Soitec Receives Regulatory Approval of Power Purchase Agreements Totaling 155 Megawatts for California Projects
Announcement Represents Significant Step Forward in Soitec's Expansion Plans and Strategy in the United States
BERNIN, France, November 11, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Soitec (Euronext), a world leader in generating and manufacturing
revolutionary semiconductor materials for the electronics and energy
industries, today announced that its subsidiary, Soitec Solar Development,
LLC, received the approval of five of its power purchase agreements with San
Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) from the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC). These five projects represent a combined capacity of 155
megawatts (MW) of solar energy with electricity generated at solar power
plant sites in San Diego County that will use Soitec's Concentrix(TM)
concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology. Additionally, the CPUC approved
an option agreement for the right, but not the obligation, for SDG&E to
purchase additional capacity from Soitec Solar Development, LLC. This
announcement represents a significant step forward in Soitec's expansion
plans and strategy in the United States.
The CPV modules, as previously announced, will be manufactured in a new
Soitec factory planned for the San Diego area. The new manufacturing
facility will use new Concentrix fifth generation technology to supply the
projects, which provides a market-leading module efficiency that exceeds 30%
(or 2 to 3 times the efficiency of conventional PV technology.) CPV
technology converts sunlight directly into "clean" electricity via
concentrator optics and high-efficiency solar cells offering the best design
for use in sunny regions, environmentally-friendly, and delivering low-cost,
reliable, solar generated electricity. Additionally, CPV technology requires
no water for ongoing operations, a crucial consideration for the
water-constrained San Diego and Imperial Counties.
At full capacity, the San Diego manufacturing facility will generate up
to 450 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs within San Diego
County. The factory location is expected to be announced before the end of
the year.
About Soitec
Soitec [http://www.soitec.com ] is an international manufacturing
company, a world leader in generating and manufacturing revolutionary
semiconductor materials at the frontier of the most exciting energy and
electronic challenges. Soitec's products include substrates for
microelectronics (most notably SOI : Silicon-on-Insulator) and concentrating
photovoltaic systems (CPV). The company's core technologies are Smart
Cut(TM), Smart Stacking(TM) and Concentrix(TM), as well as expertise in
epitaxy. Applications include consumer and mobile electronics,
microelectronics-driven IT, telecommunications, automotive electronics,
lighting products and solar power plants for large-scale utilities. Soitec
has manufacturing plants and R&D centers in France, Singapore, Germany, and
the United States. For more information, visit: http://www.soitec.com.
International Media Contact
Camille Darnaud-Dufour
+33(0)6-79-49-51-43
(any time zone)
camille.darnaud-dufour@soitec.com
Regular Joes are Uniting on SharedSense.com to Beat the Stock Market
BOSTON, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anti-bank feeling has resulted in the public looking to take more responsibility for investing their own money.
A new website has come up with a simple but novel way to help the regular Joe invest his own money and avoid the advisory services of financial institutions that are perceived to have let the public down.
Shared Sense is based on the theory of famed investor and mentor to the man on the street: Peter Lynch. The site takes his ideas of "invest in what you know and that the best stock tip is in front of you in the mall" and goes a step further. It allows people to share these observations on a worldwide basis and so helping people gather market research through group thinking.
It uses the wisdom of the crowd to get people's views on what is selling or not. Put simply, people can give an opinion on what brands are hot or not in their area. The information is gathered worldwide and the site gives back the total view on what people see as popular or not.
As increasing or decreasing sales is generally the most important investment criteria, members can use the information as part of their investment decisions.
The site editors take this information and add their experience to it. They analyze the other important factors including financials, margins and outlook and give full stock tips to members.
The site is not another stock price prediction site but focuses on identifying brand popularity to give regular investors an edge. The themes of the site are honesty and humor - the idea being to strip stock picking of all the overly fancy jargon and replace it with raw honesty. The top predictors are invited to join to the site as full authors.
Ned Goodwin, Shared Sense founder says: "Why can't stock picking and investment be based on a co-operative system where people help each other by sharing information on buying trends? This is a practical way of occupying Wall Street -- taking the power of investment decision back to the people. People helping themselves to get an investment edge. As Peter Lynch said, if you're buying the product it might be worthwhile buying the stock. We're saying if you know we're all buying the product it's definitely worthwhile buying the stock."
Spike TV Launches New Campaign Aimed at Helping Veterans Find Work
"Hire A Veteran" Will Salute Companies That Put America's Real Heroes To Work After Serving Their Country
NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike TV, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), proudly announces it has created a comprehensive initiative to salute companies that hire the brave men and women of our armed forces when they return home from service. "Hire A Veteran" will showcase businesses, from Main St. to Wall St., that provide jobs for the selfless heroes who risk their lives in defense of our country.
The network will also create a website that will serve as a destination for vets looking for work and companies looking to hire those leaving the armed services. The announcement was made today by Kevin Kay, Spike TV president.
"Spike TV is honored to assist this country's veterans -- real-life heroes who represent the best of what our country is about," said Kay. "These young men and women who have bravely served their country are now making the often difficult transition from military service to the general workforce. Hire-A-Veteran is designed to help in that process."
Spike TV will create a series of original public service announcements for its multiple platforms that will call to attention businesses that have hired or created positions for veterans. These "Honor Roll" spots will feature the actual veterans who will discuss what it means to them to have found work. The network will also serve as a media partner for nonprofit organizations committed to hiring veterans, offering them opportunities for publicity and recognition, while incentivizing other companies to make their own commitments. Among those appearing in Spike's "Hire A Veteran" spots include Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Drew Brees, George Lucas, Bradley Cooper, Larry Fitzgerald, and others.
The organizations partnering with Spike in the "Hire A Veteran" initiative include IAVA, Wounded Warrior Project, GI Jobs, Helmets to Hardhats, HireHeroesUSA, VETSAgency, Military.com, among others.
The companies saluted will range from those in the Fortune 500 who have initiated a training program for veterans to a small-town construction company that actively recruits veterans. Spike will run spots saluting different companies periodically throughout the day. Every few weeks, Spike will showcase a new crop of organizations who are hiring veterans.
Spike TV has created a website HireAVet.spike.com for more information for veterans looking for work, companies looking to hire veterans, job training and mentoring and veterans looking to start their own business.
Spike TV is available in 99.8 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is http://www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Travel Management Company to Offer Gogo Biz In-Flight Internet
Charter Operator Using In-flight Connectivity to Improve Passenger Experience and Differentiate Fleet
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, announces that Travel Management Company is installing Gogo Biz(TM) high-speed Internet service on all mid-size aircraft in its growing fleet of charter aircraft. Installations are already underway and are scheduled for completion in the spring of 2012. Today's announcement includes 21 firm orders plus options for as many as 30 systems for deployment on additional aircraft.
Gogo Biz enables passengers and flight crews to enjoy high-speed Internet capabilities above 10,000 feet in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, tablets, EFBs, smartphones and other mobile devices.
Travel Management Company (TMC) is a privately-owned, full-service air charter company with an ARG/US Platinum Rating. The company solely owns and operates 50 light and midsize jets, including the industry's newest and largest privately-owned fleet of Hawker 400XP's, along with a growing fleet of Hawker 800/850XP's. More information is available on the company's website at http://www.tmcjets.com.
Scott Wise, general manager of TMC, said, "We own every one of the aircraft we operate and that gives us complete control over the fleet - including what amenities are offered. Connectivity has become like oxygen to our customers and Gogo Biz will dramatically change the in-flight passenger experience, as well as significantly differentiate us in the charter market. We're delighted to offer it and look forward to completing the installation process."
John Wade, Aircell's executive vice president & general manager, said, "We continue to hear that charter aircraft equipped with Gogo Biz fly more than those that aren't, and that when customers search for lift, Internet-enabled charter aircraft get chosen first. We're pleased to see TMC using Gogo Biz as a strategic tool to continue growing and expanding their company."
About Aircell
Aircell, a Gogo company, is a leading provider of in-flight connectivity for business aviation. Through a full range of services including voice, high-speed Internet, cockpit data and more, Aircell increases the productivity, safety, and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, USA, Aircell is an AS9100-certified company serving a global customer base with an authorized dealer/distributor network that spans 6 continents. A trusted brand in airborne communications, Aircell is a factory option at every major business aircraft manufacturer and installed on the world's largest fractional ownership fleets. The only company to offer all three of the industry's most popular network technologies - Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Gogo Biz(TM), Aircell provides advice and solutions addressing any customer need, aircraft type, or geography.
A Collier Trophy nominee and the recipient of several dozen awards for innovation, Aircell is widely credited with many of the industry's most influential historical achievements, beginning with the groundbreaking airborne cellular concept that launched the company in 1991. Connect with us http://www.aircell.com and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.
Amazing LED Desk Light Combined with Music and Multi-Charger Function From M&C
HONG KONG, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The t'Light S, the latest innovation from M&C Lighting, features eco-friendly illumination from a 5W LED plus audio output and a charging function.
The LED has a superior life and lower power consumption than other light sources without any detrimental impact on light quality. The t'Light S is suitable for reading and protects your eyesight. If you want to keep a night light while sleeping, the remote controller will dim the LED light through a variety of settings.
If you want to have fun with music and a light, then t'Light S is an integrated audio solution. Two built-in stereo loudspeakers offer superior sound when you dock your iPod or iPhone. TDMA technology eliminates any interference given by your iPhone. The remote controller can play, pause, turn to previous/next and change the volume. t'Light S can even be used only as a stereo loudspeaker. It produces lifelike sound with a 3.5mm line in cable provided, which connects to any audio device. So you can enjoy background music when you entertain guests at home.
Furthermore, your iPod or iPhone will be fully powered whilst playing music if docked to t'Light S. A 10-jack USB multiple cable is provided for connecting other mobile phones and devices to t'Light S to enable the charging function. You have a choice of 3 colors for compatibility with your home or office. Enjoy the latest modern lifestyle from the moment you buy t'Light S!
-- High-power, long-life LED light source for bright light output
-- Continuously adjustable LED light output from 0 to 5W (max.)
-- Remote controller with iPhone / iPod Manu/LED light navigation
-- Built-in stereophonic loudspeakers offering lifelike sound
-- 3.5 mm AUX for MP3, MP4, various mobile phones, notebooks, etc.
-- App. dock and integrated USB port can be used to charge iPod, iPhone,
most mobile phones and other audio devices.
This premium-quality product can be easily ordered at http://www.tlight.cc and will be shipped by EMS worldwide.
About M&C
Founded in 1994 in Hong Kong, M&C Lighting has become a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient lighting fixtures, bathroom lighting fixtures and utility lights. M&C Lighting is an ETL listed and ISO9001 certified company. More information at http://www.modernandclassic.com
Rockin' New Retail Concept Launches in Stores and Online
Join the Beautiful Rebellion with Lamb & Flag
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Lamb & Flag, a new retail concept catering to both men and women, ages 18 to 24, launched today via its e-Commerce store LambandFlag.com. Lamb & Flag is a denim driven brand that offers designer updated classic products reflecting an edgy rock n' roll spirit. The brands logo is a "Rebel X", a simple mark inspired by royalty and rebellion with its soul and authenticity coming from the idea that "imperfection is the new perfection".
Named after a venerated English pub, Lamb & Flag will introduce its first retail store on December 16th at Brea Mall (Brea, California). Shortly thereafter, two additional retail locations will open at The Shops at Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, California), and Los Cerritos Center (Cerritos, California) in January 2012. The stores, 3,500 square feet in size, are described visually as "wrecked elegance" embodying the different nuances of the brand mixing old with new.
Lamb & Flag's namesake label, carried online and in-store, will be supported by the most aspirational lifestyle brands curated together in an authentic and meaningful environment. The range of independent third-party brands available at Lamb & Flag include: A.P.C, Nudie, Cheap Monday, RVCA and many more.
Customers will find the initial delivery to include vintage denim styles, off-the-shoulder knits, cinched dresses, color-blocked sweatshirts, logo'd tees, striped hoodies, and military jackets. Retail prices for the Lamb & Flag branded collection range from $56 to $98 for denim, $22 to $68 for tees and wovens and $48 to $128 for outerwear. In addition to apparel, Lamb & Flag will also be introducing fragrances: Men's No. 18 and Women's No. 12.
For additional information on Lamb & Flag, visit LambandFlag.com, "Like" Facebook.com/LambandFlag, or follow us on Twitter @LambandFlagCo.
Media Contact
Erin Haggerty
310.595.1099
Press@LambandFlag.com
Civolution to Participate in Cisco Knowledge Network Session on Premium VOD Security
Special webinar November 16th to empower service providers with need-to-know content security requirements for the delivery of premium VOD
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Civolution, the leading provider of technology and solutions for identifying, managing and monetizing media content, today announced that it will contribute to a special Cisco® Knowledge Network webinar on latent content identification, fingerprinting, and watermarking for delivery of premium VOD content. The live webcast is part of the CKN Americas Video Series and will take place November 16th at 11am Eastern Time.
The decision by major Hollywood Studios to deploy premium VOD (PVOD), a service in which feature films are made available in HD for VOD shortly after the theatrical release and prior to their release on Blu-ray Disc, presents service providers with an opportunity to attract new subscribers and allow up-selling to increase the average revenue per user. In order to engage premium VOD, however, service providers must educate themselves on premium VOD-specific content security requirements.
As part of the Cisco Knowledge Network sessions, a series of webinars for content providers and service providers, the Civolution CKN session will explain premium VOD and its specific content security requirements. The webinar will cover the principles of fingerprinting and forensic watermarking, and how they can be utilized within the Cisco PMDC (Production Media Data Center) workflow. The session will also provide specific examples of the technology's use in both B2B content delivery and B2C premium VOD, and will illustrate how the forensic tracing of content can be implemented not only as a deterrent against content theft and piracy, but also as an analytical tool to measure the usage of content.
The Cisco Knowledge Network sessions are specifically tailored to the service provider audience and aim to offer technical overviews on Cisco and its partners products and solutions so that these service providers can get the most from their existing, planned and future network investments. Civolution, the leader in content identification technologies, provides solutions that enable content owners and distributors to curb piracy of premium VOD content, and protect revenue from consecutive release windows. The special live webcast, hosted by Cisco, will take place November 16th at 11am Eastern Time. More information can be found at http://www.ciscoknowledgenetwork.com.
About Civolution
Civolution (http://www.civolution.com) is the leading provider of technology and solutions for identifying, managing and monetizing media content. The company offers an extensive portfolio of cutting edge applications for digital watermarking and fingerprinting which enable media protection (content filtering and forensic marking of media assets in pre-release, digital cinema, payTV and online), media interaction (accurate and real-time video synchronization for 2nd screen and SmartTVs) and media intelligence (audience measurement and media monitoring for television, radio and internet). Civolution offers the most comprehensive solutions to manage and facilitate profitable content distribution and use.
SOURCE Civolution
Civolution
CONTACT: Emmanuel Josserand, Civolution Director Marketing, Tel: +44 (0)207 845 7371, emmanuel.josserand@civolution.com, or David Bramley, Platform PR, Tel: +44 (0)20 7486 4900, david@platformpr.com, or Sabrina Pietryga of Beck Media & Marketing, +1-310-300-4814, sabrina@beckmedia.com
AT&T Enhances Mobile Broadband Coverage at Paul Brown Stadium
New Distributed Antenna System Provides Additional Wireless Capacity for Bengals' Fans
CINCINNATI, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced wireless devices and services, AT&T* today announced that it has expanded its mobile broadband coverage at the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium, by completing the installation of a new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to serve customers throughout the facility.
"AT&T's gameday presence in the Jungle Zone pregame, and in the B-Zone in-stadium, offers our fans a unique and interactive experience," said Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn. "We're looking forward to AT&T customers enjoying enhanced wireless coverage throughout Paul Brown Stadium with the completed installation of AT&T's new Distributed Antenna System."
A DAS installation consists of several strategically-placed antennas that distribute AT&T's wireless network coverage throughout the stadium, providing for more efficient management of wireless capacity in heavily-trafficked areas. DAS has the ability to provide enhanced wireless coverage to customers in indoor or outdoor spaces where geographical limitations - terrain, building construction, etc. - or crowd density might otherwise prevent an optimal wireless experience. The additional capacity is expected to help improve call reliability and enable more consistent network access to help customers make the most of their AT&T devices.
"We want our customers to have a great network experience whatever they're doing - whether that's making a call, checking e-mail, downloading apps or surfing the Internet," said Larry Evans, vice president and general manager, AT&T Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
"We're committed to our investment in the local wireless network, and providing enhanced wireless coverage at Paul Brown Stadium is just one way that we're investing in Cincinnati," said Tom Pelto, president, AT&T Ohio.
"AT&T's presence at Paul Brown Stadium is a great example of a public/private relationship that will result in a new revenue source for the county while providing a valuable communications service to taxpayers," said Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel. "We're very pleased that AT&T has the antennas ready to go as the Bengals continue their home schedule at PBS."
AT&T is an industry pioneer in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience. The company's recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand its network. If approved, this deal means that AT&T will be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband - 4G LTE - from its current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to more than 97 percent.
AT&T's mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 225 countries and data service in more than 200 countries.
AT&T also operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 29,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. As of October 2011, AT&T offers more than 240 hotspots in the Cincinnati area. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.
For more information about AT&T's mobile broadband coverage in Cincinnati or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit an AT&T Coverage Viewer.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit our AT&T network news page.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
Adder's Digital KVM Range Expands With DisplayPort Technology
Adder introduces DisplayPort connectivity across its professional and IP KVM range
BOSTON, November 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
Adder [http://www.adder.com ], a leading developer of KVM switches,
extenders and KVM over IP solutions, today announced the AV4PRO-DP
[http://www.adder.com/uk/products/ADDERView4PRODisplayPort.aspx ] and
CATX-DP [http://www.adder.com/uk/products/CATxDisplayPortCAM.aspx ].
ADDERView PRO is a range of professional grade keyboard, video mouse and
audio (KVMA) switches that enables users to share a high resolution screen
and USB peripherals between multiple computers. Computer access modules
allow a range of interface options to connect to Adders CATx and CATxIP
range of KVM switches and extender products.
Designed for the professional user, the AV4PRO-DP is the first Adder KVM
switch to feature DisplayPort video. DisplayPort has seen rapid adoption by
the computer industry, appearing across the Apple, Dell, Lenovo and HP
product ranges. DisplayPort interfaces carry not only video data, but also
digital audio. The Adder implementation further features dual-mode
DisplayPort which also supports DVI and HDMI devices.
The AV4PRO-DP features the same USB True Emulation technology seen in
the DVI range. "With USB True Emulation technology, a whole new group of
users can take advantage of the flexibility KVM switches have to offer,"
said Nigel Dickens, Engineering Director of Adder. "Users in architecture,
graphic design, post production and animation, for example, who often need
to use specialized interface devices such as graphics tablets, 3D explorers,
joysticks, and so on."
As well as delivering an intelligently conceived and functional KVM
switch, Adder has included a uniquely flexible independent switching mode.
This allows a user to take different elements of functionality from each
connected computer. For example, the user could use the video, keyboard and
mouse function from one computer whilst taking the audio from another. At
the same time, the AV4PRO-DP allows any of the connected computers to make
use of the two additional USB ports, which could be connected to a printer
or scanner, for example.
Natural applications for the device - which, beyond enormous
flexibility, delivers absolute signal quality - include medical imaging,
broadcast and command and control environments. The AV4PRO-DP is ideal for
operators in these industries, who often need to switch between visually
intensive systems while making use of common interface elements. The
AV4PRO-DP's ability to handle resolutions up to WQXGA (2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz or
8.64Gb/s) ensures the user can make the most of every picture detail with
total confidence.
Alongside the AV4PRO-DP, Adder are also releasing the DisplayPort
Computer Access Module (CAM), which enables the CATx and CATxIP range of
switches together with the ADDERLink X200 extender to connect directly to a
dual-mode DisplayPort interface. Adder's CATx and CATxIP KVM over IP
switches have been industry favourites for several years thanks to their
extreme reliability, usability and competitive cost per port performance.
Available in both full size and mini DisplayPort form, the all new CATX-DP
computer access module is perfect for Apple computer environments.
The ADDERView AV4PRO-DP and CATX-DP computer access module are available
to order worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.adder.com/
[http://www.adder.com ]
About Adder
Adder is a leading developer and thought leader in connectivity
solutions. Adder's media networks, extenders and keyboard, mouse and video
switch solutions enable the control and distribution of IT systems around
the world. The company distributes its products in more than 60 countries
through a network of distributors, resellers and OEMs. Adder has offices in
the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden,
Shanghai and Singapore. Visit http://www.adder.com/ [http://www.adder.com ].
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 Sets All-Time Record for the Biggest Entertainment Launch with More than $400 Million in North America and United Kingdom Sales Alone
More Than 6.5 Million Units Sold in U.S. and U.K. in 24 Hours
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Shattering its own day-one sales records, Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), announced that its highly-anticipated Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 has become the biggest entertainment launch ever with an estimated sell-through of more than $400 million and more than 6.5 million units in North America and the United Kingdom alone in the first 24 hours of its release, according to Charttrack and retail customer sell-through information.
This marks the third consecutive year that the Call of Duty franchise has set day one launch records across all forms of entertainment, something no other entertainment franchise in any medium has ever accomplished. Last year, in North America and the United Kingdom, Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops(TM) had estimated day-one sell-through of $360 million and in 2009, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, set day-one records with estimated sell through of $310 million, according to Charttrack and retail customer sell-through information.
On November 8, 2011, millions of fans attended more than 13,000 midnight openings at retail stores around worldwide. According to Microsoft, after just two days, the number of gamers playing simultaneously on Xbox® Live® set a new peak concurrency record.
"We believe the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the biggest entertainment launch of all time in any medium, and we achieved this record with sales from only two territories," said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard, Inc. "Other than Call of Duty, there has never been another entertainment franchise that has set opening day records three years in a row. Life-to-date sales for the Call of Duty franchise exceed worldwide theatrical box office for "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings," two of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time."
Eric Hirshberg, CEO, Activision Publishing added, "Call of Duty is more than a game. It's become a major part of the pop cultural landscape. It is a game that core enthusiasts love, but that also consistently draws new people into the medium. It is the most intense, adrenaline pumping entertainment experience anywhere. I would like to thank our incredible teams at Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games for making a brilliant game. But most of all, I would like to thank our millions of passionate fans worldwide. We made this game for you."
Separately, Activision announced this morning that in support and gratitude for the efforts of American servicemen and women, this Veterans Day it donated $3 million to the Call of Duty Endowment, a non-profit, public benefit corporation that seeks to provide job placement and training for veterans. This latest donation will be added to the $2 million that Activision has already donated to the Endowment, which has provided more than $1.5 million in grants and scholarships to veterans' organizations across the country since it was conceived by Bobby Kotick in November of 2009.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Strong Language and is available now for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows® PC. For more information visit http://www.callofduty.com/mw3 and http://www.callofduty.com/elite.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Blizzard's expectations for sales of Modern Warfare 3 are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Blizzard's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Blizzard's titles, increasing concentration of titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment and market conditions within the video game industry, Activision Blizzard's ability to predict consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as first-person action and massively multiplayer online games and preferences among competing hardware platforms, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, changing business models including digital and used games, competition, including from used games and other forms of entertainment, possible declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, litigation risks and associated costs, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and Activision Blizzard assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although these forward-looking statements are believed to be true when made, they may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY and MODERN WARFARE are registered trademarks and CALL OF DUTY MW3 is a trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
AboutOurWork.com Launches First-Ever Social Network Exclusive to Small and Micro Business Community
AboutOurWork fills a need not met through existing social media channels
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The first-ever social network for small and micro businesses launched today. AboutOurWork aims to disrupt the social space, not just giving small business the ability to create a web presence, but to create meaningful connections with others in the community, then visually graph each businesses connection.
"Existing social media and networking outlets have ignored micro and small businesses in favor of brands, job seekers and consumers," said AboutOurWork co-founder David Hunegnaw. "AboutOurWork provides the first social business network that let's these businesses create a web presence and connect with one another."
The visualization of a network - the AboutOurWork graph - is one of the tools that sets AboutOurWork apart from other 'social media' sites. The graph lets users navigate the small business network, showing them who they need to know and how to get to know them.
Once a Business Profile is created, AboutOurWork collects information about the type and depth of connection, and how often and how recently two businesses worked together. From there, a business can quickly analyze their connections and use the graph as a tool to build credibility and find the path to connect with other businesses. This forms more meaningful connections than found in existing tools and resources, and shortens the time to trust for new business partners.
"I'm especially excited for the opportunities AboutOurWork gives my company," said Ryan Battles of Jovia Web Studios in Columbus, Ohio. "One of the biggest challenges I've faced is verifying the legitimacy of vendors and finding paths to connect with potential new customers. AboutOurWork does both for me."
AboutOurWork is free and open to all small and micro business owners. Learn more at http://www.aboutourwork.com.
With six business exits between them, serial entrepreneurs Dave Hunegnaw and Brooke Paul were frustrated by the lack of options to collaborate with other small businesses. They had enough friends; they wanted b2b connections. So, in 2011 they started AboutOurWork.com, the first-ever social networking site for small businesses that also visualizes networks to make connecting easier. Learn more at http://www.aboutourwork.com.
Jennifer P. Brown
jennifer@aboutourwork.com
248-376-8079
nomorerack.com Announces Insanity Deals for the Holidays and Charitable Partnership with First Book
Discount shopping site nomorerack.com announces new Insanity Deals with huge savings on high-ticket items, as well as Charity Deals that donate to the First Book organization
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the holidays just around the corner, finding the best deal for your holiday wish list just got easier with the launch of nomorerack's Insanity Deals. Nomorerack.com (http://www.nomorerack.com), the fastest growing daily deal and discount site, will be rolling out offers for high-ticket electronics and fashion items at 80-95% off MSRP. In the spirit of the holiday giving, nomorerack has also announced their partnership with First Book (http://www.FirstBook.org) to create new Charity Deals with the focus of giving back.
Over 1,000 Insanity Deals will go live every month and will appear at any time; it could be spread out over the entire month, or happen all in one day. The only way to find them is to check the site often. With deals like an iPad for $43.20, Kindle for $15.87, a Sony PS3 for $26.54 or a 52" Sony Bravia LCD HDTV for $59.96, these limited quantity offers should not be missed.
The long-term partnership between nomorerack.com and First Book will allow members to give back while still taking advantage of the site's amazing deals through new Charity Deals. With every purchase of a Charity Deal item, $1 will be donated to provide books to children from low-income families. The Charity Deal offered will be different daily, so members are encouraged to visit the site to find out which deal will offer the donation.
"We are thrilled to have another opportunity to give back to our members with the launch of our new Insanity Deals," said Irrum Doss, Director of Marketing & Sales for nomorerack.com. "Putting awesome deals in our customers' hands is what nomorerack is all about. We invest in our members by offering the lowest deals found anywhere."
Nomorerack.com is the online shopping destination that offers quality brand-named apparel and accessories for up to 90% off retail through short term daily deals. With super low prices and friendly customer service, we strive to be the top choice for your online shopping needs.
First Ever Moshi Monsters(TM) Nintendo DS(TM) Game Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshling Zoo - Out Now!
LONDON, November 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- With Photo
After topping the pre-order charts - and a long wait from eager fans -
Moshi Monsters debut video game Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshling Zoo on Nintendo
DS(TM) launches into stores across the UK today.
With over 50 million registered users worldwide, Moshi Monsters is a
social online world for kids aged 6-12, combining adoptable pet monsters,
safe social networking, games, stories, missions and educational puzzles.
Following its online success the brand has launched toys, books, a Moshi
magazine and has several exciting developments underway including Moshi TV,
live entertainment and music. However, it's most recent and eagerly
anticipated move is into the video games industry with the launch of its
first ever console game on Nintendo DS.
"We're really excited to expand the Moshi Monsters universe into video
games for the very first time!" said Michael Acton Smith, creator of Moshi
Monsters. "We hope our fans like it."
Building upon the popularity of the collectable "Moshlings" (pets for
your pet monsters), Moshling Zoo offers fans a fresh new take on the Moshi
Universe, including brand new content and a new way to interact with their
favorite characters. The game features new locations and an exclusive new
Moshling - Nipper the Titchy Trundlebot! There are 52 Moshlings to collect
from the common to the rare and even the elusive 'ULTRA-RARE'. Children can
also play new mini-games and educational style puzzles,- plus win awards and
trophies to take back to their zoo.
A limited edition version of Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshling Zoo will be
available in GAME, while stocks last. This special edition game comes
packaged with a variety of benefits for young Moshi fans, including: three
days membership, 1,000 free Rox (the in-game currency of MoshiMonsters.com
[http://moshimonsters.com ]), Topps series 2 trading cards, an exclusive
Moshi Monsters top trumps card and the exclusive Moshling.
Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshling Zoo is available now on Nintendo
The following retailers will be stocking the standard edition of the
game: ASDA, Argos, Sainsbury's, TESCO, TRU, Smyths, HMV, AMAZON, Play.com
[http://play.com ]. Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshling Zoo has been classified
PEGI 3, which means suitable for all.
About Mind Candy
Mind Candy is one of the world's fastest growing social online gaming
companies and the global developer, operator and publisher of Moshi
Monsters. The company was founded in 2004 by Michael Acton Smith, a UK-based
entrepreneur who previously founded Firebox.com [http://firebox.com ]. For
further information visit http://www.mindcandy.com
About Moshi Monsters(TM)
Moshi Monsters is a free-to-play, fun-filled world of adoptable pet
monsters, combining adorable virtual pets, safe social networking, games,
educational puzzles, stories and missions for children aged 6-12. 50 million
monsters have been created to date making Moshi Monsters one of the world's
fastest growing children's sites. For more information visit http://www.moshimonsters.com
For further information: Seventy Seven PR, moshi@77pr.co.uk, T: +44(0)207-492-0977, Or Nicola Duarte, Head of PR, Mind Candy, nicola@mindcandy.com, T: +44(0)207-501-1926, M: +44(0)7810-354-103, Twitter: @nics_duarte
AT&T Celebrates Opening of New High-Tech Store in Jackson
New Location Offers Retail Promise Program
JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the opening of a high-tech retail store in Jackson. The store offers a unique way for customers to interact with and shop for a wide array of communications and entertainment services, including a hands-on demonstration area to engage customers and provide a "try before you buy" service experience.
"Our new store redefines the sales experience by allowing consumers to test drive our entire portfolio of products and services in an innovative way," said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager of AT&T Michigan and Indiana. "Our goal is to help people choose the best mix of products and services that meet their individual needs to stay connected everywhere they live and work."
The new Jackson location showcases a wide range of products and services, including the latest in mobile devices such as the Motorola Atrix(TM), the HTC Status(TM), the Samsung Focus(TM) and the BlackBerry® Torch(TM). Customers visiting the store can test drive various wireless data applications, including AT&T Navigator(TM) which provides GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions, or AT&T Family Map, a family locator service designed to help give parents peace of mind.
"AT&T has reaffirmed their commitment to our community and that's great news for Jackson," said State Representative Earl Poleski. "Their investment says a lot about both AT&T and the economic development of our city."
AT&T recently implemented its "Retail Promise" program to ensure that customers have the very best in-store shopping experience, based on their needs. The company uses its own wireless technology to quickly capture customers' comments, and posts this information to a website for store managers to review.
"The hundreds of AT&T employees across Jackson and all of mid-Michigan are committed to innovation and bringing the absolute best services and technology to our friends and neighbors," said AT&T Michigan President Jim Murray. "This investment in Jackson is an exciting step that will keep jobs in the region and help connect families across the County in new and exciting ways."
Located at 1419 N. West Avenue, store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Store Manager Erick Smith and his knowledgeable sales consultants are ready to assist customers--both business and consumer--with purchasing decisions and technical support.
There are more than 70 AT&T owned-stores in Michigan. AT&T's products and services are also available at a number of authorized dealer and national retail locations.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
"To Log or Not to Log?" Cyber Security Agency ENISA Reports on Future Impact of Life-Logging and Online Personal Data, and the Effects on Privacy, Economy, Society and People's Psychology
BRUSSELS and HERAKLION, Greece, November 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
ENISA is looking ahead to 2014 to predict positive and negative effects
of online, "life-logging" on citizens and society. In a new report, "To log
or not to log? Risks and benefits of emerging life-logging technologies,"
the Agency uses a fictional family's day-to-day lives, and examines the
impact for their privacy, the "family wallet", psychology, etc., as they put
even more personal information online. It includes recommendations towards
addressing security and privacy risks.
For citizens across Europe, the benefits of sharing information through
social media, access goods and services via new applications are immense.
Families and friends can stay in touch, and government services can be
accessed through new applications. The report examines both advantages and
risks of people's increasing use of online applications. But to use the
benefits, people need to upload personal information, be it personal
thoughts, videos or financial data, to internet locations over which they
have little control. For individuals, that implies threats to privacy, loss
of personal data control, harm to your reputation and the possibility of
psychological damage from exclusion or the feeling of constant surveillance.
For commercial organisations, there is the risk of breaching data protection
laws, resulting in legal sanctions and irreversible damage to reputation.
Governments may suffer losses of public confidence if they are perceived not
to be properly protecting their citizens' personal information.
Commenting on the report, ENISA's Executive Director, Professor Udo
Helmbrecht, said: "The original feature of our report is that it proves how
information security risks impact several aspects of citizens and society.
It connects the benefits of life-logging, while considering privacy and data
protection aspects too."
Other recommendations include:
- For the European Commission, to use the report in the
current revision of the data protection directive and to promote
security and privacy risk management as a framework
- For governments, to create a regulatory environment with
incentives for privacy-aware devices and services to support competition
and interoperability, and to introduce sanctions for personal data
breaches
- For service providers, to consider the security/privacy impacts
of new services and to use strong security controls to protect
individuals' personal data.
IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY: OgilvyWest and McIlhenny Company Launch TABASCO® Nation Facebook Application for Brand Enthusiasts
AVERY ISLAND, La., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 500,000 fans engaged on its Facebook page, TABASCO®, and its agency of record OgilvyWest, are leveraging the social nature of Facebook with the launch of a new Facebook application designed to build two-way communications and drive deeper consumer engagement with TABASCO and its full line of products.
TABASCO Nation, a new application on the brand's existing Facebook page, invites its fans to compete in challenges, like tallying their daily total of TABASCO drops used, uploading photos of interesting food combinations and taking daily polls about food pairings to earn points and badges. Based on points earned, users can earn coupons, win prizes like a gallon jug of TABASCO Sauce and achieve coveted status levels like Mayor, Governor, Senator and Ambassador.
"TABASCO has a strong community of fans who love the products and brand so much they have it tattooed on their body," explained Peter Kang, Executive Creative Director at OgilvyWest. "Once we began working with McIlhenny Company we saw an opportunity to supercharge this community using the tools of social, digital and mobile marketing to create greater engagement and involvement with the brand and in turn drive sales and trial of its expanded line of products."
As TABASCO Nation expands, fans will be invited to participate in the official TABASCO Nation Anthem, a never-ending video reel of citizens passing a TABASCO bottle to one another. An introductory video explaining the application asks "Are You One of Us," encouraging fans to participate in the TABASCO Nation fun and uniting fans of flavor.
"TABASCO fans have a certain zest for life that sets them apart from the crowd," said Paul McIlhenny, president and CEO of McIlhenny Company, maker of TABASCO sauce. "Through TABASCO Nation, we are able to provide this group with a forum to interact with one another, embrace their passion for TABASCO sauce and earn rewards for it."
TABASCO® is a registered trademark for sauces and other goods and services; TABASCO, the TABASCO bottle design and label designs are the exclusive property of McIlhenny Company, Avery Island, Louisiana, USA 70513.
Ogilvy & Mather West has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Denver. It provides a full range of marketing services to its clients through its integrated network which includes advertising, digital, direct, CRM services public relations, digital influence and social media The agency draws on the full resources of the Ogilvy & Mather North America network, (http://www.ogilvy.com), the largest unit of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (NASDAQ: WPPGY).
SOURCE Ogilvy & Mather
Ogilvy & Mather
CONTACT: Toni Lee, +1-212-237-5090, cell: +1-917-679-7631, Toni.Lee@ogilvy.com
HomeAway Introduces New Property Manager Section on Community from HomeAway
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HomeAway, Inc. (NASDAQ: AWAY) the worldwide leader in online vacation rentals, today introduced a property manager-specific section on its Community from HomeAway(TM) site. Originally launched with a focus on vacation rental owners, Community now has a designated area for vacation rental managers interested in sharing information and interacting with others who hold the same desire for enhancing their vacation rental business.
On Community, members of varying experience levels and backgrounds can now engage with one another on topics related to their vacation rental business through open forums and groups. The site will also feature tools to help educate users and facilitate conversation including:
-- Blogs from experts in the vacation rental industry including:
-- PM Perspectives, authored by HomeAway® employee and 20 year
vacation rental industry veteran George Volsky, provides
recommendations for property managers to generate greater return for
their business and the homeowners they represent.
-- POV: A Q&A with Property Managers will feature unique perspectives
from various property managers replying to their peers' questions
each month and offering insights to their successes.
-- How-to articles
-- Forums
-- Private Groups in which community members may self-organize based on
interest or location
-- And coming soon, a Vendor Showroom to browse and compare products from
service providers in areas such as software systems for reservations and
payments, industry associations, website design and in-home services
such as keyless entry or cleaning services.
The introduction of HomeAway's Community for property managers coincides with a Community for travelers, allowing an open forum for those interested in vacation rental stays to learn more about the benefits of vacation homes and seek guidance on trip planning and choosing the right property. The Community will also offer seasoned vacation rental travelers an opportunity to share their stories and advice with others.
About HomeAway, Inc.
HomeAway, Inc. (NASDAQ: AWAY), based in Austin, Texas, is the worldwide leader in online vacation rentals, with sites representing more than 625,000 paid vacation rental home listings throughout more than 145 countries. HomeAway offers an extensive selection of vacation homes that provide travelers with memorable experiences and benefits, including more room to relax and added privacy, for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodations. The company also makes it easy for vacation rental owners and property managers to advertise their properties and manage bookings online. The HomeAway portfolio includes the leading vacation rental websites HomeAway.com, VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com in the United States; HomeAway.co.uk and OwnersDirect.co.uk in the United Kingdom; HomeAway.de in Germany; Abritel.fr and Homelidays.com in France; HomeAway.es in Spain; AlugueTemporada.com.br in Brazil; and HomeAway.com.au in Australia. In addition, HomeAway operates BedandBreakfast.com, the most comprehensive global site for finding bed-and-breakfast properties, providing travelers with another source for unique lodging alternatives to chain hotels. For more information about HomeAway, please visit http://www.HomeAway.com.
For information contact: Adam Annen Public Relations Manager, HomeAway, Inc. Office- 512-505-1548 aannen@homeaway.com
BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The iPhone 4S has become the fastest-selling iPhone in Apple history. But, it has had a few problems since its debut, mainly because of the hundreds of thousands of people simultaneously using Siri, the advanced voice recognition program available only on the iPhone 4S.
Acting as a virtual personal assistant to help people get things done just by asking, Siri sends messages, schedules meetings, places phone calls, and finds answers to all kinds of questions. In addition to providing useful answers, Apple has programmed Siri to provide amusing answers to many questions, especially naughty questions.
The developers of 4Siri.com, a new dedicated website for Siri and the iPhone 4S say that people using Siri are hungry for an easy-to-use online guide, and that stimulated them to create this sharply focused new website, which was officially launched today after several weeks of intensive development. It is free and available to all.
"We have gone all out to create a one-stop reservoir of information about Siri's features and her sassy personality, along with multi-faceted information about the iPhone 4S," said the website's developer, Jodi Dery. "The home page of 4Siri.com provides direct access to 2 featured videos, Apple's official Siri website, iPhone 4S FAQ, Tips & Tricks, 25 additional articles and, most important, a comprehensive database of more than 300 Siri answers, conveniently divided into 3 categories -- funniest, cool and naughty questions."
Dery went on to state, "4Siri.com features a novel Q&A format that displays Siri's answers only to questions selected by the visitor, thus minimizing the need to navigate through many pages to find what you are looking for. Our site also provides an easy method for users to submit screenshots of newly discovered Siri answers, each of which will be verified before being added to the site."
"Last but not least," Dery added, "we also provide a one-stop iPhone 4S accessory shop - managed by Amazon - featuring over 200 iPhone 4S accessories, each of which has a 4 or 5 star rating by Amazon customers. And that shop is organized into 12 categories to facilitate finding the right accessory for every iPhone 4S need. All of these highly rated accessories are available directly from Amazon at their usual low prices, and all orders will be fulfilled by Amazon with their usual super-fast delivery."
The launching of the 4Siri.com could prove to have perfect timing. According to a recent study conducted by NDP Group, an industry leader in market research, consumer trends and analysis, the amount of mobile phone users looking for additional help and useful resources have increase by 34 percent over the past 24 months and is expected to continue an upward spiral through 2020.
For more information about the iPhone 4S and Siri, please visit: http://www.4Siri.com.
Millar Instruments, Inc. and Telemetry Research Ltd Merge
HOUSTON, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Millar Instruments, Inc. (Houston, TX) and Telemetry Research Ltd (Auckland, New Zealand) announce their merger. They expect to complete the transaction within the next thirty days. Combining the two companies will create a world class organization to provide quality, innovative sensing and telemetry products to the research and clinical markets. Millar Instruments' pressure sensing technology is acknowledged as the gold standard in pressure monitoring products and systems for life sciences research and clinical applications. Telemetry Research has successfully developed a platform of technologies surrounding wireless physiological monitoring for research applications. Telemetry Research will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Millar Instruments and will continue to operate under New Zealand registry. Operations will continue in New Zealand and the US with headquarters in Houston, TX.
The companies have collaborated for almost 5 years on life science applications for wireless monitoring of pressure, having developed and commercialized the world's first system combining wireless power and high-fidelity pressure sensors. During this development project, the companies discovered shared values and a vision for the future. "Telemetry Research has always been focused on building a world-class platform technology company and the merger with Millar Instruments will allow the company to springboard into new markets and products," says Dr. Simon Malpas, CEO and founder of Telemetry Research.
The merger will bring together many long-standing relationships with employees, business partners, customers, distributors, collaborators and local communities. Both companies recognize the value of these relationships and are committed to continuing them, and whenever possible, identifying new opportunities for mutual growth and development. Director of R&D, Dr. David Budgett, said, "Telemetry Research has maintained close linkages to the University of Auckland Bioengineering Institute, where the company began, and will continue working to expand these opportunities."
Huntly Millar, CEO of Millar Instruments, said, "The merger will enable an aggressive increase in research and development efforts to provide products and solutions that meet or exceed the level of product quality and performance valued by its customers worldwide. It will provide the foundation for our vision to become a global leader providing innovative, high quality solutions for medical and life science applications."
Sir Mix-a-Lot Busts Out the Fully-Loaded Feature-Packed Baby Got Back iPhone App
NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In advance of the upcoming twentieth anniversary of the original release (May 7, 1992) of "Baby Got Back," his chart-topping multi-platinum Grammy-winning hip-hop celebration of female pulchritude, Seattle-based rap icon (and Sony Music Entertainment/Legacy Recordings artist) Sir Mix-a-Lot is bustin' out his Baby Got Back app, the ultimate 21st century booty-based app, exclusively for the iPhone.
Sir Mix-a-Lot's Baby Got Back app comes fully-packed with a buttload of hands-on features including the Mix Makeover photo lab, the Ba Dunka Dunk club game, Sir Mix-a-Lot's Booty Calls, a social media Text Mix and more. As a deluxe visual bonus, the Baby Got Back app includes the old school but still-hot-and-hilarious "Baby Got Back" music video (briefly banned by MTV in 1992).
Baby Got Back's Mix Makeover photo feature allows you to take a new or existing photo and manipulate any aspect that appeals. With the twist of your fingers, you can blow-up and stretch any visual assets--fore and aft, tops or bottoms--to suit individual taste before sharing the results with friends.
The Ba Dunka Dunk game is a fast-paced romp through a virtual clubland where back and booty rule. The aim is to fill hot pants in motion as you tilt your device from side-to-side, maneuvering the booty girls around obstacles and into the right fit. The better you get, the faster the action.
On Sir Mix-a-Lot's Booty Calls, you can hear the master get down to business and draw the fine distinctions between Da Onion, Donkey, Switch & Drop, the Hip Gripper, the Palm, the Crash Helmet, or Thong blesser.
Fans can be part of Sir Mix-a-Lot's posse through the Baby Got Back app's Text Mix feature.
Originally released in 1992, Sir Mix-a-Lot's single "Baby Got Back" (from his Mack Daddy album on Def American) launched a million parties with its unapologetic and unambiguous rallying opening cry, "I like big butts and I cannot lie....," a statement so strong it cannot be denied. The controversial single spent five weeks at Number One on the Hot 100 in the summer '92, sold double platinum in the United States, picked up 1993's Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance and added the phrase "Baby Got Back" to the cultural lexicon.
The Sir Mix-a-Lot Baby Got Back iPhone app is the next step in the evolving legacy of a timeless track that continues to put bottoms on top.
SOURCE Legacy Recordings
Legacy Recordings
CONTACT: Nicole Tiedemann, MWW Group, +1-212-827-3777, M: +1-551-221-1070, Twitter: @ntiedemann; Tom Cording, VP of Media Relations, Sony Music - Legacy Recordings, +1-212-833-4448, tom.cording@sonymusic.com
The team behind the most popular To Do list app on Android transforms the way people get things done, together.
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Any.DO, the team behind the leading To Do list app for Android, Taskos, today announced the launch of Any.DO for Android, the first To Do app that lets you create, organize and share tasks with your friends. Any.DO allows you to share even if the other person doesn't have the app. It is available free from Android Market.
In addition to sharing tasks with your friends and colleagues, Any.DO lets users:
-- Talk to the device to capture ideas on the go
-- Invite friends, family or colleagues to do stuff together (collaborating
on a grocery list with your spouse, planning a vacation with your family
or collaborating on an office project with your colleagues)
-- Get notifications when someone updates the shared task
-- Drag & drop to sort tasks by date, folder or priorities
-- Swipe tasks to mark as complete
-- Shake the phone to remove the completed tasks
-- Sync your tasks with your Google tasks / Google apps
-- Simple backup of your tasks on your SD card
"The social revolution changed the way we communicate, the mobile era changed the way we manage our lives," said Omer Perchik, Any.DO CEO. "With a social core and a beautiful mobile interface, Any.DO combines social and mobile to change the way people get things done, together."
"Everyone has a To Do list, whether it's in their head, on sticky notes or in a notepad. Now you just talk to your phone and it's there for you to prioritize, complete or make someone else's problem. Most people's lists have tasks for others, or at least shared tasks. With Any.DO, you can easily share your grocery list with your spouse, organize a social event or collaborate on a work project. It's like a To Do list that is shared with the right people."
Taskos, which launched less than one year ago without any press, has attracted over 1.3 million users and manages nearly 200-thousand tasks per day. Taskos users will be invited to migrate over to the new app.
Any.DO is backed by a $1m investment from Eric Schmidt's Innovation Endeavors, Genesis Partners, Blumberg Capital, Joe Lonsdale (Palantir), Aydin Senkut (Felicis Ventures) and Brian Koo. Elad Gil, Director of Corporate Strategy at Twitter and Eric Tseng, head of mobile products at Facebook, are advisors.
Any.DO was founded in 2010 by Omer Perchik, Yoni Lindenfeld & Itay Kahana. Frustrated with his own procrastination and the general complexity of getting things done, Omer was inspired to create a tool that will simplify the way people do things (so they can have more time for fun). Joining with Yoni and Itay, they started working on a better way to make things happen. The first step was to release Taskos, a simple to do list app, collect some feedback and test some concepts. It was a huge surprise when Taskos quickly became one of the most popular to do list apps. The Any.DO app has been largely influenced by the feedback from the previous app combined with a focus on a simple yet effective user experience.
Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Any.DO also has offices in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is backed by a team of outstanding angel investors and advisors from Silicon Valley and Israel.
SOURCE Any.DO
Any.DO
CONTACT: Elizabeth Gordon, +1-408-840-9883, elizabeth@gordon-turner.com
Parking Meets Its Match: 2012 Nissan Rogue Is First Vehicle in Class to Offer Innovative Around View® Monitor
- Nissan's Popular Compact SUV Adds Four-Camera Parking Assist System to SL Package -
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to favorite things to do in a car, parallel parking likely ranks right down there with mobile root canals. Until now. With the addition of the highly innovative Around View® Monitor to the 2012 Nissan Rogue, drivers can maneuver into parking spaces with more ease. Rogue is the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer the unique Around View® Monitor feature, which is available as part of the optional Rogue SL Package.
"More driver's license tests have probably been failed due to the applicant's inability to parallel park than any other task," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "It's anxiety provoking at best, and risks damage to a vehicle and surrounding property at its worst. Around View® Monitor now comes to Rogue drivers' rescue."
Rogue's Around View® Monitor utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras - mounted on the front, side mirrors and rear of the vehicle - to provide a virtual 360 degree view of objects around the vehicle, helping the driver maneuver it in tight spots. The system converts image data taken by the four cameras to create and display the virtual image of the vehicle from above.
The system has been designed to be easy-to-see, easy-to-use and easy-to-understand. The virtual overhead view makes it easy for the driver to position the vehicle for parallel parking, with the front/rear view enabling the driver to simultaneously confirm the front or rear of the vehicle. When the transmission is shifted into drive from reverse the system automatically switches to the previous screen.
By displaying the rear view and front-side view simultaneously, the driver can easily confirm the two most worrisome areas; the rear and front passenger side of the vehicle.
Views shown on the split-screen display can be changed as desired through use of a button on the center console. For example, front and side or rear and side views can be shown together to help gauge the distance of the Rogue to the curb.
"Unlike complex systems that take complete control of the parking function, Rogue's Around View® Monitor allows the driver to remain in charge - with a heightened view of the vehicle's surroundings," said Castignetti. "It's amazing technology, an amazing innovation, and we're proud that Rogue is the first vehicle in its segment to offer it."
The Nissan Rogue crossover SUV once again offers excellent value, while satisfying both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs - which has made Rogue one of the best-selling vehicles in the Nissan lineup. For 2012, Rogue adds a Special Edition Package, along with revised content for the various option packages.
Rogue features a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, advanced Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and available Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. It balances Nissan-style driving enjoyment with the versatility provided by a large 57.9 cubic feet of cargo space (with 2nd row seat folded down), a 60/40-split rear seat and available fold-down front passenger seat. Rogue also offers six standard air bags and 28 mpg fuel economy.
The new high-value Special Edition Package includes steering wheel audio controls, RearView Monitor, 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and privacy glass.
The SL Package features leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and outside mirrors, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels,Nissan Navigation System, the new Around View® Monitor, and much more. The SL Package is available on Rogue SV.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.NissanUSA.com and http://www.Infiniti.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
SOURCE Nissan North America
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANBADGELOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Nissan North America
Verizon Wireless Brings the Power of Its 4G LTE Network to Findlay and Tiffin, Ohio on December 15
FINDLAY, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today announced it is bringing the world's first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to Findlay and Tiffin on Dec. 15. As of Nov. 17, Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network is available in more than 175 markets across the country and supports 16 4G LTE-enabled devices, including the new DROID RAZR(TM) by Motorola (available Nov. 11) and HTC Rezound(TM) (available Nov. 14).
When Verizon Wireless turns on its 4G LTE network in the area on Dec. 15, residents in Findlay, Tiffin, Fostoria, Arcadia East and Carey with 4G LTE devices will be able to take advantage of the nation's fastest 4G network with speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network.
"The speed and connectivity provided by our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way our customers communicate," said Mark Frazier, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region.
Coverage and Speed
Since its launch on Dec. 5, 2010, Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network has won numerous technology and consumer choice awards. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers in the area should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
Extending Reliability
As the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy a large-scale 4G LTE network, Verizon Wireless is committed to building its 4G LTE network with the same performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless' consistent focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. The company's 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G LTE, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.
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.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: MEDIA: Laura Merritt, Verizon Wireless, +1-614-345-3210, laura.merritt@verizonwireless.com, http://www.twitter.com/VZWlaura; Jennifer Riegert For Verizon Wireless, +1-513-271-7222 ext. 22, jriegert@wordsworthweb.com
Fans Vote K-Pop Sensation 2NE1 MTV Iggy's Best New Band in the World
AUDIENCE-DRIVEN SEARCH DRAWS MORE THAN 4.25 MILLION VOTES FROM 169 COUNTRIES
MTV Iggy to Host Historic Global Pop Music Concert and Program Showcase in Times Square on December 12th; 2NE1 to Perform Along With Other Nominated Acts
NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Iggy, a multi-platform music brand connecting America with global artists and pop culture phenomena, announced Korean pop sensation 2NE1 as The Best New Band in the World 2011 following a six-week fan-driven and social media-intensive search. 2NE1, alongside fellow Best New Band in the World finalists will take over New York's Times Square, to perform a scintillating live concert on December 12th at MTV's Times Square Studios and other venues. The multi-location concert will be streamed on mtviggy.com, on MTV's 44 1/2, a giant HD screen in Times Square and will be supported by various MTV properties.
As a result of a global fan voting process, 2NE1 came out on top after more than 4.25 million votes were cast from 169 countries. MTV Iggy made an initial selection of ten breakthrough acts from countries including the U.S.A., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea. During the final weeks of the program, MTV Iggy announced the top five band finalists, which included La Vida Boheme, Atif Aslam, Skrillex and Yuna.
"We are delighted by the results of this program and the level of passion and engagement displayed by fans of music from around the world as well as the artists themselves. It's a sign of the times and clearly demonstrates that music is borderless and a great connective tissue between cultures," said Nusrat Durrani, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MTV World. "We're thrilled that MTV Iggy can offer a U.S. platform for artists like 2NE1, who are exploding globally. We're incredibly proud that MTV Iggy is a catalyst for a new music revolution and is opening the door to mainstream America for great new artists from around the world."
A key factor in the success of The Best New Band Program was the high-energy participation of self-named fan groups who championed their bands from far flung countries. Members of the Blackjacks, Aadeez, and La Resistance heavily leveraged Facebook and Twitter to create a drumbeat of support for their respective idols, 2NE1, Atif Aslam and La Vida Boheme until the closing hours of the program.
"MTV takes pride in creating passionate connections between artists and audiences," said Amy Doyle, EVP Music and Talent for MTV. "With The Best New Band Program we are providing our American audiences a chance to discover new music from around the world and creating cross-cultural connections. In doing this we also hope to enrich the pop music world."
While the U.S.A. generated the highest number of votes revealing a stateside appetite for new music genres, the program also received votes from a broad range of countries including the Philippines, Venezuela, Luxembourg, Togo, Romania and Vietnam.
To celebrate the program's success, MTV Iggy will put the power back in fans' hands with an open sweepstakes to attend the one-of-a-kind Times Square concert. The finalists' fan groups will be selected at random to see their idols at the groundbreaking event catering to thousands of people. An additional five lucky fans will be granted backstage passes at the performance to interact with their favorite stars. More details about the concert are available on Mtviggy.com.
ABOUT MTV WORLD
MTV World connects globally minded millennials with music and pop culture trends and creates original programming for targeted audiences across multi-platform brands. The division includes MTV Iggy, featuring emerging music from around the world, MTV K, devoted to global K-Pop, and MTV Desi, focused on South Asian music and pop culture. It also creates innovative content and programs for advertising partners. MTV World is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA.A, VIA.B).
SOURCE MTV World
MTV World
CONTACT: Kevin Turner, Text 100 for MTV, kevin.turner@text100.com, +1-212-331-8422
Evolution Robotics Brings All-New Mint II Automatic Floor Cleaner Exclusively to Kohl's Department Stores
Mint II Special Features Include the Pro-Clean System with Self-Dispensing Reservoir Pad and an Updated Color Palette
PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolution Robotics, Inc., a leading robotics technology company, today announced the debut of Mint II Automatic Floor Cleaner, which is now available at Kohl's Department Stores. This exclusive Mint cleaner model is sold at nearly 600 Kohl's locations nationwide and online at http://www.kohls.com.
"We're delighted to partner with Kohl's and thrilled to offer our customers an exclusive model that is not available anywhere else," said Dr. Paolo Pirjanian, CEO of Evolution Robotics. "By diversifying the existing product line and making it more accessible, we're hoping to find a new following of loyal Mint supporters who can appreciate a product that was designed to give them more time to spend doing the things they love."
The exclusive Mint II Automatic Floor Cleaner is available in an all-new chic charcoal and white color combination that integrates the recently released Pro-Clean System, allowing the system to mop better and further than ever before. A special Reservoir Cleaning Pad dispenses liquid throughout the cleaning cycle, continually refreshing the Pro-Clean microfiber cloth with fresh fluid. The fluid reserve keeps the cloth damp so the Mint II Automatic Floor Cleaner can mop large areas of up to 350 square feet in a single cleaning cycle. The system also has a battery life that allows for up to three hours of sweeping time and up to two hours of mopping time.
The new Mint II Automatic Floor Cleaner is now available exclusively at Kohl's and comes packaged with a NorthStar Navigation Cube, a Pro-Clean reservoir pad, four washable, reusable Microfiber cleaning cloths, two "C" batteries and a charger.
Mint II can automatically sweep and mop hard surface floors using popular cleaning cloths, such as Swiffer® brand Dry and Wet Cloths and other similar products. The NorthStar Navigation System works like an indoor GPS that helps Mint keep track of where it has been and where it needs to go.
Evolution Robotics, Inc., based in Pasadena, CA, is a technology company that partners with brand leaders to make their robots smarter. The company develops cutting-edge technology to enable the next generation of robots to perform useful and interesting tasks autonomously with a level of artificial intelligence that has only been available for military and high-cost applications. Evolution Robotics, Inc. is known for its autonomous navigation and vision technologies which have revolutionized the field by providing extremely complex technologies at the consumer level pricing. With the launch of the Mint(TM) Automatic Floor Cleaner in 2010, Evolution Robotics, Inc. successfully created a consumer brand for useful and interesting robotic products for the home today and in the future. Evolution Robotics is an operating company of Idealab, a creator and operator of technology businesses. http://www.evolution.com
About Kohl's Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl's operates 1,127 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $180 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit http://www.Kohls.com.
Contact Information
Corina Galdamez
Edelman for Evolution Robotics
(323) 761-6511
corina.galdamez@edelman.com
Verizon Wireless Brings the Power of its 4G LTE Network to Youngstown and Warren, Ohio on December 15
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today announced it is bringing the world's first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to Youngstown and Warren on Dec. 15. As of Nov. 17, Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network is available in more than 175 markets across the country and supports 16 4G LTE-enabled devices, including the new DROID RAZR(TM) by Motorola (available Nov. 11) and HTC Rezound(TM) (available Nov. 14).
When Verizon Wireless turns on its 4G LTE network in the area on Dec. 15, residents in Youngstown, Warren, Campbell, Struthers, Poland, Boardman, Canfield, Austintown, McDonald and Niles with 4G LTE devices will be able to take advantage of the nation's fastest 4G network with speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network.
"The speed and connectivity provided by our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way our customers communicate," said Mark Frazier, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region.
Coverage and Speed
Since its launch on Dec. 5, 2010, Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network has won numerous technology and consumer choice awards. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers in Youngstown and Warren should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
Extending Reliability
As the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy a large-scale 4G LTE network, Verizon Wireless is committed to building its 4G LTE network with the same performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless' consistent focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. The company's 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G LTE, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.
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.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Laura Merritt, Verizon Wireless, +1-614-345-3210, laura.merritt@verizonwireless.com, http://twitter.com/VZWlaura; Jennifer Schmitt, For Verizon Wireless, +1-412-642-7700, jennifer.schmitt@elias-savion.com
Mobile Spinach Ad Platform Boasts Eight Percent Click-Through Rates - Location-Based Network Gives Publishers Three Percent Click-to-Conversion Rate
Click Rates and Conversions Significantly Higher Than Averages - Application Presents Offers Based on Location, Time, and User Interests
SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile commerce platform Mobile Spinach announced today its network of publishers is enjoying click through and sales conversion rates significantly higher than industry averages. Publishers report an average 8% click-through rate for Mobile Spinach-powered offers, with a 3% rate of customers going from a click to an actual converted sale. Industry averages for mobile ad click-through rates vary between 0.5% and 0.9%.
Mobile Spinach attributes its success at converting clicks to actual sales to its application's ability to satisfy the user's demands for an offer that meets their own "when," "what," and "where" criteria. Offers are presented through Mobile Spinach at logical times, for example users might be presented restaurant offers an hour before typical lunch times. The sophisticated location engine used by Mobile Spinach allows the app to suggest discounted offers that are in close proximity to the user's location. The "what" of the application means it relates offers to the user's intent, for example if they search in their device for a certain type of cuisine, Mobile Spinach will combine this information with the time of day and location to produce a destination matching that cuisine.
"Our click through and conversion provide our publisher partners with a mobile advertising vehicle that simply cannot be matched," said John Vitti, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Mobile Spinach. "We give consumers immediate offers based on their real-time location and their interests with unmatched relevancy. It's the perfect combination of geography with needs and represents the evolution of mobile advertising."
The Mobile Spinach service is a mobile website that features the look and feel of a native app. The entire Mobile Spinach offer transaction is completed within the user's mobile device, eliminating the need for any printed coupons or special codes. It works on all available smartphone platforms, including Android and iPhone. In addition to its own branded site where consumers can directly purchase offers, Mobile Spinach also works with several key partners as a white-label platform.
About Mobile Spinach:
Launched in 2010, Mobile Spinach is a mobile local commerce platform designed to allow local merchants to reach interested consumers. The company currently works with more than 5,000 merchants in 611 cities throughout the United States, and is continuously expanding its reach through high-level partnerships. For more information about the Mobile Spinach experience, visit http://www.mobilespinach.com.
SOURCE Mobile Spinach
Mobile Spinach
CONTACT: Hanni Itah of SSPR, +1-847-415-9324, hitah@sspr.com, for Mobile Spinach
Integrated Chat, Improved Graphical Content and Games Every Hour
Featured in the New Online Game
After extensive customer feedback, One in a Million
[http://www.OIAM.co.uk ], the first online mass multi-player game show with
prize pools up to GBP1,000,000, has re-launched with additional features
including an integrated chat system, improved graphical content and games
that run every hour.
Regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, One in a Million (OIAM) is a
new peer-to-peer online feature game that fuses elements from other popular
games like bingo [http://www.oiam.co.uk/blog ], poker
[http://www.oiam.co.uk ], the lottery and game shows like Deal or No-Deal.
New game features bring together the ease and playability of bingo, the
nerves of steel from poker and a deal or no-deal feel, where users can leave
the game at any time (as long as they are still in play).
Andrew Denbigh of One in a Million said, "Players love the television
game-show format of One in a Million. For as little as a penny they can take
a seat in the studio audience and have a chance to win big money."
One in a Million is a multi-player game with unrivalled odds. Quite
simply it is a player vs player random elimination game. Players can buy up
to 9999 seats per game for a cost of 1p, 10p, or GBP1. Over a 10-round
period the seats progress to win prizes. In each game the prize pool is made
up by those that have entered with a maximum prize pool up to GBP10,000,
GBP100,000, and GBP1,000,000 respectively. Throughout the game players have
the choice to collect your prize at the end of each round. However by
choosing to continue to the later rounds they have a greater chance of
winning larger cash prizes. The greater the risk, the higher the reward.
CTI Group Launches Managed Services and Solution Support Packages
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CTI Group (Holdings) Inc. (OTCBB: CTIG), a leading developer of telecommunications solutions for fixed, mobile and converged communications, today announced the launch of new comprehensive solution support packages that will include managed services options for the Proteus® product suite.
The move to offer a more robust set of options for solution support is aimed at delivering increased value to customers using CTI Group products.
"Our managed services and solution support offerings allow companies to take advantage of the skills and know-how of our internal team in order to get the most out of CTI Group solutions," said Trevor Davis, Proteus® Product Manager. "From providing daily system monitoring to ensure peak performance, to hands-on consulting to identify greater cost savings and efficiencies--we believe we can offer companies an even better user experience by having our team fully engaged post implementation."
Davis also referenced a recent study performed by IT industry trade association, CompTIA, pointing out that many companies using managed services have been able to cut overall IT expenses by between one and 24 percent annually. "Turning to CTI Group for support and system management gives companies a unique and streamlined approach to Proteus operations, which can lead to an overall increase in efficiency within internal IT structures."
CTI Group maintenance offerings begin with entry-level support plans and extend to three tiers of managed services.
Solution Support Packages
CTI Group support plans offer comprehensive support for both the Proteus® Product Suite and SmartInteraction® suite. The entry-level Performance support package includes help desk access throughout the work week and software updates to ensure companies have the latest tools and features offered by CTI Group solutions. The mid-level Proactive support package provides network "health checks," extended help desk support, access to a dedicated technical account manager (TAM) and remote diagnostic testing capability. The top tier support plan, Optimal, offers around-the-clock access to CTI Group's help desk along with the benefits of more in-depth consultation from a TAM.
Customers of the Proteus® product suite will now have the choice of three levels of managed services, ranging from a value-added service for clients using existing support plans to a more robust, hosted full-service option.
Davis believes managed services will make Proteus® an even more valuable solution to companies and industries across the globe.
"For decades, the Proteus product suite has been an industry leader in call accounting, helping to save companies millions of dollars in their voice network," said Davis. "Now with our managed services offerings, enterprises of all sizes have more flexibility with how they implement the solution, and ultimately, more control over the kind of benefits and efficiencies they gain from this feature-rich application."
CTI Group (Holdings) Inc. is an international provider of electronic invoice processing and management, enterprise communications management software and services solutions, and carrier class voice over internet protocol (VoIP) management applications. CTI Group's SmartBill®, SmartRecord® and Proteus® product suites offer a full array of solutions for traffic analysis, post-billing call analysis, customer care and call recording.
CTI Group's products are used by some of the top service providers in North America and the United Kingdom, and play a trusted role in managing telephony costs at major corporations internationally. Headquartered in Indianapolis, CTI Group maintains overseas offices in London and Blackburn, UK. For more information, please visit CTI Group's website at http://www.ctigroup.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release may contain "forward-looking" statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (a) projections of revenue, capital expenditures, growth, prospects, dividends, capital structure and other financial matters; (b) statements of plans and objectives of CTI Group or its management or Board of Directors; (c) statements of future economic performance; (d) statements of assumptions underlying other statements and statements about CTI Group and its business relating to the future; and (e) any statements using the words "could", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "may", "project", "intend", "will", "believe" or similar expressions. CTI Group's ability to predict projected results or the effect of events on CTI Group's operating results is inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this document. These factors include, but are not limited to: effects of current economic crisis, ability to attract and retain customers to purchase its products, ability to develop or launch new software products, technological advances by third parties and competition, ability to protect the Company's patented technology, ability to obtain settlements in connection with its patent enforcement activities and risks described in CTI Group's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Readers are referred to documents filed by CTI Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K for its most year ended December 31, 2010.
Contact:
CTI Group
Tel: +1-317-262-4879
Email: jroell@ctigroup.com
AppNexus Announces Groundbreaking 'App Marketplace' for Digital Ad Industry
Important step to unify the fragmented and complex landscape of the display space for buyers and sellers
NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2011/PRNewswire/ --AppNexus, the world leader in real-time advertising technology, today launched a groundbreaking 'App Marketplace' for the digital advertising industry, establishing AppNexus as the one truly open ad tech platform for both buyers and sellers. The program, known as AppNexus Apps, allows ad technology providers to embed their functionality into the AppNexus user interface, providing a never-before-seen streamlined workflow for clients. This powerful innovation allows the world's largest buyers and sellers of online media to access the benefits of many companies across the vast display ecosystem through a central location -- AppNexus Console.
Inaugural AppNexus Apps providers include behavioral and contextual data leaders Brilig, eXelate, Lotame, Proximic, uKnow and TARGUSinfo, a Neustar company, as well as privacy enablement vendors Evidon and TRUSTe. AppNexus Apps from BlueKai, Peer39, Crystal Semantics and CPX Interactive are expected to launch shortly and plans are in the works for apps from rich media vendors and other providers. In addition, AppNexus clients will be able to create apps for their own use.
Mike Nolet, AppNexus CTO and co-founder, and Ari Paparo, SVP of Product, announced the AppNexus App Marketplace at the semi-annual AppNexus Summit at The Times Center in New York to over 400 clients and partners, emphasizing the open nature of the AppNexus platform and their goal of ushering in a new era of unification in the display ad space.
"AppNexus has a long history of partnering with the best technology providers in the industry. Now, our App Marketplace will allow these companies to customize their integration into the AppNexus experience, giving them access to our worldwide base of hundreds of AppNexus Console users," said Paparo. "Our goal with this App Marketplace is to present ad tech providers with a new avenue for developing their business that allows them to focus on what they do best -- creating innovative ad technology -- rather than distribution of their offerings."
There is a proliferation of innovation in the digital advertising ecosystem that can provide additional yield to buyers and sellers, but accessing numerous offerings in disparate systems can be cumbersome and inefficient. With AppNexus Apps, clients can leverage in a centralized location numerous pre-integrated applications within AppNexus Console. This program serves to consolidate workflow, leverage innovative new technologies and services, and provide a simple single source location to access other sources to drive revenue and cut costs.
"The AppNexus Apps approach allows us to give our mutual customers the full power of Lotame's audience and data management technology and unique insights engine, while still integrating deeply into the customer's AppNexus workflow experience," said Andy Monfried, CEO of Lotame. "The App Marketplace will give us the ability to innovate and differentiate our DMP technology and it will also give us access to AppNexus' worldwide base of customers who leverage their RTB platform."
"AppNexus' goal has always been to link together the complex map of companies in the ad technology industry and to help further online advertising innovation, and I'm thrilled we're connecting the final piece of the puzzle," said Mike Nolet, AppNexus CTO and co-founder. "AppNexus Apps is a huge step forward for the entire industry and we're looking forward to playing an important role in helping to evolve this vibrant ecosystem."
AppNexus Apps are available immediately to all AppNexus Console customers. Developers can apply to the program at appnexus.com/apps.
About AppNexus
AppNexus is the world leader in real-time advertising technology, serving the largest and most innovative buyers and sellers of online advertising, including Microsoft Advertising Exchange, Collective and Technorati Media. Led by the pioneers of the Web's original ad exchanges at Yahoo!'s Right Media and Google's DoubleClick, AppNexus offers the industry's most advanced technology platform that empowers companies to build, manage and optimize their entire online advertising businesses. Based in New York City, AppNexus is backed by an outstanding group of investors including Microsoft, Venrock, Kodiak Venture Partners, First Round Capital, Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz and Ron Conway. For more information, visit http://www.appnexus.com.
SOURCE AppNexus
AppNexus
CONTACT: Jenny Mulholland of AppNexus PR, +1-732-245-0021