area include:
-- Arroyo Grande
-- South San Luis Obispo
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in September in San Luis Obispo.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including San Luis Obispo on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in San Luis Obispo reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more areas near San Luis Obispo can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
Verizon Wireless Expands Its 4G LTE Network in Modesto on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Turlock, Patterson and More
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas of Modesto can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Cities and towns in the expanded 4G coverage area include:
-- Turlock
-- Patterson
-- Oakdale
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in October with coverage extending in Modesto.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including Modesto on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in Modesto reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more areas near Modesto can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
New "Surprise Me" Feature on TED.com Celebrates Serendipity
Creates instant TEDTalk playlists based on visitors' mood, spare time
NEW YORK, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Have 10 minutes to spare? Want to spend them on something inspiring? How about something jaw-dropping? With its new Surprise Me feature, TED.com serves up TEDTalks in free custom playlists based on how much time visitors have and what they're in the mood to watch (something "funny" perhaps? Or "persuasive?") Ranging from 3 minutes to 18 minutes in length, TEDTalks share ideas from the world's most fascinating people on everything from technology and design to global issues and entertainment.
"We're always adapting to people's changing media habits, and we've noticed that TEDTalks have become 'appointment viewing' for more and more people," said TED Executive Producer of Media June Cohen. "We created Surprise Me to meet the needs of those users - people who have a set amount of free time but might not know what to watch. They just know their lunch break lasts 20 minutes, and they want to be wowed. We take it from there."
TED.com's "serendipity engine," modeled after functionality developed for TED's mobile apps, factors in talk length, user ratings and the age of each talk to create Surprise Me playlists. For instance, a visitor with time for 40 minutes of jaw-dropping talks may receive a combination of 18-, 6- and 3-minute talks recently rated "jaw-dropping." And because a talk deemed jaw-dropping three years ago could be less impressive now (compared with more evergreen labels like "inspiring") TED factors in a talk's age, too.
Once Surprise Me generates a playlist, it can be viewed in TED's new theater-style player, where the talks will run continuously for the pre-selected amount of time. The theater-style player features three viewing sizes, support for 720p high-resolution video in full-screen mode, and back-end technology that continually detects the user's bandwidth, automatically adjusting the video quality level over time to ensure smooth playback.
Added Cohen: "By asking visitors what they're in the mood for - rather than what subject they're interested in - we're free to introduce them to a wide range of topics, from biology to cartooning ... all part of our mission to spark curiosity and help people discover ideas worth spreading."
The Surprise Me feature was created with support from TED partner Rolex.
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Long Beach, California, along with the TEDActive simulcast in Palm Springs; the annual TEDGlobal conference is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.
TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily, the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide, and TEDBooks, short e-books by speakers that elaborate on a single idea originally presented on TED's stage. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities. Follow TED on Twitter or on Facebook.
Contact: Margaret Sullivan, TED@groupsjr.com, 646-833-0205
Verizon Wireless Expands its 4G LTE Network in San Francisco Bay Area on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Berkeley, Oakland and More
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas of San Francisco Bay Area can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Cities and towns in the expanded 4G coverage area include:
-- Along Highway 4
-- Brentwood
-- Fairfield
-- Half Moon Bay
-- Berkeley
-- Oakland
-- Livermore
-- San Francisco
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in December 2010 in San Francisco Bay Area.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including San Francisco Bay Area on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in the San Francisco Bay Area reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more Bay Area locations can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Wireless Brings its 4G LTE Network to Visalia on April 19
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in Visalia can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. With Verizon's 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before.
On Thursday, the company's 4G LTE network will be available to customers in the following cities and towns:
-- Visalia
-- Downtown Hanford
-- Laton
-- Lemoore
-- Downtown Tulare
-- Earlimart
-- Parts of Porterville
-- Along Highway 99
Verizon Wireless is introducing its 4G LTE network in a total of 27 new markets, including Visalia, and expanding the network in 44 markets across the United States on April 19. With the new and expanded markets, the company's 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in 230 markets on April 19.
"Introducing our 4G LTE network to Visalia reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the 4G LTE network, residents in Visalia can push the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices, including that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
Verizon Wireless Expands its 4G LTE Network in Bakersfield on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Arvin, Lamont and More
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas of Bakersfield can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Cities and towns in the expanded 4G coverage area include:
-- Arvin
-- Lamont
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in August in Bakersfield with coverage extending along Highway 46 between Highway 99 and I-5.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including Bakersfield on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in Bakersfield reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more areas near Bakersfield can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
Verizon Wireless Expands Its 4G LTE Network in Sacramento on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Woodland
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas around Sacramento can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Woodland is included in the expanded 4G coverage area.
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in June in Sacramento with coverage extending in Loomis, West Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Mather, Elverta, Pocket and Truxel areas.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including Sacramento on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in Sacramento reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more areas around Sacramento can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
Net Texts to Unveil Its Groundbreaking New Educational iPad App
Free App to Revolutionize How Educators Connect With Students
Global Launch to be Held at New York's Historic Morgan Library on April 17th
NEW YORK, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 17, Net Texts, a global leader in educational technology development, will launch its innovative new iPad App that aims to transform the way teachers and students connect both in and outside of the classroom. The app, which will be available free of charge, replaces conventional textbooks with tablets by organizing and delivering the wide and growing array of Open Educational Resources already freely available on the Internet. Net Texts' founder and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Messner, plans to display the app at a celebratory launch event to be held at the New York's historic Morgan Library.
The event follows a pilot program where education foundations donated iPads to 300 8th grade students in six Atlanta schools. Students and teachers in these schools agreed to completely replace traditional textbooks with Net Texts for an entire school year, while Net Texts received feedback and input to improve its course materials for both educators and learners.
"Following the successful trial of Net Texts through our pilot in Atlanta, we are excited for the broader release of our program," noted Michael Messner, Net Texts founder and philanthropist. "The education system dramatically needs to revolutionize the way it relates to students in the 21st century, and we believe Net Texts will empower students, teachers, and families to be engaged more fully in the learning process."
The Net Texts app is also being piloted at the St. Michael School in Netcong, New Jersey. John Eriksen, Superintendent responsible for St. Michael School, praised Net Texts: "Our school is thrilled to be one of the first to use this dynamic and cutting edge learning tool. Net Texts is at the front of the pack in the educational space."
Net Texts' dynamic iPad-based educational system revolutionizes the learning experience for students and teachers alike by allowing teachers to easily design rich, customized multimedia courses accessible on students' iPads, instead of a backpack filled with heavy books which frequently are outdated, not reflecting current events.
The Net Texts system has two parts - the website that teachers use to select and customize their course materials, and the Net Texts iPad app (available for free on the iTunes app store) that allows students and teachers to use those courses. According to Net Texts Chief Technology Officer Prasant Varghese, "Our team has made painstaking efforts to create a simple, easy-to-use system that would help take the learning process to a whole new level."
About Net Texts
Net Texts was founded in 2010 to improve education for both students and teachers, by replacing textbooks with engaging, easy-to-use tablets. We have developed an iPad app and a content-rich Web site that organizes and delivers the wealth of Open Educational Resources available on the Internet. You can download our iPad app from the Apple App Store and use our sample courses. To join our community or get more info, please e-mail us at: info@net-texts.com
SOURCE Net Texts
Net Texts
CONTACT: Alexandra Preate, +1-917-748-6537 cell, apreate@capitalhq.com
Verizon Wireless Expands Its 4G LTE Network in Reno on April 19
Expanded Coverage Includes Fallon, South Lake Tahoe and More
RENO, Nev., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --On April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more areas of Reno can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the nation's largest 4G LTE network. Cities and towns in the expanded 4G coverage area include:
-- Fallon
-- South Lake Tahoe
-- Caughlin Ranch
With the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, customers can enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage when they stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. Verizon Wireless initially launched its 4G LTE network in September in Reno with coverage extending in Boomtown and Glenbrook.
In addition to expanding the network in 44 markets, including Reno on April 19, the company is introducing the network in 27 new markets across the United States. With the new and expanded markets on April 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a total of 230 markets.
"The expansion of our 4G LTE network in Reno reinforces our commitment to leading the way in 4G LTE and providing our customers the best products and services available," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the expanded 4G LTE network, residents in more areas near Reno can continue pushing the boundaries of communication by taking advantage of the speed and connectivity offered by 4G LTE."
4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can purchase a wide variety of the most popular 4G LTE devices that will connect to the nation's fastest 4G network. Details on available devices can be found at http://www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
4G LTE Coverage and Speed
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
First Golden Unit products certified, free webinar scheduled
SAN RAMON, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The ZigBee® Alliance, a global ecosystem of companies, creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, commercial and consumer applications, today announced it completed development and ratified the ZigBee Light Link(TM) standard. The lighting industry now has an open, global standard, backed by a broad competitive ecosystem, offering wireless control for some of the world's most efficient and flexible LED lighting solutions.
The Alliance has created a standard that will be as easy to use as a common dimmer switch. Energy efficient light bulbs, LED fixtures, sensors, timers, remotes and switches built using ZigBee Light Link will easily connect into a single network, without special devices to coordinate the network. Consumers will be able to easily install products and add extra devices to their lighting network. Like all products using standards in the ZigBee standards portfolio, ZigBee Light Link devices can be controlled over the Internet through computers, tablets and smart phones. Consumers will enjoy the many benefits of wireless lighting control and the ability to combine products from multiple brands. The ZigBee Light Link standard is now available for ZigBee Alliance members for product development. To see more information about the benefits and features of ZigBee Light Link, visit: http://www.ZigBee.org/LightLink.
Development and validation of this standard was led by industry-leading lighting experts including GE, Greenwave Reality, OSRAM Sylvania and Philips. TRaC Global provided independent testing services for the first ZigBee Certified products submitted by Atmel, Ember, OSRAM, Philips and Texas Instruments. These implementations will serve as golden units against which future ZigBee Certified products using this standard will be tested. This testing process ensures compliance with the standard so that consumers can be assured that all ZigBee Light Link products will interoperate, regardless of who builds them.
"The ZigBee Alliance provided our technical working group with an excellent platform to complete ZigBee Light Link in a fast and professional manner - a standard we know that will spur the industry's new lighting propositions," said Jos Bruins, ZigBee Light Link working group chair from Philips. "ZigBee Light Link provides an easy-to-use and intuitive approach to next generation lighting that has the backing and support of top tier companies and product development is already underway."
Free Webinar
The Alliance will host a free public webinar on May 16, 2012. "Exploring New Lighting Opportunities with ZigBee Light Link" will be held at 08:00 am PDT and feature speakers from the industry. Space is limited and advance registration is available at: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/890271775
"Standards development within the ZigBee Alliance is driven by our enthusiastic membership and they're to be congratulated for their work on ZigBee Light Link," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "ZigBee Light Link sets a new bar. It provides a very affordable, easy to install and easy to use standalone lighting solution specifically addressing the general consumer market, but at the same time remains capable of integrating with the broader family of ZigBee home automation solutions."
ZigBee Certified
Products built using ZigBee Light Link are now eligible to become ZigBee Certified products. Since ZigBee Light Link is an interoperable ZigBee standard, lighting products and controls using the standard will work together and not interfere with other ZigBee products already in consumers' homes. The ZigBee Certified program tests the functionality and interoperability of products using ZigBee standards and specifications to ensure they meet stringent quality standards. The ZigBee Certified program allows manufacturers to deliver a variety of innovative products to customers of all types who can benefit from the simplicity of ZigBee control. To learn more, visit: http://zigbee.org/Products/ZigBeeCertifiedProgram.aspx.
ZigBee: Control your world
ZigBee offers green and global wireless standards connecting the widest range of devices to work together intelligently and help you control your world. The ZigBee Alliance is an open, non- profit association of approximately 400 members driving development of innovative, reliable and easy-to-use ZigBee standards. The Alliance promotes worldwide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in consumer, commercial and industrial areas. For more information, visit: http://www.ZigBee.org.
CONTACT: Kevin Schader of ZigBee Alliance, +1-925-275-6672, kschader@inventures.com; or Traci Renner of GolinHarris, +1-714-918-8226, trenner@golinharris.com, for ZigBee Alliance
The "Zap2it Rewards Challenge" Awards Points, Badges and Prizes to Entertainment Fans Who Engage With Content Tied to Popular TV Shows and Celebrities
CHICAGO, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zap2it, the leading TV news and information web site from Tribune Media Services (TMS), has introduced new social TV features that reward entertainment fans for interacting with news and content focusing on their favorite shows and celebrities. Users can now earn points and customized badges through common actions such as joining Zap2it's various social media communities, "liking," commenting on and reacting to blog posts, sharing content and checking in to TV shows.
By connecting with Zap2it through social media accounts and participating in these activities, Zap2it users can interact with like-minded entertainment fans, accumulate social currency, secure bragging rights and gain access to giveaways and themed prizes.
Powered by Gigya, the Rewards Challenge is the most recent Zap2it product enhancement designed to increase social activities around TV shows and celebrities. By encouraging social activities, the Rewards Challenge builds user loyalty and site stickiness. All Challenges are fully integrated with Facebook, Twitter and other major social media sites allowing for achievements and progress to be shared with friends and community members. A Leaderboard displaying user rankings provides the Zap2it audience of "TV Sociables" a snapshot of top performers thereby encouraging friendly competition.
The Zap2it Rewards Challenge officially gets underway with the "Head Writer Badge" Sweepstakes in which the first users to earn 2,500 points and unlock the "Head Writer" badge are eligible to win an Apple iPad. For more details on the promotion, visit Zap2it.com/RewardsChallenge.
"Launching the Zap2it Rewards Challenge is a big step in enhancing our social TV presence," said Rebecca Baldwin, Vice President and General Manager of Zap2it. "It gives our users a home for their TV-focused communities and our advertisers a new way to reach truly engaged TV watchers."
About Zap2it
Zap2it is the destination for TV and Movie fans who want to stay connected to popular shows, films, events, celebrities, and other fans. Zap2it is a service of Tribune Media Services, a division of Tribune Company. For more information about Zap2it, visit Zap2it.com/MediaKit.
About Tribune Media Services
Tribune Media Services Entertainment Products is an international leader in entertainment navigation. It provides industry-leading databases of TV, movie and celebrity information; guides in print, online and on-screen formats; and advertising and marketing services to build audiences. For more information about TMS Entertainment Products, visit TribuneMediaServices.com.
Zap2it Media Contact:
Mark Yamada
Marketing Manager
Zap2it
Office: 323.460.5216
Email: myamada@zap2it.com
SHENZHEN, China, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China GrenTech Corporation Limited (NASDAQ: GRRF, "GrenTech," or the "Company"), a leading China-based provider of radio frequency and wireless coverage products and services, announced today the completion of the merger contemplated by the previously announced amended and restated agreement and plan of merger dated January 20, 2012, among Talenthome Management Limited ("Parent"), a British Virgin Islands exempted company, Xing Sheng Corporation Limited ("Merger Sub"), a Cayman Islands exempted company wholly-owned by Parent, and the Company (the "Merger Agreement"). Parent is jointly and indirectly owned by Mr. Yingjie Gao, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Rong Yu, the Company's Director and Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Yin Huang, a founder of the Company. The merger is a going private transaction with Mr. Yingjie Gao, Ms. Rong Yu and Ms. Yin Huang. As a result of the merger, the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, which was approved by the Company's shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on April 16, 2012, each ordinary share of the Company ("Share") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, other than (i) the Shares and American depositary shares ("ADSs") beneficially owned by the Buyer Group (as defined in the Company's proxy statement dated March 15, 2012), (ii) the Shares held by the ADS depositary which are not represented by ADSs and (iii) the Shares beneficially owned by shareholders who have validly exercised and have not effectively withdrawn or lost their appraisal rights pursuant to Section 238 of the Cayman Islands Companies Law Cap.22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) (the "Dissenting Shares"), has been cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$0.126 per Share and each ADS, each representing 25 Shares, represents the right to receive US$3.15 per ADS (less US$0.05 per ADS cancellation fees), in each case, in cash without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes.
Registered holders of Shares and ADSs represented by share or ADS certificates, other than the Dissenting Shares, will receive a letter of transmittal and instructions on how to surrender their certificates in exchange for the merger consideration and should wait to receive the letter of transmittal before surrendering their certificates. Payment will be made to surrendering registered ADS holders and holders of ADSs in un-certificated form as soon as practicable after Citibank, N.A., the Company's depositary, receives the merger consideration. For any questions relating to the surrender and payment procedures, holders of Shares may contact the Company at +86 755 2650 3007 and holders of ADSs may contact Citibank, N.A. toll free at +1 877 248 4237.
The Company also announced today that it requested that trading of its ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") be suspended. The Company requested NASDAQ to file a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") notifying the SEC of the delisting of the ADSs on NASDAQ and the deregistration of the Company's registered securities. The Company intends to terminate its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by promptly filing a Form 15 with the SEC. The Company's obligations to file or furnish with the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will cease once the deregistration becomes effective.
About China GrenTech
GrenTech is a leading developer of radio frequency ("RF") technology in China and a leading provider of wireless coverage products and services in China. The Company uses RF technology to design and manufacture wireless coverage products, which enables telecommunications operators to expand the reach of their wireless communication networks to indoor and outdoor areas such as buildings, highways, subways, tunnels and remote regions. China GrenTech's wireless coverage services include design, installation and project warranty services. The Company also tailors the design and configuration of its wireless coverage products to the specific requirements of its customers.
Based on its in-house RF technology platform, the Company also develops and produces base station RF parts and components sold to base station manufacturers. GrenTech is a qualified supplier of RF parts and components to major global and domestic base station manufacturers. For more information, please visit http://www.GrenTech.com.cn.
Company Contact:
Xin Lian, Senior Manager
China GrenTech Corp. Ltd.
Tel: +86 755 2650 3007
E-mail: investor@powercn.com
----------------------------
Family Guy Fans Can Now Play with Themselves, or Others, in the Massively Multiplayer Laugh Out Loud (MMLOL) Game
LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Guy Online, the new free-to-play, browser-based, multiplayer online game from Twentieth Century Fox, is opening the beta to ALL fans of Fox's hit television show Family Guy. Starting today at http://www.familyguyonline.com, fans can create their own Family Guy character and become citizens of virtual Quahog.
In the open beta, all fans will enjoy the bawdy and outrageous Family Guy humor they know and love. Players will experience key moments from some of the most memorable episodes and interact with show characters and other fans in a familiar universe that is now 3D and full of laugh-out-loud Family Guy hilarity and hidden gameplay surprises.
Scripted by Family Guy writers and voiced by show talent, Family Guy Online takes players through hilarious game challenges and comical non-sequiturs based on popular episode storylines -- from putting an end to Peter Griffin's incessant singing of "Surfin' Bird"; to traveling the "Road to the Multi-verse." Fresh gameplay content based on new episodes and parody-worthy real-life events will be added to the game frequently in the future.
The game begins with players creating a custom, Family Guy-esque character from one of four classes based on Griffin family archetypes. Each class has their own special gameplay skills and weapons, such as the Peter-Class noxious burp, and the Stewie-Class ray-gun. Players can then team up or opt for a single player experience as they adventure through Quahog's most well-known landmarks, from Spooner Street to The Drunken Clam.
Fan-favorite show characters including Stewie, Peter, Quagmire and Mayor Adam West will send players on quests where they must fetch, fight and rescue. Players will pick up new skills along their journey and will also be encouraged to engage in fun social activities, such as disco dancing and barbecuing burgers that benefit all nearby players.
In order to ensure the best possible user experience for the large number of Family Guy and Family Guy Online fans worldwide, an innovative "Keys to Quahog" access program has been created to let players into the game in waves. Each "Key" will provide a registered player with the time and date they may enter the Family Guy Online open beta. Once players receive their "Keys," they can enter the open beta any time on or after the date and time listed on the "Key."
"Family Guy Online is hilarious and so much fun. This experience is a digital extension of the television show which captures the best elements of the television show and combines them with multiplayer gameplay," said Gary Rosenfeld, senior vice president, Interactive Games, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. "Rolling the game out through a 'Keys' program allows us to bring fans into the game in a controlled manner so their experience is positive."
Designed to let fans of the show engage with the Family Guy universe and connect with like-minded fans or to entertain anyone with a passion for outrageous comedy, epic storytelling and vibrant graphics, Family Guy Online has something for everyone, at all skill levels. It is a mid-core game that is more graphically rich and robust than a social game, but does not require a hardcore game's bandwidth, thus allowing fans to jump in with only an Internet connection. While Family Guy Online is free-to-play, players can buy in-game cash or earn clams to purchase items to customize their characters and advance the gameplay.
"We worked very closely with the show writers so that Family Guy Online encapsulates the well-known Family Guy brand of humor with the best elements of online multiplayer games, which is why we see it as a MMLOL," said Ian Verchere, chief creative officer for Roadhouse Interactive. "The feedback from our closed beta has been amazing, and we're extremely happy to now be able to open up Family Guy Online to everyone."
Current Family Guy Online registered players and players from the closed beta will be the first to receive their "Keys to Quahog." As new players register for the game, they will receive an email with the approximate wait time for their "Key." Access is on a first come basis, so those who register right away will be the first allowed in the game. The program will begin today at 3:00PM Pacific and continue for a short period after the open beta goes live with regularly scheduled releases of "Keys" to increase the number of fans in the game.
About Family Guy Online
Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products created Family Guy Online in partnership with Fuzzy Door, the creative team behind the Emmy® Award-winning animated television series, Family Guy, and game developer, Roadhouse Interactive. The show's writers are part of the game development team, ensuring all the characters, dialogue and storylines make for an authentic Family Guy experience. Clips from the show are also integrated into gameplay as rewards or to provide clues for missions. Also, because the game is built on the flexible Unity platform, the writers and developers can take advantage of current events, adding everything from the latest pop culture missteps to the most up-to-date news on the presidential election, quickly and seamlessly.
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.
About Roadhouse Interactive
Roadhouse Interactive (Roadhouse) is an online game production company that is defining the next generation of social games. The company was founded by industry veterans with a collective track record of over US $2 billion in sales and extensive experience in the new production, development and operational models of online games.