News

ViXS Systems Collaborates with Qualcomm Atheros to Develop Next-Generation Home Network Media Gateways

Companies join forces to develop the next generation of home network
media gateways to provide whole home video distribution

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - ViXS Systems Inc. today announced its
collaboration with Qualcomm Atheros to deliver an n-Screen Home
Multimedia Gateway platform that can distribute multiple HD quality
streams seamlessly across mobile and fixed screen devices on any of the
widely used home networks: Wi-Fi(®), Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA(®)), HomePlug(®) Powerline and Ethernet.

The multimedia gateway combines Qualcomm Atheros' video-over-wireless
solutions for carrier-grade video streaming with ViXS' patented Video
Quality of Service (VQoS) to optimize video compression rates for
screen resolution and available Wi-Fi bandwidth, thereby maximizing
capacity and meeting stringent service provider video quality
requirements.

The gateway platform will also support pervasive home connectivity for
high-performance video distribution to devices throughout the home by
leveraging the recently approved IEEE P1905.1 hybrid networking draft
standard for seamless interoperability across HomePlug, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
and MoCA devices. The platform, which integrates all widely used
connectivity technologies with media processing, includes:

        --  ViXS' XCode® 5195 multi-stream network quad HD-to-HD transcoder
            and media processor system on chip (SoC) with integrated
            XConnex(TM) MoCA®,
        --  Qualcomm Atheros XSPAN® 802.11n 3-stream, dual-band solution
        --  AMP® high performance HomePlug

The combined solution will revolutionize the distribution of content by
enabling direct streaming from the gateway to any screen using any
connectivity technology.  Additionally, the platform integrates all
necessary software technology for media gateways, including:

        --  ViXS Xtensiv(TM) home networking and DLNA® stacks for
            ubiquitous content distribution and remote user access to the
            gateway
        --  middleware
        --  digital rights management (DRM)
        --  digital video recorder (DVR) and streaming software such as
            HTTP-live
        --  ViXS partner content mobility software solutions such as Morega
            systems

With the combined chip and software portfolio from both companies, the
Qualcomm Atheros and ViXS collaboration will yield a complete platform
solution for broadcast and media delivery in the home.

This platform will be showcased at the ViXS Systems booth at 2012
International CES in the Las Vegas Convention Center in MP25958, South
Hall 2.

"With the availability of endless broadcast, Internet and user-generated
content, new devices are needed for storing, processing and streaming
this content to all media devices in real time in the home," said Sally
Daub, president and chief executive officer of ViXS Systems. "ViXS'
ability to support multiple HD video streams combined with Qualcomm
Atheros' leadership position in wireless and powerline networking makes
our media gateway platform a true whole home uninterrupted media
distribution solution to any screen in the home."

"We are pleased to work with ViXS to deliver high-performance service
provider gateways that employ their network media processing and MoCA
capabilities combined with Qualcomm Atheros' Wi-Fi and Powerline
technologies," said Dan Rabinovitsj, senior vice president and general
manager, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "Together, we have
developed advanced video-over-wireless home distribution solutions,
based on ViXS' rate control algorithm and patented VQoS techniques that
offer exceptional wireless video quality without the need for more
expensive technologies."

About ViXS Systems Inc.

ViXS is a multimedia solutions innovator providing technologies for
processing, managing, securing and distributing high quality video and
audio allowing seamless control, conversion and connectivity between
many classes and sizes of digital entertainment devices.

ViXS supplies advanced System-on-Chip semiconductors, software solutions
and hardware reference designs for the world's top manufacturers of
Digital TVs, DVDs, Set-top boxes, Personal Video Recorders, PCs,
Network-Attached Storage devices, Residential/Home Gateways, Blu-ray
players/recorders, as well as Broadcast and Professional Equipment
OEMs.

ViXS is headquartered in Toronto, Canada with global operations and
offices in Europe, Asia and North America. ViXS has filed more than 334
patents worldwide with over 103 patents being issued to date. Listed
for four years running as one of Deloitte's fastest growing North
American companies, ViXS is setting new standards in the way digital
entertainment is viewed and transmitted across an endless array of
multimedia products.

For more information on ViXS, please visit our website: www.vixs.com.

The ViXS(® )logo, XCode(TM), XConnex(TM) and Xtensiv(TM) are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of ViXS. MoCA and MoCA logo are registered trademarks of
Multimedia over Coax Alliance. MoCA Certified logo is a trademark of
Multimedia over Coax Alliance.

SOURCE  ViXS Systems Inc.

ViXS Systems Inc.

CONTACT:  David Jones, Tel: (416) 646 2000 E-mail: djones@vixs.com

GAEMS G155 Coming to CES 2012 ShowStoppers

Popular Personal Gaming & Entertainment Environment Exclusive Xbox 360® Bundle Now at Microsoft Retail Stores

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- from ShowStoppers @ CES 2012 -- GAEMS, Inc. announced today that the GAEMS G155, the world's first personal gaming and entertainment environment, will be on display at the CES 2012 ShowStoppers.  ShowStoppers is an invitation-only media event that takes place at the Wynn Hotel Lafite Ballroom on Tuesday, January 10 from 6 to 10pm.

The GAEMS G155 self-contained personal gaming and entertainment environment lets you stay in the action even when you're on the move. Simply strap in your gaming console, store your accessories, select your favorite games, and you're good to go. The G155's integrated LED HD display, stereo speakers, and dual headphone jacks will immerse you in your favorite game or video -- wherever you are. Merely pop it open, plug it in, and you're ready to play.

Please visit http://www.projectgaems.com for information, and come see the GAEMS G155 at ShowStoppers 2012, Booth F19 (from the entrance, farthest aisle on the right, up near Fox News, BNET and IDG).

GAEMS, Inc. also announced that they have partnered with Microsoft Retail stores nationwide to bring gamers the GAEMS G155 Personal Gaming and Entertainment Bundle. Exclusive to Microsoft Retail stores, the G155 Personal Gaming and Entertainment Bundle comes complete with a GAEMS G155 and an Xbox 360® 250 GB console for the ultimate in personal entertainment. Experience the GAEMS G155 at a Microsoft Retail stores or other select retailers nearest you.

GAEMS G155 is designed to protect its contents from the elements, debris, and minor impacts with its rugged hard-shelled casing and lockable safety latches. Mounted under the hood of the G155 you will discover a crisp and responsive 15.5" LED LCD monitor ready to display your games and movies in brilliant HD. Securing your Xbox 360®, Xbox 360®s or PS3(TM) Slim could not be easier with the custom pre-fitted EVA foam base and dual strap system ensuring that your console investment is safe, protected and has ample breathing room to keep you in the game.

About GAEMS

GAEMS, Inc. is changing the way gamers around the world stay connected to their favorite console, friends, and games. By creating an entirely new category in consumer electronics, GAEMS has taken everything needed for an ultimate gaming experience, and made it portable. A company created by dedicated gamers, for gamers. Assembling a team of industry professionals with a passion for gaming, GAEMS will always design and manufacture products with gamers in mind.  Our mission is to provide the highest quality personal gaming and entertainment experience to gamers around the world.

SOURCE  GAEMS

GAEMS

CONTACT: CONTACT:  Michael Meyers, Michael Meyers Public Relations, michael@mmpr.com, +1-925-551-8080

Web Site: http://www.projectgaems.com

Tata Elxsi Announces Next Generation Hybrid CPE Reference Solution Supporting Live TV and IPTV Reception

BANGALORE, India, January 10, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

         A platform independent software solution that supports in- home distribution

          and content protection along with enhanced UX using Android framework.

    Tata Elxsi, a global provider of advanced software technologies and solutions for
Digital TV markets, today announced the Next Generation Hybrid STB reference solution
derived from OCAP stack. This solution supports in- home distribution and content
protection along with enhanced UX using Android framework.

    The Tata Elxsi Next Generation Hybrid STB Reference solution demonstrated the
following

    QAM & IP Enabled CPE - running Android, along with seamless media sharing across
devices, an innovative UX and connected TV applications.

    It delivers an innovative user experience, integrating Advertisement, Gaming, Social
Network Media solutions with a platform Independent, single chip cost-effective solution
for hybrid CPE leveraging Android and extensible to support OCAP applications.

    This solution is being demonstrated at booth no 21739 , South Hall 1, Connected Home,
Las Vegas Convention Center ,CES 2012.

    'We take immense pleasure in announcing this release which is backed by a rich
expertise spanning more than a decade exclusively on the STB/DTV Technology. Tata Elxsi's
experience in this field encompasses STB/DTV hardware to application development and a
wide range of IP portfolio in voice, data and wireless domains including Android STB and
Test Automation tools.

    All this provides a unique set of capabilities to manage the relationships between a
consumer's content, devices, and network services" said Mr. M. Thangarajan - VP & Head,
Tata Elxsi (Broadcast & Consumer Electronics)

    About Tata Elxsi

    Tata Elxsi is a design company that blends technology, creativity and engineering to
help customers transform ideas into world-class products and solutions.

    A part of the $70 billion Tata group, Tata Elxsi addresses the communications,
consumer products, healthcare, media & entertainment, semiconductor and transportation
sectors. This is supported by a talent pool of over 3,500 employees and a network of
design studios, development centers and offices worldwide. Its core practice areas cover
embedded electronics and software development, industrial design, systems integration,
Animation and Visual FX services.

    Headquartered in Bangalore, Tata Elxsi is a public stock company.

    Further information about Tata Elxsi is available at: http://www.tataelxsi.com

   
    Contact:
    Mr. Hari Balan
    Corporate Manager
    Marketing Communications
    +91-80-2297-9123
    info@tataelxsi.com

Source: Tata Elxsi Ltd.

Gameloft and Verizon Wireless to Showcase Power of 4G LTE Network at CES 2012

Witness the Future of Mobile Gaming with Multiplayer and In-Game Voice Chat Capabilities

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and PARIS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Gameloft today announced that Asphalt 6: Adrenaline and N.O.V.A.® 2 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance are being shown at the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259).  Showcasing the ultimate power of Verizon's 4G LTE network, both games have been optimized to take advantage of the network with multiplayer options being demoed at the event, while Asphalt 6: Adrenaline will also demo the new in-game voice chat function.

Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Gameloft's latest installment to the popular Asphalt series, is an adrenaline-pumping mobile game featuring HD graphics, online/local multiplayer modes, and an assortment of vehicles and race tracks.  Offering one of the most immersive racing experiences currently available on Verizon Wireless devices, CES attendees will have the opportunity to sample a new in-game voice chat feature customized to run on the HTC Rezound(TM) over 4G LTE.  Up to three players at a time will be able to chat with one another through the Gameloft Live multiplayer option.

N.O.V.A. 2 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance, the sequel to the ultimate mobile sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS), invites attendees to get the most out of the multiplayer experience over 4G LTE.  In working with the Verizon Application Innovation Center, attendees are given the chance to play through a civil war between the central government of the Terran Orbitals and the self-appointed Human-Alien Alliance, in addition to being given the option of being joined by up to six friends at a time on the Samsung Galaxy Tab(TM) 10.1.

Gameloft is a leading publisher of digital and social games whose commitment lies in creating high-quality games on digital platforms.  The company strives to not only provide consumers with great games, but a great experience as well, by incorporating the latest mobile technology available.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Verizon to illustrate the potential ofin-game voice chat and multiplayer over the 4G LTE network," said Baudouin Corman, vice president of Publishing for the Americas at Gameloft.  "Gameloft seeks to provide gamers with a complete mobile gaming experience and feels that these features are at the forefront of the platform's future."

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The Verizon Developer Community (VDC) is for developers who wish to work with Verizon to distribute their apps through the company's mobile storefront, Verizon Apps.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.Gameloft.com for more information about Gameloft.

About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   

About Gameloft

A leading global publisher of digital and social games, Gameloft® has established itself as one of the top innovators in its field since 2000. Gameloft creates games for all digital platforms, including mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (including Apple® iOS and Android® devices), set top box, connected TVs and consoles. Gameloft partners with leading international brands such as UNO®, Spider-Man®, James Cameron's Avatar(TM), Ferrari® and Sonic Unleashed®. Gameloft also operates its own established franchises, such as Real Football, Asphalt(TM), Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus and N.O.V.A Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance®. Gameloft is present in all continents, distributes its games in 100 countries and employs over 4,500 developers.

Gameloft is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA).

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com; or Jessica W. Lewinstein, Gameloft, +1-415-265-5725, Jessica.Lewinstein@gameloft.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Brass Monkey to Exhibit Cloud-Based Game System Featuring Smartphones as Controllers With Verizon Wireless at CES

4G LTE Network Powers High-Speed Gaming over the Web

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Brass Monkey today announced the Brass Monkey app is being shown at the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259). 

Brass Monkey is an app that turns smartphones into game controllers for use with its cloud-based game console.  Customers can try out the Brass Monkey console by loading up playbrassmonkey.com in a browser on a PC or Mac and getting the iPhone controller application via a free download in the iTunes App Store, with an Android(TM) version coming soon.  Players can experience a variety of games including action-based shooters and driving games as well as motion-controlled Wii®-style sports games like Monkey Golf.  Brass Monkey makes console-style gaming accessible by utilizing devices that players already own, so the fun can go anywhere.

Brass Monkey is continually adding games to their system - including in-house creations and ones from other developers.  Games for Brass Monkey can be created in HTML5, Flash or Unity via their free SDKs (software development kits) available on the Brass Monkey website.  Brass Monkey's game platform is being featured in Verizon's booth on the GameTime Media Table, a collaboration run by Alcatel-Lucent's ng Connect Program and the MediaTile Company.  The GameTime Media Table is a 42-inch HD touchscreen and high-performance computing platform integrated in a sturdy table form factor.  It demonstrates association with mobile devices (iOS or Android) for direct control of games, video playback and content personalization and uses Verizon's 4G LTE network to download and stream media, creating a seamless gaming experience.  The GameTime Media Table is envisioned to be located in gathering places: bars, restaurants, hotel lobbies and more. 

Chris Allen, chief executive officer of Brass Monkey, said, "We are very excited to show how smartphones and Verizon's 4G LTE network can be used to create a next-generation video game console.  Most people don't know that your smartphone can become a wireless game controller similar to the Nintendo® Wii.  When they try it for themselves on the GameTime Media Table, they are simply blown away by the experience."

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The Verizon Developer Community (VDC) is for developers who wish to work with Verizon to distribute their apps through the company's mobile storefront, Verizon Apps.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.playbrassmonkey.com for more information about Brass Monkey.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   

About Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey® is video game console that uses smartphones as controllers and any screen with a web browser as the main display. Brass Monkey provides a free SDK (software development kit) that lets developers create games with similar features to traditional consoles (XBox, PS3, Wii, Wii U, etc.) using familiar tools for creating Web based games: HTML5, Unity and/or Flash.  For more information, visit http://www.playbrassmonkey.com.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com; Caroline Murphy, Brass Monkey, +1-646-465-2501, caroline@playbrassmonkey.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Together With Verizon Wireless, HDlogix Demonstrates ImageIQ - Real-Time 2D-to-3D Conversion Technology at 2012 CES

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and EDISON, N.J., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and HDlogix will be demonstrating ImageIQ at the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259). 

Since the advent of 3D technology, its popularity has grown at a tremendous rate as demonstrated by the ever-increasing volume of 3D films that continue to hit theaters.  As a participant in the Verizon Innovation Program, Verizon and HDlogix are investigating how to leverage 3D video content with Verizon's 4G LTE network and advanced mobile devices.  HDlogix provides a bridge to cross the chasm of quality, cost and availability of 3D content.

With ImageIQ technology, the capability now exists to produce superior quality 3D content (pre- and post-production, near real-time and real-time) in a cost-effective way.  ImageIQ technology literally creates a new dimension for video.  Drawing on HDlogix's expertise with superresolution that converts standard definition (SD) video to full-bandwidth HD video and ImageIQ's GPU-based, real-time optical flow and image structure analysis capabilities, it is now possible to convert 2D video into 3D video in real-time with no intervention.  ImageIQ reconstructs the geometry of the video scene from regular video in order to create true 3D stereo video for any 3D video display -- even glasses-free "autostereoscopic" 3D displays.

Current methods used to perform conversion are manual, labor-intensive and expensive -- in many cases topping $100,000 per footage minute.  ImageIQ 2D-to-3D technology does the real-time conversion in a cost-effective way, for all current 3DTV formats and even the newly emerging holographic displays.   

Another component of the ImageIQ product is a bandwidth reduction technology, reducing the payload size significantly without impacting the quality of the content delivered. 

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The Verizon Developer Community (VDC) is for developers who wish to work with Verizon to distribute their apps through the company's mobile storefront, Verizon Apps. 

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.HDlogix.com for more information about HDlogix and ImageIQ.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   

About HDlogix
HDlogix is a rapidly growing technology company at the forefront of the High-Definition (HD) and 3-dimensional (3D) video technology and production industry. The New Jersey based Company has extensive experience in HD and 3D video capture, creation, conversion, post-production, and broadcast with current and future applications of its technology in multiple segments of the theatrical, broadcast, and consumer electronics industries. For more information, visit http://www.hdlogix.com

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com; or Sandra Bullock, HDlogix Inc., +1-732-476-6808, sbullock@hdlogix.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Octa(TM) Launches Company at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show

Unveils versatile TabletTail(TM) line and signature products - the Vacuum Dock and WhaleTail - to increase mobility and ease of use of tablets and e-readers

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Octa(TM) (http://www.octa.com), a creator of tablet and e-reader accessories, today announced the official launch of the company and its TabletTail(TM) line. The company will debut its never before seen product at booth #6221 at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and World Trade Center/Las Vegas Hilton.

Prometheus Trotsky and Nikki Braziel founded the company on the premise of combining technology with forms found in nature to create distinctive tablet and e-reader accessories that suit every lifestyle.

The TabletTail product line is launching with two separate components: the Vacuum Dock and WhaleTail stand. Their compact and agile design compliments the sleek construction of tablets and e-readers and gives users the mobility their lifestyle demands. The Vacuum Dock is a comfortably-shaped grip with a convenient low-angle stand. When attached to the Vacuum Dock, the WhaleTail increases functionality by acting as both a stand with a full range of angles and a handle for tablets and e-readers. Additional docks and tails that are compatible and interchangeable will be released throughout 2012.

"Many tablet accessories are created simply to provide protection, but they don't extend the functionality of the device," said COO Nikki Braziel. "Our goal at Octa is to improve the way people use their technology. Our product line is not only universally adaptable to a range of tablets and e-readers, but it also adds usability when you're on the go. The WhaleTail creates a handle that allows you to safely use your tablet while working, walking, traveling, multi-tasking, reading, or watching a movie."

TabletTail product highlights:

    --  All-in-one stand and handle solution
    --  Full range of portrait and landscape angles
    --  Vacuum suction attaches securely to your tablet or e-reader for 6+ hours
    --  Lightweight, compact, and mobile
    --  Comfortable handle nestles in palm
    --  Modular Vacuum Dock is compatible with future Octa TabletTail
        accessories
    --  Currently available in black
The TabletTail is priced at $59.95. It is currently available for pre-order and will be shipped in February 2012. For more information, visit http://www.octa.com.

ABOUT OCTA

Octa creates distinctive mobile electronics accessories that make the digital experience more enjoyable.  The creation of Prometheus Trotsky and Nikki Braziel, Octa was born from their combined love of technology and natural form. The team is comprised of a small group of artists, philosophers, and inventors, constantly striving to combine beauty and functionality. They maintain a creative environment by combining work and playfulness in their Denver headquarters.

For more information, visit us at http://www.octa.com/

SOURCE  OCTA

OCTA

CONTACT: CONTACT:  Nikki Braziel for Octa, +1-720-379-5325, press@octa.com, or media, Reshma Fernandes of SHIFT Communications, +1-646-756-3704, octa@shiftcomm.com, for Octa

Web Site: http://www.octa.com

A2Zlogix Is Demonstrating ASG - A New Paradigm for Digital Advertising and Coupon Delivery Technology with Verizon Wireless at 2012 CES

Mobile Platform Evolution for e-Commerce to Be Demonstrated with Verizon

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and EDISON, N.J., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Verizon Wireless Innovation Program and A2Zlogix will be demonstrating ASG at the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259). 

ASG, the Advertising Sync Gateway, provides a platform that enables Communications, Media and Entertainment (CME) companies globally the unique ability to deliver offers, coupons, display ads, promotional material and loyalty program offers synced to multimedia advertising campaigns across multiple devices, including mobile phones, tablets, desktops, set-tops and others.  The ASG platform will follow industry guidelines and best practices to ensure consumer privacy is maintained with full consumer control of opt-in settings.

Rich media in 2D and 3D formats can be delivered over any service provider network (2G, 3G, 4G and Broadband) with minimal bandwidth impact.  This process uses a patented technology to cache advertisements, promotional material and offers directly onto mobile devices according to user-specified preferences.  Content is synchronized seamlessly across multiple user devices to facilitate unique, personalized multimedia ad campaigns. 

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The Verizon Developer Community (VDC) is for developers who wish to work with Verizon to distribute their apps through the company's mobile storefront, Verizon Apps.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.a2zlogix.com for more information about A2Zlogix and ASG.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.     

About A2Zlogix

A2Zlogix is a New Jersey based company focusing on content creation, delivery and monetization of rich media advertising and promotional material for the mobile platform.  For more information, visit http://www.a2zlogix.com

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com; or Sandra Bullock, A2Zlogix Inc, +1-732-476-6808, sbullock@a2zlogix.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Taoglas Brings LTE Antenna Expertise and Solutions To Verizon LTE Innovation Center

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Taoglas (http://www.taoglas.com) will showcase the Taoglas PA.700.A Viking LTE antenna in the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259).  Taoglas' LTE antenna will be featured in two remote-presence solutions: VGo's all-in-one robotic telepresence solution and also InTouch Health's monitors and tablets for remote-presence telemedicine. Taoglas is a Verizon LTE Innovation Center participant, providing antenna and RF testing and design expertise to Verizon's machine-to-machine (M2M) LTE device manufacturers.

VGo is a robotic productivity improvement solution that enables a person to be present at a distant location without physically being there and includes the ability to move about the distant location.  VGo chose the PA.700.A Viking antenna for its superior LTE performance, an average 65 percent efficiency, its small form factor, PCB surface mounting and multi-band global cellular coverage. 

Dermot O'Shea, joint managing director for Taoglas, said, "Taoglas was selected by Verizon to be an LTE Innovation Center participant because of our understanding and extensive experience delivering 2G and 3G M2M antenna solutions successfully to Verizon customers over the years.  We already have an LTE antenna solution approved and in use in two M2M products.  It is encouraging to see Verizon's fast-paced and innovative center that is realizing the great potential for 4G LTE in the M2M market."

Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the largest 4G LTE network and most reliable 4G network in the United States, which now covers more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The PA.700.A Viking LTE antenna is available immediately.  Contact nasales@taoglas.com.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.taoglas.com for more information about Taoglas USA.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   

About Taoglas

Taoglas provides a comprehensive range of external, embedded and base station antenna solutions for M2M applications such as Telematics/Automotive, Smart-Grid, Metering/Telemetry, Home Automation, Remote Monitoring and Telemedical applications. The company's device RF optimization OTA test chambers and labs in the US and Ireland enable M2M manufacturers, not only to design and test antenna solutions for M2M devices all with one company, but to avail of pre-certification OTA (efficiency/radiation patterns/TRP/TIS) testing for PTCRB and USA network requirements.  Taoglas continually innovates and creates new antenna solutions to meet the evolving needs of the machine-to-machine world. Taoglas' products operate consistently at optimum proficiency levels, delivering world-class antenna performance.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com, or Dermot O'Shea, Taoglas, +1-858-349-7141, doshea@taoglas.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

SkyCross Teams With Verizon Wireless and Leading OEMs to Enable New 4G LTE devices at 2012 CES

Patented SkyCross iMAT® Antenna Modules Optimize 4G LTE Throughput for Consumer Multimedia and Smart Energy Devices

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and VIERA, Fla., Jan. 10, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and SkyCross, a global RF solutions and antenna technology company, announced they have worked together to incorporate SkyCross 4G LTE antenna modules using SkyCross's patented iMAT(®) antenna technology into products from Seagate Technologies, Ambient Corp. and Consert.  All of these products will be demonstrated live on the Verizon 4G LTE network in the network operator's booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259). 

"For the second consecutive year, we are pleased to collaborate with Verizon Wireless and leading equipment suppliers to demonstrate new wireless products at CES using SkyCross advanced antenna technology," said Charles Riggle, SkyCross vice president of marketing and business development.  "SkyCross antenna modules incorporating iMAT(®) and State-Tuned iMAT((TM)) antenna technology are the standard for high performance and small size in advanced, multiband, 4G LTE devices."

SkyCross antenna modules incorporating iMAT(®) technology enable a single, small, embedded antenna to behave like multiple antennas and deliver up to 2.5 times increased throughput in 4G LTE wireless devices versus similar devices using conventional antennas.  SkyCross tunable antenna modules leverage the company's patented State-Tuned iMAT((TM)) technology and support up to 12 frequency bands critical to 4G LTE band aggregation and global roaming while simultaneously reducing antenna size and increasing device throughput.

SkyCross antenna modules are crucial for 4G LTE connectivity in the following devices demonstrated in the Verizon booth at CES: the Seagate 4G LTE mobile wireless storage device; the award-winning Ambient smart grid communications node; and the Consert Virtual Peak Plant(? )Solution (VPP), providing smart meter infrastructure for measurable and verifiable load resource management in real time. 

Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the largest 4G LTE network and most reliable 4G network in the United States, which now covers more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The SkyCross collaboration with Verizon Wireless spans numerous product development initiatives sponsored by the Innovation Center over the past two years.  SkyCross RF expertise is leveraged by wireless equipment manufacturers for design of high performance antenna solutions for 4G LTE products in the consumer electronics, tablet computer, smart energy and home automation segments.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  For more information about SkyCross at CES, visit http://www.skycross.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   

About SkyCross

SkyCross (http://www.skycross.com) is a global RF solutions provider with expertise in the design and manufacture of antenna solutions for the mobile phone, home entertainment, and computing industries. SkyCross provides unique, high-performance antenna technology bundled with RF system-level expertise and responsive regional support from its full-service facilities in the USA, South Korea, and Greater China. This global collaborative approach empowers device manufacturers to develop winning consumer electronics products and deliver them to market faster and easier. SkyCross Tunable Antenna Modules incorporate SkyCross patented State-Tuned iMAT(TM) technology that enables a single antenna radiator to behave like multiple antennas, and to increase data throughput across a wide range of frequency bands while reducing antenna size and cost. SkyCross iMAT(®) MIMO antennas won the "Best Network Technology Advance" award at the Global Mobile Awards 2010 in Barcelona. SkyCross, the SkyCross logo, iMAT(®), State-Tuned iMAT(TM), and T-Series(TM) are registered trademarks of SkyCross in the United States and certain other countries.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com; or Lisa Eppert, Coracle Group for SkyCross, +1-619-934-8099, leppert@coraclegroup.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Sococo Launches Team Space Video at International CES 2012

Adds Video Conversations and Meetings to Its Always-on Virtual Work Environment

LAS VEGAS, and  MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- INTERNATIONAL CES 2012- Sococo, the social communications company, announces the launch of video conversations and meetings for Team Space at the International CES 2012. Team Space Video, an always-on service that provides fast switching between different conversations and meetings, is supported by multi-screen sharing. This enables more than one person in a conversation or meeting to seamlessly present information and use video at the same time.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111115/SF07352LOGO)

Sococo Team Space is an always-on virtual work environment that integrates people, applications, processes, and communications within a unique spatial user interface. This common, immersive environment provides users a shared visual and social experience for greater community, awareness, and productivity. Sococo Team Space has a full suite of integrated communication capabilities including video, voice, chat, screen sharing and phone calling.

Team Space Video comes at a time when the adoption and usage of video for conversations and meetings is rising exponentially. A November 2011 NPD In-Stat analysis forecasts the total number of active video calling users will surpass 380 million in 2015, an increase from 63 million in 2010.  And a December 2011 New York Times article claims an average of 300 million minutes of Skype video calls are made daily globally, an increase of about 900% from 2007.

"Sococo is the first communications company to launch always-on, person-centric services with spatial-enabled switching," said Chris Wheeler, president, Sococo. "Team Space Video enables enterprise and small business customers to improve productivity, reduce costs, and feel more connected."

More details on Team Space Video

Team Space Video utilizes an always-on and multi-sharing architecture to mirror the way people want to use video.  For video conversations, Team Space Video enables two people to switch from voice or chat only to a video conversation, and share screens with each other simultaneously. Similarly for video meetings of three or more people, everyone can use their video and screen sharing capabilities to enable a richer, more engaging meeting.

Customers of any size can utilize Team Space's unique user interface and communication capabilities.  Enterprise customers can add Team Space to their legacy communication services and improve team and enterprise productivity, and Team Space Video can replace enterprise legacy video services or integrate with those services to provide video calling and conferencing services. Small to medium sized businesses can utilize Team Space to enable all person-to-person communications and group meetings replacing other stand-alone communications and meeting services, and Team Space Video now enables SMB customers to fully replace or augment current services.

"Adding video communications to Team Space enables richer one-on-one conversations and meetings without the cost and hassle of other legacy communication services," said Joshua Moyers, vice president of engineering, Sococo. "Team Space makes working and meeting together effortless and video adds a deeper level of community."

About Sococo

Sococo is the social communications service company. Sococo's flagship product, Team Space, is a virtual work environment enabling teams to communicate and solve problems more quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively. Team Space is used in 64 countries by over 3,400 teams, and is available on a subscription basis. A complimentary trial is available by visiting http://www.sococo.com/enterprise.php or calling +1 650-265-7013.

Founded in 2007, Sococo is privately held and headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Sococo has been named a Gartner Group Cool Vendor, 2011, a TiE50 Award Winner, 2011, a Start Up to Watch by CIO Magazine, 2010, a Top Ten Hot Emerging Vendors by CRN, October 2010, and an Emerging Technology Award Winner by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, 2010.

Sococo Media Contact: Leigh Anne Varney, Varney Business Communication, la@varneybusiness.com, +1 415 387 7250

SOURCE  Sococo

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111115/SF07352LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Sococo

Web Site: https://www.sococo.com

Perfect Your Last Hits With Razer Naga Hex Gaming Mouse

Razer releases all-new gaming mouse with six thumb buttons designed for MOBA, action-RPG and hack and slash games pwnage

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show -- Razer, the world leader in high performance gaming hardware, is taking your intense arena battling and frenzied hack and slash gaming to the next level with the Razer Naga Hex MOBA/action-RPG gaming mouse. Inspired by the award-winning Razer Naga MMO gaming mouse's 12-button thumb grid, the Razer Naga Hex features six large thumb buttons optimized for the user interfaces found in action-RPG and MOBA games.

Excitement in the world of gaming is heating up with the rise of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre, with games like the critically acclaimed League of Legends.  Games that throw champions into a ring to arm themselves, level up, and duke it out against one another while defending massive super structures.

Six mechanical buttons optimized for MOBA/action-RPGs

Enter the Razer Naga Hex, designed with six mechanical buttons to specifically bind the spells, abilities, items, and other invaluable commands in MOBA games like League of Legends for faster and easier actuation.  With a mechanical key infrastructure that requires less force to actuate, you gain the edge in speed over enemies, attacking before they can react. The Razer Naga Hex is also perfect for obsessive clicking in hack and slash games.

High performance buttons up to 250 clicks a minute

Since both the RPG and MOBA game genres require intensive clicking, the Razer Naga Hex's buttons are constructed with special switches for a performance of up to 250 clicks per minute - perfect for pro-gamers with lightning fast reflexes. Don't worry about hyper-clicking though, as the Razer Naga Hex utilizes switches that are good for up to a whopping 10 million clicks.

Ergonomic shape and interchangeable thumb rests

The Razer Naga Hex is designed with an ergonomic curvature that fits your hand comfortably. The placement of the six thumb buttons has also been perfected over countless design reiterations, and validated by MOBA pro-gamers to ensure you're getting the best game control and grip. 3 interchangeable thumb rests of different heights are included so you get the best comfort and grip that suits you. This is especially important for reducing strain during lengthy gaming sessions at home or at highly competitive tournaments.

Synapse 2.0 enabled

The Razer Naga Hex will also be Razer Synapse 2.0 enabled - this means the mouse is installed with the world's first cloud-based storage software that automatically saves all user custom mouse settings and profiles to a cloud server. These settings can then be accessed from any computer, with any Razer Naga Hex, ensuring that the mouse is ready for use instantly, and setup just the way you like it.

"I love RPG and MOBA games.  And I believe that having the right abilities available is the difference between slaying enemies and winning, or dying a miserable death and having your character wiped in hardcore mode," said Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "That's why we designed the Razer Naga Hex - we believe that the six mechanical thumb buttons are going to help gamers stay ahead of the competition with the best ergonomic control."

About the Razer Naga Hex Gaming Mouse

The Razer Naga Hex is perfectly suited for pro-gamers and fans of the MOBA/action-RPG game genres.  It is primed with six mechanical thumb buttons for the exact number of controls necessary to suit the user interfaces of those games. Bind your skill-bar or inventory grid to the six buttons for faster, more comfortably efficient access to your full range of powers as you take the competition down.

Price: $79.99

AvailabilityRazerzone.com : 10 January Pre-orders open, Ship End JanuaryWorldwide : In stores March 2012

Product features:

    --  6 MOBA/action-RPG optimized mechanical thumb buttons
    --  11 total programmable buttons
    --  Special switches in buttons for up to 250 clicks per minute
    --  10 million click life cycle
    --  Ergonomic curved design
    --  Razer Synapse 2.0
    --  5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
    --  1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response time
    --  Approximate Size : 116mm/4.57" (Length) x 78mm/3.07" (Width) x
        42mm/1.65" (Height)
    --  Approximate Weight: 134g/0.30lbs

For more information about the Razer Naga Hex, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/hex

Razer Naga Hex images

Black background

White background

About the Razer Group:

Razer(TM) is the world leader in high performance gaming hardware. Founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe.  Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)

Learn more at http://www.razerzone.com.

Press contacts:

USALia GuerreroLia@razerzone.com

EuropeTorsten MeierTorsten.Meier@razerzone.com

Asia PacificWilfred Aaron NathanAaron.Wilfred@razerzone.com

ChinaChris ChenChris.Chen@razerzone.com

Razer - For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)

SOURCE  Razer Group

Razer Group

Web Site: http://www.razerzone.com

Razer Synapse 2.0 Rolling Out to Gamers Now

Razer's cloud-based storage software Synapse 2.0 comes out of beta, with added support for more Razer peripherals

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show - Razer, the world leader in high performance gaming hardware is bringing their cloud-based unified driver and peripherals management software, Razer Synapse 2.0 out of beta. 

Razer Synapse 2.0 is now available for download to the public and currently supports the Star Wars: The Old Republic gaming peripherals by Razer, the Razer Blade gaming laptop, Razer Naga HEX action-RPG/MOBA gaming mouse, and the award-winning Razer Naga MMO gaming mouse.  Razer Synapse 2.0 is designed as a unified driver, so settings for Razer products are conveniently accessible through one single program instead of through separate and multiple drivers. Razer will continue to add support for more of Razer's legacy and upcoming products.

"I'm proud of what we've done with Razer Synapse 2.0 - its value added for gamers who use Razer products.  We've made it easier for them to have the custom settings for their Razer peripherals stored in a cloud so they spend less time setting up and more time doing what they should be doing, gaming," said Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff, President, Razer USA. 

The new Razer Synapse 2.0 software is built on next-gen, cloud-based technology to give gamers full access to all their peripheral hardware settings, anytime, anywhere at tournaments, LAN centers, at home and at the office.  Gamers will be able to take their Razer Naga HEX and any other supported peripherals to a LAN center and instantly sync their personalized custom settings simply by logging into Razer Synapse 2.0. Pro-gamers will be able to access custom settings while using Razer peripherals provided by a tournament host; so they spend less time setting up controls and more time gaming. As a unified driver for all upcoming Razer products, Razer Synapse 2.0 also automatically downloads game add-ons, and firmware updates as they become available, ensuring Razer devices are always updated and in optimum condition for winning.

Availability:
For more information on product compatibility and the launch of Razer Synapse 2.0 please visit: http://www.razerzone.com/synapse2.

Synapse 2.0 Images:
http://assets.razerzone.com/press/synapse2/synapseimages.zip

About the Razer Group:
Razer(TM) is the world leader in high performance gaming hardware. Founded in 1998 with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe.  Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)

Learn more at http://www.razerzone.com

Press contacts:

USA
Lia Guerrero
Lia@Razerzone.com

Europe
Torsten Meier
Torsten.Meier@razerzone.com

Asia Pacific
Aaron Wilfred Nathan
Aaron.wilfred@razerzone.com

China
Chris Chen
Chris.Chen@razerzone.com

Razer - For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)

SOURCE  Razer Group

Razer Group

Web Site: http://www.razerzone.com

FindTheBest Announces Partnership With Tablets.com

FindTheBest Builds Data-Driven Comparisons for Tablets.com to Increase Site Traffic, Monetization Opportunities and User Engagement

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, FindTheBest announces its partnership with Tablets.com, a site dedicated to helping consumers make informed decisions when deciding on a tablet computer.

In announcing their partnership, FindTheBest has built Tablets.com a custom comparison featuring more than 100 tablets.  The comparison, custom-tailored for Tablets.com allows users to find and compare tablets based on a range of factors including: name, display size, operating system, wireless functionality, features, camera options, display, company, MSRP and more. In this way, consumers can quickly learn which top Smart Rated tablets have the features they need.

Aron Meystedt of Tablets.com explained why he's excited about partnering with FindTheBest. "Tablets.com is very excited to partner with FindTheBest on our asset build-out.  We have considered many options with Tablets.com over the past several months, from selling the domain to other ecommerce partnerships.  FindTheBest fit our needs and their expert team has the tools to make Tablets.com a very useful web property for our visitors."

Tablets.com is one of a growing number of sites FindTheBest is partnering with, as the data-driven comparison engine grows from creating comparisons on its own site to expanding its platform to external sites.

Austin Hulak, Product Manager at FindTheBest, said he believes the partnership will help Tablets.com readers find and compare their tablet options. "Our partnership with Tablets.com will enable users to find and compare tablet computers based on what's important to them.  The tablets comparisons offers smart tools that allow users to narrow their options based on display size, OS, features, price and more--helping users find what's best for them when deciding on the right tablet."

ABOUT FindTheBest
FindTheBest is an unbiased, data-driven comparison engine. We organize and present data in a consumer-friendly format so that you can make quick and informed decisions based on what's important to you.

ABOUT Tablets.com
Tablets.com is a site that helps consumers find and compare tablet computers by allowing users to filter their options based on the criteria important to them.  Tablets.com is owned by XF.com Investments.

SOURCE  FindTheBest

FindTheBest

CONTACT: CONTACT: Grace Nasri, +1-646-633-4543, gnasri@findthebest.com

Web Site: http://www.findthebest.com

New Comparison Tool from FindTheBest Helps Gamers Find and Compare Tablet Computers

FindTheBest's online interactive comparisons of tablet computers can help find the tablet you need for gaming.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With FindTheBest's unbiased, data-driven comparisons, gamers have the ultimate tool to find and compare the best tablet computers.

With options to filter, sort and compare tablets side-by-side, FindTheBest helps you make more informed decisions.

Filter FindTheBest's list of tablet computers by operating system, wireless capability, camera options, company, price and other features. Then, sort the list by price, screen size, internal storage capacity and battery life to find the right tablet for you.

Once you have a list of tablets with the features you need, select the tablets from the list, then click the compare button for a side-by-side view.

The ratings and information about each tablet are clearly labeled and color-coded. When you've found your top tablet, click on its name to view that tablet computer's detail page. Everything you need to know about the tablet is displayed, including links to where you can buy it.

If you need more information to decide between tablets, FindTheBest's Smart Rating and Buyer's Guides can help.

On the tablet computer comparison page, you'll see each product listed in order of its Smart Rating. The Smart Rating, a hybrid score calculated from expert reviews and quantitative data, is FindTheBest's way of giving users an unbiased presentation of the top listings in any category. Whether you're looking to get an overview of the best tablets on the market, or you're looking to decide between two options, the Smart Rating is a great resource.

FindTheBest's Buyer's Guides are another resource to either begin or end the decision making process. Start with the Buyer's Guide for tips about what to look for and what to avoid in tablet computers. If you're down to a decision between two tablets, but you're still struggling, use the Buyer's Guide for expert insight into buying a tablet computer.

SOURCE  FindTheBest

FindTheBest

CONTACT: Thomas Samph, +1-610-574-5463, tsamph@findthebest.com

Web Site: http://www.findthebest.com

Independent Report Includes Push Notifications as Part of Its "New Messaging Mandate"

Report includes findings from Urban Airship as company passes 10B push notification milestone

PORTLAND, Ore. and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban Airship, the leading platform provider for messaging to mobile devices, was included in a report by Forrester Research, Inc. today titled "The New Messaging Mandate." The report recommends best practices for mobile marketers seeking to do a better job at integrated messaging and communications to their customers via mobile. For the first time, an independent analyst firm recognizes push notifications in their report and notes that "technology (such as push notifications} can now realistically deliver on the promise of integrated messaging... with improved efficiency, scale, and reliability."

Coincidentally, the report is coming out just as Urban Airship is seeing its 10 billionth push notification since the company launched two years ago. The velocity of growth in the push notifications space will continue as more companies adopt this emerging marketing channel.

According to the Forrester report, released on January 9, 2012, "The increased complexity of managing messaging across channels will demand automation. But automating every part of the process at once isn't realistic." Forrester recommends "...companies start by automating campaign flows based on business rules," noting that "...it's impossible to manually manage sequenced, multichannel messages for millions of customers. Instead, implement systems that trigger messages through specific channels when particular conditions are met. For instance, several teams in the National Hockey League work with Urban Airship to automate push notifications through mobile apps. The timely messages are pushed to fans based on business rules that factor in geolocation, season ticket holder status, favorite team and players, and live game action."

"Forrester has a great history in anointing significant technologies at the right time, and having them include push notifications in this report is very telling," said Brent Hieggelke, CMO of Urban Airship.  "Mobile messaging is becoming the most real-time, customer focused channel, but it is just really getting started, and push notifications are playing a very significant role."

Last week Urban Airship hit a new milestone, having now served over 10 billion-push notifications on behalf of the thousands of customers using its high performance push services platform. Just last August, Urban announced its 5 billionth push, which indicates how quickly push has become a vital part of the marketing mix for thousands of app developers.

"As mobile marketers become more sophisticated about the ways to reach consumers, we are increasingly seeing innovative companies adopting push messaging as a key customer engagement strategy", said Scott Kveton, CEO, Urban Airship. "10 billion push notifications brings us into a messaging league few others have reached, and we are really excited to join the ranks of the other companies in a report like this."

About Urban Airship
Urban Airship powers the world's most successful mobile apps. Providing breakthrough technology, Urban Airship makes mobile marketing far more engaging, effective, and efficient. Top brands depend on Urban Airship to ensure their mobile app initiatives are scalable and profitable. Dictionary.com, Groupon, Warner Bros., Weather Channel and Yahoo! are just a few of the thousands of companies that utilize Urban Airship's innovative platform to reach and engage target audiences and increase app revenue streams through push notification, rich messaging, in-app purchase, subscriptions and data tracking. The company's investors include Founder's Co-op, Foundry Group, Intel Capital, salesforce.com, True Ventures and Verizon. Urban Airship is headquartered in Portland, Oregon with offices in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.urbanairship.com and follow us on Twitter @urbanairship.

SOURCE  Urban Airship

Urban Airship

CONTACT: Candace Locklear, Mighty PR for Urban Airship, +1-510-292-8216, candace@mightypr.com

Web Site: http://www.urbanairship.com

The Echo Nest Teams with Twitter in Pilot Program to Integrate Tweets Into Music Apps

SOMERVILLE, Mass., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Echo Nest, a music intelligence platform powering smarter apps across the web and devices, teamed up with Twitter to help developers include Tweets from thousands of the most popular recording artists directly within their apps.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101214/NE17511LOGO )

Twitter's growing list of Verified Accounts includes many of the world's top music artists. The Echo Nest applied its artist extraction technology to Twitter's Verified Accounts to identify artists whose Twitter handles are now part of The Echo Nest's Rosetta Stone service. Rosetta Stone helps music services "speak the same language" on a data level by translating unique identifiers across various services.

This partnership means app developers can include artists' Verified Account handles and Tweets within music apps. Integrating Twitter handles into Rosetta Stone allows developers to add thousands of Verified Accounts with a few lines of code.

Twitter's integration with The Echo Nest has extensive real-world applications. For example, an app developer will be able to include Tweets from a currently-playing artist alongside music, lyrics, blog posts, photos, and other media from Rosetta Stone-compatible services. The first app to integrate artists' Tweets is Discovr Music, with many more to follow.

"Twitter is arguably the most important and immediate artist-to-fan communication medium in the world.  Until now, there was no simple way for developers to integrate musicians' tweets directly into their applications," said Jim Lucchese, CEO of The Echo Nest. "By making it easy for our community of over 10,000 application developers to integrate artists' tweets into their apps through our API, The Echo Nest hopes to enhance their music apps by extending Twitter to this new terrain while bringing fans closer to the artists they love."

"The Echo Nest's cutting-edge music data platform will enable thousands of developers to build new ways for music fans and artists to connect on Twitter," said Glenn Otis Brown, Twitter director of media business development. "The sky's the limit on the creative Twitter music applications that the Echo Nest's developers can now build."

This move increases the breadth of The Echo Nest's growing Rosetta Stone platform and will help forge stronger connections between artists and their fans on a variety of platforms.

About The Echo Nest
The Echo Nest powers smarter music applications for leading media companies and thousands of independent developers, with a customer base that reaches over 100 million music fans every month.  Over 250 applications have been built on The Echo Nest platform.   With the world's only machine learning system that actively reads about and listens to music everywhere on the web, The Echo Nest opens up the largest repository of dynamic music data in the world - over 5 billion data points on over 30 million songs -- to help developers re-shape the experience of playing -- and playing with -- music. The Echo Nest was co-founded by two MIT PhDs.  Investors include Matrix Partners, Commonwealth Capital Ventures, and three co-founders of MIT Media Lab. Follow us at @echonest.

SOURCE  The Echo Nest

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101214/NE17511LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
The Echo Nest

CONTACT: CONTACT: Elissa Barrett, +1-617-628-0233 x43, elissa@echonest.com

Gracenote Launches Interactive TV Platform

Gracenote Entourage(TM) Enables Electronics Manufacturers, Content Distributors and Developers to Deliver Interactive Video Solutions

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW (CES) 2012 --Gracenote® is transforming the interactive TV experience for viewers with the launch of Gracenote Entourage(TM), an Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) platform. Gracenote Entourage will enable electronics manufacturers, content distributors and developers to turn the TV watching experience into a vehicle to generate revenue and build direct and engaging relationships with viewing audiences. 

"The era of simply sitting on the couch and watching TV is over.  Gracenote is enabling a dramatic transformation for TV as we know it - taking it from a passive experience to one in which a whole new world of search and discovery is available from a variety of sources," said Stephen White, president of Gracenote.   "This will give viewing audiences new and exciting ways to engage in the TV experience, while providing content owners, CE device makers, and application developers ways to drive new revenue."

At its core, Gracenote Entourage features audio fingerprinting technology that allows smart phones and tablets to instantly and automatically identify movies, TV programs and music in real time by simply "listening" to short sound clips. Then, Gracenote Entourage unlocks data from the Gracenote database to create paths for TV viewers to explore related content, such as actor filmographies and advertising brands, and link to on-demand services to purchase, stream and download content that intrigues them. 

Gracenote Entourage can be featured on mobile devices or integrated directly into Smart TVs to let viewers identify content from any source playing on-screen, whether it is coming from their cable box or streaming from an on-demand service. This creates opportunities for TV manufacturers to connect viewers to related programs and help them discover movies and TV shows from on-demand sources built into the Smart TV.   

Gracenote Entourage is a fully hosted solution that leverages Gracenote's network infrastructure and rich set of global data, including descriptions of more than 130 million songs as well as filmmaker and cast bios for movies, TV listings, and Album and Movie Cover Art which power the world's leading music and video products - from Apple iTunes and HTC smart phones to Ford Sync and Sony BRAVIA TVs.

Gracenote Entourage at CES
Gracenote will offer demos at the Gracenote Booth in the South Hall, Upper Level, #31106. Sony will demonstrate Gracenote Entourage with an Interactive TV App built into the new Sony Tablet S at CES Booth #14200.

About Gracenote
A pioneer in digital media, Gracenote, Inc. provides music and video content and technologies to the world's hottest entertainment products and brands. The company's partners in the entertainment community include major music publishers and labels, prominent independents and movie studios and television networks. A wholly owned, independent subsidiary of the Sony Corporation of America (SCA), Gracenote has offices in Tokyo, Munich, Berlin, Seoul, and Taipei with worldwide headquarters in Emeryville, California. For more information, follow us at @GracenoteTweets or http://www.facebook.com/PoweredbyGracenote.

For More Information Contact:
Veronica Skelton
Concept PR for Gracenote
415.342.3435
vskelton@gracenote.com

Graham McKenna
Sr. Director, Marketing Communications, Gracenote
510.428.7288
gmckenna@gracenote.com

SOURCE  Gracenote

Gracenote

Web Site: http://www.gracenote.com

Imagination Announces First PowerVR Series6 GPU Cores

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- International CES -- Imagination Technologies, a leading multimedia and communication technologies company, announces the first IP cores in its ground-breaking PowerVR Series6 GPU core family.

The PowerVR G6200 and G6400 GPU IP cores are the first in a growing family of PowerVR Series6 GPU cores.

PowerVR Series6 sets a new benchmark for high performance, ultra-low power GPU cores, scalable for markets from mobile and tablet to high end gaming and computing.

The innovative PowerVR Rogue architecture, on which Series6 is based, builds on the maturity and unrivalled success of the previous five generations of PowerVR GPUs. It enables Imagination's partners to deliver amazing user experiences in devices from innovative 'natural' user interfaces to ultra-realistic gaming, as well as enabling new applications never before thought of from advanced content creation and image processing to sophisticated augmented reality and environment-aware solutions.

Based on a scalable number of compute clusters the PowerVR Rogue architecture is designed to target the requirements of a growing range of demanding markets from mobile to the highest performance embedded graphics including smartphones, tablets, PC, console, automotive, DTV and more.  Compute clusters are arrays of programmable computing elements that are designed to offer high performance and efficiency while minimising power and bandwidth requirements. The first PowerVR Series6 cores, the G6200 and G6400, have two and four compute clusters respectively.

Delivering the best performance in both GFLOPS/mm2 and GFLOPS/mW, PowerVR Series6 GPUs can deliver 20x or more of the performance of current generation GPU cores targeting comparable markets. This is enabled by an architecture that is around 5x more efficient than previous generations.

PowerVR Series6 GPU cores are designed to offer computing performance exceeding 100GFLOPS (gigaFLOPS) and reaching  the TFLOPS (teraFLOPS) range  enabling high-level graphics performance from mobile through to high-end compute and graphics solutions.

The PowerVR Series6 family will deliver a significant portfolio of new technologies and features, including: an advanced scalable compute cluster architecture; high efficiency compression technology including lossless image and parameter compression and the widely respected PVRTC(TM) texture compression; an enhanced scheduling architecture; dedicated housekeeping processors; and a next generation Tile Based Deferred Rendering architecture. These features combine to produce a highly latency tolerant architecture that consumes the lowest memory bandwidth in the industry while delivering the best performance per mm2 and per mW.

Says Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination: "Based on our experience in shipping hundreds of millions of GPU cores, plus extensive market and customer feedback, we have been able to set a new standard in GPU architecture, particularly in the areas of power, bandwidth and efficiency - the key metrics by which GPUs are now judged. We are confident that with the Rogue architecture we have a very clear technology advantage and an exceptional roadmap for the PowerVR Series6 family which our partners can depend on."

Imagination believes that next generation devices, utilizing the extraordinary GPU performance that:

All members of the Series6 family support all features of the latest graphics APIs including OpenGL ES 'Halti'*, OpenGL 3.x/4.x, OpenCL 1.x and DirectX10 with certain family members extending their capabilities to full WHQL-compliant DirectX11.1 functionality.

PowerVR GPU technology is driven by one of the world's largest engineering teams dedicated to graphics processor development, complemented by the industry's most mature and extensive ecosystem of dedicated third party developers, who have already created hundreds of thousands of apps optimised for PowerVR enabled devices to date.

Imagination's PowerVR graphics technologies are the de facto standard for mobile and embedded graphics, with over 90 licenses by leading semiconductor companies, and have shipped in more than 600m devices to date. PowerVR Series6 has already secured eight licensees, and been delivered to multiple lead partners. Among the PowerVR Series6 partners announced so far are ST-Ericsson, Texas Instruments, Renesas Electronics and MediaTek.

PowerVR Series6 GPU cores are available for licensing now.

PowerVR Series6 GPUs are fully compatible with Series5 and Series5XT PowerVR SGX GPUs.

Editor's Note
* Product is based on a provisional Khronos Specification, which may change before final release. Current specification status can be found at http://www.khronos.org

About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies (LSE:IMG) is a global leader in multimedia and communications technologies. It creates and licenses market-leading IP (intellectual property) cores for graphics & video processing; multi-threaded general & DSP processors; multi-standard communications and connectivity; and video and voice over IP and VoLTE solutions. Target markets includemobile phones, handheld multimedia, home electronics, computing, automotive, and emerging markets such as healthcare, security and smart power.Imagination's IP is licensed by many leading semiconductor and consumer electronics companies and supported by extensive developer and middleware ecosystems.  Imagination has corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and offices worldwide. See: http://www.imgtec.com.

SOURCE  Imagination Technologies

Imagination Technologies

CONTACT: David Harold, Director of PR, Imagination Technologies, david.harold@imgtec.com

Web Site: http://www.imgtec.com

TI's new Bluetooth low energy system-on-chip increases battery life with 33 percent reduction in power consumption

CC2541 aimed at Bluetooth Smart applications for consumer medical, sports and fitness, security, entertainment and home automation

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN), the industry leader in highly integrated wireless connectivity solutions, today announced its new CC2541 Bluetooth® low energy system-on-chip (SoC), aimed at Bluetooth Smart sensor applications for consumer medical, sports and fitness, security, entertainment and home automation. The SoC offers a 33 percent reduction in power consumption compared to TI's previous-generation CC2540 SoC when transmitting at 1 milliwatt output power, while maintaining robust RF performance. The CC2541 is pin-to-pin compatible with the CC2540, which allows manufacturers to take advantage of the power savings through an easy migration of existing designs. An associated CC2541EMK development kit will also be available to further simplify and reduce design time for new Bluetooth Smart devices. For more information, visit: http://www.ti.com/product/cc2541.

"We're excited to see the advancements in the Bluetooth low energy space with Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready devices already available and several about to hit the market," said Sid Shaw, product marketing manager, low-power RF, TI. "With the CC2541 SoC TI continues its commitment to offer low-power and easily-deployable Bluetooth low energy solutions to manufacturers. Our new CC2541 SoC adds to TI's full system-solution, aimed at simplifying design and shrinking development time for Bluetooth Smart sensor applications."

"Bluetooth 4.0 technology is expanding into new markets as innovative use cases and products become available," said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG. "We are pleased to see TI enabling longer battery life with the CC2541 SoC to further fuel interest in Bluetooth 4.0 technology and the growth of Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready devices."

TI's new Bluetooth low energy solution will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week (Jan. 10-13). In its meeting space (N116, Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall), TI will also give a sneak-peek of its upcoming CC2541DK-SENSOR development kit for Android- and iOS-based smartphone applications. The kit opens up the world of Bluetooth low energy-based sensors to smartphone application developers because it requires no RF hardware knowledge or embedded software programming on the sensor-application side. The six sensors included in the kit enable applications such as tag trackers, thermostats, weather stations, theft alarms, remote controls and others that can be controlled by a consumer's smartphone. The kit will be available for purchase in early 2Q 2012. Stay tuned for more on http://www.ti.com/bluetoothlowenergy.

TI's CC2541 Bluetooth low energy solution: Key features and benefits

    --  Early realization of low-power, single-mode Bluetooth low energy sensor
        applications
        --  Full system solution: 2.4 GHz CC2541 SoC, royalty-free TI protocol
            stack, profile software, sample applications, development kits,
            technical documents and support
    --  Simplified design with one-chip, integrated and flexible solution
        --  Controller, host and application on one 6 mm x 6 mm device
        --  Applications can be written directly onto the CC2541, which supports
            both analog and digital peripherals
        --  Flash-based: firmware can be updated in the field and persistent
            data can be stored on-chip
        --  Pin-for-pin compatible with TI's CC2540 Bluetooth low energy SoC and
            CC253x ZigBee® RF4CE solutions
        --  Support for Bluetooth version 4.0 and proprietary modes at 250Kbps,
            500Kbps, 1Mbps and 2Mbps
        --  Robust, proven Bluetooth technology that builds on success of the
            CC2540
    --  Enables design of low power sensor devices that can operate for >1 year
        on a coin cell battery
        --  18.5 mA TX current at 0 dBm
        --  As low as 14mA current drawn from the battery (a 20 percent
            reduction) when using TI's TPS62730 step down converter (CR2032 coin
            cell)
    --  Robust RF performance
        --  Up to 99 dB link budget
        --  Best-in-class coexistence with other 2.4 GHz devices
Tools, availability, packaging and price

The CC2541 SoC is currently sampling to lead customers and will go in volume production in February. It is packaged in a ROHS-compliant, 6 mm x 6 mm QFN-40. The corresponding CC2541EMK will be available in late January on TI's eStore for $99 and through TI authorized distributors. The CC2541DK-SENSORdevelopment kit will be available in early 2Q 2012.

Find out more about TI's Bluetooth low energy and wireless connectivity solutions

    --  Order development kits and samples: http://www.ti.com/bluetoothlowenergy-pr
    --  View TI's Bluetooth low energy demos of Android and iOS smartphone apps
    --  TI's wireless connectivity solutions: http://www.ti.com/wirelessconnectivity
    --  TI E2E(TM) low-power RF & wireless connectivity community:
        http://www.ti.com/wiconforum
About TI's wireless connectivity portfolioTI provides the industry's broadest portfolio of mature wireless connectivity solutions. With expertise in more than a dozen technologies, TI ensures customers the best-suited wireless connectivity for every type of application. TI's product portfolio is complemented with the support and tools that customers and developers need to quickly and easily bring wirelessly connected designs to market. Visit the company's Wireless Connectivity Portal for an overview of TI-supported technologies, the full product portfolio, and example use cases.

About Texas InstrumentsTexas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at http://www.ti.com.

TrademarksTI E2E is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE  Texas Instruments

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20010105/NEF016LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Texas Instruments

CONTACT: Liv Lokka of Texas Instruments, +47 22958207, l.lokka@ti.com; or Melissa Haddad of GolinHarris, +1-972-341-2543, mhaddad@golinharris.com, for Texas Instruments; Please do not publish these numbers or e-mail addresses

Web Site: http://www.ti.com

TI introduces ZigBee® RF4CE remote control solution for more advanced interactions with consumer electronics such as TVs, set-top boxes and game consoles

New solution enables manufacturers to quickly deliver state-of-the-art remote control devices, and is hardware compatible with TI's Bluetooth® low energy system-on-chip

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN), the industry leader in highly integrated wireless connectivity solutions, today introduced its latest ZigBee® RF4CE remote control solution with support for the upcoming ZigBee Input Device (ZID) profile, which enables mouse-like pointing functionality, keyboard and gesture- and touch-based input controls for consumer electronics such as TVs, set-top boxes and game consoles. TI's ZigBee RF4CE solution includes the royalty-free RemoTI(TM) 1.3 protocol stack with sample application software, an ETSI-compliant and FCC-certified nano USB module, and an associated Advanced Remote Control development kit. TI's remote control solutions will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in TI's meeting space (N116, North Hall) and in ZigBee Pavilion (21318E, South 1) this week. For complete product details, visit: http://www.ti.com/rf4ce-pr.

Together with TI's proven CC253x 802.15.4 RF-IC radios, the new ZigBee RF4CE solution allows manufacturers to quickly deliver advanced remote control devices. The CC253x offers pin-to-pin compatibility with TI's Bluetooth® low energy CC254x system-on-chips (SoC), enabling future-proofed designs that easily implement both standards.

"With TI's ZigBee RF4CE ZID profile based solution, manufacturers can quickly deliver remote control devices for more intuitive and enjoyable remote control user experiences," said Oyvind Birkenes, general manager, low-power RF, TI. "We are proud to say that TI's remote control solutions are deployed today by market-leading customers, partners and third parties, putting leading-edge capabilities in consumers' hands."

TI's ZigBee RF4CE remote control solutions: Key features and benefits

    --  ZigBee RF4CE RemoTI 1.3 protocol stack with ZID profile-support,
        together with the advanced remote development kit, drives quick
        prototyping and development of next-generation remote control devices:
        --  Non-line-of-sight operation and two-way wireless communications
        --  Pointing mouse functionality: Reference design with six-axis motion
            sensing
        --  Motion and gesture control functionality: RemoTI 1.3 and advanced
            remote kit include support for Movea SmartMotion® firmware
        --  Complete set of sample applications for target and controller nodes
        --  PC-based tools for development and test
    --  Pin-to-pin compatibility with TI's Bluetooth low energy CC254x SoC
    --  Easy addition of ZigBee RF4CE ZID capabilities to devices with USB ports
        with production-ready CC2531 nano USB module and reference design:
        --  ETSI-compliant and FCC-certified
        --  Very small size: Only 9.5 mm x 16.6 mm
    --  Enables single-chip remote controls to be built with low power, high
        reliability and low cost:
        --  Best-in-class coexistence with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth technology and other
            2.4 GHz devices
        --  Proven CC253x family of 802.15.4 RF-IC radios
Tools, availability and priceThe RemoTI 1.3 software is available today from TI's website, royalty free to all using TI's ZigBee RF4CE hardware platforms. The Advanced Remote Control development kit is available today for $149 on TI's e-store.

Supporting quotes "We are proud to have integrated our Freespace® MotionEngine(TM) software with TI's ZigBee RF4CE advanced remote hardware platform and RemoTI 1.3 network protocol stack. The combination of these solutions enables rapid development of ZID-based remotes and devices with high-precision motion control that will truly change the way users interact with TVs, Blu-ray players, streaming media players, set-top boxes, and video game systems." - Chad Lucien, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Hillcrest Labs

"We are excited to continue our relationship with TI to deliver market-leading, ZID-based RF4CE solutions. Movea's SmartMotion firmware couples with TI's ZigBee RF4CE hardware and software expertise to enable the fast design of remotes and interface devices that enhance consumers' home entertainment experiences." - Bryan Hoadley, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, and president of Movea Inc.

"As the market leader in advanced RF4CE remote control solutions, SMK seeks out partners with world-leading solutions. TI's RemoTI software stack and low-power wireless radios exemplify this. TI was the clear choice for SMK in its latest multi-million unit design win for a major European Telco. SMK and TI will continue to innovate in RF4CE with RemoTI 1.3, delivering intuitive user interfaces to the next generation of consumer multimedia services. We look forward to sharing SMK's advanced 'RemoPad' RF4CE remote control, incorporating TI's RemoTI, at CES." - Dr Craig Robinson, Design Manager, SMK (UK) Limited

"The remote control plays a critical role in enabling a natural and enjoyable interactive entertainment experience as it represents the only part of the user interface physically touched by the end-user. With the proliferation of content through set-top and connected TVs, the design, technology and features of the remote control will be key in determining the device or service's success with consumers. We are excited about the possibilities of the new enhancements in TI's latest RemoTI release, which merged with many of our user-optimized features, deliver a true lean-back content navigation and casual gaming solution for our customers. We will be demonstrating the third generation of our motion enabled control solutions, WaveMotion Platform, at CES." - Arsham Hatambeiki, executive director, Applied Innovations at Universal Electronics Inc.

Find out more about TI's low-power RF and wireless connectivity solutions

    --  Video demonstration of TI's remote control solutions: Click here
    --  TI's RF4CE solutions: http://www.ti.com/rf4ce-pr
    --  TI's ZigBee solutions: http://www.ti.com/zigbee-pr
    --  TI's wireless connectivity solutions: http://www.ti.com/wirelessconnectivity
    --  TI E2E(TM) low-power RF and wireless connectivity community:
        http://www.ti.com/wicon-forum
    --  TI's wireless connectivity eNewsletter: http://www.ti.com/wcsnewsletter

About TI's wireless connectivity portfolioTI provides the industry's broadest portfolio of mature wireless connectivity solutions. With expertise in more than a dozen technologies, TI ensures customers the best-suited wireless connectivity for every type of application. TI's product portfolio is complemented with the support and tools that customers and developers need to quickly and easily bring wirelessly connected designs to market. Visit the company's Wireless Connectivity Portal for an overview of TI-supported technologies, the full product portfolio, and example use cases.

About Texas InstrumentsTexas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun.  Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities.  This is just the beginning of our story.  Learn more at http://www.ti.com.

TrademarksRemoTI and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE  Texas Instruments

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20010105/NEF016LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Texas Instruments

CONTACT: Liv Lokka of Texas Instruments, +47 22958207, l.lokka@ti.com; or Melissa Haddad of GolinHarris, +1-972-341-2543, mhaddad@golinharris.com (Please do not publish these numbers or e-mail addresses.)

Web Site: http://www.ti.com

TI's OMAP platform transforms ordinary houses into smart, interactive homes

CES 2012 demos showcase OMAP 4 processors empowering wireless big-screen displays, friends and family video chat, handy household apps and in-home robotics with vision

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today pushed forward with the expansion of its popular OMAP(TM) 4 mobile processors into the smart home space. Building on its 2011 momentum, which saw OMAP processors empowering some of the hottest smartphones and tablets, TI today demonstrates its OMAP smart multicore processor capabilities in four smart home categories: big-screen displays, family video chat, handy household applications, and in-home robotics.

"Like anywhere else, we often use our smartphones and tablets at home. However, we're just beginning to realize the unique usage models the home environment triggers," said Fred Cohen, Director, OMAP user experience team, TI. "The OMAP platform's smart multicore architecture delivers stunning multimedia capabilities, low energy consumption and many cool differentiated features, which help us enjoy new ways to share, view and interact with content in our digital homes - whether leveraging the larger screens in our living rooms or cooking in the kitchen."

OMAP 4 platform experiences for the smart home will be showcased in the TI Wireless meeting space N-116 (North Hall) at this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). For more information, visit: http://ti.com/ces2012.

The big-screen user experienceFrom the comfort of your sofa or home office, you can watch everything from premium HD movies to the latest sports broadcast, play interactive games or browse through family pictures snapped with your mobile device - all on a large, full HD TV screen or monitor.

The OMAP4460 processor is an ideal platform to create radically fast and crisp visual experiences. Content can be sent from smartphones or tablets to large HD displays via HDMI or TI's WiLink(TM) 7.0 combo wireless connectivity solution. The OMAP 4 platform's smart multicore architecture complements two ARM® Cortex(TM)-A9 MPcores with a full HD video encode/decode accelerator, powerful graphics core from Imagination Technologies (SGX540 or SGX544), hardware display subsystem and dual-channel LPDDR2 memory to drive such usage models. Premium content is protected end-to-end through TI's M-Shield(TM) security solution, which runs secure services from its trusted execution environment (TEE).

One of the premier applications of these technologies is the realization of wireless display - finally connecting devices peer-to-peer without being bogged down with cord limitations for the ultimate screening experience. At CES, TI is demonstrating wireless display use cases such as "cinema mode" where users beam smartphone or tablet HD video content onto large TV screens.

An augmented wireless display demo from Screenovate showcases an OMAP4460 processor-based TI tablet beaming a game to a TV while simultaneously using the tablet as the game's touch-screen controller.

For users interested in watching streaming, full-HD TV programs on mobile devices, TI has worked closely with MobiTV, Inc. to optimize its premium white-label mobile video platform on the OMAP4460 processor. MobiTV's media delivery technology and friendly user interface delivers multiple video channels in parallel for an enhanced live video experience.

"We are excited to partner with Texas Instruments and to extend our technology to the OMAP platform," said Cedric Fernandes, Vice President of Technology, MobiTV. "Together we are working to provide secure HD content on the OMAP platform, and to further support TI's commitment to deliver a high-quality product."

Fanhattan is a new digital entertainment discovery service that helps users navigate the increasing number of premium digital content services available on connected devices. Fanhattan chose the OMAP4460 processor to bring its rich and fluid user interface to life, and make discovering, exploring and watching premium entertainment a truly inspiring experience.

"Fanhattan chose TI's OMAP platform not only for its computational and graphics performance and capabilities, but for the world-class support the company consistently provides to start ups such as ours," said Christopher Vinckier, vice president and general manager TV, Fanhattan.

Adding yet another unique opportunity for OMAP platform-based content access, the OMAP4430 processor gained the first 1080p full-HD silicon reference implementation (SRI) certification to play back Netflix premium content on Android Gingerbread last summer. Today, TI revealed that that accolade has now extended to the OMAP4460 processor, which is the first certified processor for Netflix full-HD streaming on Android Honeycomb.

The entertainment experience would not be complete without high definition audio. TI will be the first to demonstrate Dolby's cinematic audio experience on its OMAP4460 processor-based tablet. Leveraging the OMAP processor's ARM Neon(TM) acceleration, Dolby technology creates an immersive surround sound and improves dialogue audibility to deliver the first-to-market ultimate HD audio experience on mobile devices.

Friends and family video chat

The OMAP 4 platform brings video chat amongst friends and family to a new level. With the OMAP4460 processor, video communication can now include multiple parties, with great HD image quality on a big screen. New features such as real-time recording and content sharing further enhance video chat as users can now view photo albums or cool videos together, collaborate on school or work assignments and archive precious family moments.

These activities are made possible by the OMAP platform's hardware and software features, including:

    --  H.264 encode/decode accelerated on IVA-HD
    --  Improved image quality via on-chip Image Signal Processing (ISP)
    --  Tunneled OpenMAX, ensuring low latency

TI's OMAP4460 processor enables peer-to-peer full-HD mobile video chat from Skype, and adds concurrent video recording in HD. The 1080p experience is further complemented by Skype's SILK audio and acoustic echo cancellation for crisp audio.

Also at CES, TI demonstrates a full-HD, multi-party video chat with concurrent content sharing courtesy of Ittiam's video conferencing technology running on the OMAP 4 platform.

Handy household applications

Imagine cooking from a recipe on your tablet. Now imagine turning pages, zooming in and out, setting the timer or calculating measurements without touching the screen with flour-covered fingers. With the OMAP 4 platform's gesture recognition technology, this and many other everyday tasks can be enhanced with gesturing.

"The innovation of gesture recognition paired with the performance capabilities of the OMAP4460 processor are enabling an entirely new generation of games and touchless controls. The integration of gesture into everyday household tasks has the potential to dramatically change how we manage ourselves day-to-day," said Philip Belhassen, CEO, Stonetrip.

TI showcases this useful application, developed by Stonetrip using its Shiva3D engine and enabled by the OMAP Gesture Recognition Engine from XTR3D technology. The following three key assets of the OMAP4460 processor's smartcore architecture are at work in this demo:

    --  ISP compensating for variable light conditions to ensure smooth gesture
        recognition
    --  On-chip DSP and Imaging subsystem to support the gesture recognition
        engine
    --  A set of APIs developers can use to easily add touchless gesture
        controls to any application--even those not originally designed to
        support gestures

"This intuitive cooking application illustrates the integration of gesture recognition technology within our daily lives. XTR3D's software-based technology provides developers with the flexibility to design and deploy gesture controlled tools on every platform, regardless of the hardware specifications," commented, Dor Givon, Founder & CTO of XTR3D.

In-home robotics

Today's robots can assist with daily tasks or enhance learning experiences within the home. TI's robotics demonstration at CES underscores the potential of the OMAP 4 platform in this industry as a low-cost, ultra-low power solution.

OMAP processors can add vision capabilities to robotics designs by using any standard raw camera sensor. With support for up to three cameras, the OMAP4460 processor is stereo-vision ready and offers hardware-accelerated computer vision libraries in open source. Developers designing next-generation robots on OMAP 4 processors have the added benefit of the smart multicore architecture's complete feature set leveraged in numerous multimedia rich and processing-heavy use cases - creating the foundation for limitless design opportunities.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun.  Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities.  This is just the beginning of our story.  Learn more at http://www.ti.com.

Trademarks

OMAP, WiLink and M-Shield are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE  Texas Instruments

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20010105/NEF016LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Texas Instruments

CONTACT: CONTACT:  Heather Ailara of Texas Instruments, +1-214-567-4373, hailara@ti.com; or Lindsey Bare of GolinHarris, +1-972-341-2511, lbare@golinharris.com (Please do not publish these numbers or e-mail addresses.)

Web Site: http://www.ti.com

Verizon Wireless and In Motion Technology Deliver 4G LTE Vehicle Area Network

Demonstrating 4G LTE Video-Connected Ambulance at 2012 CES

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and In Motion Technology announce the first wireless mobile router system available for securely extending the enterprise network to the vehicle over the world's largest 4G LTE network.  The In Motion Technology onBoard((TM)) system includes a Mobile Gateway that transforms vehicles into secure, mobile hotspots; a network management system that monitors network health and communications; and a mobile-optimized VPN server providing end-to-end security.  Visitors to the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259) can watch a live video, data and voice demonstration using Verizon's 4G LTE network between the booth and the Verizon LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass.

In Motion Technology is widely deployed in public safety, public transit and utilities, and will be demonstrating how its onBoard((TM)) Mobile Gateway can be used in ambulances.  By securely connecting laptops, tablets, electrocardiograms (EKGs), Electronic Patient Care Reporting (EPCR), IP cameras, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and vehicle diagnostic systems, the onBoard Mobile Gateway will improve operational efficiency for emergency responders.  The onBoard((TM)) Mobility Manager enables operations to analyze information from Gateways in the field via a dashboard showing locations, direction and speed, and monitors vehicle diagnostics, devices and networks.  The onBoard((TM)) Connection Manager provides secure IP mobility and sub-second switching in a multi-network environment.

"We are pleased that our mission critical customers now have the opportunity to do business using the Verizon 4G LTE network.  We believe that 4G LTE will revolutionize mobile-centric businesses by enabling improved real-time collaboration.  In the case of EMS, 4G LTE provides real-time sharing of video, voice and data that can have a dramatic impact on patient outcomes," said Kirk Moir, president and chief operating officer for In Motion Technology. 

Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the largest 4G LTE network and most reliable 4G network in the United States, which now covers more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

In Motion Technology and Verizon Wireless have been working together at the Innovation Center to demonstrate the power of the Verizon 4G LTE network for voice and video applications and situational awareness in a mobile ER environment.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.inmotiontechnology.com for more information about In Motion Technology.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   

About In Motion Technology Inc.

In Motion Technology is the leader in mobile networking technologies that connect and manage equipment, information and people in the field. In Motion's patented Mobile Wireless Hot Spot System  (US Patent #7,382,771) turns each vehicle into a secure, mobile communications hotspot that enables people on the road to stay in constant contact, as onboard communications roam seamlessly across wireless networks.  It provides organizations with real-time information to manage operations to peak efficiency, and frees individuals to be effective anywhere, anytime. Today, In Motion's solutions are used by more than 350 municipal, healthcare, public safety, transportation and utility organizations worldwide.  For more information, please call Stephanie Hughes-White at 604.523.2371 ext.541 or visit In Motion Technology at http://www.inmotiontechnology.com or http://www.twitter.com/inmotion_tech and http://www.facebook.com/inmotiontechnology.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com; Stephanie Hughes-White, In Motion Technology, +1-604-523-2371 ext. 541, stephanie.hugheswhite@inmotiontechnology.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

TechRadium, Inc. and Verizon Wireless to Feature CommandCore Product at 2012 CES

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and TechRadium, Inc. announced that they will feature the recently developed CommandCore(SM) product in the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259).  CommandCore will be conducting demonstrations at the Verizon booth throughout the show.

CommandCore is a unified platform designed to integrate essential systems and databases to allow users to manage critical information in real time, making it the ultimate tool for providing law enforcement personnel and emergency management officers with elite situational awareness capabilities.  CommandCore gives organizations the latitude to leverage real-time intelligence to reach more accurate conclusions and make faster decisions.  The intended goal is to improve prevention efforts and response times.  Leveraging the innovations provided by Verizon Wireless and its LTE Innovation Center, CommandCore also provides this capability in the field through LTE mobile devices.

TechRadium, Inc. has more than a decade of experience in the technology industry with the seasoned expertise of industry experts to design CommandCore.  With solid expertise in mass emergency notification, TechRadium's collaboration with Verizon Wireless and the LTE Innovation Center has been an integral business relationship since 2011.

"By leveraging Verizon's 4G LTE capabilities, CommandCore Mobile will provide security personnel and other first responders with critical information needed for complete situational awareness and proactive decision-making," said TechRadium Chief Executive Officer Ryan Rodkey.  "We have high hopes for our flagship CommandCore product and we are certain that our work with Verizon Wireless is the right next step for us to be taking towards success."

Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the largest 4G LTE network and most reliable 4G network in the United States, which now covers more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.  Visit http://www.techradium.com for more information about TechRadium.

About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.   
About TechRadium and CommandCore

TechRadium, Inc. is a software development company, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas specializing in communications and information sharing technologies. TechRadium recently developed CommandCore, a common operating picture (COP) that is designed to integrate all essential systems and databases into a single dashboard to manage critical information in real time for public and private Emergency Operations Centers. By leveraging Verizon Wireless 4G/LTE capabilities, CommandCore Mobile provides security personnel and other first responders with the critical information needed for complete situational awareness and proactive decision-making. TechRadium is a leading solutions provider and serves clients such as the DoD, the United States Army, the City of Indianapolis, DHS and many more. For more information, visit http://www.techradium.com.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com, or Ashly Tenini, TechRadium, Inc., +1-281-263-6337, atenini@techradium.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Shopko Launches Mobile Pharmacy App to Maximize Customer Convenience

GREEN BAY, Wis., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With increasing demands for time spreading consumers thin -- whether it's working longer hours or shuttling the children to and from their many appointments -- running errands has become more of a challenge. To make life simpler for shoppers always on the go, Shopko announces the launch of its mobile pharmacy app, allowing users to quickly and easily refill and manage their pharmacy prescriptions anywhere, anytime from their smartphones. 

The free and easy-to-use app, available on the iPhone, Android and Blackberry platforms, maximizes customer convenience by enabling users to handle all of their pharmacy needs with their smartphone. With the new app, customers can now request refills, review active prescription details -- including expiration date, refills remaining and overdue refills -- set up dosage reminders and receive email/text notifications when a prescription refill is ready. Additionally, the mobile app includes a "Pharmacy Locator" feature so customers can locate and get driving directions, while also checking hours of operation for the nearest Shopko pharmacy.

"We are always exploring new ways to improve customer service and make our pharmacy services more convenient, and this app makes finding our stores and filling prescriptions on their mobile devices quick and easy for our customers," stated Paul Jones, Shopko president, chairman and CEO. "This app is in direct response to consumer demand and we've worked hard to develop the features most important to our customers. This will be a convenient and simple new way to access our award winning pharmacy services." 

To download Shopko's new mobile pharmacy app, visit shopko.com/app.

About Shopko

Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC is an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm focused on leverage buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the $2 billion retailer operates 149 stores in 13 states throughout the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 134 Shopko stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in small to mid-sized cities; 5 Shopko Express Rx stores, a convenient neighborhood drugstore concept; and 10 Shopko Hometown locations, a smaller concept store developed to meet the needs of rural communities. For more information, visit http://www.shopko.com.

SOURCE  Shopko

Shopko

CONTACT: CONTACT: Tara Zeller, Shopko Public Relations, +1-920-429-4368, tara.zeller@shopko.com

Web Site: http://www.shopko.com

X-mini(TM) Capsule Speakers(TM) - The Surprise of Sound Beyond Size!

SINGAPORE, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Compatible with iPads, laptops, music players, mobile phones and more, the X-mini(TM) Capsule Speaker(TM) range is a portable sound solution that fits snugly in your pocket. The mono and stereo X-mini(TM) Capsule Speakers(TM) offer a simple plug-and-play solution if you are looking for an enhanced sound experience. The monoX-mini(TM) II Capsule Speaker(TM) is the most popular model with its no-fuss functionality and pocket-sized portability while the X-mini(TM) MAX II Capsule Speaker offers a simple yet amazing stereo sound experience. The X-mini(TM) HAPPY Capsule Speaker(TM), the first in the multi-functional series, features a built-in SD card reader and music player which allows you to save and play all your favourite tunes. The latest addition to this series is the X-mini(TM) RAVE Capsule Speaker(TM) which has an antennae-free FM radio function to allow you to keep up with the latest news and music on air.

Look Ma, no wires! The newest kid on the block, the X-mini(TM) KAI Capsule Speaker(TM) is a Bluetooth speaker, dongle and conference call device all rolled into one. Fondly named after CEO Ryan Lee's nephew, Kai, who is the first in the next generation of his family, the X-mini(TM) KAI Capsule Speaker(TM) similarly heralds the new wireless generation in portable sound.

Between the impressive longevity of the built-in rechargeable battery, the funky Bass Xpansion System(TM), the modular Buddy-Jack(TM) design, the convenient portability and the other add-on functions of the X-mini(TM) Capsule Speakers(TM), what stands out is its ability to offer quality Sound Beyond Size. With several options to choose from, the X-mini(TM) Capsule Speakers(TM) answer your sound needs with a simple pocket-sized solution.

To discover more Sound Beyond Size surprises, please visit http://www.X-mini.com for the complete range of X-mini(TM) Capsule Speakers(TM).

SOURCE  Xmi Ptd Ltd.

Xmi Ptd Ltd.

CONTACT: CONTACT: Darrelle Eng, +65-6224-2595 ext. 35, darrelle.eng@xm-i.com

Web Site: http://www.X-mini.com

Free eBay Seller Webinar - "eBay Sellers: The PayPal 1099, New Tax Laws And You"

Presented by Outright, makers of small business online accounting software, and Diane Kennedy, CPA, speaker and founder of USTaxAid Services

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Page Mage Inc. along with eBay Radio, Outright, Stamps.com and Terapeak will be hosting a free webinar for eBay® sellers to discuss new tax laws, talk about the "PayPal 1099" that may surprise many, and what it all means for them. New tax laws will affect eBay sellers this year.  This webinar will help them learn what those new laws are and get tips to get their taxes prepared with as little hassle as possible. The webinar is presented by Laura Messerschmitt and Ryan Thompson, Outright executives with decades of experience in the financial industry. They are joined by Diane Kennedy, CPA and top tax strategist for over 30 years. Diane is the founder of USTaxAid Services, a leading full-service tax consulting firm as well as USTaxAid, an online tax education site.

The webinar will cover common tax deductions, the new tax laws, 1099-K forms, and tips to get your taxes prepared with as little hassle as possible. The webinar will help eBay sellers of all sizes who want the basics without all the jargon.

What:   Free webinar, "eBay Sellers: Tax Laws Have Changed - Learn More." Make sure you know how the new tax laws affect you and how they affect your 2011 taxes.  Learn about common deductions that eBay sellers take.

When:  Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET (Registrants will receive a link to the webinar recording afterwards.)

Where:  Register at http://www.topratedsellerwebinars.com

Once the webinar has ended, participants will move their discussion to the webinar's Facebook group to continue asking questions and engaging with other sellers. All eBay sellers are welcome and those who sign up will receive a link to the recorded archive of the webinar.

About Outright
Outright has one goal: to make bookkeeping as simple as possible so the self-employed can spend as little time as possible on the least enjoyable part of running a business. Outright's easy-to-use online accounting solution automatically brings together all of your sales & expenses in one place so you always know what's going on with your business and are ready come tax time. No math, no manual entry, no paper work. Outright integrates with eBay & PayPal, e-commerce accounts, and, of course, your Bank and Credit Card Accounts so you can stay up to date effortlessly and instead focus on doing what you love.

About Page Mage
Page Mage was founded in 2008. We are transforming the way sellers market their products on eBay. Page Mage provides easy to use applications for creating better listings and bigger profits. Our new Billboards eBay App Center application along with the Page Mage Listing Designer let you create breakthrough listing designs to stand out from your competition, look more credible and professional, improve selling performance, and increase confidence among buyers.

About eBay Radio
The host of eBay Radio is Jim "Griff" Griffith, .eBay's Dean of Education and author of the Official eBay Bible. eBay Radio broadcasts (eBay Radio; eBay Radio's Ask Griff & Lee; and eBay Town Hall) feature helpful guidance, advice, and information from eBay team leaders and guest experts along with hot eBay topics, news direct from eBay, and your calls!

About Stamps.com
Stamps.com (Nasdaq:STMP) is a leading provider of Internet-based postage services. Stamps.com's service enables small businesses, high-volume shippers, enterprise shippers, and consumers to print U.S. Postal Service-approved postage with just a PC, printer and Internet connection, right from their home or office. The Company targets its services to small businesses and home offices, and currently has PC Postage partnerships with Avery Dennison, Microsoft, HP, USPS and others.

About Terapeak
Terapeak is a leader in ecommerce market research and payment analytics, and is the sole authorized re-licensor of eBay data globally. The company provides custom insights and SaaS technology-enabled solutions to e-commerce merchants around the world. Currently aggregating over 20% of all online commerce sales data, Terapeak helps merchants make faster, more-profitable business decisions based on real-time market trends, pricing, and transaction data.

SOURCE  Outright

Outright

CONTACT: CONTACT: Mallory Snitker of SS|PR, pr@outright.com, msnitker@sspr.com, for Outright

New Year Brings New Excitement from Improv Electronics

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- from ShowStoppers @ CES 2012: After closing out 2011 with exceptional sales and a record-breaking holiday season, 2012 promises to be another outstanding year for Improv Electronics, the company announced today.

"We are thrilled to kick off the New Year with an interactive hands-on exhibit, and our first appearance, at the renowned International Consumer Electronics Show," said Kent Displays/Improv Electronics CEO Dr. Albert Green. "Our presence at CES, coupled with the exponentially growing popularity of our products and the recent launch of the Boogie Board Rip eWriter, the first model that saves, proves that Boogie Board eWriters have truly arrived as a unique product segment within the consumer electronics industry. We have extremely exciting things planned for the coming year that will reinforce the Boogie Board eWriter's place as a highly valuable, environmentally-friendly and fun product for users of all ages."

In 2012, Improv Electronics will continue building on the Boogie Board eWriter's success while maintaining the intuitive paper-like writing experience, a feature that has made it a tremendously popular product since the original Boogie Board 8.5 eWriter launched in 2010. Already available for purchase in 25 different countries, Improv Electronics will further expand global distribution of Boogie Board eWriters by adding new retailers all over the world. The company will also continue to work toward realizing its goal of transforming society into a truly paperless one by providing a cost-effective and completely paperless means of writing/drawing that reduces paper consumption in the home, office and classroom.

Boogie Board eWriters can be purchased online through Brookstone.com, improvelectronics.com, and Amazon.com. Boogie Board eWriters are also available for purchase in Brookstone stores and select Staples, Toys 'R Us and other global retail stores.

SOURCE  Improv Electronics

Improv Electronics

CONTACT: CONTACT: Kristen Erickson, KErickson@kentdisplays.com, +1-330-673-8784 ext. 325

Deyta Provides a Free Online Tool to Help Hospices Submit Voluntary Structural Measure Reporting to CMS

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Deyta LLC, a leader in healthcare quality measurement tools and benchmarks, has developed a free web-based reporting tool for hospices called the Voluntary Structural Measure Reporting Program. In response to 2010's Affordable Care Act, hospices are being asked to voluntarily submit data about the structural measure addressing their participation in a Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS has said that "voluntary reporting of the structural measure data with specific quality indicators related to patient care would allow us to learn what the important patient care quality issues are for hospices and would serve to provide useful information in the design and structure of the quality reporting program."

Deyta requested specifications from RTI International, the organization CMS contracted with to capture and analyze this information and built a tool to allow hospices easy and accurate transfer of all requested structural measure details. The tool is free and can be used by any hospice wishing to participate in the voluntary reporting initiative. The tool's database contains hundreds of hospice quality indicators and provides information for each indicator; saving hospices the time and effort involved in locating the specifics regarding each indicator. In addition to ease of data entry, hospices that use the tool will also receive a report from Deyta summarizing all submitted data.

"We are pleased that Deyta's experience with quality databases and hospice quality measurement reporting allows us to provide this service to our friends in the hospice community," said J. Kevin Porter, Deyta's President and CEO. "We believe increasing participation in this program can provide CMS with insights into the already outstanding level of quality in the hospice industry as they work to develop their quality reporting program."

About Deyta, LLC

Deyta partners with thousands of hospice, home health, human services and other organizations, to measurably improve the quality of patient care and services, the experience of customers and employees, and the effectiveness of their operations. With 20 years of experience, Deyta offers proven solutions with powerful reporting, educational programming, and extraordinary customer service.  Deyta clients and collaborators are providers, industry associations, regulatory agencies, vendors, and consultants who are committed to improving healthcare.

SOURCE  Deyta, LLC

Deyta, LLC

CONTACT: Jack Tillman, VP of Sales, +1-502-379-6161, jtillman@deyta.com

Web Site: http://www.deyta.com

Verizon to Showcase Industry-First at 2012 CES: 4G LTE Mobile Wireless Storage by Seagate

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Seagate will be showcasing a breakthrough technology demonstration of 4G LTE integrated into a Seagate Mobile Wireless Storage device for use with smartphones and tablets.  This industry-first innovation can be seen at the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259).

The 4G LTE-connected Mobile Wireless Storage technology will demonstrate the ability to:

    --  Expand the storage capacity of your mobile device with enough space to
        enjoy over 300 HD movies on an iPad or Android((TM)) tablet.  Imagine
        having the ability to carry every James Bond movie in HD, every season
        of both "Mad Men" and "Glee" and the entire catalog of the Rolling
        Stones, as well as thousands of photos.
    --  Download music, movies and photos over 4G LTE and stream it all over
        Wi-Fi for up to three of your mobile devices.  It becomes the perfect
        road-trip companion providing hours of entertainment for the kids.
    --  Use the lightning fast Verizon 4G LTE network to connect to an endless
        library of entertainment in your pocket and provide Internet
        connectivity for up to three Wi-Fi-enabled mobile devices.
Seagate, a worldwide leader of innovative storage solutions, is a participant in the Verizon LTE Innovation Center and has been engaged with Verizon Wireless and its 4G LTE Innovation Center for two years of development for this product concept.  Earlier this year, Seagate joined a multi-party development collaboration agreement along with other Verizon certified LTE partners, Novatel Wireless and SkyCross, Inc., to develop the Seagate 4G LTE Mobile Wireless Storage.

Based on market and customer feedback, this Mobile Wireless Storage solution is a potential future product collaboration between Verizon and Seagate.

"Seagate continues to innovate in new ways for consumers to enjoy their use of storage technologies," said Scott Horn, vice president of global marketing for Seagate.  "This showcase of 4G LTE storage opens up a whole new world of possibilities for consumers to access the content they desire on the go."

Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the largest 4G LTE network and most reliable 4G network in the United States, which now covers more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Verizon established its Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem.  The company's LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and its Application Innovation Center in San Francisco were created to inspire, enable and develop non-traditional devices, services and applications that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' industry-leading wireless networks.  Through the Innovation Program, Verizon seeks to expand the possibilities of 4G LTE by working with diverse companies, from start-ups to established players, in industries representing a broad range of verticals.

The Seagate 4G LTE Mobile Wireless Storage is a portable, rechargeable battery-powered storage device with up to five hours of battery life and emits a Wi-Fi b/g/n signal for accessing content on the device.  It is compatible with all Wi-Fi-enabled iOS and Android phones and tablets that include a browser.  For more information about Seagate, visit http://www.seagate.com/ces, follow @Seagate and @Seagate_Con on Twitter or like the company on Facebook.

For more information about Verizon at CES, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow Verizon Wireless news on Twitter at @VZWnews.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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.

About Seagate

Seagate is a worldwide leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions. Learn more at http://www.seagate.com.

Copyright 2012 Seagate Technology LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Seagate, Seagate Technology and the Wave logo are registered trademarks of Seagate Technology LLC in the United States and/or other countries. When referring to drive capacity, one gigabyte, or GB, equals one billion bytes and one terabyte, or TB, equals one trillion bytes. Your computer's operating system may use a different standard of measurement and report a lower capacity. In addition, some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions, and thus will not be available for data storage. Actual data rates may vary depending on operating environment and other factors. Seagate reserves the right to change, without notice, product offerings or specifications.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com or Nathan Papadopulos, Seagate, +1-408.658.1357, Nathan.Papadopulos@seagate.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com