BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 9, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- The European Parliament's web television channel is organizing
a viral video competition on Diversity in Europe, calling on the creativity
of citizens to create a quality viral spot of 1 to 3 minutes.
The competition will be launched on 9 May 2011. The deadline
for submission is 31 July 2011. The spots fulfilling all requirements will be
released during one month (15 September - 15 October 2011) on the website of
EuroparlTV for public voting. The public voting closes on 15 October 2011.
The voting results will be published on a daily basis allowing
the citizens to follow the public voting in a transparent way.
The following prizes are up for grabs: 1st prize: A trip for
two people to three European cities of their choice; 2nd prize: iPad; 3rd
prize: a Leica camera.
The contest is open to everybody without any restriction of age, gender,
race, nationality, religion or profession.
The subject of the video contest Diversity in Europe allows a
broad freedom of interpretations: language(s), fashion, music, arts, cooking,
architecture, landscape...
EuroparlTV is the official web television channel of the
European Parliament. It offers a comprehensive coverage of parliamentary
business with daily news bulletins, magazines, interview and videos for
younger audiences, as well as live streaming of parliamentary meetings, in 22
languages.
Source: Scholz and Friends European Office
Contact: Scholz & Friends European Office (Brussels): Ms Therese Ankeraa, Tel +32(0)2-504-07-96, Fax +32(0)2-504-07-99, Email: therese.ankeraa@s-f.com . Mr Antony Lynch, Tel +32-(0)2-504-07-92, Fax +32-(0)2-504-07-99, Email: antony.lynch@s-f.com .
Broadcom Announces Intent to Acquire SC Square Ltd.
IRVINE, Calif., May 8, 2011/PRNewswire/ --Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire SC Square Ltd., a leading security software developer based in Israel.
With SC Square Ltd., Broadcom is acquiring an expert team of engineers focused on security, which is an essential ingredient across Broadcom platforms. This acquisition is part of Broadcom's strategy to acquire innovative technologies and high quality teams with a solid track record of execution.
In connection with the acquisition, Broadcom expects to pay approximately $41.9 million, net of cash assumed, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity rights of SC Square Ltd. The purchase price will be paid in cash, with a portion of the consideration placed into escrow pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement. Excluding any purchase accounting related adjustments and fair value measurements, Broadcom expects the acquisition of SC Square Ltd. to be dilutive to earnings for the remainder of 2011 by approximately $0.01. The boards of directors of the two companies have approved the acquisition. The transaction remains subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions and is expected to close in Broadcom's second quarter, ending June 30, 2011.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a prominent technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything®.
Broadcom, one of the world's largest fabless communications semiconductor companies, with 2010 revenue of $6.82 billion, holds more than 5,100 U.S. and 2,200 foreign patents, and has more than 7,700 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video, data and multimedia.
A FORTUNE 500® company, Broadcom was recognized in FORTUNE's 2011 "World's Most Admired Companies" survey as the innovation leader in the semiconductor category. Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at http://www.broadcom.com.
Safe Harbor Statement of Broadcom Corporation under the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995:
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the impact of the acquisition on Broadcom's earnings per share, the expected purchase price and the expected completion and timing of the transaction. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference for Broadcom in connection with the acquisition of SC Square Ltd. include, but are not limited to: the ability of the parties to successfully consummate the transactions contemplated by the share purchase agreement and related transaction documents, unexpected variations in market growth and demand for secure operating systems and related technologies, the risks inherent in acquisitions of technologies and businesses, including the timing and successful completion of technology and product development through volume production, integration issues, costs and unanticipated expenditures, changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, potential contractual, intellectual property or employment issues, and charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments or fair value measurements.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss the foregoing risks as well as other important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or otherwise affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Lockheed Martin-Built Next Generation Missile Warning Satellite Launched Successfully
National Space Asset to Bolster Missile Warning Capabilities
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., May 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for the U.S. Air Force, was successfully launched today at 2:10 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. SBIRS GEO-1 is the most technologically advanced military infrared satellite ever developed and will deliver vastly improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while simultaneously improving the Nation's missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas.
"Today's successful launch is a tribute to the hard work, dedication and unmatched expertise of the entire government and industry SBIRS team. I am proud of the women and men who have worked on this spacecraft, and am confident the nation will be proud of its performance on orbit," said Brig Gen (select) Roger W. Teague, the U.S. Air Force's Infrared Space Systems Directorate director. "SBIRS GEO-1 represents the dawn of a new era in overhead persistent infrared surveillance that will greatly improve our national security for years to come."
SBIRS GEO-1 includes highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors that will deliver improved infrared sensitivity and a reduction in area revisit times over the current constellation. The scanning sensor will provide a wide area surveillance of missile launches and natural phenomena across the earth, while the staring sensor will be used to observe smaller areas of interest with superior sensitivity. These dual independent sensors will enhance early warning of missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballistic missile defense system, greatly expand our technical intelligence gathering capability, and bolster situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.
"We understand the importance of the SBIRS mission and are proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force on this critical program," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's vice president and SBIRS program director. "Throughout the development of this first-of-its-kind satellite, our SBIRS team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence. As a result, we are confident SBIRS GEO-1 will deliver unprecedented, global, persistent, taskable infrared surveillance capabilities to the warfighter, nation and our allies for years to come."
The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.
"The launch of SBIRS GEO-1 heralds a new era for missile warning and other missions enabled by overhead persistent infrared sensors," said Steve Toner, Northrop Grumman's vice president of OPIR and Azusa Programs. "We can't wait to turn it on. These sensors are highly capable, and we know that they will be of great value to our warfighters, our nation, and our allies."
Lockheed Martin's original SBIRS contract includes HEO payloads, two geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The team is also under a follow-on production contract to deliver additional HEO payloads and the third and fourth GEO satellites, and associated ground modifications.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.
Media Contact:
Michael Friedman
303-971-7255
michael.1.friedman@lmco.com
BEIJING, May 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- DVDFab Blu-ray tools support the newest AACS Blu-ray protection -- MKB v24 -- all generally starting from the update of DVDFab decryption server on May 6, 2011. As a result, DVDFab users now can get advantage of the Internet connection based server and use DVDFab Blu-ray apps to freely copy, rip, or convert MKB v24 protected Blu-ray content like "Winter's Bone", which is the only Blu-ray movie encrypted with MKB v24 we can find on the market so far.
About AACS MKB v24:
MKB (Media Key Block) is one of the 4 items contained in an AACS protected Blu-ray disc, and the other 3 items are the Volume ID, the Encrypted Title Keys, and the Encrypted Content. Once the MKB is decrypted, it provides the Media Key. The Media Key is combined with the Volume ID to produce the Volume Unique Key. The Volume Unique Key is used to decrypt the encrypted Title Keys, and the Title Key is used to decrypt the encrypted content. MKB v24 is the newest version of MKB, and now can be removed by DVDFab.
Note that currently users can only get MKB v24 support with an Internet connection. For more information about DVDFab Internet based service, be certain to see http://forum.dvdfab.com/showthread.php?tQ75.
About DVDFab Blu-ray Tools:
DVDFab Blu-ray tools include Blu-ray Copy, Blu-ray Ripper, Blu-ray to DVD Converter, and Blu-ray 3D Ripper. These tools can help users flexibly and professionally copy, rip and convert Blu-ray (2D&3D), making it easy to solve all Blu-ray issues one can come across. For more information about DVDFab Blu-ray tools, please visit http://www.dvdfab.com.
About Fengtao Software:
Fengtao Software is a professional multimedia software provider which always dedicated to the work on DVD/Blu-ray copy/ripping/conversion/decryption, video conversion and file transfer to take care of all your needs, with its powerful products such as DVD Copy, DVD Ripper, Blu-ray Copy, Blu-ray Ripper, Blu-ray to DVD Converter, Passkey for DVD, Passkey for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D Ripper, Passkey Lite (free), Video Converter, File Transfer, HD Decrypter (free), Virtual Drive (free), etc. For more information, please visit http://www.dvdfab.com.
SOURCE Fengtao Software, Inc.
Fengtao Software, Inc.
CONTACT: Frank Chang, +86-10-64963112, marketing@dvdfab.com
WoodWing and The Saints Announce Mobile Apps for iPhone and Android Smartphones, Based on WoodWing's Newsfeed Solution
Based on its cross-media publishing system Enterprise, WoodWing introduces Newsfeed functionality that enables publishers to directly push content to news apps for iPhone and Android-based smartphones. These mobile apps have been developed by The Saints, one of WoodWing's premium technology partners.
ZAANDAM, Netherlands, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WoodWing Software, a leading supplier of innovative cross-media publishing solutions, and The Saints, an expert in mobile software development, today announced a Newsfeed Solution for the iPhone and smartphones that run Android. The solution enables publishers to push breaking news from their editorial system to mobile apps in a fast and efficient manner. This additional publication channel will help publishers further strengthen their online presence by extending their audience to millions of smartphone users.
The news can be published using Newsfeed functionality in Content Station, a component of WoodWing's cross-media publishing system Enterprise. News can be published following a schedule or pushed out immediately, providing the editorial team with full control over yet another publication channel.
The Saints has developed the smartphone Newsreader app for iOS, and the Android app will be launched in June. These apps display the news that's being published using the Newsfeed functionality. The Newsreader app's features include lists of news per category; news in multiple categories; and the options "add to favorites" and "read later." WoodWing and The Saints will continue to add new features, such as the integration with ad networks, subscriptions, multi-language support and offline-reading of articles. The look-and-feel of the apps can be customized to fit with the publication's identity.
The Newsfeed functionality is being backed by WoodWing's Content Delivery Service (CDS), the same service that delivers more than a million issue downloads per month to iPad users. The CDS handles delivery of the Newsfeed content to the mobile devices.
"The Saints has developed several newsreaders for leading publishers, and combining this expertise with the strength of WoodWing's Enterprise publishing system creates new opportunities for publishers," said Andre Valkenburg, Managing Director of The Saints. "This joint effort provides publishers with an efficient solution to serve their customers on the iPhone and Android smartphone platforms."
"The Content Station application is a key component of our cross-media publishing offering," said Erik Schut, President of WoodWing Software. "While it already played a pivotal role in our Digital Magazine solution for Tablets, the Newsfeed functionality adds yet another dimension to it. Note that a Newsfeed can also be incorporated in a Tablet publication, offering a mixed model with static and live content."
The Newsfeed solution will be demonstrated at the WoodWing Xperience on May 24-25 in Amsterdam, an event targeted at WoodWing customers and partners. The Xperience helps customers to get the most out of their WoodWing system, while informing them about exciting new and upcoming possibilities.
The Newsfeed functionality replaces the iPhone Newsreader service that WoodWing has been offering.
About The Saints
The Saints is located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and has been in mobile software development since 2005. Development is done on all mobile software platforms. More information can be found at http://www.the-saints.nl.
About WoodWing
WoodWing creates the most progressive solutions available on the market for the production of print, online and tablet publications. More information is available on the Web at http://www.woodwing.com. WoodWing is on Twitter at http://twitter.com/woodwingsoft.
This release was issued through WebWire®. For more information visit http://www.webwire.com.
Press contact The Saints
Andre Valkenburg
Managing Director
T: 0031-20-63 64 870
E: andre@the-saints.nl
Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. Announces New Website and Strategic Investments
HENDERSON, Nev., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. ( A private ~ pre-IPO Corporation) is pleased to announce the launch of a new website at http://www.oriondhc.com. The website design focuses primarily on serving the needs and interests of company investors, inventors and friends of the corporation. Investors and other users visiting the website will find the site easy to navigate, with up-to-date information, and other resources. The site incorporates tools for locating company information, including the company's most recent SEC filings and other corporate filings. Along with the new website, qualified investors will have access to Orion's current company news, patents and investment projects as new information is released.
"It's an exciting time at Orion DHC," says Randy Hoff, the Company's President and CEO. "We are moving forward with multiple investment projects that we believe will increase shareholder value prior to our planned initial public offering. Our new website is clean, fresh and reflects our goal of becoming the fastest growing Holding Company in America. We are very pleased to unveil our many investment ventures and strategic alliances via this website. In addition, http://www.oriondhc.com is consistent with our mission statement and proprietary organizational structure."
About Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. - Est. 2008
Orion DHC, Inc. is a holding company that actively seeks out attractive investments in the world's fastest growing sectors and utilizes time-tested value investing strategies to grow the corporate holdings. The corporation is continuously acquiring licensable intellectual property, equity assets, real estate, and wholly-owned subsidiaries in various stages of development. Orion has been dubbed the "Investors Investment" due to multiple offers the company has received to invest in other private, pre-IPO companies, such as, Tesla Motors, Facebook, Groupon and Skype. Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. has various strategic alliances including a leading financial firm with over $7.8 billion in investments worldwide with headquarters in America. Start-up companies, investment bankers or inventors seeking to develop, patent or market products or ideas to consumers are encouraged to contact Orion DHC, Inc. through the company website: http://oriondhc.com/contact-us/corporate-contacts
Media inquiries may be directed to
executive@oriondhc.com
For More Information Regarding ORION DIVERSIFIED HOLDING CO., INC. please contact INVESTOR RELATIONS: executive@oriondhc.com or (530) 919-0207 ~Proud home of "The Orion 50" investing model
Safe Harbor Statement
Information in this press release may contain statements about future expectations, plans, prospects or performance of Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. or its subsidiary companies that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words or phrases "can be," "expects," "may affect," "believe," "estimate," "project" and similar words and phrases are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. cautions readers that any forward-looking information provided by or on behalf of Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. is not a guarantee of said future performance. None of the information in this press release constitutes or is intended as an offer to sell securities or investment advice of any kind. Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various outside factors, some of which are beyond Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s control. In addition to those discussed in Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s press releases, public filings, press releases and statements by Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s management, including, but not limited to, Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s estimate of the sufficiency of its existing capital resources, Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s ability to raise additional capital to fund the anticipated venture or operations of said venture, the uncertainties involved in estimating market opportunities, and in identifying contracts, patents or other assets which result in Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc.'s capability to financially benefit. All such forward-looking statements are current only as of the date on which such statements were made. Orion Diversified Holding Co., Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made nor to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
'War' is Over! 106 Missions Later, Gamers Take Down bin Laden in Final Episode of KUMA\WAR II
Bin Laden hideout accurately re-created in realistic 3D video game, video re-creations, available for free download Saturday.
ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With a skill created by years of practice, you and a group of Navy SEALs quickly enter the compound that houses the world's most infamous terrorist. Methodically working your way through the large compound, you clear the opposing forces, take out al Qaeda's last defense, clear weapons caches, and gather critical intel. When the smoke clears, your ultimate target -- Osama bin Laden, murderer of thousands of Americans and innocents around the globe, head of al Qaeda and enemy of the world lays dead.
KUMA Games returns to their classic First Person Shooter, KUMA\WAR II, for a final episode that allows gamers to recreate the mission that changed the world. On Saturday, May 7th, the 107th episode of KUMA\WAR II: "The Death of Osama bin Laden" will be available for free download at http://www.kumagames.com .
"Since 2003 we've chronicled military conflict in a changing world. The defeat of the Taliban, the capture of Saddam, IED & drone attacks, two Surges, elections, and Iraqi heroes defending their own representative government. We've brought all of these to life to millions of gamers in quick-release, high quality, game episodes," says Keith Halper, CEO of KUMA Games. "Using games, we've brought critical history to a generation raised on digital media. But KUMA\WAR II was a story without an ending...until now. We had to go back for one more 'ripped from the headlines re-creation.' We had to end 'The War.'"
On Monday afternoon, the team put down their mice on two new games in development (Race of the Horsemen and The Tiger Unit -- both available in BETA in select markets), to create this final KUMA\WAR episode. Working overtime to reflect changing reports of operational details, the artists and coders rebuilt buildings, characters, weapons, and gameplay objectives until the user experience told the story of the SEALs' mission as closely as news and game cycles allowed.
"We are sticking to our retelling of real-world events, and that means a lot of reading and research, as well as talking with sources so we can get it right, " explains Mike Thompson, Project Lead. "It's not fun telling an artist to start a model over after an all-nighter because someone found a mysterious tail rotor, but that's what we do to get the job done."
KUMA, LLC.is the world leader in the new market for Episodic Video Games - intense, 3D game experiences delivered to PCs in weekly episodes. Kuma's network of free, ad-supported game series makes high-end console-quality game play accessible to mass market consumers. Each week, players' PCs are updated with the latest "game-isode" from their favorite series inspired by just-released TV shows, real world news events and pop culture happenings. With over 150 game-isodes currently available in seven titles, KUMA has an excess of 19 million users, with an additional 250,000 new players signing on each month. KUMA's synergy with traditional TV programmers such as THE HISTORY CHANNEL®, and ANIMAL PLANET® makes television more dynamic and more relevant to a media and tech-savvy generation while presenting distinct marketing advantages for TV partners, advertisers, content owners and distributors. With an unprecedented level of user interactivity, KUMA represents a direct analog for television within video games. KUMA Reality Games, headquartered in New York, is a privately held company.
GoPro® HD Activity Cameras and Accessories Arrive in Best Buy® Stores Nationwide
World's leading wearable and gear mountable camera, GoPro's HD HERO® cameras are the latest addition to Best Buy's expanding digital imaging selection in stores and on bestbuy.com
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. and HALF MOON BAY, Calif., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today announced the availability of several new products from the world's leading activity camera company, GoPro. GoPro is internationally famous for producing some of the world's highest performing wearable and gear mountable HD cameras. GoPro's products are used by consumers and professional athletes and video producers alike to capture and share incredible first person perspectives of their favorite sports and activities. GoPro's cameras are now available along with a selection of accessories at Best Buy stores nationwide. GoPro's full assortment of products are available on bestbuy.com.
The HD HERO line of cameras capture immersive perspectives during outdoor activities by mounting directly to helmets and other equipment, including bikes, boards and vehicles. Optional accessories like chest harnesses and suction cups make it easy to wear and mount the camera in creative ways. GoPro cameras capture professional-quality 1080p HD and 720p video with eye popping 127 degree and 170 degree wide angle clarity. Sixty frames per second video captured at 720p resolution allows for stunning slow motion playback. The HD HERO's sturdy polycarbonate protective housing is waterproof to 180 feet and protects the camera from the rocks, drops, and natural elements that come standard with outdoor use. GoPro's cameras boast best-in-class image quality that yields the crystal clear footage that has led consumers and professional athletes and video producers around the world to choose GoPro as their activity image capture solution.
"GoPro's cameras and accessories make it easy for people to capture their lives' most exciting moments from never before seen perspectives with professional quality results," said Nicholas Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro. "We're excited to work with Best Buy because of their passion for digital imaging and providing customers with the best products available. We know their Blue Shirts have the expertise to help customers learn about our products' range of features and we're stoked Best Buy is making our products so accessible."
"We're always looking at ways to help customers find the right product that meets their needs," said Lisa Farrell, SVP, general manager portable electronics for Best Buy. "GoPro's HD HERO camera is a natural fit for Best Buy's growing digital imaging category in that it's a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers who want to shoot professional quality video directly from their point of view and other never before possible perspectives."
GoPro's unique cameras and accessories are exciting new additions to the wide assortment of digital imaging products at Best Buy and on bestbuy.com, including camcorders, point-and-shoot cameras, and Digital SLRs as well as an array of photography accessories.
GoPro products now available at Best Buy include:
-- HD Helmet HERO - $299.99
-- HD HERO 960 - $179.99
-- Suction Cup Mount - $29.99
-- Ride HERO Handlebar Seatpost Mount - $19.99
-- LCD BacPac Accessory - $79.99
-- Battery BacPac Accessory - $49.99
-- Chest Mount Harness - $39.99
-- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery - $19.99
-- Tripod Mount - $7.99
For more information about GoPro's products and accessories and Best Buy's digital imaging offerings, visit: http://www.bestbuy.com/gopro/
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and Mexico, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $50 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, Best Buy Mobile, The Carphone Warehouse, Five Star, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Magnolia Audio Video, Napster, Pacific Sales, and The Phone House. Approximately 180,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way Best Buy does business. In fiscal 2011, the company donated approximately $25 million to improve the vitality of the communities where its employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit http://www.bby.com.
About GoPro, Inc.
Based in Half Moon Bay, California, GoPro is the world's leading activity image capture company. GoPro's HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras are used by more consumers and video production professionals than any other camera in its class. GoPro's HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras and accessories are sold in over 60 countries, in specialty sports retailers, Best Buy, and at gopro.com.
Mood Media Corporation Completes Acquisition of Muzak
TORONTO, May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Mood Media Corporation (ISIN: CA61534J1057) (TSX:MM/ LSE AIM:MM) ("Mood Media") announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Muzak Holdings LLC ("Muzak") for US$345 million including net debt repaid on closing (the "Muzak Acquisition").
Mood Media's acquisition of Muzak, whose suite of brand enhancing music, voice and digital offerings reach more than 100 million people every day creates a global in-store media provider servicing over 470,000 commercial locations in over 39 countries. On a pro forma basis the newly combined company has trailing last twelve months (LTM) revenue of approximately US$400 million and trailing LTM EBITDA in excess of US$100 million.
Lorne Abony, CEO and Chairman of Mood Media, commented: "We are delighted to complete this transformative acquisition, which enables us to become a truly global leader in this space. We are excited and eager to begin realizing the significant growth opportunities and synergies in a combination that will benefit both our customers and our shareholders."
In connection with closing and to refinance its existing bank debt, Mood Media has entered into new credit facilities with Credit Suisse Securities AG, as agent, consisting of a US$20 million 5-year revolving credit facility, a US$355 million 7-year first lien term loan and a US$100 million 7.5-year second lien term loan.
About Mood Media Corporation
Mood Media Corporation (TSX:MM/ LSE AIM:MM) is a leading in-store media specialist that uses a mix of music, visual and scent media to help its clients communicate with consumers with a view to driving incremental sales at the point-of-purchase.
Operating through its two principal divisions; In-Store Media and Retail Point-of-Purchase, Mood Media Corporation works with more than 800 retail chains in more than 30 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Through its subsidiaries Mood Media and Mood Entertainment., Mood Media Corporation is driving growth of in-store media solutions across multiple markets.
Mood Media Corporation operates an international in-store media and music retail business with an extensive geographic footprint and a broad client base including several multinational blue chip organizations.
For over 75 years, Muzak has been at the forefront of the sensory branding industry. By acquiring, designing and delivering rich media-based solutions to clients worldwide, its services reach 100 million people every day. Through a national sales and service network, Muzak designs, delivers and installs custom music, voice messaging, Digital Signage networks, leading drive-thru equipment and professional sound systems to a variety of clients in multiple industries including retail, hospitality and restaurant.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "may", "will", "would" and similar expressions and the negative of such expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are subject to important assumptions, including the following specific assumptions: the ability of Mood Media and Muzak to meet their respective revenue targets; the ability to achieve cost synergies; general industry and economic conditions; changes in Mood Media's or Muzak's relationships with their customers and suppliers; pricing pressures; and other competitive factors; and changes in regulatory requirements affecting the businesses of Mood Media and Muzak. While Mood Media considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Historical performance may not be indicative of future performance.
Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the impact of general market, industry, credit and economic conditions, currency fluctuations as well as the risk factors identified in the Risk Factors section of Mood Media's management discussion and analysis dated March 7, 2011 and the risk factors identified in the annual information form of Mood Media dated March 30, 2011, both of which are available on http://www.sedar.com.
Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Mood Media.
Forward-looking statements are given only as at the date hereof and Mood Media disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.
This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction.
Mood Media presents EBITDA information as a supplemental figure because management believes it provides useful information regarding operating performance. EBITDA is not a recognized measure under Canadian GAAP, does not have standardized meaning, and is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Accordingly, investors are cautioned that EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings or (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the financial performance of Mood Media or as a measure of the Mood Media's liquidity and cash flows.
SOURCE Mood Media Corporation
Mood Media Corporation
CONTACT: Contacts: Patrick Fitzgibbons, Fleishman-Hillard (New York), Tel: +1 212 453 2124, E-mail: Patrick.fitzgibbons@fleishman.com; Alan O'Sullivan, Fleishman-Hillard (London), Tel: +44 20 7395 7017, E-mail: alan.osullivan@fleishmaneurope.com; Dominic Morley, Panmure Gordon, Tel: +44 207 459 3600
Affiliate Nexus Laws Imperil Businesses Across Two States
Refusing to learn from previous examples states are doomed to repeat mistakes
HARTFORD, Conn., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While there is an effort underway for both North Carolina and Rhode Island to repeal their "affiliate nexus tax" laws, both Connecticut and Vermont are opting to disregard hard lessons learned there, and have approved similar laws.
Rebecca Madigan, executive director of the Performance Marketing Association, Inc. stated, "It's unconscionable that state lawmakers are choosing to ignore small businesses in their states, over unrealistic expectations of revenue the state(s) will never collect."
In both Vermont and Connecticut, the states' own financial analysts told legislators these bills will result in no new sales tax dollars, and the states will likely lose income tax revenue from the devastation to small business income.
Thousands of small businesses based in Vermont and Connecticut will bear the brunt of these misconstrued proposals. With the result of the businesses having to lay-off personnel, close or consider moving to another state.
In fact, New Hampshire does not collect sales tax in the state and does share a border with Vermont. New Hampshire then becomes the perfect relocation destination for affiliate businesses. In essence, should the Governor sign the Vermont legislation into law Vermont would deliberately pass a law that will drive their own businesses across the border, within a few miles, to a more consumer-friendly, and now business-friendly state.
In both Vermont and Connecticut, in an effort to get their representatives to listen to reason, owners of these small businesses, known as "Affiliate Marketers" vigorously advocated on their own behalf. Explaining that the out-of-state retailers will simply terminate their relationships with them rather than violate the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause.
"This will devastate these businesses and create a lose-lose scenario. Vermont and Connecticut will not realize any new sales tax revenue but they will imperil businesses that were once thriving and contributing to the economy of the state(s)," Madigan continued.
Big-box retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Target, are orchestrating a national campaign to put these small entrepreneurs out-of-businesses. So the very retailers that help shutter Main Street are now focused on the vibrant and growing segment of Affiliate Marketers.
"Let there be no mistake, this isn't about collecting additional, illusory sales tax revenue; it isn't about Main Street versus Internet shopping; it is about increasing the profits of these big box retailers and it is a shame these small businesses are in the path of the destruction," Madigan concluded.
The Connecticut law goes into effect July 1, 2011. The Vermont law is pending signature by the governor, which is expected by next week.
About the PMA
The Performance Marketing Association (PMA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 2008 to connect, inform and advocate on behalf of performance marketing, a multi-billion-dollar marketing channel that which comprises more than 200,000 businesses and individuals. Continued growth of the performance marketing space is expected as advertisers, facing small budgets and big expectations, increasingly look to performance-based marketing initiatives to expand their business. Additional information is available at: http://www.performancemarketingassociation.com
Contact:
Shelly Sullivan
(916) 858-8686
This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.
eDoorways to Provide Sneak Peek of New eCommerce Voucher Service Interface
AUSTIN, Texas, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- eDoorways International Corporation (EDWY - Pinksheet) is offering a glimpse of its new "look" and "feel" starting with the ecommerce voucher system it is now piloting. Of equal significance, the Company has completed the user interface that will allow users to build their own PowerChannels. A sample of the ecommerce voucher system is now available.
Recently, eDoorways entered into a licensing agreement with Paddington Media, a software development firm in Austin, Texas to license its proprietary VoucherHound voucher marketing technology. Paddington Media was subsequently engaged to tailor the software to the eDoorways platform. Part of that effort includes the creation of a new user interface, or "look" and "feel," for the site.
A successful pilot of the new functionality is required before eDoorways releases it to the public. 512 Unscripted, an Austin-based media company and eDoorways client, immediately stepped forward to offer its PowerChannel as a venue to pilot the new marketing technology.
Pilot activities are progressing well and are moving at a quick pace. Screen shots of the pilot 512 Unscripted service offering are available at http://paddingtonmedia.com/VoucherHounds.aspx.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, product price volatility, product demand, market competition, risk inherent in the company's domestic and international operations, imprecision in estimating product reserves and the company's ability to replace and expand its holdings.
Contact:
Jeffrey Staller, President
Heritage Corporate Services, Inc.
(561) 210-5675
Jeffrey@HeritageCorporateServices.com
Telecom GPS Announces Car and Motorcycle Satellite Tracking Device With Monitoring Service
Telecom GPS has just launched a new website and satellite tracking device for vehicles and motorcycles. The company will offer an on demand monitoring service, which will allow vehicle owners to see the location of their vehicles, the duration it's been parked and the speed at which it was last traveling. In addition, Telecom GPS will offer remote engine control for subscribers to turn their vehicle on or off from a remote location via computer or mobile device
DARIEN, Conn., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Telecom GPS recently launched an easy-to-install car and motorcycle satellite tracking device, allowing vehicle owners the ability to locate, track and control their vehicles remotely.
Telecom devices are ideal for family and company vehicles as they offer an increased ability to control and monitor vehicles regardless of location. With the ability to locate a car or truck on demand, monitor routes and remotely start or stop an engine, business owners can ensure their employees are on schedule and en-route to their next destination.
Telecom technology aids in protecting company property from theft as each device is equipped with the ability to shut down the vehicle from any location.
Subscribers can utilize the devices adjustable settings to fit their personal needs with customizable options, which can even allow an owner to program specific times the vehicles are functional. In addition, reports are retrieved regarding the vehicle's use and delivered to the owner at the click of a button from their computer or mobile device.
When selected, alerts can be sent to notify the owner when the vehicle ignition is activated, moved from its present location, if the device records a speed higher than a designated speed limit and if the vehicle is outside of a specified area.
Every feature is adjustable and can be reported as frequently or infrequently to comply with anyone's schedule.
To purchase the Telecom GPS, go to http://www.telecomgps.com, click buy now and choose between a one, two or three-year plan with Telecom GPS.
For more information please contact Ricardo Magalhaes, (203)491-8626, info(at)telecomgps(dot)com.
The Intelligent Choice for Solar PV Wire Management
New Additions to Wiley's ACC family
SAUGERTIES, N.Y., May, 6 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Wiley announces the introduction of the ACC-R2 and ACC-R4, new additions to the Acme Cable Clip line of wire management products. The ACC-R2 and ACC-R4, unlike the previous Acme Cable Clips, attach directly to the mounting rail instead of the module frame. Acme Cable Clips simplify wire management and create a cleaner aesthetic for solar PV systems. The ACC-R2 is primarily designed to hold AC leads connecting to microinverters, from such companies as Enphase Energy. It can also be used for the installation of two smaller wires measuring 9.3-11.0mm in outside diameter or one wire measuring 9.3-14.0mm. The ACC-R4 is designed to hold one to four PV wires, measuring 6.8-7.2mm in diameter. The ACC-R2 and ACC-R4 are made from stainless steel, which exhibits superior corrosion and UV resistance to other materials. The advantages to using the ACC product line are that the clips install quickly and easily, can be used with a variety of modules and rails (Applicable Rails: Unirac SolarMount, ProSolar RoofTrac, DPW Power Rail, IronRidge XRS and XRL rails), prevent damage to cable insulation, are reusable to help eliminate waste, and last for the lifetime of a system with no maintenance.
The ACC-R2 and ACC-R4 are durable, efficient, quality products; the intelligent choice for managing PV wires on a solar array. Wiley's balance of system products progress simultaneously with module and racking technologies to ensure that solar PV arrays are installed safely and easily.
The ACC-R2 and ACC-R4 are available, orders for the new products are now being accepted. Please visit the Wiley website or contact Wiley for more information and to place an order. Wiley Electronics LLC/ 845-247-4708/ we-llc.com.
SOURCE Wiley Electronics
Wiley Electronics
CONTACT: Sarah Parsons, +1-845-247-4708, sarah@we-llc.com
Navigation device provides RV-specific routing, amenities, and things to do along the way
SKOKIE, Ill., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After extensive research and beta testing in the RVing community, Rand McNally has released the TripMaker® RVND(TM) 5510 - the first navigation device designed specifically for RVers.
"We've listened carefully to members of the RVing community, who told us overwhelmingly that they would be interested in purchasing a GPS if it provided RV-specific routing, stops and amenities that RVers need while on the road, and things to see and do along the way. Our new TripMaker® RVND(TM) line will solidly deliver on these expectations," said Dave Muscatel, CEO of Rand McNally.
The TripMaker® RVND(TM) features:
RV-easy Routing
Starting with a base of award-winning navigation from Rand McNally, the TripMaker® RVND(TM) 5510 layers on all the information needed to have an enjoyable and safe trip in an RV. The routing includes legal (including propane and other RV-only), height and weight restrictions, right or left-turn preference based on eleven different RV types, and a quick reference to the Rand McNally Road Atlas. Turn-by-turn spoken and text directions keep the driver focused on the road ahead.
RV-critical Information
The TripMaker® RVND(TM) features more than 14 million points of interest - including festivals, and National, State, and Regional Parks. Other key information includes:
-- RV Campgrounds, RV Dealers and Service, Parking and Rest Areas, Travel
Centers with detailed amenities such as dump stations, propane
availability and more.
-- Detailed exit information and available amenities on upcoming interstate
exits.
-- RVer Tools such as Checklists for set up and take down, Maintenance
Logs, Trails back to your campsite, and Quick Mileage Calculators.
-- Pet friendly locations including parks, animal hospitals, and beaches.
Things to see and do along the way
In addition to routing and tools critical to RVers, the TripMaker® RVND(TM) features Rand McNally Editor's Pick Content - proprietary data provided by our editorial staff with video and photos! The content includes:
-- Best of the Road® - three-to-four day adventures including unique
stops, photos of the locations, maps and more to plan a memorable
adventure.
-- Regional Trips, Scenic Tours, Weekend Getaways, and City Trips.
-- 12,000 researched locations that will make any trip exciting and unique.
The Rand McNally Best of the Road® program is also being featured this month in a promotion with USA TODAY (for more information, visit http://www.BestOfTheRoad.com), and in the recently released 2012 Road Atlas.
The TripMaker® RVND(TM) 5510, available in North America in June, is fully operational in English, Canadian French, and Spanish.
About Rand McNally - Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content. Rand McNally's products and services include: Interactive travel service, Tripology; America's #1 Road Atlas; Award-winning IntelliRoute® truck routing software and GPS devices; TruckPC mobile communications solutions for the transportation industry; and the leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. Consumers, businesses, truckers, and educators depend upon Rand McNally to help navigate today's world. http://www.RandMcNally.com
Rand McNally, TripMaker, and Best of the Road are registered trademarks of Rand McNally.
Moving? CashForCDs.com Makes it Easy to Sell a Handful or a House-Full of Items
Turn Unwanted CDs and DVDs into Cash at CashForCDs.com
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're a downsizing boomer or an outbound college student you don't have to cart your old CDs, DVDs and video games to your next home or dorm. Turn unwanted music, movies and games into cash at CashForCDs.com. It's a great way to assist with moving expenses without the hassle of a yard sale.
"With the increase in people downloading music, lots of people have CDs collecting dust," said Stan Bernstein of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Morninglory Music, which runs CashForCDs.com. "And with the difficult economy, many people want cash for the CDs and DVDs they no longer listen to or watch. With our buying service there are no auctions or uploading hassles, just a very fast process and payment for selling unwanted discs."
CashForCDs.com pays between $1 and $3 for CDs and DVDs and between $3 and $4 for each PlayStation, Xbox or Wii game. The average customer can earn between $4 and $20 if six CDs are sold. Prices vary depending on the titles and conditions of the items.
The website is very user-friendly. Sellers get a quote to sell their unwanted discs, send the items to CashForCDs.com and receive payment by check or through PayPal. There are no registration forms to fill out. And CashForCDs pays for shipping the used CDs to their warehouse.
The company has recently begun buying entire collections of discs. To sell a whole used CD, DVD, vinyl or game collection, customers use an online form to list their contact information and some information about what they'd like to sell. CashForCDs then replies to the seller within 48 hours with a quote if the company can buy the items. CashForCDs.com has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
About CashForCDs.com
CashForCDs.com (http://www.cashforcds.com) was founded in 1999 by Morninglory Music. The company has been serving the internet community by offering convenient purchasing of used CDs, DVDs, games and vinyl for over ten years.
Contact: Stan Bernstein, (805) 688-7696, morninglory@earthlink.net
Novatel Wireless MiFi 4082 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot Now Available Through Comcast
SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced that its new MiFi® 4082 is available to purchase through Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK), one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. Novatel Wireless will supply its MiFi® 4082 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot and support Comcast as the company continues its nationwide rollout of Xfinity® Internet 2go. The MiFi 4082 is commercially available through Comcast's website: http://www.comcast.com/2go and will be offered to new Xfinity Internet 2go customers for a $25 one-time fee with a qualifying Xfinity Internet 2go service plan.
"We're excited to assist Comcast in rolling out their next generation Xfinity Internet 2go 4G/3G Mobile Hotspot device, perfect for watching TV and movies on-the-go," said Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. "The new MiFi 4082 delivers 4G speeds and complements Comcast's broad connectivity and entertainment offering perfectly, providing innovative services - not only for the home but now also on-the-go".
The MiFi 4082 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is the newest version of the award-winning MiFi family of products - bringing 4G WiMAX to consumers with one-touch connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.
The MiFi 4082 device comes preloaded with MiFi OS(TM), widgets and application support, offering customers capabilities beyond just Internet connectivity. It also features an external e-Ink display with status indicators for battery, signal strength and number of connected devices. The device also features shared storage capability through a microSD(TM) slot with up to 32GB.
Delivering industry-leading performance and best-in-class session continuity between 4G and 3G, the award-winning MiFi 4082 Mobile Hotspot requires no cables or software installation and easily supports all the needs of a family household, a frequent traveler who wants to avoid Wi-Fi charges, or even a small business team in a form factor about the size of a credit card.
FEATURES:
-- Intuitive eInk display with status indicators for battery, signal and
the number of connected devices
-- Browser user interface for configuration
-- MicroSD slot for up to 32GB memory card
-- Supports Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems
-- Datalink 3G/4G
-- No software required for Wi-Fi connection
-- Battery: 1500mAh - over four hours of usage; 60 hours of standby time
-- Weight: 85 grams with battery (3 oz.)
-- Antenna: Integrated Wi-Fi antenna
-- Wireless Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Novatel Wireless' Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems, embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more information please visit http://www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)
This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. These factors include risks relating to technological changes, new product introductions, continued acceptance of Novatel Wireless' products and dependence on intellectual property rights. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel Wireless' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov) and other regulatory agencies.
(C) 2011 Novatel Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless name and logo, MiFi, and MiFi OS are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other Company, product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Contacts: Charlotte Rubin Cara Sloman
Nadel Phelan for Novatel
Novatel Wireless Wireless
(858) 812-3431 (831) 440-2411
crubin@nvtl.com cara@nadelphelan.com
AT&T Launches Wi-Fi Hotzone Along Austin's Sixth Street Entertainment District
DALLAS, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the launch of an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone in Austin, Texas, to provide Wi-Fi coverage for Austinites and visitors along the city's popular Sixth Street -- home to frequented shops, entertainment, events and restaurants.
The new hotzone provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi from the 100 block to the 600 block of Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35. AT&T customers with qualifying wireless data, LaptopConnect and AT&T High Speed Internet plans get unlimited access to AT&T hotzones at no additional cost.
Austin is the fifth major market to benefit from an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone, joining hotzones launched in 2010 and recently expanded in New York City at Times Square and near Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral and along Park Avenue; San Francisco's Embarcadero Center; downtown Charlotte, N.C.; and Chicago's Wrigleyville. Hotzones enhance the broadband experience for AT&T customers who use Wi-Fi enabled devices, providing another way to stay connected and adding data network capacity in high traffic areas. AT&T is the only major mobile operator using Wi-Fi in this way.
AT&T recently deployed extra Wi-Fi hotspots for major local events around Austin, including SXSW, Statesman Capitol 10 Race, Urban Music Festival and Austin Reggae Fest, and saw great demand. AT&T customers made over 120,000 connections at AT&T's temporary Wi-Fi hotspots since March, demonstrating the need for a permanent hotzone at one of Austin's busiest areas.
"As consumers use an increasing amount of data and more Wi-Fi enabled devices, our Wi-Fi hotzones are another investment we're making to deliver the best possible broadband experience to AT&T customers," said Angie Wiskocil, senior vice president, AT&T Wi-Fi Services. "We've seen high usage and positive feedback at our other AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones, and we're excited to bring one to Austin -- the hometown of AT&T Wi-Fi Services --in an area where customers need speed and coverage the most."
AT&T's focus is delivering the nation's most advanced mobile broadband experience, which includes 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.
Many of the most popular AT&T smartphones can automatically connect at AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, making it easy for customers to find and use AT&T Wi-Fi. Customers can use AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones and more than 24,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide without it counting toward their monthly smartphone data usage. AT&T plans to deploy additional hotzones in other urban areas across the country where we're consistently seeing high data use.
AT&T's Wi-Fi network complements its wired and mobile broadband networks, offering Wi-Fi connectivity at popular locations like retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops from coast-to-coast. For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi and how to connect, visit http://www.att.com/wifiaccess.
*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. 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.
Bookish - the New Digital Destination for Readers - to Launch Summer 2011
Venture is Backed by Hachette Book Group, Penguin Group (USA)and Simon & Schuster, Inc.
AOL To Enter Into Strategic Alliance with New Site featuring Editorial Integration, Co-Promotion and Advertising
NEW YORK, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bookish (http://www.bookish.com), a new digital platform for readers, is set to launch this summer it was announced today. Backed by Hachette Book Group, Penguin Group (USA), and Simon & Schuster, Bookish has been designed to provide readers -- from the most casual to the most dedicated -- with a personalized experience connecting them with their favorite authors and books through original editorial features, unique tools and more. The AOL Huffington Post Media Group is partnering with the site to engage users with Bookish content across the network's wide range of destination sites; AOL will provide advertising sales support for the new venture.
Editorially independent, Bookish will be a place for readers to find great content about books and authors from a variety of publishers. Bookish will highlight a wide range of genres and allow readers to find their next book as well as recommend books to each other.
New media veteran Paulo Lemgruber is leading the effort as Bookish's CEO. Previously, Lemgruber developed and ran digital businesses for Comcast and Reed Elsevier. Also part of the Bookish team is Charlie Rogers, who will serve as Editor-in-Chief. Prior to becoming part of Bookish, Rogers was Editor-in-Chief, Digital Media at NBC Universal and worked at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and The Paris Review. Technology efforts will be directed by Bookish Chief Technology Officer Andy Parsons, who previously served as CTO for Outside.in and Digital Railroad, Inc., as well as Director of Software Development at Juice Software. Bookish's Director of Product in charge of the user experience is Brad Dickason who previously sold a company, Giant Realm, to Burst Media and then served as their Director, Creative Products and Services. He is also a former competitive video gamer.
"Bookish enjoys the support of significant, established players in the publishing and online space. Nobody is more intimately familiar with the multitude of elements that make a book appealing than its publisher," explained Lemgruber. "In addition to working with Hachette Book Group, Penguin Group (USA) and Simon & Schuster, we look forward to working with the entire publishing and book-selling community to make Bookish an exciting destination that will delight readers. We are also thrilled to work closely with AOL Huffington Post Media Group to tap into its groundbreaking ability to start real-time conversations around content and partnering with AOL on our advertising sales effort."
Said Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief of AOL Huffington Post Media Group, "As a lifelong book lover -- and reading evangelist -- I'm always on the lookout for innovative ways to get people excited about books, to remind them why they are so important, and to spark a thousand conversations around big issues, funideas and great writing. That's why we're delighted to be working with Bookish -- and to use our multimedia, social, and community engagement tools to help connect our readers with authors and their books. And we'll highlight this content through our entire network and hyperlocal sites."
Designed to answer the question "What should I read next?" as well as to deepen the reading experience around books, authors and genres, Bookish will feature exclusive content covering a wide selection of titles and formats. It will also offer readers the convenience of purchasing print and digital books directly or through other retailers. Bookish is dedicated to working closely with book retailers, and in the coming weeks will reach out to explore ways to complement the retailers' efforts and enhance all reader experiences.
"We've assembled an incredibly entrepreneurial and dynamic team at Bookish that embraces the most cutting-edge trends in publishing and technology," says Lemgruber. "With our team's startup expertise and credentials, as well as our ability to leverage the knowledge of publishers, retailers and authors, Bookish is innately positioned to fuel people's passion for books."
About Hachette Book Group:
Hachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading trade publisher based in New York and a division of Hachette Livre, the second-largest publisher in the world. HBG publishes under the divisions of Little, Brown and Company, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, Grand Central Publishing, FaithWords, Center Street, Orbit, and Hachette Digital. For more information, visit http://www.hachettebookgroup.com.
About Penguin Group (USA):
Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks. The Penguin Group (http://www.penguin.com) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.
About Simon & Schuster:
Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic and audio formats. For more information, visit our website at http://www.simonandschuster.com
About AOL:
AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) is a premier global media company with a suite of brands and products serving consumers, advertisers and publishers worldwide. The AOL Huffington Post Media Group is a leading source of news, opinion, entertainment, community and digital information comprised of a wide range of destination websites, including AOL.com, The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, Moviefone, Engadget, Patch, AOL Music, StyleList, and MapQuest. The AOL Advertising.com Group includes Advertising.com, ADTECH, goviral, Pictela, Video, and Content Solutions and serves a combined content and advertising market at scale through video, brand advertising, content and ad serving.
SOURCE Bookish
Bookish
CONTACT: Laura Nelson, +1-646-712-1614, laura.nelson@bookish.com, or Laura Goldberg, +1-347-683-1859, laura.goldberg@bookish.com, both of Bookish
AudioVroom: Music Hack to iPhone App Building the Future of Social Music
SAN FRANCISCO, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AudioVroom graduates from San Francisco's Music Hack Day to the iTunes App Store. AudioVroom is a social music app that combines game mechanics with interactive radio stations powered by The Echo Nest's deep music intelligence platform and is the first music app for the iPhone, iPad & iPod that lets friends create shared music stations reflecting their tastes by literally "bumping" phones.
AudioVroom was first demonstrated at last year's San Francisco Music Hack Day. AudioVroom may have started as a simple audio hack last May, but one year later, it is a polished, consumer-friendly app available in the US iTunes app store for free, starting today.
AudioVroom users collaboratively create a radio station which they can enjoy at any time; on their stereo or on the go, their mutual playlist is just a click away. AudioVroom is powered by a unique partnership with the Echo Nest and utilizes 7digital's 13-million-song music catalog.
Sharing musical tastes with your friends is just one fascinating aspect of the AudioVroom iOS app. AudioVroom differs from other music services by allowing users to play it like a social game, earning points redeemable for ad-free music listening. Bumping phones, collecting friends, and rating songs earns users points, or, if they prefer, users can purchase points for as little as .99 cents or subscribe for $40 per year for unlimited listening.
This first-of-its-kind music collaboration tool, which "makes music social, local and mobile" as its creator Marcos Lara says, just made the finals at the 2011 NYU Stern New Venture Competition and has attracted the attention of smart angel investors who committed an undisclosed amount of money to fund SocialGenius, Inc., co-founded by Lara, Sanem Alkan and Adam Lindsay to develop and distribute the AudioVroom app.
About SocialGenius, Inc.
SocialGenius, Inc. is a technology company. We make music discovery fun, easy and engaging through our mobile smartphone application, AudioVroom. Our products are based on our patent-pending "social playlisting engine" that knows who is in the room and plays the music those users care most about, while learning about social and location based listing patterns. For more information, visit http://www.audiovroom.com.
About The Echo Nest
The Echo Nest is a music intelligence company that powers smarter music applications for a wide range of customers -- including MTV, The BBC, MOG, Thumbplay, Warner Music Group and a community of about 7,000 independent app developers.
The Echo Nest's customers reach over 100,000,000 music fans every month. These application developers have built over 150 music applications on The Echo Nest platform, including music search, discovery, playlisting, location-based mobile applications, music games and analytics-driven marketing applications. Powered by the world's only machine learning system that actively reads about and listens to music everywhere on the web, The Echo Nest opens up a massive repository of dynamic music data to application developers to re-shape how we all experience music. The Echo Nest was co-founded in 2005 by two MIT Media Lab PhDs, Brian Whitman and Tristan Jehan. Winner of three National Science Foundation SBIR grants, The Echo Nest's investors include Matrix Partners and Commonwealth Capital Ventures, Argos Management and three co-founders of MIT Media Lab.
Access to Kobo's 2.3 Million eBook Titles Now Available Through Walmart.ca
Expansion of Walmart Relationship to Featured Partner Status Substantially Broadens Kobo Footprint
TORONTO, May 6, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- In a move that broadens the company's relationship with Walmart, Kobo, the leader in global eReading, has announced that they're now a featured partner on walmart.ca. With this new agreement, Walmart Canada customers gain one-click, direct access from the Walmart site to Kobo's eBook library containing more than 2.3 million books, newspapers and magazines with over one million free titles. Walmart carries Kobo's Wireless eReader in-store and features it on walmart.ca; this new agreement gives Walmart shoppers access to one of the world's largest eReading catalogues.
Walmart was among the first retailers to sell the Kobo Wireless eReader in Canada, and Kobo serves as an integral part of Walmart's ever-progressing eReading strategy. Kobo eReaders have been available in Walmart stores since May 2010, and Kobo's Wireless eReader has become a top selling eReader for Walmart Canada. Kobo's eBook library provides up-to-the-minute and classic content to Walmart shoppers. Walmart carries the Kobo Wireless eReader in Onyx, Metallic Silver and Pearlized Lilac colours.
"With the addition of Kobo's tremendous eBook library, Walmart has shown its commitment to offer its customers not only a top-rated device but also extensive content making it easier than ever to enjoy the eReading experience," said Todd Humphrey, executive vice president of business development , Kobo. "Over the past two years, we've built a solid relationship with Walmart Canada, with continuing support for our wireless eReaders by Walmart customers. Our new featured partner status promises to expand our footprint among the growing eReading community, and we expect that the Kobo eBooks will be a popular destination for online shoppers."
The compact, light and simple-to-use Kobo Wireless eReader features an eInk screen that reads like paper and is easily adjustable to personalize reading with customizable font sizes and styles. Perfect for reading on-the-go, Kobo's Wireless eReader holds up to 1,000 eBooks, and with a SD expansion slot approximately 10,000 eBooks. Supporting open standards - ePUB, PDF, Adobe DRM - with Kobo customers can borrow books from their local library - for free! Pre-loaded with 100 ready-to-go classics, the Kobo Wireless eReader gives customers a robust, a dedicated eReading experience that's ready to go. With the ability to shop on the go, anytime, anyplace, directly from their Kobo eReader using unlimited, free access to Bell's Wi-Fi network, readers can find a rich assortment of the latest content with just the press of a button.
Kobo has aggressively built relationships with OEMs, retailers and content owners around the world, creating an overall eBook solution that provides consumers the freedom to read on any device. Today, Kobo has more than three million users and customers in 100-plus countries worldwide. The company has added just over one million of those users in less than 90 days. In addition to its global store, Kobo already offers locally merchandised English language stores in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. The company has recently announced plans to expand into Europe with localized stores in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
Kobo users can download free eReading applications at http://www.kobo.com for most smartphones, netbooks, tablets, desktops and laptops. Kobo also supports a range of dedicated eReaders like the Sony eReader and Nook, and has partnered with device manufacturers, including Samsung and RIM.
About Kobo Inc.:
Kobo is a global eReading service with more than 2.3 million eBooks, magazines and newspapers - one of the largest eReading catalogues in the world. Kobo believes consumers should have the freedom to read any book on any device and has attracted millions of readers from over 100 countries across the globe. Kobo has top ranked eReading applications for iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, , Windows, MacOS and is the eReading application of choice for leading tablet OEMs. The Kobo eReader is also available at leading retailers including Indigo, Walmart, Best Buy, Borders, WHSmith, Angus & Robertson's, and Whitcoull's. For more information on Kobo, please visit http://www.kobo.com.
Comintelli and BitWise Solutions Form Partnership to Deliver Cutting-edge Competitive Intelligence Solutions in North America
STOCKHOLM, May 6, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Comintelli (http://www.comintelli.com), a leading provider of Enterprise
Information Access Software, today announced that BitWise Solutions Inc. has
been selected as an exclusive reseller of Comintelli Knowledge XChanger(TM)
in North America. BitWise will start a new division focusing on competitive
intelligence solutions, as previously announced.
"The North American market for competitive and market intelligence
solutions is well developed and requires the highest level of support and
commitment," says Jesper E. Martell, CEO of Comintelli. "Our partnership with
Bitwise will serve our customers with local product support and Bitwise are
uniquely positioned to provide both the technical expertise and user
experience in competitive intelligence needed to deliver cutting-edge CI
solutions."
Comintelli will be exhibiting its solutions at the SCIP (Strategic and
Competitive Intelligence Professionals) International Annual Conference &
Exhibition, May 9-12, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.
About Bitwise Solutions
Based in Carmel, Indiana, BitWise Solutions helps companies create
opportunities and achieve efficiencies via the Internet. With nearly 17 years
of Web-services experience, a unique development process, and a high-quality,
innovative team, BitWise Solutions assists its clients in creating
opportunities and solving business problems by helping them elevate their
online presence.
About Comintelli
Comintelli(R) is a leading provider of Enterprise Information Access
Software, focusing on solutions for Competitive/Market Intelligence,
Knowledge Management and Enterprise Search.
Comintelli develops and markets the award-winning product Knowledge
XChanger(TM). This search-based application automates the tasks of
aggregating information from several sources, structuring it using topic
maps, analyzing, searching and delivering content in a relevant format to
authorized users. Customers include successful companies in more than 10
countries.
The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with
global representation.
For more information, contact:
Jesper Martell, CEO
Tel: +46-8-663-76-00
E-mail: jesper.martell@comintelli.com
Web: http://www.comintelli.com
For more information, contact:
Bjorn Carlson, Marketing Manager
Tel: +1-317-805-4376 x115
E-mail: bjorn.carlson@bitwisesolutions.com
Web: http://www.bitwisesolutions.com
STMicroelectronics Offers the World's Smallest and Most Accurate Location-Placing Solution
Ten-Degrees-of-Freedom sensor set gives precise directions from any place on Earth
GENEVA, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for consumer and portable applications,(1) today announced a complete hardware solution for advanced sensing applications with 10 degrees of freedom (DoF)(2). A set of three thin, high-performance MEMS sensors provides accurate and comprehensive information on linear, angular and magnetic motion together with altitude readings, enabling enhanced navigation and smarter user interface in mobile phones and other portable consumer devices.
An emerging new class of mobile consumer applications, such as location-based services and pedestrian dead-reckoning for indoor and multi-floor navigation, require rather complex sensing capabilities. By using just three ST MEMS sensors - a geo-magnetic module, a gyroscope, and a pressure sensor - a consumer device can have a complete indication of its linear acceleration, angular velocity, earth gravity, heading and altitude. With this information, mobile users will be able to identify their direction and precise location in all three dimensions everywhere they go, including in places with no or low GPS signal, such as inside buildings in urban canyons or in mountainous and forested terrain.
Facilitating the fusion of complex motion-sensor data in smart consumer devices, ST has also recently introduced the industry's first advanced filtering and predictive software engine, which integrates the outputs from 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetic sensors. Fusing these sensors' data through sophisticated algorithms, the iNEMO(TM) Engine delivers dramatically more accurate and reliable sensor performance - the kind of performance now in demand by makers of next-generation smart consumer devices for enhanced motion-based applications.
"Multi-sensor capabilities enhance the mobile user experience with previously unseen realism and accuracy in next-generation motion- and location-based applications," said Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST's MEMS, Sensors and High Performance Analog Division. "With its formidable arsenal of world-class MEMS components, software, design and manufacturing expertise, ST is leading the way to fusing multiple sensors in mobile phones, navigation systems, and other consumer devices."
Designed and produced using the same micromachining technology process that the Company has already successfully applied to more than 1.2 billion sensors sold in the market, ST's MEMS chips boast ultra-small size and minimized current consumption coupled with superior accuracy and reliability. The three-chip 10-DoF sensor solution comprises the following components:
-- The LSM303DLHC geo-magnetic module integrates high-resolution,
three-axis sensing of linear and magnetic motion in a 3 x 5 x 1mm
package, with operating current consumption as low as 110 microamps. The
device delivers extremely accurate output across full-scale extended
ranges up to +16g (linear acceleration) and +8 Gauss (magnetic field),
with excellent stability over time and temperature. In addition to
that, it comes with a host of advanced features, including 4D/6D
orientation detection and two programmable interrupt signals that enable
immediate notification of motion detection, free fall and other
conditions.
-- Housed inside an ultra-small 4 x 4 x 1mm package, the L3G4200D 3-axis
digital gyroscope provides state-of-the-art performance in terms of
output accuracy and stability over temperature and time. The device
couples a 16-bit data output with a wide set of user-programmable
full-scale ranges from +250dps up to +2000dps. An embedded FIFO
(first-in first-out) memory block removes the need for continuous
communication of between the sensor and the host processor, decreasing
dramatically the overall power consumption.
-- ST's soon-to-be-announced silicon pressure sensor uses an innovative
technology to provide extremely high resolution measurements of pressure
- and therefore also of altitude - in an ultra-compact and thin 3 x 3 x
1mm package. The device has an operating pressure range of 260 - 1260
millibars, corresponding to the atmospheric pressures between -700 and
+10000m relative to sea level, and can detect height variations as small
as 0.3 m.
ST's 10-DoF sensor solution is now available for evaluation, with mass production scheduled for the end of Q3 2011. Unit pricing for the three-chip set is $5.90 for volumes in the range of 100,000 pieces.
To date, ST's MEMS sensors have enabled motion-activated user interfaces in a number of popular consumer devices, including game consoles, smart phones and remotes. Also, computer manufacturers widely use the Company's acceleration sensors for free-fall protection in laptop hard-disk drives. ST shipped its one billionth MEMS sensor in November 2010 and its dedicated 8-inch MEMS fabrication line, which was among the first in the world, currently produces more than two million devices a day.
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.
(1) HS iSuppli: H2 2010 Consumer and Mobile MEMS Market Tracker, January 2011
(2) Ten degrees of freedom is calculated as 3 axes of linear motion + 3 axes of angular motion + 3 axes of magnetic motion + (an additional axis of) altitude.
iNEMO is a trademark of STMicroelectronics. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics
CONTACT: Michael Markowitz of STMicroelectronics, +1-781-591-0354, michael.markowitz@st.com
AMSTERDAM, May 6, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- By the Grape is the first wine magazine worldwide built specially for the
iPad. It can be downloaded now and costs £2.39. This first, international
issue is devoted to the leading lady of wine, Jancis Robinson, one of the
world's best-known wine writers. On http://www.JancisRobinson.com she
writes: "As the presenter of the world's first TV series on wine (...), and
as someone recognised as a 'media pioneer'
(http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/a201101161.html) by professionals in
the business for this website's very existence, I am always keen to champion
new ways of introducing people to the pleasures of wine. Last year I
therefore accepted an invitation to be involved in another wine-related media
innovation."
Also she had been "impressed by the high-quality work of film-maker Fred
van Dijk, who shot the original footage for this exciting new departure in
wine publishing."
By the Grape has unique, iPad-only content. It is completely ad-free and
contains a documentary on Jancis Robinson, filmed in her beautiful second
home in the Languedoc by film-maker Fred van Dijk, who made the well-received
wine documentary Kissed by the Grape. The magazine also offers articles,
interviews and quotes from famous wine lovers such as Hugh Johnson and Gary
Vaynerchuk.
One of the highlights is the tasting of Dutch wines. On her website
Jancis describes this as "my most surprising tasting ever!"
Renowned authority on wine
Jancis Robinson is a Master of Wine and an internationally acclaimed
authority on the subject. She made and presented many tv-series on wine, has
her own column in the Financial Times, wrote several books and is the editor
of the prestigious Oxford Companion to Wine. She was probably the first
internationally published winewriter to start a website.
Buyers of this app will:
- read all about Jancis Robinson;
- watch Jancis at work in her French home;
- see how her husband, restaurant critic Nick Lander, is making lunch;
- watch Jancis being very surprised while tasting Dutch wines;
- see and hear Jancis talk about her love of wine;
- follow Jancis and other wine lovers on Twitter (automatic updates);
- get recent articles from JancisRobinson.com (automatic updates).
The app is available from the App Store for GBP2.39/$3.99.
Reliving your Best Nights out: There's an App for That
LONDON, May 6, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- Unilever Launches the Lynx Stream Mobile App -
Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, has
created the first mobile app to capture the real-time social elements of
Facebook, Twitter and mobile phone activity to produce a record of
unforgettable nights out.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
The Lynx Stream, developed for deodorant brand Lynx / AXE and launched
today in the UK, collects every video, picture, text, tweet, check-in and
status update a group of friends makes to produce an automatic Stream of the
night and highlight video, which can be watched online and shared through
social networks.
The mobile app - available to download for free from the iTunes Store and
Android Market - has been created with the intention to drive brand loyalty
and engagement by providing an essential social tool for young people.
The Lynx Stream will also act as a media channel in future brand and
product campaigns where content can be published directly to Lynx followers.
Josh Dean, Lynx Global Brand Manager, comments:
"When we design Lynx products we ask ourselves how will it fit into young
guys' lives and how will it make them more confident and attractive in the
mating game. The Lynx Stream has been developed with the same thought
process. Our guys are living on their mobile phones so it makes sense to
build an app that adds significant value to their lives by enabling them to
capture unforgettable nights out. And if Lynx is helping to facilitate great
memories - and is part of the memory - then it stands to reason that people
will save some affection for the brand itself."
The Stream starts with an organiser creating an event and inviting
friends to join a group. Those without The Lynx Stream are directed to
download the app in order to join the group.
Once the event begins the Stream captures and collects the group's
videos, pictures, texts, tweets, check-ins and status updates to create a
record of the night out whatever direction it takes. When the event is over a
full record of the Stream is created as well as a highlights video, which can
be viewed and shared via a dedicated web presence ( http://www.thelynxeffect.com/lynx-stream).
The Lynx Stream has been developed in the US by digital agency Razorfish
using Animoto video slideshow creation service technology and is available
for free on iOS and Android. It is being trialled in the UK with the
intention of global rollout across a number of Lynx / AXE territories.
travelmatch.co.uk: Increased Flight Capacity to Make Holidays More Affordable
Online Holiday Specialists Travelmatch Expect Growing Capacity to Bring Down the Price of air Travel and Make Trips to Europe Even More Affordable
LONDON, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelmatch expects flight prices to fall in the coming months and years as increased capacity to European destinations changes the holiday market. The online travel specialists have charted increased seat availability for holidays to Marmaris and Costa del Sol in Spain - they predict this will result in great discounts on flight prices for British tourists looking to head to the Mediterranean for seaside holidays.
Travelmatch is basing these conclusions upon their own data and figures released by OAG Aviation, a global flight information and data solutions company. OAG found that there were 317.4 million airline seats available worldwide in April, a 5 per cent increase in capacity over 2010. During the same period European capacity increased by 2 per cent. According to travelmatch.co.uk, the increased availability of seats should encourage competition between airlines and ultimately lower prices.
Alex Francis of Travelmatch comments: "Rising capacity has been brought about by two factors. Firstly, airlines are focusing in on popular resorts, providing customers with flights that suit their needs perfectly. Secondly, we are in the midst of a global rise in capacity with more and more flights being planned every day. At travelmatch.co.uk we believe this is fantastic news for British tourists as they should see prices fall as supply increases - this will also spur competition between different airlines, which will only serve to lower the overall cost of holidays further."
Francis expects the price of flights to fall over the coming years, making trips to the continent even more affordable. He concludes: "Over the past decade we have seen prices drop considerably; we expect this trend to continue as increased capacity brings down the cost of air travel. This is very exciting news for British travellers interested in booking stays at hotels like the Green Nature Resort & Spa in Marmaris and other fantastic spots around the Mediterranean."
About Travelmatch:
Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. Travelmatch, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.
SOURCE Travelmatch
Travelmatch
CONTACT: Alex Francis, Press Officer, Travelmatch, press@Travelmatch.co.uk, +44(0)20-3384-5830
Plants vs. Zombies(TM) Launched for Nintendo DS(TM) and Nintendo DSiWare(TM) in Europe and Australia
DUBLIN, May 6, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- Widely Anticipated Adaptation Features Multiplayer Action, Four
Exclusive Mini-Games and 14 New Achievements
PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual video games,
today announced the widely anticipated release of Plants vs. Zombies(TM) for
the Nintendo DS(TM) and Nintendo DSiWare(TM) in Europe and Australia.
Expertly adapted in the PopCap(R) tradition, the game features all of the
engaging gameplay included in the PC edition Adventure, Survival and Puzzle
modes-while adding multiplayer action, plus four all-new, exclusive
mini-games and 14 achievements.
The Nintendo DSiWare version of Plants vs. Zombies contains
Adventure mode gameplay, all four of the new mini-games from the Nintendo DS
adaptation and one Nintendo DSiWare exclusive mini-game, Zombie Trap.
"Plants vs. Zombies is already a fan favorite on PC, iPhone,
iPad, and Xbox, and with this latest incarnation, we're bringing something
special to Nintendo DS enthusiasts that'll keep players equally enthralled,"
said Ed Allard, head of worldwide studios at PopCap. "Four modes of
dual-screen play, multiplayer action, four all-new mini-games, and 14
achievements offer a great combination of original gameplay and unique
features that makes the backyard battle for brains fresh and fun."
Plants vs. Zombies for the Nintendo DS has been tuned
specifically for dual-screen gameplay and features multiplayer action via an
ad-hoc wireless network in the game's Versus mode, where players can go
head-to-head against one another as sunflowers, or zombies. Along with this,
and all three modes of original content, the game introduces non-stop action
with four all-new - and exclusive - mini-games such as Air Raid, Home Run
Derby, Heat Wave and BOMB All Together where players will blast zombies into
the hereafter!
About PopCap
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and
operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that
appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms. Based in
Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide staff of
more than 400 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin,
Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap's games have been downloaded over 1.5
billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise,
Bejeweled(R), has sold more than 50 million units.
The PopCap logo and all other trademarks used herein that are
listed at http://www.popcap.com/trademarks are owned by PopCap Games, Inc. or its
licensors and may be registered in some countries. Other company and product
names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners and are used
for the benefit of those owners.
Sharethrough Integrates with Facebook® Platform for Social Video Distribution Inside Social Games
New Facebook Credits test program will enable people to earn Credits when they watch a sponsored video within select games
SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharethrough, the leader in social video advertising, today announced that it is participating in a Facebook Credits program that will enable people on Facebook to earn Credits for watching sponsored videos within select games. The program is an extension of Facebook's current Facebook Credits offers product and is part of a broader test of new ways for people to earn Credits, which can then be used to buy premium goods in social games and applications.
The Facebook Credits program will integrate brand video content directly within games on Facebook Platform, and Credits will be distributed to users in exchange for watching videos. For example, someone playing a social game will have the option to click on a video within the game and then will earn a Facebook Credit by watching the video. The direct integration of brand videos within online entertainment experiences such as games is a key element to social video advertising, as integration leads to higher levels of engagement and sharing of brand video content.
Having distributed hundreds of brand social video campaigns within online games, Sharethrough has helped demonstrate that in-game social video can deliver significant increases in brand metrics. For example, a recent in-game social video campaign distributed by Sharethrough registered a 108 percent lift in brand awareness, as measured by Vizu. Sharethrough's data also shows that Facebook is the top-performing platform for in-game social video advertising: Sharethrough reports that brand video sharing rates within Facebook social games have historically been 270 percent higher than in-game advertising on other platforms.
"Sharethrough exists to help brands succeed with content, not ads. This program is a huge validation of that vision, as it will create premium opportunities for brand video content to be seen and shared," said Dan Greenberg, co-founder and CEO of Sharethrough. "We are thrilled to see Facebook provide game publishers with a powerful new way to monetize their games via Facebook Credits and for the lift that this will bring to the social video advertising industry."
About Sharethrough
Sharethrough provides brands with a repeatable, scalable and transparent approach to distributing video content that guarantees viewership and maximizes shared engagement. Sharethrough drives engaged audiences for brand videos through its social video ad products, unique publisher network and proprietary targeting and optimization tools. Sharethrough is used by many of the world's leading brands, including Sony, Xbox, Victoria's Secret, Nestle and LEGO. Founded in 2008, Sharethrough is a privately held company based in San Francisco, Calif. For more information about Sharethrough, please visit http://www.sharethrough.com.
SOURCE Sharethrough
Sharethrough
CONTACT: Leyl Black of Sparkpr, +1-415-321-1868, leyl@sparkpr.com, for Sharethrough
GenAudio Announces AstoundSound Expander Software Special Offer for Music Fans
-Experience Live Webcast May 7 - 8, 2011, Then Re-create the Live Sound Experience with Expander-
NEW ORLEANS and CENTENNIAL, Colo.,May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --GenAudio Inc., developer of AstoundSound® 3D spatial audio software, announced today a special exclusive offer for music lovers seeking to significantly enhance music delivery on their computers. Additionally, GenAudio invites music fans to experience AstoundSound processing of live concert audio for the first time during a live webcast event on May 7( )& 8, 2011, thanks to a new partnership between AEG Network LIVE and GenAudio.
After the live webcast concludes, consumers using AstoundSound Expander will experience enhanced listening pleasure analogous to a live event. Expander completely immerses the listener without phase, tone colorization, center channel or low-end issues. Three different "pre-selects" are available to match individual listening preferences. Expander works with any set of speakers or headphones and no special hardware is required.
The May 7 and May 8 webcasts will be pre-processed in AstoundSound using GenAudio's professional AstoundLive® software. AstoundLive utilizes the same professional audio software core as the consumer-level AstoundSound Expander computer product. During this live special webcast, viewers will hear and perceive audio as if they were at the concert venue through enhanced immersive spatial audio processing.
The AstoundSound Expander computer software processes all audio on any Mac or PC in real-time and is very easy to install and use. With one-touch operation, Expander will create an immersive 3D spatial audio experience for all media content (Music, Movies, Games). The AstoundSound Expander for Mac and PC can be downloaded for purchase from May 5 through May 15, 2011 for $16.95 (regularly priced at $39.95). To purchase the software please visit http://www.astoundlive.com/jazzfest.
"We are excited to be working with AEG Network Live to webcast the first live event featuring AstoundSound processing, and to offer music lovers everywhere a special value on the purchase of Expander," said Jerry Mahabub, Founder and CEO of GenAudio, Inc. "Once music lovers hear the quality of the live webcast that will be processed live (in real-time) using our 3D spatial audio software, then you will definitely want to continue listening to your music at the highest sound quality levels using Expander."
Based on more than 23 years of research and development into how the brain processes spatial audio information, AstoundSound improves listening by providing a new and unique 3D spatial audio experience. It brings the listener much closer to the way humans perceive and hear audio everyday. The software enables fans to listen more critically to audio with unsurpassable intelligibility.
About GenAudio
GenAudio's mission is to provide the entertainment industry with unique sound localization-based software for professional audio mixing/mastering. For the consumer electronics industry GenAudio provides software development kit (SDK) solutions for embedded level integration into every device that has stereo audio output capability (3DTVs, HDTVs, Blu-ray players, video game consoles, computers, mobile devices, etc). GenAudio's product offerings are all software based. The technology creates a multi-dimensional audio experience with a minimum of two speakers and requires no special hardware for playback. For more information about GenAudio and its 3D sound offerings please visit http://www.astoundsurround.com.
About AEG Network LIVE
AEG Network LIVE is the worlds largest multi-media company focused on producing live, branded entertainment. Network LIVE is committed to delivering top quality entertainment across all platforms including 3-D, broadband, digital cinema, cable/satellite, VOD, mobile and HDTV.
Biggest Yet Thinnest, Samsung Infuse(TM) 4G Debuts May 15
Exclusive Angry Birds Version to be Featured on the Nation's Thinnest 4G Smartphone with Largest AT&T Display
DALLAS, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S., today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Infuse(TM) 4G.
Key Facts
-- Exclusive to AT&T customers, the Samsung Infuse 4G will be the nation's
thinnest 4G smartphone at 8.99mm at its thinnest.
-- Delivers the largest display in AT&T's smartphone portfolio with a
brilliant 4.5-inch screen featuring next-generation Super AMOLED(TM)
Plus technology.
-- Powered by a 1.2 GHz processor and the Android(TM) 2.2 platform, the
Samsung Infuse 4G also boasts an 8-megapixel camera, and a $25 credit to
download movie content from Samsung Media Hub.
-- Pre-loaded version of Angry Birds features an exclusive hidden level for
Infuse 4G customers.
-- Samsung Infuse 4G will be available in AT&T company-owned stores and
online at http://www.wireless.att.com on May 15 and will cost $199.99 with a
two-year contract and no mail-in rebate. (Minimum $15 data plan
required)
Customer Benefits
The Samsung Infuse 4G will be the thinnest 4G smartphone available in the U.S. and will feature the largest screen -- at 4.5 inches -- in AT&T's smartphone lineup, and the largest touch screen on any Samsung phone. Powered by a 1.2 GHz application processor and running the Android 2.2 platform, the device delivers a brilliant display using Samsung's next-generation Super AMOLED(TM) Plus technology which features 50 percent more sub-pixels for better contrast. The display also offers unmatched outdoor viewing quality, even in the brightest sunlight.
With the Infuse 4G, Samsung and AT&T are raising the stakes on pre-loaded content that is not available on any other device. In collaboration with Rovio, the Infuse 4G will feature a special edition of Angry Birds pre-loaded on the smartphone. Players can unlock a special "Golden Egg" level of the game, and once the special level is completed, users can register to win Samsung prizes exclusive to Infuse 4G users.**
The smartphone also includes an 8-megapixel camera/camcorder with auto-focus and flash that shoots HD video with incredible detail. A front facing camera is perfect for self portraits or video chat. Customers can also watch hit movies and TV shows from preloaded apps like Samsung Media Hub, U-verse Mobile and U-verse Live TV.
The first 500,000 Infuse 4G units sold will include a $25 voucher for consumers to get started on downloading content from Media Hub. With Media Hub's progressive downloading feature, users can start watching their content almost immediately as the rest of the file downloads to the Infuse 4G. Plus, all Media Hub content can be shared among five Media Hub-enabled devices on the same account. The Infuse 4G also comes with a 2GB microSD card with preloaded trailers for upcoming summer movies.
Compatible with the Infuse 4G and other devices on the Android 2.2 platform or better, AT&T has also launched a new, fun app called JustUs. The app combines both social media and text activity from five favorite contacts into an animated wallpaper, keeping users better connected with those that matter most. Customers can download the app for free in Android Market today.
Quotes
"The 4.5-inch screen on Infuse 4G is enhanced further with Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus technology. Colors are rich and bright, even while outdoors in sunlight," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "When you juxtapose that with the fact that it's the thinnest 4G smartphone out there today, it's an incredibly compelling choice for our customers."
"When you combine the powerful 1.2 GHz application processor with AT&T's advanced 4G network, this device will truly be the fastest smartphone Samsung has ever created with AT&T," said Omar Khan, chief technology officer & chief product officer for Samsung Mobile. "The Infuse 4G is our latest example of Samsung's global leadership in Android platform smartphones. With every Android smartphone that we launch, we're bringing something new and exciting to the market."
Smartphone Portfolio
AT&T is a pioneer in smartphones and devices and expects to widen its portfolio in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to introducing 20 4G devices and 12 additional Android devices by the end of the year. Samsung Infuse 4G will be one of several new 4G devices that have been offered to AT&T customers in the first half of 2011.
Samsung Infuse 4G Accessories
To prepare for the arrival of the Samsung Infuse 4G in AT&T stores, the company has prepared a robust lineup of 14 fashionable and functional accessories including multiple case options, a vehicle mount and desk mount. All accessories are available in AT&T company-owned stores and online at http://www.wireless.att.com. For more details on the lineup visit http://www.att.com/mobilephones-news.
Key Specifications
-- Android(TM) 2.2 platform
-- 4G: HSDPA CAT 14 and HSUPA CAT 6
-- 8.9 mm to 9.24mm thin
-- UMTS 850/1900/2100
-- GSM 850/900/1800/1900
-- 1.2 GHz processor
-- 4.5-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus screen
-- 8-megapixel camera with HD 720p video camera and 1.3-megapixel front
facing camera
-- Virtual QWERTY keyboard
-- Expandable memory up to 32GB with microSD card
-- Text/Picture and Video Messaging support
-- Samsung Media Hub, U-verse Mobile, U-verse Live TV, and Angry Birds
Number one mobile phone provider in the United States claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics, Q1 2011 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.
4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Learn more at att.com/network. 4G used in connection with the Samsung Infuse product name refers to the fact that the Infuse is capable of operating on AT&T's HSPA+ network with enhanced backhaul described herein.
Limited-time offer. Requires 2 year agreement, eligible voice plan and smartphone data plan, and new activation. For voice and smartphone data plans see rep or att.com/cell-phone for voice plans and att.com/dataplans for data plans. Qualified customers only. Geographic restrictions apply. $36 activation fee. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to equipment returns; thereafter up to $175. For complete terms see att.com/wirelessterms. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.
$25 Samsung Media Hub movie credit available to first 500,000 devices.
AT&T U-verse Live TV requires mobile broadband service. Service not available in all areas. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Download and watch capability available for select content, requires Wi-Fi connection and is available for viewing for limited time periods.
AT&T U-verse® Mobile Pay-per-month download and watch capability available for select shows and requires select smartphones, Wi-Fi connection, and monthly subscription fee. Downloaded shows are available for viewing for limited time periods. Standard data charges may apply.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. 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.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsungwireless.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
outsourceIT Rolls Out New Program for a FREE Hosted Microsoft Small Business Server 2011
WASHINGTON and WINSTON-SALEM N.C., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- outsourceIT, a well-known managed services provider, providing remote IT and cloud services - including virtual server hosting, co-location, off-site back up and recovery services (SafetyNet), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) - today announced the market availability of its hosted Microsoft Small Business Server 2011. This unique IT solution is targeted for the small and medium business market with up to 75 users and is hosted in outsourceIT's SAS 70 Type II certified data center. The solution is affordable for all SMBs. Details and special offers are available at http://www.outsourceitcorp.com/solutions/hosted-solutions/small-business-server.
"Our servers are set within a fully redundant infrastructure consisting of enterprise switches, firewalls, and storage devices. They are monitored around the clock, seven days a week. Providing this capability to the SMB market can bring peace of mind to small business owners knowing that their IT infrastructure, which houses business critical data, is protected and available anytime from anywhere," stated Shaun Donnelly, Chief Operating Officer at outsourceIT.
Craig Guice, CEO and President of outsourceIT, commented, "We have trialed this offering for the past four months and seen tremendous interest in the service. We are excited to bring this enterprise-grade solution to the small business market. So many small businesses can't afford to buy a new server. We were determined to fix that problem and have with our Hosted Small business Server Package. Now small business owners can save tens of thousands of dollars in capital expenditures!"
The Hosted SBS offering includes enhanced Microsoft applications featuring Exchange, SharePoint, File, and Print services. Additional servers can also be hosted for other applications to create a complete cloud environment. All servers are dedicated virtual resources to the customer eliminating security risks.
ABOUT outsourceIT Inc.
outsourceIT is a full service IT provider - from complete outsourced IT support services, to hosted cloud services for business that have internal or contracted IT support personnel. The company serves clients in many industry segments including healthcare, government contractors, software development, legal, construction, housing management, trade associations, non-profits, financial, and education. Since its founding in 2004, outsourceIT has and continues to experience significant growth due to its ability to consistently exceed customers' expectations and deliver innovative IT services and solutions.
CONTACT:
Lori Quill, 301-539-0200, lquill@outsourceitcorp.com