Playcast Media Launches First Ever Cloud Gaming Service in Asia
In a joint partnership with SingTel, Playcast Media introduces a new level of video gaming experience without need for consoles, discs or sophisticated hardware
SINGAPORE and LOS ANGELES, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Playcast Media, one of the world's leading cloud gaming providers, announced the commercial launch of its Games On Demand service in Singapore, with Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), Asia's leading multimedia solutions provider. The partnership marks a key milestone in Playcast Media's business strategy to expand its service throughout Asia with Telecommunications and Pay-TV networks.
Playcast's Games On Demand service launches as "ESC," a new SingTel media entertainment offering for customers and will be available in Singapore to anyone with fibre or broadband connectivity of 10Mbps and above. The games are executed, rendered and streamed from SingTel's data centers as an MPEG stream to consumers, using both the DSL & high quality, low latency FTTH access network, and can be played using a PC or SingTel's "exCite" TV Service.
"SingTel is very pleased to be working with Playcast on our cloud gaming service 'ESC.' This partnership marks the start of a revolutionary process in Asia as it will change the way people play video games. Using Playcast's breakthrough technology, our customers can enjoy playing high-end video games without worrying about their computer capability because their games are now all hosted on SingTel's cloud servers. This will also help us to broaden the reach and accessibility of video gaming by opening it up to new demographic groups," said Allen Lew, SingTel's CEO Singapore.
"Asia represents a huge opportunity for our game streaming service," said Guy de Beer, CEO of Playcast. "We believe that the partnership with such a powerful platform in the region such as SingTel, will succeed in markets where the console-based gaming economy has had somewhat limited success."
The "ESC" service is priced at $9.99 Singapore Dollars ($8 USD), for a monthly subscription, or $1.99 ($1.6) for a day pass. The subscription includes full and unlimited access to a catalogue of next generation video game titles from leading publishers like Activision, Atari, Disney, Capcom, Codemasters, THQ, and Strategy First, with a diverse mix of genres, including first person shooters, racers, fighting, action as well as family games. The games start playing within seconds on the PC or TV, and require no special gaming hardware or files download.
About Playcast Media
Playcast provides a Cloud Gaming service to IPTV and Cable operators, bringing the console experience as a turnkey TV channel over the existing set-top boxes and broadband network. The service is commercially available in Europe, and includes titles from the industry's major game publishers. Playcast is a privately held company, based in Israel, UK and Los Angeles. For additional information about Playcast, please visit: http://www.playcast-media.com.
About SingTel
SingTel is Asia's leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms as well as infocomm technology and pay TV. The Group has presence in Asia and Africa with more than 383 million mobile customers in 25 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. It also has a network of 36 offices in 19 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.
Contact:
Erica Zilinskas (for Playcast US)
Principal Communications Group
323.658.1555
Erica(at)pcommgroup(dot)com
Florence Ang (for Playcast Asia)
Red Dawn Communications
65.96911404
Florence(at)reddawnpr(dot)com
NETGEAR Introduces New Mobility and Converged Networking Solutions for Growing Businesses
NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless N Access Points Offer Performance without Complexity for Companies and Networks of All Sizes
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today announced two new wireless access point platforms that meet exploding wireless demands in growing business networks. The NETGEAR ProSafe® Wireless N Access Point (WNAP320) and the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless N Access Point (WNDAP360) offer connectivity, performance and management for companies of all sizes, while avoiding the cost and complexity of traditional big IT wireless networking products.
These new ProSafe access points are ideal for first-time small company single installations or for widely scattered corporate network "edge" deployments. Reliability comes from both a lifetime warranty and sophisticated security features such as WPA and WPA2 encryption, multiple VLAN and VPN pass-through support, rogue access-point detection, and 802.1X authentication with RADIUS support. Both access points automatically integrate with NETGEAR's WC7500 series wireless controller hardware and WMS management software and systems, controlling management costs even when user and device counts increase. Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3afPOE), wireless bridging and repeating capabilities, and an "easy mount" frame with an unobtrusive smooth white cover make for simple setup on walls or ceilings.
"Small and midmarket companies are at the center of increasing WLAN momentum" said Tim Zimmerman, Principal Analyst at Gartner. "802.11n solutions are providing the increasing bandwidth and reliability for voice, video and data services at the edges of converged networks. These new expectations bring management and security challenges that can be daunting to IT generalists. Leading wireless vendors must address these dynamics through complete wireless solutions that fit the budget of this market segment without overloading on complexity."
James Bricknell, a LAN designer for ATG-IT, an IT sales and solutions firm in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, evaluated the NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point and reports: "The WNAP320 has a great signal. Even through concrete and other significant obstructions, speed is never an issue. I'm also really impressed with its reliability. Despite everything I threw at it, it held up. And people who aren't familiar with security wouldn't have a problem with configuration. It supports WPA and WPA2, up to eight SSIDs, and is particularly capable of supporting VLANs, so a business can segregate access permissions at the machine level, rather than just groups. With other brands, this capability is only available at a much higher price point."
"Mobile computing devices now outsell desktop PC platforms, and wireless networks are now mission-critical for businesses of all sizes. Delivering wireless video, voice and data solutions often bring hidden management costs" said Maggie Wu, product line manager for wireless networking at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR ProSafe WNAP320 and dual band WNDAP360 are part of our continuing campaign to deliver 'smart IT, not big IT' solutions for growing companies demanding reliable, affordable and simple solutions."
Pricing and Availability
The NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point (WNAP320) is available now worldwide with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in the United States of $350. The NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless-N Access Point (WNDAP360) will be available later in the second quarter of 2011 at a price to be announced. WC700 series wireless controllers and WMS series wireless management software and appliances are sold separately.
NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy to use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 11 through 29, in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2011. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
CONTACT: U.S. Media, Alisa MacDonnell of Atomic PR, +1-415-593-1400, alisa@atomicpr.com; or U.S. Sales Inquiries, +1-408-907-8000, sales@netgear.com; or U.S. Customer Inquiries, 1-888-NETGEAR
TeamQuest Software Release Provides New Performance Analysis Capabilities for VMware and IBM POWER7
New Release includes more than 80 improvements to TeamQuest Performance Software Suite
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamQuest Corporation enhances configurability and efficiency for VMware data collectors with its latest software release. Also new with this release are performance analysis and capacity planning capabilities for IBM POWER7 environments. These are just two of many new improvements
included in Release 10.3 PF20110301.
"Maintenance releases like this are an important part of the value we deliver to our customers," said Director of Product Management, Scott Adams. "Forty-five features contained in this release were specifically requested by our customers to help them in their day-to-day efforts to manage IT performance and capacity."
A healthy IT infrastructure helps the business succeed. Lost transactions, a sluggish corporate website, or a failure to get reports to the business are just a few of the mishaps that can occur without proper capacity management tools such as those offered by TeamQuest.
A few of the improvements in this release include:
-- Predictive capacity modeling for IBM POWER7 environments
-- Combined analysis of CPU utilization across different operating systems
-- Increased configurability for VMware data collection
-- Enhanced efficiency of VMware data collectors
-- Speedier display of IT services
Release 10.3 PF20110301 also provides support for these updated platforms:
-- VMware vSphere 4.1
-- IBM POWER7
-- IBM VIOS 2.1 & 2.2
-- IBM AIX 7
-- IBM DB2 9.7
-- Oracle WebLogic 11g
-- Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 6
-- SAP Netweaver 7.1
About TeamQuest Corporation
TeamQuest Corporation is the global leader in IT Service Optimization (ITSO), specializing in Capacity Management software. TeamQuest helps IT organizations consistently meet service levels while minimizing costs and mitigating risks. By combining performance data and business metrics, TeamQuest software enables IT organizations to provide accurate, objective information as input to critical business decisions. Companies around the world trust TeamQuest software to help them proactively improve service delivery and support best practices.
SOURCE TeamQuest Corporation
TeamQuest Corporation
CONTACT: Vernon Johnson, +1-641-357-2700, vernon.johnson@teamquest.com
Walden University Adds Specializations in Education Master's and Doctoral Programs
Online university expands offerings to meet demands in education
MINNEAPOLIS, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University is adding three new specializations designed to prepare educators for emerging opportunities in fields including early childhood education and English-language learning (ELL). Walden's new specializations provide practical knowledge and relevant skills that can be applied directly in the classroom.
The growing population of K-12 English-language learners in the United States presents new opportunities for schools and teachers to discover and embrace the cultural and linguistic diversity that all students bring to the classroom. Walden's M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in Teaching English Language Learners (Grades K-12) offers students the opportunity to explore strategies to help meet the unique needs of ELL students. Informed by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards, this specialization can help teachers create welcoming, effective learning environments for all students in grades K-12.
Based on the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the M.S. in Early Childhood Studies' new specialization in Administration, Management, and Leadership will help Walden students who wish to gain the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage child care centers and/or plan and administer a wide variety of programs for young children.
The Riley College of Education and Leadership also now offers a course-based specialization inLearning, Instruction, and Innovation in its Ph.D. in Education program.Students can gain a comprehensive understanding of learning theory and research the cognitive, psychosocial and environmental dimensions that support learning across the lifespan. This new specialization can help students prepare for leadership positions that focus on expanding knowledge and meeting learning needs in preK-12 education; higher education; and corporate, government and nonprofit settings.
As a leading provider of education degrees online, the Riley College of Education and Leadership is dedicated to increasing teacher effectiveness and student achievement by connecting its students with nationally recognized education experts, researchers and scholars. For more information, visit http://www.WaldenU.edu/education.
About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 42,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network--a global network of more than 55 online and campus-based universities in 27 countries.
Walden offers more than 50 degree programs with more than 225 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit http://www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, http://www.ncahlc.org.
WildPackets and Gigamon Expand Technology Partnership
Joint solution provides flexible, real-time visibility into all network environments
SILICON VALLEY, Calif. and WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gigamon®, the creators and leader of the Data Access Networking market space, and WildPackets®, a leading provider of network and application performance analysis solutions, today announced an extension of their long-standing partnership, with new integration that provides extremely flexible and accurate real-time visibility into an organization's network. The integrated WildPackets/Gigamon solution leverages the synchronized and precise nanosecond time stamping of the Gigamon GigaVUE appliance with the WildPackets OmniPeek network analyzer, to direct network packets with 100% time stamp accuracy.
Highly precise data time stamping is essential for most organizations, especially those providing sensitive financial services where networks must be optimized, secure, and 100% compliant. Now network engineers can rapidly troubleshoot faults and fix problems, to maximize network uptime and user satisfaction, all within a single interface that aggregates data from 10/100 Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, VoIP, Video, and IPTV links to remote offices.
"This technology is essential for any organization where network uptime is critical," said Mike Valladao, Head of Product Management at Gigamon. "We are happy to extend our partnership with WildPackets to enable the next generation of network monitoring tools that allow our mutual customers to reap the benefits of highly efficient, high performing networks."
"Oversubscribed span ports, simultaneous analysis of multiple data types or multiple network segments at different speeds make real-time network monitoring hard for highly-utilized 10 Gigabit networks," said Tony Barbagallo, WildPackets Vice President of Marketing. "The combination of GigaVUE intelligent data access switches and OmniPeek network analyzers addresses these issues by providing the best solution for any highly utilized network environment."
About Gigamon
Gigamon® provides purpose-built appliances that enable visibility and deliver critical packet-flow information across data networking infrastructures. As the industry leader and creator of the Intelligent Data Access Networking® market space, Gigamon has patented technology that enables intelligent visibility for data networks, where other solutions fail. The GigaVUE® line of data access switches eliminate SPAN port contentions, extend tool utilization, enable production network monitoring, and lower total cost of network ownership. Founded in 2004, Gigamon has sold thousands of units to customers in over 40 countries around the globe. For more information visit http://www.gigamon.com.
About WildPackets, Inc.
WildPackets develops hardware and software solutions that drive network performance, enabling organizations of all sizes to analyze, troubleshoot, optimize, and secure their wired and wireless networks. WildPackets products are sold in over 60 countries and deployed in all industrial sectors. Customers include Boeing, Chrysler, Fidelity, Motorola, Nationwide, and over 80 percent of the Fortune 1000. WildPackets is a Cisco Technical Development Partner (CTDP). For more information, visit http://www.wildpackets.com.
SOURCE Gigamon
Gigamon
CONTACT: Zibby Keaton of LEWIS Pulse, +1-650-565-9800, ext. 518, zibby.keaton@lewispulse.com, for WildPackets; or Jim Berkman of Gigamon, +1-408-263-2022 x312, jim.berkman@gigamon.com
Heartland Bank's Mobile Banking NOW Available at The Market Place for Android!
GAHANNA, Ohio, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartland Bank is pleased to announce the Android App is now available in The Marketplace for Android users. Online banking customers can access their account information via SMS Texting, Web Browsing, or if you own an Android cell phone, you can visit the Android Market and search for "Heartland" or "Heartland Bank" to locate and install our mobile app. There is no charge for this application which is very similar to the iPhone app that was released a few months ago.
G. Scott McComb, President and CEO, stated, "Heartland launched its Mobile Banking iPhone app in February as well as a complete mobile solution. Today, the Android is now supported due to a large number of users that have moved to that platform. Clients are adopting the technology very quickly and appreciate the ability to manage their relationship from the mobile channel. Once again, it doesn't matter where your bank is, but who is at your bank!"
Through Heartland's Mobile Banking solutions, online customers can access their accounts on the go at no additional charge. If your mobile device has SMS Texting capabilities and/or internet access, you can have the convenience of Heartland Mobile Banking. SMS Texting allows customers to receive their account details (balance, etc) in the form of a text message. In addition, the Web Browser function allows customers to view their balances, pay bills, transfer funds, locate free ATMs and much more.
About Heartland Bank
Heartland BancCorp is a registered Ohio bank holding company and the parent of Heartland Bank, which operates eleven full-service banking offices. Alternative investment services are provided through Infinex Investments, Inc. Heartland Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve, a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Heartland BancCorp is currently quoted on the over-the-counter (OTC) Bulletin Board Service under the symbol HLAN. Learn more about Heartland Bank at heartlandbank.com.
Midas Medici Enters into Agreement to Acquire WeatherWise Holdings, Inc.
Acquisition to Provide Sophisticated Analytical Software Tools to Support Midas' Green IT and Smart Grid Mission
NEW YORK, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Midas Medici Group Holdings, Inc. ("Midas") (OTCBB: MMED), an innovative green IT company in the fields of virtualization, cloud computing and data management, as well as Smart Grid solutions, today announced that it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire WeatherWise Holdings, Inc. ("WeatherWise"), an analytical and data modeling software company. The merger is anticipated to close before the end of April 2011, in an all-stock transaction.
With its proprietary technology, WeatherWise specializes in providing customized consumer energy products including SetYourBill(SM) payment systems, WeatherProofBill® fixed bill and capped bill products, EnerCheck® energy efficiency and carbon footprint reporting, and billing support services. The acquisition of WeatherWise and its sophisticated software and analytical capabilities will allow Midas to more effectively increase participation in the digitization of the electrical grid and offerings of energy efficient IT infrastructure for data centers while enhancing the company's future growth potential. As part of the merger, WeatherWise will be rebranded "UtiliPoint Analytics," allowing Midas to further leverage its Consonus and UtiliPoint brands as it sets out to monetize WeatherWise's intellectual property and sophisticated technologies.
"On behalf of our board and management team, I am pleased to announce Midas' acquisition of WeatherWise," stated Nana Baffour, CEO and Co-Founder of Midas. "Following our recent merger with Consonus in March, this acquisition will set the stage for additional synergies between our Consonus and UtiliPoint brands as we look to capitalize on energy efficiency opportunities that span our core disciplines in the energy sector and data center IT infrastructure. This new milestone represents a further step towards our goal of transforming Midas into an organization with a focus on both green IT and Smart Grid solutions throughout the United States, and around the world."
Founded in 1996 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the majority of WeatherWise's current revenues come from its WeatherProofBill® Program, where consumers pay fixed annual bills for heating and cooling regardless of the weather. This service is made possible by WeatherWise's highly sophisticated and proprietary analytical software tools which have much broader applications. Over the years WeatherWise has established an intellectual property portfolio that protects its key product offerings, including a patent for energy efficiency monitoring, and multiple patents pending for rates calculation software.
As a result of the acquisition, Midas will have access to WeatherWise's team of highly seasoned engineers, programmers and energy professionals, who have over 70 years of combined experience in analytical modeling across various energy consumer applications. In addition, Midas will have access to the proprietary software developed at WeatherWise, which uses sophisticated heuristic algorithms to model the energy consumption of commercial and residential customers. The accuracy of its models surpasses the most advanced modeling methods currently available to energy companies from academic and research institutions. This accuracy is especially important in the reduction of risks and costs and increased clarity in observation of consumer behavior changes.
"The operational benefits of the acquisition are significant and include: specialized technical resources, excellent market perception, a strong management team and a robust intellectual property portfolio," said Johnson Kachidza, President, CFO and Co-Founder of Midas. "Through this most recent transaction, Midas is meeting its goal of capitalizing on opportunities at the intersection of energy and technology as we continue to expand through both organic growth and acquisitions."
The WeatherWise acquisition will provide a unique opportunity to further strengthen the service offerings at Midas and both of its brands. In relation to UtiliPoint, WeatherWise will provide additional resources to advance opportunities through software for Smart Grid applications and solutions, as well as driving analytics around "Smart Meter" data management. In relation to Consonus, WeatherWise will provide energy efficiency services to data centers, bundling Consonus services with energy efficiency solutions, as well as offering innovative ways to lower costs in data centers and helping companies to be more "green."
About Midas Medici Group Holdings, Inc.
Midas Medici Group Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: MMED) is a green IT company that supplies mid-sized and select enterprises and institutions with leading-edge IT solutions in the fields of virtualization, cloud computing and data management, as well as working with utilities and other institutions to transform the electric grid through digital technologies. Across its Consonus and UtiliPoint brands, Midas works with its customers by optimizing IT and data center investments, cutting energy usage and preventing data loss, all while maximizing productivity. Through a management team with decades of experience, Midas is positioning itself to take advantage of the high-growth IT industry through its unique specialized services at the intersection of energy and technology.
This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of the Company and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the Company's business and operations; business strategy, plans and objectives of the Company and its subsidiaries; and any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
Company Contact:
Johnson Kachidza
Chief Financial Officer
212-792-0920
Investor Contact:
Trilogy Capital Partners
Darren Minton, President
Toll-free: 800-592-6067
info@trilogy-capital.com
Walmart Announces Acquisition of Social Media Company Kosmix
Company makes investment in social e-commerce
BRISBANE, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kosmix, underscoring its commitment to social and mobile commerce. Kosmix, based in Mountain View, Calif., has developed a social media technology platform that filters and organizes content in social networks to connect people with real-time information that matters to them.
Kosmix was founded by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman, early pioneers of online shopping, whose first company, Junglee, was acquired by Amazon.com in 1998. The founders and the Kosmix team will operate as part of the newly formed @WalmartLabs and continue to be based in Silicon Valley. Walmart plans to expand the @WalmartLabs team and expects this new group will create technologies and businesses around social and mobile commerce that will support Walmart's global multi-channel strategy, which integrates the shopping experience between bricks and mortar stores and e-commerce. Walmart operates retail businesses in 15 countries and e-commerce businesses in nine countries.
Kosmix's innovative technology platform searches and analyzes connections in real-time data streams to deliver highly personalized insights to users. The platform powers TweetBeat, a real-time social media filter for live events with more than five million visits last month; Kosmix.com, a site to discover social content by topic; and RightHealth, one of the top three health and medical information sites by global reach.
"We are expanding our capabilities in today's rapidly growing social commerce environment," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, Walmart's vice chairman. "Social networking and mobile applications are increasingly becoming a part of our customers' day-to-day lives globally, influencing how they think about shopping, both online and in retail stores. We are excited to have the Kosmix team join us to accelerate the development of our social and mobile commerce offerings."
"The world of social media is exploding and for millions of consumers their social connections matter hugely in their daily lives," said Anand Rajaraman, co-founder of Kosmix. "Our work has focused on developing a social genome platform that captures the connections between people, places, topics, products and events as expressed through social media -- be it a feed, a tweet or a post. We are thrilled to join one of the world's largest companies and combine our work with Walmart's vast online and offline retail businesses."
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and the company anticipates it will close during the first half of this year.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at 9,000 retail units under 60 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartstores.com, on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Walmart, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090914/WALMARTLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
CONTACT: Walmart Media Relations, Lorenzo Lopez, 1-800-331-0085, http://walmartstores.com/reporter, or Walmart Investor Relations, Carol Schumacher, +1-479-277-1498, both for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Anthem Blue Cross' eTutorials Help Members Get the Most out of Their Health Benefits
Interactive eTutorials Help Members Navigate anthem.com; Understand Health Care Coverage
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What is the difference between a co-pay and co-insurance? What does it mean if a doctor is out-of-network? How does a Health Savings Account work? For consumers, understanding their coverage and benefits is a top priority. This is why Anthem Blue Cross has developed interactive eTutorials to help its members get the most out of their health plans.
Two new eTutorials, are available to teach members the basics of their health plans and how to use the updated anthem.com website. When members launch these eTutorials, they can learn how to get the most out of their benefits, save money and make the most informed decisions about their health.
"Making it easier for members to navigate the health care system is a top priority for Anthem," said Pam Kehaly, president of Anthem Blue Cross. "The first step is providing members with simplified tools to better explain how their benefits work. eTutorials are vital tools in empowering health care consumers."
The Basics of Health Insurance eTutorial helps members understand their health care coverage and feel confident when they need to use their benefits. It explains their health care plan in a humorous and interactive way utilizing plain language.
Members will learn:
-- Why regular checkups and tests are important and how they're covered.
-- What deductible, coinsurance, co-pays and other common insurance terms
mean.
-- How to save money by using in-network doctors.
-- How claims are approved and paid.
-- What the "Explanation of Benefits" is and how to understand it.
The Web Overview eTutorial walks members through tools available on anthem.com and shows the advantages of using them.
Members will learn how to:
-- Register on anthem.com.
-- Use our cost and quality tools to check what different doctors and
hospitals in their area charge for common surgeries and how often they
perform them.
-- Find a doctor.
-- Take a health assessment to see how healthy they are and print a report
that they can share with their doctors.
-- Personalize their own health record where they can keep all of their
health information in one place.
-- Work with a personal health coach who can help them manage an illness or
condition.
-- View videos of common surgeries being performed.
-- Find discounts for local gym memberships, eyeglasses, weight loss
programs and more.
The Web Overview eTutorial is available on the home page of anthem.com, and is the newest addition to Anthem's updated consumer website that was launched last year. The site was based on feedback from thousands of members, who asked for a more customized, interactive web experience.
"Customers have told us that they want more from their health Web site," said Kehaly. "Anthem Blue Cross is committed to meeting their expectations by redefining how they interact with us online as part of our overall effort to improve service, quality and help improve their health."
In addition to the tools highlighted in the Web Overview eTutorial, some of the key features of the updated anthem.com Web site include:
-- An intuitive, easy to navigate site requiring fewer clicks to find
information the user needs.
-- Charts and graphs that clearly display benefits and claims information
making it easier to understand how much a member will pay out-of-pocket,
and what their health insurance plan covers.
-- A more personalized online experience with custom account summaries and
quick links to common tasks.
And it's green - members can see all of this information without paper!
The Basics of Health Insurance eTutorial can be viewed at anthem.com/ca/basics/, and the Web Overview eTutorial can be viewed at anthem.com/ca/guidedtour/.
About Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Also follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, in Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.
Milicruit Partners with the Military Officers Association of America to Bring Veterans and Employers Together in a Perpetual Virtual Career Fair Environment
CHICAGO, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Milicruit and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) are partnering to deliver a revolutionary, environmentally friendly approach to career fairs. Milicruit has developed a fully interactive virtual career fair environment that allows military friendly employers an opportunity to meet and interact with veterans as if in person, but in a cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly way. MOAA hosts the largest military-focused career fair in Washington, D.C. twice each year. Milicruit and MOAA will now offer a virtual career fair that will be open 24/7 all year round allowing direct access to employers actively seeking to hire veterans and military spouses.
"Twice a year we host very successful in-person events," said Dick Crampton, Director, Transition Services (TOPS), MOAA. "However, we understand that military veterans and spouses are seeking employment throughout the entire year. By partnering with Milicruit we can offer a continuous virtual career fair that brings employers, veterans and spouses together all year long. We look forward to building a long lasting relationship with Milicruit."
The virtual career fair allows veterans and spouses an opportunity to meet and interact with employers who recognize the value that veterans and military spouses bring to the workforce. To participate at the virtual career fair, veterans and their spouses can register by visiting http://www.veteranscareerfair.com Veterans and spouses can build a profile including their resume, walk the career fair floor, visit employer booths, view/apply for jobs and chat with employer recruiters as if in person, without having to leave home.
"Milicruit is proud to partner with MOAA. The Milicruit virtual career fair is a logical addition to the ongoing employment services MOAA provides to members and the military community. Our Milicruit perpetual virtual career fair will now provide MOAA members an opportunity to meet with employers from all over the country as if in person, without the cost or burden of travel. In essence, we bring the career fair to the employer and job seeker," said Kevin O'Brien, VP, UBM's Milicruit.
Employers will now have an opportunity to participate in both the in-person career fairs MOAA hosts each year in Washington, DC as well as the virtual career fair which is available all year long through Milicruit. Employers who are interested in learning more about the career fairs offered by Milicruit/MOAA can email Milicruit at kevin.obrien@ubm.com.
To view a video tour on how the service works click here.
For additional information on UBM Studios or to purchase space in the Milicruit virtual career fair, contact Kevin O'Brien at (215) 525-5776 x101 or kevin.obrien@ubm.com.
UBM produces virtual career fairs in education, chemical, technology and military in Asia, Europe and North America.
MOAA is the nation's largest and most influential association of active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former military officers and their families and survivors. It is an independent, nonprofit, and politically nonpartisan organization with more than 370,000 members from every branch of service. MOAA promotes a strong national defense by advocating equitable treatment of those who serve and have served their country in uniform. For more information, visit http://www.moaa.org.
About UBM's Milicruit
UBM's Milicruit is the recognized leader of virtual career fairs for military veterans, powered by UBM Studios. In a 3D virtual setting, Milicruit brings employers who are committed to helping veterans find suitable employment after serving the country together with military veterans and their spouses seeking suitable employment. Given the large number of veterans looking to reenter the civilian job market, Milicruit allows employers and job seekers to meet and interact in an online setting. For additional information on Milicruit, visit http://www.milicruit.com.
About United Business Media Limited
UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetization of B2B communities and markets. UBM's businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities -- from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists -- with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to http://www.ubm.com.
Contact
Kevin O'Brien
UBM's Milicruit
(215) 525-5776 x101
kobrien@milicruit.com
AT&T Enhances Mobile Broadband Network in Northern New Mexico
FORMER ALLTEL CUSTOMERS IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE NATION'S FASTEST MOBILE BROADBAND NETWORK AND MORE INNOVATIVE MOBILE DEVICES
AT&T launches service for former Alltel customers, expanding access to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network across rural areas and offering a wide selection of compelling devices
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Alltel customers joining AT&T* are seeing a change as AT&T expanded its service in Northern New Mexico.(1) Beginning April 10, AT&T rebranded Alltel to AT&T in McKinley, Rio Arriba, San Juan, and Taos Counties--which includes the cities of Farmington, Espanola, and Gallup--and began introducing AT&T's exciting lineup of products and services to these customers.
Since its acquisition of the Alltel wireless assets in New Mexico, AT&T has invested significantly to transition the former Alltel network infrastructure to AT&T. Former Alltel customers across the northern portion of the state now have access to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and to AT&T's broad portfolio of mobile devices.
"We're thrilled to welcome former Alltel customers to the AT&T community, and we're confident that they will enjoy a fantastic wireless experience with AT&T," said Chris Percy, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in New Mexico. "We've been working nonstop to upgrade the Alltel network. AT&T's network integration in New Mexico expands the reach of our mobile broadband network across primarily rural areas of the state and demonstrates AT&T's ongoing commitment to bring the benefits of mobile broadband to as many Americans as possible.
"Today we're proud that customers in these areas have access not only to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network but also to the broadest international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider -- with voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries."
The rebranding effort includes the former Alltel stores and kiosks at the following locations:
-- 1508 N. Riverside Dr., Espanola, 87532
-- 3554 E. Main St., Ste. A, Farmington, 87402
-- 5512 Main St., Farmington, 87402
-- 815 Metro Ave., Gallup, 87301
Mall Kiosk Location
-- Animas Valley Mall, 4601 E. Main Street, Farmington, 87402
As part of the rebranding effort, the following authorized retailers now also offer AT&T products and services:
-- Airtime Mobile Communications locations at:
-- 1300 W. I-40 Frontage Rd., #5518, Gallup, 87020
-- 3030 E. Main St., Ste. T-3, Farmington, 87402
-- Chama Wireless, 493 Terrace St., Chama, 87520
Trained sales consultants are available to demonstrate a wide range of AT&T's advanced wireless products and services. Shoppers can also test the latest smartphones, quick messaging devices, netbooks and tablets. Customers can also learn how to get the most from social networking, manage photos or navigate with GPS on exciting exclusive AT&T devices.
In addition, the following national retailer locations also offer AT&T products and services:
-- Radio Shack locations at:
-- 2010 E. Main, Farmington, 87401
-- 4601 E. Main, Ste. 116, Farmington, 87402
-- WalMart locations at:
-- 1000 Roberts Dr., Grants, 87020
-- 1021 E. Pine St., Deming, 88030
-- 1400 W. Main St., Farmington, 87401
-- 1650 W. Maloney Ave., Gallup, 87301
-- 1800 W. Highway 70, Ruidoso Downs, 88346
-- 233 S. New York Ave., Alamogordo, 88310
-- 2401 S. Canal St., Carlsbad, 88220
-- 4600 East Main, Farmington, 87402
Former Alltel consumer wireless customers in these areas had the option to receive a brand new AT&T handset, comparable to their existing device, at no additional cost.(2) The vast majority of customers choosing free comparable devices are able to keep their existing rate plans, with no additional term commitment required.
Customers may also choose to upgrade their devices with a new two-year contract, an AT&T rate plan and any associated data plan.(3) Customers choosing an AT&T rate plan can enjoy Mobile to Any Mobile, which gives customers unlimited calling to any mobile number in the United States, and A-List with Rollover®, exclusive to AT&T, which offers unlimited calling to up to 10 additional numbers on any network and allows customers to keep their unused Anytime Minutes for up to 12 months.(4)
AT&T is transitioning service for former Alltel subscribers over the coming weeks and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all customers. Prior to customers' transition dates, AT&T will communicate with customers by text message and soundbite the specific date and details of their transition to AT&T, and in the meantime, their existing devices will continue to work on the legacy Alltel network.
Customers with questions about the transition process may visit http://www.att.com/alltel, call (800) 331-0500 or speak with an AT&T sales representative at a local retail location.
(1) AT&T is expanding its service in New Mexico as a result of its acquisition of wireless assets from Verizon Wireless on June 22, 2010. The change affects customers in McKinley, Rio Arriba, San Juan and Taos Counties. AT&T previously launched service for former Alltel subscribers in Southern New Mexico.
(2) Applies only to postpaid customers with a contract. Customers with laptop cards and netbooks may not have a choice of devices, but they are eligible for a comparable new device at no additional charge.
(3) Customers upgrading their devices must pay current AT&T prices for their device.
(4) Mobile to Any Mobile: Messaging Unlimited Plan required. Available on select AT&T Nation & Family Talk plans. International and roaming calls not included. Not available on AT&T Viva Mexico or Nation with Canada plans. Calls to directory assistance, voice mail, pay-per-use call routing and forwarding numbers not included. Text, picture, video and instant messages must be sent to and/or received from within the AT&T nationwide coverage area. A-List is available only with Individual plans $59.99 and over per month and FamilyTalk plan $89.99 or over per month. Other terms and conditions apply. Unused Rollover Minutes expire after the 12th billing period of the month minutes have been accumulated. Night and Weekend and Mobile to Mobile Minutes not included.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. 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.
FORMER ALLTEL CUSTOMERS IN DURANGO TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE NATION'S FASTEST MOBILE BROADBAND NETWORK AND MORE INNOVATIVE MOBILE DEVICES
AT&T launches service for former Alltel customers, expanding access to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network across rural areas and offering a wide selection of compelling devices
DURANGO, Colo., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Alltel customers joining AT&T* are seeing a change as AT&T expanded its service in Colorado.(1) Beginning April 10, AT&T rebranded Alltel to AT&T in Durango and throughout La Plata County and began introducing AT&T's exciting lineup of products and services to these customers.
"With the Alltel transition, AT&T has more than doubled our coverage area in Colorado. Numerous rural communities in the state will now have access to AT&T's 3G wireless network enabling consumers and business to use wireless broadband," said Bill Soards, president of AT&T Colorado.
"We are focused on creating jobs and promoting economic development throughout Colorado. We applaud AT&T's investment in broadband deployment in Colorado, which will keep our state moving forward and help build stronger rural communities," said Kristin Russell, Colorado Secretary of Technology & CIO.
Since its acquisition of the Alltel wireless assets in Colorado, AT&T has invested significantly to transition the former Alltel network infrastructure to AT&T. Former Alltel customers across the state now have access to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and to AT&T's broad portfolio of mobile devices.
"We're thrilled to welcome former Alltel customers to the AT&T community, and we're confident that they will enjoy a fantastic wireless experience with AT&T," said Jace Barbin, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Colorado. "We've been working nonstop to upgrade the Alltel network. AT&T's network integration in Colorado expands the reach of our mobile broadband network across primarily rural areas of the state and demonstrates AT&T's ongoing commitment to bring the benefits of mobile broadband to as many Americans as possible.
"Today we're proud that customers in these areas have access not only to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network but also to the broadest international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider -- with voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries."
The rebranding effort includes the former Alltel stores at:
-- 1185 S. Camino Del Rio, Suite 190, Durango, 81303
-- 215 Sligo St., Suite A, Cortez, 81321
As part of the rebranding effort, the following authorized retailers are also now offering AT&T products and services:
-- Airtime Mobile Communications locations at 800 S. Camino Del Rio,
Durango, 81301
-- Access Wireless locations at 802 Main Ave., Durango, 81301
Trained sales consultants are available to demonstrate a wide range of AT&T's advanced wireless products and services. Shoppers can also test the latest smartphones, quick messaging devices, netbooks and tablets. Customers can also learn how to get the most from social networking, manage photos or navigate with GPS on exciting exclusive AT&T devices.
In addition, the following national retailer locations also offer AT&T products and services:
-- Radio Shack at 1020 Main Ave., Durango, 81301
-- WalMart at 1155 South Camino Del Rio, Durango, 81301
Former Alltel consumer wireless customers in these areas had the option to receive a brand new AT&T handset, comparable to their existing device, at no additional cost.(2) The vast majority of customers choosing free comparable devices are able to keep their existing rate plans, with no additional term commitment required.
Customers may also choose to upgrade their devices with a new two-year contract, an AT&T rate plan and any associated data plan.(3) Customers choosing an AT&T rate plan can enjoy Mobile to Any Mobile, which gives customers unlimited calling to any mobile number in the United States, and A-List with Rollover®, exclusive to AT&T, which offers unlimited calling to up to 10 additional numbers on any network and allows customers to keep their unused Anytime Minutes for up to 12 months.(4)
AT&T is transitioning service for former Alltel subscribers over the coming weeks and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all customers. Prior to customers' transition dates, AT&T will communicate by text message and soundbite with customers the specific date and details of their transition to AT&T, and in the meantime, their existing devices will continue to work on the legacy Alltel network.
Customers with questions about the transition process may visit http://www.att.com/alltel, call (800) 331-0500 or speak with an AT&T sales representative at a local retail location.
(1) AT&T is expanding its service in Colorado as a result of its acquisition of wireless assets from Verizon Wireless on June 22, 2010. The change affects customers in Alamosa, Archuleta, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Dolores, Elbert, Fremont, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lake, Las Animas, La Plata, Lincoln, Mineral, Montezuma, Otero, Ouray, Park, Prowers, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel Counties.
(2) Applies only to postpaid customers with a contract. Customers with laptop cards and netbooks may not have a choice of devices, but they are eligible for a comparable new device at no additional charge.
(3) Customers upgrading their devices must pay current AT&T prices for their device.
(4) Mobile to Any Mobile: Messaging Unlimited Plan required. Available on select AT&T Nation & Family Talk plans. International and roaming calls not included. Not available on AT&T Viva Mexico or Nation with Canada plans. Calls to directory assistance, voice mail, pay-per-use call routing and forwarding numbers not included. Text, picture, video and instant messages must be sent to and/or received from within the AT&T nationwide coverage area. A-List is available only with Individual plans $59.99 and over per month and FamilyTalk plan $89.99 or over per month. Other terms and conditions apply. Unused Rollover Minutes expire after the 12th billing period of the month minutes have been accumulated. Night and Weekend and Mobile to Mobile Minutes not included.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. 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.
Founder and President of MAN Enterprises LLC, Michael Neuroth, said, "We are committed to providing our customers with great internet deals. Our three Web sites share products that our team has chosen to promote and sell, because we believe in them."
http://www.nYourPocket.com is an affiliation site that recommends products from Future World, an online destination for purchasing books, audios and CD-ROMS. The company offers free shipping worldwide and great merchandise at low prices. The expansive variety of products found on the Web site eliminates a customer's need to shop on multiple sites, therefore saving them time and money, especially around the holidays.
http://www.FatBankAccount.com provides free instant access to entrepreneurs, executives and business owners looking to generate more money. "We are showing people how to generate significant amounts of money online with our proven system," says Michael Neuroth, founder of FatBankAccount.com.
www.TravelAccessoriesDirect is the most recent site launched by MAN Enterprises LLC and is an online shopping mall with thousands of quality products at competitive prices. All product categories revolve around traveling, and include items such as consumer electronics, bed and bath products, hunting equipment, fan gear, camping equipment and much more. TravelAccessoriesDirect.com offers shoppers easy-to-use search tools, engaging content and time saving navigation.
New products are added to all MAN Enterprises LLC Web sites periodically and items purchased can be shipped anywhere in the United States and Canada. In addition to online sales, a customer service team is available during normal business hours for customer support and can be contacted by filling out a form on any of the Web sites.
Honda Kicks Off the Civic "Study Break" Social Marketing Tour
College students enter to win a 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe
TORRANCE, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda announced today that it has launched the Civic "Study Break" social marketing tour to promote the six all-new models of the 2012 Honda Civic at select universities on the West Coast. The tour, hosted on the Honda Civic's Facebook page, http://facebook.com/hondacivic, aims to connect with college students in a fun and engaging manner by providing them with the opportunity to explore the Civic lineup and the chance to win a 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe.
"The goal of the Civic 'Study Break' tour is to engage with young buyers and introduce them to the all-new Civic," said Tom Peyton, brand manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It offers a unique and fun way for students to learn about the Civic's new interactive technologies and personalization features."
The Civic "Study Break" tour kicks off on April 21, 2011 at the Arizona State University campus and continues on to five other universities through May 12, 2011. Students will have the opportunity to explore various Civic models and receive a free lunch by texting special codes found on the vehicles. They can also register at http://www.civicstudybreak.com for the chance to win a 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe. The tour stops include: University of Arizona (April 28); University of Southern California (May 3); University of California, Los Angeles (May 5); Stanford University (May 10) and University of California, Berkeley (May 12).
New Silverpop Tool Lets Marketers Snooze Recipients Rather Than Lose Them
Launch of Snooze(TM) Feature Underscores the Importance of Minimizing List Churn
ATLANTA, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Not every recipient who hits the unsubscribe button wants to end the relationship, some may just want to take a break. To accommodate their need for a little space, Silverpop®, the only provider of a scalable, integrated email marketing and marketing automation platform, today announces the launch of Snooze(TM). With one easy click, marketers using Silverpop's Engage solution can allow recipients to temporarily pause receipt of communications from their company for a specified period of time.
"With the average rate of annual list churn hovering around 20-30 percent or more for most companies, marketers must make every effort to retain as many subscribers as possible, and one way to do this is to present them with options when they click unsubscribe," said Loren McDonald, vice president of industry relations for Silverpop.
Using Engage's intuitive, drag-and-drop user interface, Silverpop customers simply click once to add the Snooze button to their forms and give recipients an easy way to declare their desire to put the program on hold rather than unsubscribing. If recipients elect this option, rather than opting out, they can choose to stop receiving the company's email communications for a predetermined period of time or can even specify the exact date they want to start receiving messages again. These recipients remain opted in and will resume their place in any active campaigns at the end of the Snooze period.
"Successful marketers listen to what contacts tell them, and sometimes they want to tell you that your information is still valuable, but now just isn't the right time," McDonald, added. "Someone who recently returned from a cruise may simply want to pause, rather than unsubscribe, a cruise operator's emails for six months when they will start planning next year's vacation. By allowing them to Snooze, you not only save the relationship, but you remind them that you care about their preferences--which goes a long way in building customer loyalty."
The launch of Snooze is part of Silverpop's most recent product release. With the Engage 8.3 release, Silverpop continues its commitment to innovation in the online marketing space. Along with the Snooze feature, Silverpop customers will also benefit from additional social-sharing options, enhancements to lead management capabilities such as the addition of multiple scoring models, and increased integration with CRM systems.
About Silverpop
Silverpop is the only marketing technology provider that offers a powerful marketing automation solution built atop a scalable email marketing platform. The company has more than a decade of experience empowering marketers to deliver highly relevant communications that efficiently drive revenue while also building brand loyalty. Companies rely on the Silverpop Engage platform to create and manage sophisticated multichannel marketing campaigns that nurture customer and prospect relationships from interest to conversion and beyond. Silverpop's industry-leading thought capital, strategic counsel and customer service, combined with an extensive ecosystem of world class partners, allow its customers to quickly and cost-effectively automate even the most complex campaigns-improving marketing results and increasing ROI. With a presence in the United States, Europe and Australia, Silverpop is trusted by leading brands around the globe. Visit us at silverpop.com.
Media Contact:
Stacy Kirk
Manager of Corporate Communications-Silverpop
skirk@silverpop.com
770-661-0633
LONDON, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There's only one colour-blocking rule to follow this spring summer; the brighter the better!
Clashing colours is a hot plus size trend for this spring summer, but it's not for the faint hearted. The trick is to work bright bold colours, at once. Think turquoise with tangerine, cobalt with citrus, green with red; any colour combination goes. Throw all the colour-clashing rules you know out the window and have some fun with this trend this season.
These super-cute plus size jersey vests are the perfect building blocks for your plus size spring summer wardrobe. Pair them with like colours for colour blocking, with bright bold colours or prints for colour-clashing or simply team with plus size denim or plus size maxi skirts.
They are perfect for building a Jil Sander's look. Team with a floor sweeping plus size maxi skirt and tuck it in to a high waist for a nod to the spring summer runways.
Use them to build your colour blocking wardrobe. Throw on a plus size sheer chiffon blouse and wear a similar colour plus size vest underneath for an on-trend finish.
Espadrilles
Don't forget the all important accessories when you are planning your colour blocking ensemble.
Nothing says summer has arrived quite like strutting your stuff in a pair of super-cute espadrilles. This pair is perfect for adding a pop of colour to your bbq, cocktail party or the beach ensemble. Simply put them on and feel happy. They will look amazing paired with this season's plus size midi-skirts, plus size shorts, (faux)tanned pins and perfectly pedicured toes.
Style369.com is the latest online fashion store devoted to delivering the perfect fit for style conscious size 14-26 girls and is part of the Arcadia Group (the same retailer that brought you Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge); you're guaranteed security, customer satisfaction plus the latest fashion styles in your size. Our style-led range, free UK delivery and free returns ensure this season's key trend pieces are easy to shop and drop straight to your door. Style369.com, Style369, Online fashion, Plus Size Fashion, Women's Clothing, Plus Size Dresses, Dresses, Maxi Dresses, Maxi Skirts, Winter Coats, Aviator Jackets, Pea Coats, Trench Coats, Knitwear, Cardigans, Fashion Tops, Going Out Tops, Blouses, Leggings, Women's Jeans, Denim, Jumpsuits, Women's Shoes, Lace-up Boots, Brogues, Size 14-26 Fashion.
Verizon Wireless Turns on 4G LTE in Columbia, South Carolina on April 21, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today it is turning on the world's first large-scale 4G LTE (Fourth Generation, Long Term Evolution) Network in Columbia, S.C. on Thursday, April 21, 2011. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network is the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America with speeds up to 10 times faster than the company's 3G network.
The deployment of Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE in Columbia, S.C. provides LTE coverage throughout the surrounding areas of Lake Murray, Irmo, Seven Oaks, St Andrews, Oak Grove, West Columbia, Springdale, South Congaree, Cayce, Lexington, Red Bank, Gilbert, Pine Ridge, Dentsville, Arcadia Lakes, Woodfield, and Forest Acres.
4G LTE provides wireless consumers access to services up to 10 times faster than the company's industry-leading 3G network. With this latest progression of wireless technology, the company expects average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
These speeds will allow for smooth mobile video-conferencing, multiple simultaneous video streams, speedy transfer of large files, downloading and running of powerful programs, and numerous other applications to improve efficiency and productivity wirelessly.
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE technology also will improve coverage strength inside buildings, as it runs on a powerful 700 megahertz wireless frequency.
"Verizon Wireless is making the best network even better," said Jerry Fountain, the president of the Carolinas/Tennessee Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our initial 4G LTE launch gives customers access to the fastest and most advanced mobile network in America. We will quickly expand 4G LTE, and by 2013 we will cover the existing Verizon Wireless 3G coverage area. The activation of our lightning fast 4G LTE network in Columbia is further evidence of our commitment to and investment in the residents of this area."
4G LTE Mobile Broadband Data Plans and Devices
Verizon Wireless customers can choose from two 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans: $50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance or $80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance, both with $10/GB overage. For laptop connectivity, two 4G LTE USB modems are currently available: the LG VL600 and the Pantech UML290, each $99.99 after $50 rebate with a new two-year agreement. Both USB modems provide backward-compatibility with Verizon Wireless' 3G network. If laptop users travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, they will automatically stay connected on the company's 3G network.
Columbia, S.C. customers will be able to access 4G LTE services on a suite of new devices including smartphones from HTC - such as the newly launched HTC Thunderbolt - LG, Motorola and Samsung; tablets from Motorola and Samsung; a MiFi from Novatel Wireless and a mobile hotspot from Samsung; two notebooks from HP; and wireless modems from LG and Pantech.
All the 4G LTE devices are "backward compatible" and - when not in a 4G LTE coverage area -provide access to the Verizon Wireless 3G network.
Verizon Wireless' 700 MHz spectrum gives the company specific advantages with 4G, including improved in-building penetration and a contiguous, nationwide network footprint. The company is building its 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless' laser focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year.
Visit http://www.verizonwireless.com for more information on Verizon Wireless 3G and 4G LTE networks, products and services.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Wuauu, Inc. Announces Launch of Revolutionary WISH Mobile Application Platform
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wuauu, Inc., today announced the debut of WISH, a free application for iPhone and BlackBerry mobile devices that is poised to change the way the retail industry does business. Wuauu's WISH mobile technology is truly a game-changer because it allows consumers to make anonymous, real-time offers for products at any brick and mortar retail store. This means that shoppers are no longer bound to pay the sticker price for products they want to buy at retail stores. It also means that retailers are not forced to cut their prices in an effort to move slow inventory.
A WISH Shopper can use WISH to scan a product's barcode, take a photo of the product, and specify an amount they are willing to pay for that product right at the point of sale. The shopper's offer is immediately transmitted to that particular retailer which can then accept or reject the shopper's offer, or make a counteroffer. Most offers receive an immediate response through pre-set retailer business rules in the WISH system.
WISH was specifically created to resolve many of the challenges faced by retailers. WISH is designed to help retailers move slow inventory quickly, maximize price optimization, eliminate the costs of price mark downs, redirect existing promotional and advertising campaigns at a fraction of the cost and access valuable consumer intelligence data.
Joining WISH is easy, fast and worry-free for both shoppers and retailers. For retailers, joining WISH is virtually risk-free since retailers are never obligated to accept any offers made by WISH shoppers, no integration with inventory systems is required and there is no system infrastructure to maintain.
"We're incredibly excited to be able to offer such a revolutionary application to shoppers all over the country," said Juan Salazar, Founder and CEO of Wuauu Inc. "Retailers, in particular, will benefit because they now have access to a mechanism that allows them to quickly and effectively determine the highest price a shopper is willing to pay for consumer products, right at the point of sale." Retailers will gain new real-time insight into the behavior of their customers, including understanding more about those consumers that leave their stores without making a purchase.
Texas Instruments introduces industry's smallest wireless power receiver chip
Easily integrates wireless charging technology into new and existing portable electronics
DALLAS, April, 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced its next generation of wireless power technology, which is 80-percent smaller than TI's previous receiver chip. The tiny, highly integrated device makes it easy for designers to implement wireless charging in their existing and new designs for portable consumer devices, such as smart phones, gaming systems, digital cameras, and medical and industrial equipment.
The bq51013 receiver integrated circuit (IC) combines voltage conditioning and full wireless power control in a small 1.9-mm x 3-mm WCSP package. The new circuit supports up to 5 W of output power, provides up to 93-percent efficient AC/DC power conversion and is the only IC required between the receiver coil and system. For more information or to order samples of the bq51013, visit: http://www.ti.com/bq51013-pr.
"Smartphone and consumer electronics manufacturers are demanding wireless power, and TI is well positioned to help our customers drive widespread adoption of this technology that makes life easier for people on the go to charge their devices," said Sami Kiriaki, senior vice president over TI's Power Management business. "Designers can use the bq51013 to quickly integrate wireless power into existing and new applications with minimal impact to overall solution size."
Key features and benefits
-- Highly integrated and efficient wireless power receiver IC includes
full-bridge synchronous rectification, voltage conditioning and wireless
power control in a single device.
-- 1.9-mm x 3-mm WCSP package allows for easy integration with minimal size
impact. Device area is 80 percent less than TI's first-generation
receiver.
-- The receiver and its associated bq500110 transmitter IC are Wireless
Power Consortium (WPC) Qi-compliant. This compliance ensures
interoperability between various charging pads and portable devices.
-- Built-in protection against voltage, current and temperature fault
conditions, assures safe and reliable system operation.
-- 93-percent peak efficiency reduces thermal rise inside the system while
allowing charge rates comparable to an AC adapter.
Tools and support
TI offers a variety of tools and support to speed the implementation of wireless power:
Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at http://www.ti.com.
Trademarks
All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
TXN-P
Media Contacts:
Amy Louthan Texas Instruments 214-567-7406
Mary C. Dunnie GolinHarris 972-341-2576
(Please do not publish these numbers or e-mail addresses.)
Major New Release Provides First Integration with Data Domain, Powerful Capabilities for VMware Backup and Recovery and Increased Scalability
HOPKINTON, Mass., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
News Summary:
-- First leverage of Data Domain deduplication storage broadens deployment
of Avamar in large enterprises and enables a highly optimized, scalable
and consolidated recovery infrastructure.
-- State-of-the-art VMware vSphere backup enhancements to Avamar provide up
to 3x the backup performance of its nearest competitor.
-- Avamar Data Store systems now offer > 2x the capacity of prior systems,
and Data Domain systems can provide additional capacity for selected
workloads.
For the multimedia version of this press release and related content, please go to:
EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC), the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, today announced EMC® Avamar® 6.0 deduplication backup software. This major new release provides the first integration with EMC Data Domain® deduplication storage systems and delivers powerful new capabilities for the protection of VMware environments.
By combining the simplicity and efficiency of Avamar with the scale and performance of Data Domain, enterprise customers gain the flexibility to expand Avamar use into much larger production environments. The largest of enterprises can now leverage Avamar to design highly optimized and scalable recovery infrastructures, consolidate the management of their data protection processes and direct selected backups to optimal systems based on workload attributes. In addition, Data Domain's inherent ability to support multiple workloads simultaneously can help users transition from legacy backup software and address nearline storage requirements. For VMware administrators, Avamar 6.0 significantly increases speed and efficiency leveraging the latest advances in VMware vSphere® technology for up to 3x the backup speed of its nearest competitor according to performance tests done by EMC.
Product Details and Highlights
Data Domain Integration: Integration of Avamar and Data Domain is delivered via EMC Data Domain Boost software, now embedded in Avamar clients on a per-policy basis. DD Boost allows Avamar to centrally manage backup, recovery and replication of data to Data Domain storage systems. DD Boost distributes deduplication load differently from Avamar's standard deduplication and provides enhanced performance for larger streaming loads, such as full database backups or restores, while still minimizing client/server bandwidth. Avamar administrators now have the option of directing backups to either Data Domain systems or Avamar Data Stores based on application-specific best practice guidelines. Avamar 6.0 supports backup of Oracle, Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint and SQL Server and VMware images to Data Domain systems.
State-of-the-art VMware vSphere Backup Enhancements: Full leverage of the VMware vStorage(TM) APIs for Data Protection and tight integration with VMware vCenter(TM) Server enables Avamar 6.0 to provide industry-leading speed and simplicity at scale.
-- Changed block tracking support provides faster backup and recovery.
-- Virtual proxy server pooling drives faster backups.
-- Flexible image level restore options simplify recovery.
Scale: Increased scalability is delivered through the introduction of the Avamar Data Store Gen 4, which more than doubles usable capacity to 124TB. In addition, multiple Data Domain systems (including the new DD890, supporting up to 285 TB of usable capacity) can be added to offer additional storage for selected workloads.
Customer Quotes
Corporate Express Pty Limited is one of Australia's leading suppliers of office essentials, with a product offering including office products, IT solutions, business furniture, print management, canteen and catering supplies, promotional marketing, facility supplies and education products. Corporate Express Australia, and its wholly owned subsidiary Corporate Express New Zealand, were acquired by Staples Ltd, in September 2010. Corporate Express has been using both Avamar and Data Domain in its Sydney-based data center, but not in integrated fashion.
"After participating in the Avamar 6.0 beta program, we can see a distinct value in the ability to backup additional environments using Avamar with Data Domain. Restores with Avamar are extremely simple, to the point where there's never a reason for our infrastructure group to be involved with them. They are purely driven by our front line help desk team. If we can consolidate other backups, such as Oracle and Exchange, using Avamar to backup to Data Domain we can avoid working with custom scripts and benefit from that same level of simplicity. The integration of these two EMC products is a huge benefit to us."
Andrew Grech, Infrastructure and Operations Manager, Corporate Express
Houston, Texas-based Loomis is a multi-billion dollar international cash handling leader whose U.S. operations include approximately 8,000 employees and a fleet of over 3,000 armored vehicles. Over the past year, Loomis completely redesigned its backup infrastructure using EMC Avamar, Data Domain and NetWorker products. The new infrastructure, which includes tapeless backup and replication of data from over 70 field offices using Avamar, has streamlined their backup processes, reduced operational costs and helped ensure exceptional recovery of their VMware virtual server environment.
"Our EMC data protection system is light years ahead of our previous solution, yet we are still very excited about the integration of EMC's Avamar and Data Domain products. Avamar and Data Domain integration presents us with more flexibility to decide how we want to assign workloads and evolve and optimize our infrastructure without concern over future capacity and performance limitations. It's great to see EMC integrating these key backup products, and doing so in a way that allows customers to maximize the investments they've made."
Bill Homes, Director of Infrastructure for Loomis
Industry Analyst Quote
"As more organizations are deploying virtualization there exists a real and pressing need to implement a better backup methodology enabling the deployment of virtualized production applications. Avamar 6.0 and its integration with Data Domain systems via DD Boost software brings an entirely new level of scale and flexibility. With this latest release of Avamar, EMC has raised the bar across the industry through innovation and integration for solutions protecting virtualized infrastructures."
David A. Chapa, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group
VMware Executive Quote
"As customers continue deploying virtualization deeper into their environments on their journey to the enterprise hybrid cloud, the need for backup and recovery designed for VMware cloud infrastructure is increasingly important. EMC Avamar 6.0 is optimized for VMware environments, helping to ensure that virtualized mission-critical applications are efficiently protected and readily recoverable. Avamar 6.0 enables backup infrastructures that align to virtualized environments and their data protection requirements."
Raghu Raghuram, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Virtualization and Cloud Platforms, VMware
EMC Executive Quote
"Virtual machine protection is emerging as a key consideration for users contemplating backup redesign as they move to cloud-based computing models. Avamar 6.0 addresses this consideration more effectively than any other product available, while integration with Data Domain systems broadens its application in the enterprise. EMC continues to integrate its data protection portfolio for the benefit of its customers. This announcement demonstrates the value of tightly integrating the industry's leading deduplication backup software and deduplication storage systems."
BJ Jenkins, President, EMC Backup Recovery Systems Division
Availability
EMC Avamar 6.0 is available immediately. For more information please visit http://www.emc.com or the Backup and Recovery products page on the EMC website.
About EMC
EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) is the world's leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at http://www.EMC.com.
EMC, Avamar and Data Domain are registered trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. VMware, VMware vCenter, VMware vSphere and VMware vStorage are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. The use of the word "partner" or "partnership" does not imply a legal partnership relationship with VMware or any other company.
All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Federal Securities Laws. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) our ability to protect our proprietary technology; (iv) risks associated with managing the growth of our business, including risks associated with acquisitions and investments and the challenges and costs of integration, restructuring and achieving anticipated synergies; (v) fluctuations in VMware, Inc.'s operating results and risks associated with trading of VMware stock; (vi) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions; (vii) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines and the volume and mixture of product and services revenues; (viii) component and product quality and availability; (ix) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and rapid technological and market change; (x) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (xi) war or acts of terrorism; (xii) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (xiii) fluctuating currency exchange rates; and (xiv) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. EMC disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
AT&T Offers Its Largest Monthly Bundle Discount to AT&T Wireless Customers That Add U-verse TV
Existing Wireless Customers Benefit from Best Monthly Offer with $270 in Savings Over Six Months
DALLAS, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With AT&T U-verse®, you can watch TV shows on multiple screens, program your DVR from your mobile phone or tablet, or view your home phone voicemails on your mobile phone -- and now customers have yet another reason to combine their services with AT&T.
AT&T* today announced an exclusive AT&T U-verse offer for AT&T wireless customers that sign up for U-verse services. Any existing AT&T wireless customer that adds a qualifying U-verse TV and Internet bundle will receive a $45 monthly discount for six months -- covering the cost of U-verse Internet Max (with downstream speeds up to 12 Mbps) and giving customers a total of $270 in savings, the largest monthly bundle discount available from AT&T.
The new offer builds on the success of the AT&T Choice bundles launched last year, which give consumers significant savings for bundling various combinations of AT&T U-verse TV, U-verse High Speed Internet, U-verse Voice and wireless voice services -- a bundle option not available from most cable providers.
"We value our existing wireless customers and are thanking them with our best monthly discount for adding U-verse TV," said Joey Schultz, vice president of consumer marketing, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Consumers like to buy bundles to save money, and we know that customers who have U-verse and wireless services today have greater satisfaction because their services work together in new and meaningful ways. We're launching this offer because U-verse is a better TV experience that our wireless customers shouldn't miss out on."
AT&T U-verse bundles give customers innovative multi-screen apps and services that bring their TV, online, home phone and wireless services together. For example:
-- U-verse Mobile lets customers manage their Total Home DVR recordings, as
well as watch hit TV shows on qualifying smartphones.
-- You can watch hit TV shows across multiple screens with U-verse TV,
U-verse Online, U-verse TV on Xbox 360 and U-verse Mobile.
-- You can set your Total Home DVR recordings, personalize your U-verse TV
AT&T U-bar feature, watch exclusive content and more from U-verse
Online.
-- On the YP.COM TV app, customers can search for local business
information on their U-verse TV screen and send the call to their home
or wireless phone with the click of their remote.
-- You can easily check and manage your U-verse Voice home phone messages
with the Visual Voicemail app on your smartphone.
-- With U-verse Voice and U-verse TV, you can view your Call History on
your TV and click to initiate a call with one click from your PC or
U-verse TV.
AT&T continues to introduce better bundle options that combine U-verse and wireless services in ways that provide more integration and value to customers. For example, new U-verse customers can subscribe to a triple-play for $89 per month for 12 months, with one-year term, by choosing U-verse TV U-family with Total Home DVR; U-verse High Speed Internet Pro (up to 3 Mbps downstream); and your choice of AT&T Nation 450 wireless voice with unlimited messaging or 250 minutes of digital home phone calling with U-verse Voice 250 -- providing a savings of up to $300 for one year.
Consumers are responding to the flexibility and value that AT&T bundles offer. AT&T U-verse is the fastest growing TV service in the country, with more TV subscribers added than any of the major TV providers reported in 2009 and 2010. More than three-fourths of AT&T U-verse TV subscribers have a triple- or quad-play bundle from AT&T, and more than 90 percent of U-verse TV subscribers bundle U-verse Internet.
AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and feature-rich services available today. Now AT&T U-verse TV ranks "Highest in Customer Satisfaction in the North Central, South and West Regions," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies(SM). For additional information on AT&T U-verse -- or to find out if it's available in your area -- visit AT&T U-verse.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. 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.
Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to http://www.att.com/uverse to see if you qualify.
AT&T U-verse TV: Residential customers only. Prices, programming, features and offers subject to change without notice. A one-time TV service activation fee of $29 applies. U-verse Mobile: Access to select content requires compatible device, qualifying U-verse TV plan or monthly subscription fee, and WiFi connection and/or cellular data connection. Available content may vary by device and/or U-verse TV subscription and is subject to change. Data charges may apply. THDVR: Total Home DVR functionality is available on up to 8 TVs, and requires a receiver for each additional TV at $7/mo. AT&T U-Verse Voice: U-verse Voice, including 911 dialing, will not function during a power outage without battery backup power. Compatible with many monitored home alarms and medical monitoring systems. Some call information may be blocked or otherwise not displayed, including information for some calls originating outside of AT&T's network and calls carried over facilities that do not transmit Caller ID information. U-verse Voice 250: Includes 250 minutes of calling within the U.S. and to U.S. Territories; 5 cents/minute thereafter. Minutes are rounded up. International calls billed at additional per-minute rates; higher rates may apply for calls terminating on mobile phones or other wireless devices.
$45 Off for 6 Months: Offer ends 7/16/11. New residential U-verse customers who are also existing AT&T Mobility Nation 450 or higher plans ordering U300 TV and U-verse Internet Max or higher plans. After 6 months, U-verse service will be billed at then existing standard rates unless cancelled by customer.
Bundle Offer: Offer ends 7/16/11. For new residential U-verse customers. Includes U-family TV, U-verse Internet Pro and U-verse Voice 250 or new or renewed Nation 450 or FamilyTalk additional line wireless plan. One year term required for bundled U-verse services. An early termination fee of up to $180 may apply if U-verse services are terminated. After 12 months, U-verse services(s) will be billed at then existing standard rates unless cancelled by customer before end of term.
AT&T U-verse received the highest numerical score among television service providers in the North Central, South and West regions in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Residential Television Service Satisfaction Study(SM). Study based on 28,489 total responses from measuring 12 providers in the North Central region (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI), 13 providers in the South (AL, AR, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX), and 10 providers in the West (AZ, CA, CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY) and measures consumer satisfaction with television service. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in Nov. 2009 and Jan. 2010, April 2010 and July 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Jill Rountree of AT&T Corporate Communications, +1-512-495-7186, jrountree@attnews.us
Novatel Wireless Begins Commercial Shipments of Multiple 4G Mobile Broadband Solutions
SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, is now shipping a number of new mobile broadband devices across multiple form factors and air interfaces that operate on the latest fourth-generation cellular technology.
Products being shipped include various versions of the MiFi® family of Intelligent Mobile Hotspots and USB modems.
Early reviews of Novatel Wireless' new products have been very positive. "I give the Novatel MiFi 3G/4G...at least a nine out of 10, most likely a flawless 10 out of 10. Indeed, I have not tried a product that's as good as this one in the market today," wrote Anton Wahlman for The Street.
"This has been among the most ambitious development initiatives in our company's history, with new products being commercialized across numerous form factors and next-generation 4G air interfaces, including Dual-Carrier HSPA+, LTE and WiMAX," stated Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless.
"Each of these is a best-in-class product, and we have already won five industry awards, from Editors' Choice distinctions, to 'Best of' lists, to awards at major wireless associations and tradeshows, including PC Magazine's Editors' Choice and CTIA Emerging Technology Awards," said Mr. Leparulo. "Moving forward, we expect our 4G portfolio to continue with our family of 4G embedded modules that will enable notebooks, netbooks, tablets and other devices to connect wirelessly to the Internet by accessing a cellular network. We are working closely with a number of leading OEMs as we prepare for new product introductions."
ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS
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.nvtl.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 and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.
Contacts: Media:
Charlotte Rubin
Novatel Wireless
crubin@nvtl.com
(858) 812-3431
Investors:
William A. Walkowiak, CFA
VP - Finance & Investor Relations
Novatel Wireless
(858) 431-3711
bwalkowiak@nvtl.com
THX Ltd. Acquires cineSpace(TM) Color Management Suite from Cine-tal Systems
De Facto Standard System for Post-Production Color Management Furthers THX Mission to Drive Consistency of the Artist Vision from Content Creation to Post-Production to Playback
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- THX Ltd. today announced the acquisition of the cineSpace(TM) Color Management Suite from privately-held Cine-tal Systems, a developer of image monitoring and color management solutions. cineSpace is the de facto standard in film and television post-production for achieving image color accuracy and consistency. The acquisition complements technologies and services THX has been delivering to post-production professionals for more than 25-years and furthers the company's mission of ensuring quality entertainment is delivered true to the artist's intent.
cineSpace is used in the world of digital intermediates, visual effects, broadcast, animation and games, to produce and render near-perfect representations of how an image will appear in its final form, from the wide array of digital formats to film. With specific requirements from creative artists about the way color is displayed, color matching has become a lengthy, iterative cycle in post-production. cineSpace cuts down on these cycles by removing the guesswork when dealing with film images and producing accurate image representations which can be viewed and manipulated on a digital workstation monitor or projector. This translates into a potential savings of thousands of dollars and countless hours on a project.
"From the forest of Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi to the rainforests of Pandora in Avatar, picture and sound are critically important to creating the art form directors are envisioning when telling their story," said Rick Dean, senior vice president at THX Ltd. "The key to delivering on this artistic vision is to provide the post-production community with powerful tools that enable them to accurately profile and match colors to the intended reference palate, from cinema to the home. THX, through our work delivering best practices, Certification and technologies, has always been about preserving the artistic vision and the emotional impact brought forth by image and sound. We look forward to supporting the cineSpace community and further developing this technology."
THX looks forward to continuing to support current cineSpace customers as well as expanding the reach of cineSpace to new customers. THX plans to deliver regular updates to the technology to ensure customers have access to technical enhancements. cineSpace becomes a "THX technology," joining a portfolio that includes THX Media Director(TM). From content creation through to playback, THX is committed to developing technologies and providing certification services that ensures entertainment is delivered as intended by the artist.
"THX is the right company to extend the reach and adoption of cineSpace into the post-production space," said Robert Carroll, CEO at Cine-Tal. "It brings years of engineering and industry know-how in the color management space and the global reach of the company will ensure that more colorists in the post-production space will have access to our software. We're excited for THX and for the next phase of cineSpace and wish the company the best of success."
The cineSpace suite comprises several applications that work together to bring consistency to workflows: cineProfiler(TM), equalEyes(TM), cinePlugins(TM) and cineCube Visual(TM). Packaged with cineSpace(TM) is a set of standard target profiles, including a range of video standards and a selection of film stock samples.
From the big screen to your screen, THX ignites your passion for exciting entertainment experiences. Founded by George Lucas and recognized by audiences around the globe, THX is synonymous with the design and certification of world-class cinemas, premium audio systems, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX technologies defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, in the home or on the road. For more information, visit http://www.thx.com.
SOURCE THX Ltd.
THX Ltd.
CONTACT: Jeremiah Glodoveza, THX Ltd., jglodoveza@thx.com, +1-415-492-3950, or Francisca Llamas of Weber Shandwick for THX Ltd., fllamas@webershandwick.com, +1-415-262-5971
Road America Rolls Out New Location-Based Emergency Roadside Assistance Offering With AT&T
MIAMI, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile location technology is playing a new role in the evolution of emergency roadside assistance, thanks to an innovative location-based solution developed by AT&T* and Road America, a leading roadside assistance service provider.
Previously, most drivers needed to have GPS units installed in their cars to be located in the event of an accident or roadside breakdown, but a new solution offered by Road America is bringing this important safety feature to any basic cell, landline or smartphone on any network.
Using AT&T Location Information Services, Road America has developed LocateMe Service® to help capture vehicle breakdown locations for customers calling from any wireless or landline communications device. This innovative, cross-carrier offering helps drastically improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of locating a customer's disabled vehicle through the same telecommunications device used to call Road America's 24-hour Response Centers. In addition, the network-based location solution prevents users from needing to download applications or use a specific platform in order to be located.
"When developing this solution our goal was simple: find a way to quickly and accurately locate disabled vehicles by using the technology drivers often already have on them - cell phones - and we needed to be able to do it regardless of which carrier they were on," said Dennis Fantis, president of Road America. "We teamed up with AT&T to create this revolutionary offering so we are now better equipped to respond to emergency assistance calls with greater reliability and speed, ultimately enhancing our ability to keep customers safe on the road."
AT&T Location Information Services are designed to provide AT&T's enterprise customer base with a highly reliable, operationally managed service where network-based location information can be obtained for wireless or landline communication devices and corporate assets. This service is intended to take advantage of AT&T's cloud capabilities in order to improve operational efficiencies, increase customer satisfaction and control costs for a variety of industries such as financial services, retail, healthcare, education, travel and hospitality and manufacturing.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. 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 Road America
Road America is a preeminent provider of private label and co-branded roadside and vehicle related services for insurance companies, OEM manufacturers, automotive service contract companies, and other corporations and associations. Since 1978, they have set the standard for providing high quality assistance services in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to more than 22 million customers of their 120 major corporate clients. For USA and Puerto Rico services, Road America provides 24-hour assistance from their Response Centers located in Miami, Florida and Columbus, Georgia. Canadian services are provided through the Road Canada Response Center in Cambridge, Ontario. Road America is a wholly owned United States subsidiary of MAPFRE, one of the major European auto insurers, with worldwide revenues in 2010 of over $25 billion US.
FARO Launches the World's Most Innovative Measurement Arm, the FARO Edge
LAKE MARY, Fla., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FARO), the world's leading provider of portable measurement and imaging solutions, introduces the FARO Edge and V4 Laser Line Probe, the most advanced, state-of-the-art FaroArm system ever produced.
The FARO Edge is a portable measurement arm that allows manufacturers to easily verify their product quality by performing inspections, tool certifications, CAD-to-part analysis, and reverse engineering via hard probing and non-contact laser scanning.
The latest generation of the FaroArm product line continues to eclipse competitive models in every category. The Edge improves production, quality, and reverse engineering processes by rapidly verifying or scanning parts with confidence and accuracy. The new Arm also simplifies the user experience with improved performance, portability and reliability.
"The FARO Edge was designed with our customers' input and built with our experience," stated Jay Freeland, FARO's President & Chief Executive Officer. "It offers unparalleled simplicity for the user while maintaining all the existing benefits of a FaroArm and demonstrates our continued leadership in this space through innovative and disruptive technology."
The all new Edge features the first ever integrated personal measurement assistant. With its built-in touchscreen and on-board operating system, the Edge revolutionizes portable metrology by providing stand-alone basic measurement capability. A laptop is no longer needed to perform quick and simple dimensional checks, or to optimize system performance with its on board diagnostic routines.
Available in three popular working volumes and 7-axis configuration, the Edge is the perfect fit for any portable measurement application, eliminating the guess work of which length is right for the job. Seven axis of rotation ensures you always get the most flexibility out of your device.
Additional industry-leading areas of improvement and capability include:
-- Enhanced Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, and Ethernet ready.
Multiple device management through networking.
-- Smart Sensor Technology - Improved sensors warn against excessive
external loads, correct for thermal variations, and detect possible
setup problems.
-- Ergonomics - Improved weight distribution and balance for reduced strain
and ease-of-use. Patented internal counterbalancing providing
comfortable, stress-free use.
-- Multi-Function Handle Port - Seamless and interchangeable accessory
integration. Quick-change handle. Expandable capability.
The all new FARO V4 Laser Line Probe provides unparalleled non-contact measurement capabilities. Its wider laser stripe significantly increases scan coverage without sacrificing accuracy, while variable capture rates can produce over 45,000 points per second for exceptional speed and feature definition.
Taking advantage of the Edge's multi-function, quick-change handle port, the V4 Laser Line Probe integrates seamlessly and instantly becomes part of the arm. Lighter weight, amazingly compact and completely unobtrusive, it delivers the best performance at the lowest price in the industry for a handheld laser scanning system.
"Everything about the Edge was designed from the ground up to boost productivity and deliver the best performance in a portable arm CMM," said Orlando Perez, Product Manager - FaroArm. "As the first ever smart measurement arm with built-in apps, the FARO Edge changes absolutely everything."
FARO develops and markets computer-aided coordinate measurement devices and software. Portable equipment from FARO permits high-precision 3D measurement and comparison of parts and compound structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, production planning, inventory documentation, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes. They are also employed to generate digital scans of historic sites.
Worldwide, approximately 10,000 customers are operating more than 20,000 installations of FARO's systems. The company's global headquarters is located in Lake Mary, Florida, with its European head office in Stuttgart, Germany and its Asia/Pacific head office in Singapore. FARO has branch locations in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.
[RWS]Vonage Launches New Plan With Unlimited Calling to Mobile Phones in More Than 40 Countries
Callers to International Mobile Phones Can Save More Than $400 Annually
The Best Overall Value for International Callers Just Got Better
HOLMDEL, N.J., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG), a leading provider of low-cost communications services connecting individuals through broadband devices worldwide, today introduced the World Premium Unlimited calling plan. This new offering builds on the value of the popular World plan by expanding the number of countries for unlimited(1) calling from 60 to 80, including unlimited calling to mobile phones in 42 countries.
"People who make international calls to mobiles are frustrated by the huge premiums they pay to their phone company," said Mike Tempora, senior vice president of product management for Vonage. "World Premium provides these callers with the peace of mind to call any landline or mobile number in 42 countries including Brazil, Costa Rica, Japan, Australia, France, Spain and the UK for one flat price. Customers who use World Premium Unlimited to call as little as one hour a week to mobile phones in countries like Mexico and the UK will save over $400 a year versus the best pay per minute rates from major phone companies."
The World Premium Unlimited plan is $54.99/month (plus taxes and fees). The service uses a high-speed Internet connection and an existing home phone. For more details on the World Premium Unlimited calling plan, please click here.
About Vonage
Vonage (NYSE: VG) is a leading provider of low-cost communications services connecting individuals through broadband devices worldwide. Our technology serves approximately 2.4 million subscribers. We provide feature-rich, affordable communication solutions that offer flexibility, portability and ease-of-use. Our Vonage World plan offers unlimited calling to more than 60 countries with popular features like call waiting, call forwarding and voicemail -- for one low monthly rate. Vonage's service is sold on the web and through regional and national retailers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and is available to customers in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom
Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey. Vonage® is a registered trademark of Vonage Marketing Inc., a subsidiary of Vonage Holdings Corp.
(1) Unlimited calling is subject to our Reasonable Use Policy and Terms of Service. All residential plans are based on normal residential, personal use by single-family household members. See Vonage.com for details.
vg-a
SOURCE Vonage
Vonage
CONTACT: Jennifer Holzapfel, Vonage, +1-732-444-2585, Jennifer.Holzapfel@vonage.com, or Christine Bock, Ruder Finn, +1-714-206-9800, bockc@ruderfinn.com
Introducing GrowsUp.com: A One-Stop Destination for Unique New Baby & Kids' Brands Online
Shopping Made Simple and Smart for Moms - and Anyone Else Looking for Great Gifts, Gear, Toys, Clothes, and More from Smaller, Innovative Brands, All in One Place
SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Grows Up (http://www.growsup.com) today announced its official launch as an online destination for moms to find the best new brands for baby and children's products, all in one place. Grows Up works directly with mompreneurs and other smart, innovative, growing businesses - bringing them together on a single platform that makes shopping for kids easier than ever. Moms, dads, grandparents, friends, aunts, uncles, and more can now go to Grows Up to browse thousands of unique and high-quality products, from furniture and baby gear to toys, clothes, and more.
Just in time for spring holidays, summer birthday parties, back-to-school, and more, Grows Up is the perfect resource to find exactly what you need for any child, at any age, as they grow. Designed with busy moms in mind, the site features intuitive search capabilities to zero in on products by gender, age, or category. Add a profile, and Grows Up's proprietary recommendation engine can provide personalized shopping recommendations that grow with your kids. Quick-shop gift guides also offer creative gift ideas for holidays and special occasions. Everything on the site ships for a convenient flat rate, with free shipping for orders over $150.
A veteran of the technology and e-commerce industries, Grows Up founder Stephanie Robesky spent years watching new startups overlook a key audience: moms. "This kind of specialty, vertical marketplace was made famous by Etsy for the handmade set, and has since been followed by similar sites for gourmet food, natural products, and more. But there was still nothing for moms, who are one of the most influential and social buying audiences on the web," said Robesky. "At the same time, there has been an explosion of mompreneurs and other growing businesses creating amazing products these moms are looking to buy, but lack the resources to reach them." Working with a team of other moms and aunts with similarly savvy tech backgrounds, Robesky launched Grows Up to bring these two groups together online.
For vendors, Grows Up offers a cost-effective, no-risk opportunity to increase exposure and attract shoppers, with no listing fees or other administrative costs. Every brand has its own "boutique" on the site, where it can showcase its product line and share its story to make a personal connection to every shopper. Vendors ship their own products directly to consumers, while leveraging a range of supporting resources from Grows Up including web hosting, credit card processing, marketing, and more.
In the coming weeks and months, Grows Up will unveil a host of new features on the site, including a gift registry, rewards program, and more. First up: a highly interactive online community that's fully integrated with Facebook and Twitter - giving moms one place to go where they can shop, talk, and vent all at once. Members of the Grows Up community can access a wide range of parenting resources, participate in weekly giveaways, track hot topics, interact with experts and fellow community members, share shopping tips and product suggestions, and more.
Grows Up launched with an initial round of seed funding, and is currently pursuing its Series A. More than 60 boutiques are now open on Grows Up, with more added each day. Visit http://www.GrowsUp.com to start shopping!
About Grows Up
Grows Up is an online destination for the best baby and kids' boutiques - all in one place. Working directly with mompreneurs and other growing brands, Grows Up brings together the highest quality, most unique products for everything from furniture and baby gear to toys, books, clothes, and more. Designed with moms in mind, it's the perfect resource to find exactly what you need for any child, at any age, as they grow - with intuitive search features, quick-shop gift guides, an interactive community of other moms, flat-rate shipping, and more. Hundreds of boutiques are now open on Grows Up, with thousands of new products being added each day. http://www.growsup.com
From Fiction to Reality: Guile 3D Studio Introduces Denise, the Virtual Assistant
SAO PAULO, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This system developed by a Brazilian company combines computer graphics, artificial intelligence, voice recognition and other advanced technologies to perform the role of virtual secretary, governess or almost human interface for a variety of applications.
Guilherme arrives at the office and turns on his PC. The image of a woman appears on the screen and says to him:
-- Denise: Good morning, Guilherme. Shall I read you your appointments
today?
-- Guilherme: Yes!
-- Denise: You've got a 2:00 o'clock meeting with your marketing team, and
a 5:00 o'clock with the development team.
-- Guilherme: Denise, could you check to see if I have any new e-mails?
-- Denise: Sure. You've got 12 new e-mails. Shall I read them to you?
-- Guilherme: Yes!
-- Denise reads the new e-mails, stating who sent them and the subject.
-- Guilherme: New document!
-- Denise opens the word processing application and Guilherme starts typing
a document.
The scene looks like something from a movie that takes place in the future, but it is a reality today. "Denise" is a virtual assistant with the appearance of a human being, whom the user can talk to and ask to perform tasks using natural language. The system, now available for sale over the Internet, was developed by a Brazilian company, the Curitiba-based Guile 3D Studio, using advanced computer graphics, integrated with artificial intelligence software, and voice recognition and synthesis in 46 languages as well as biometric systems. The dialogue above provides an example of Denise in action as a virtual secretary, but she can also be used in different roles.
"Denise is the first of a series of digital assistants. In addition to female characters, there will also be males and children, since the technology is intended for people of all ages. Other applications now being tested include a Virtual Nurse to keep children and elderly people company in hospitals, an assistant to interact with car computers, and for using at information kiosks at airports and shopping centers, self-service terminals and support systems, and automated call centers," says Guile Lindroth, director of Guile 3D Studio. He explains, moreover, that a special version is currently under development for handicapped individuals that will make it possible for them to control the computer using their voices and movements of the head and hands.
One example of how Denise can help in interactions between people and technology is in the role of a virtual governess at a hi-tech condominium in Sao Paulo, called Pinheiros Connections. Here she will be in charge of the interface between residents and automated residence services. "The residents will interact with Denise, who will receive voice commands in Portuguese and interpret them to perform a variety of different actions in apartments, such as turning lights on and off, playing music, announcing e-mails, controlling the alarm and even authorizing entrance into apartments using facial and digital recognition," says Lindroth.
Guile 3D Studio developed the software for Denise, the virtual assistant, based on its own 3D real time computer graphics and an artificial intelligence system, to provide any computer user with a more human way to interact with the machine, using voice recognition and natural language to perform everyday actions, such as checking email, latest news, personal appointments, and doing internet searches, getting spoken answers through text synthesis in a voice that is almost human.
Denise understands voice commands such as, "check my e-mails," "my schedule," "new document," "look for videos on the Internet," "movie schedules " or "play my songs." Using only voice commands, it is possible to control the playing of music and videos (starting, stopping, turning up or lowering the volume), as well as surfing the Internet. It is also possible to add and personalize voice commands for specific tasks.
In addition, a series of modules can be added to expand Denise's abilities, such as facial recognition (available soon), digital recognition, electronic secretary, language interpreter, Skype and MSN connection, simultaneous search on several different Web search engines, connection to GPS systems, residential automation or onboard car computers (Car PCs), among other things.
New modules under development should soon make possible integration with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, with the new Microsoft Kinects device (that will allow users to operate their computers solely by gestures), and working with cell phones, smart phones and mobile devices. Voice recognition for dictation mode is one of the features soon to be made available to enable Denise to "write" documents and e-mails dictated by users.
The Denise the Virtual Assistant system is now for sale in English at the Guile 3D Studio site, at prices starting at US$ 100 for the most basic version (Premium) There are also two other versions, Platinum and Business, with additional features to deal with more specific needs.
Denise can even operate in computers with slower processors, such as netbooks and tablets. The minimum system requirements are: Celeron, Atom N280 or Pentium 4 (32 or 64 bits) processors, 1GB of RAM, 2GB hard drive, Windows XP, Vista or 7 operating system, Internet Explorer 7 or 8, and Windows Media Player 10 or 11. For more information about the virtual assistant and its characteristics, go to: http://www.guile3d.com.
About Guile 3D Studio - Founded in 2001 by Guile Lindroth, systems analyst, specialist in Artificial Intelligence and 3D graphic arts, Guile 3D Studio has been receiving financial support from a group of investors for a number of years to pursue the development of its own advanced and innovative technologies involving Artificial Intelligence and Real Time Graphics. Today the company is setting world standards for Virtual and Digital Assistants, as well as its exclusive photo-realist interface in human form. The avatars are created by a talented team of 3D artists, designers and animators, and the Virtual Intelligence system was developed by systems analysts and specialists in natural language, in collaboration with a variety of scientists and universities all over the world. The first virtual assistant created by the company, in the form of an adult woman, was called "Denise," and is connected to speech, biometric and artificial intelligence systems, controlling different software and hardware modules under the user's command. For more information about Guile 3D Studio, please go to: http://www.guile3d.com.
Synopsys Advances Mixed-Signal Verification with New CustomExplorer Ultra
Advanced Regression and Analysis Environment Streamlines Mixed-signal Verification and Boosts Productivity
Highlights:
-- Regression automation
-- Advanced analysis and debug
-- Heterogeneous netlist support for SPICE, Verilog, Verilog-A, Verilog-AMS, SystemVerilog
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing, today announced the immediate availability of the CustomExplorer(TM) Ultra mixed-signal verification environment as part of Synopsys' Discovery(TM) Verification Platform. CustomExplorer Ultra provides a comprehensive regression and analysis environment to increase verification productivity and streamline the verification process for analog and mixed-signal designs. The combination of CustomExplorer Ultra and Synopsys' CustomSim(TM)/VCS® mixed-signal verification solution provides design teams with a high-performance, productive mixed-signal simulation and regression management environment for complex system-on-chip (SoC) verification.
"With the increasing number of mixed-signal circuits in SoCs, verification teams are demanding a high-productivity environment to significantly reduce the complexity of mixed-signal verification tasks,"said Paul Lo, senior vice president and general manager, Synopsys Analog/Mixed-Signal Group. "CustomExplorer Ultra complements our strong CustomSim/VCS mixed-signal verification solution to provide design teams with a scalable solution to tackle the verification challenges of complex mixed-signal SoCs."
Regression Automation
CustomExplorer Ultra is seamlessly integrated with the CustomSim/VCS mixed-signal verification solution. Multiple testbench and corner configurations can easily be set up, and simulation jobs are automatically queued and submitted to the server farm. Simulation job distribution and monitoring gives real-time status of multiple jobs running on multiple machines, providing quick feedback if problems are detected during simulation.
Advanced Analysis and Debug
Simulation results are collected, processed and presented in a spreadsheet-style display, providing an easy-to-read visual summary of the verification tests. Pass/fail results are indicated in the display, and the results can be filtered by design, design variables, equation results, or equation expressions. The unique Waveform Compare technology in CustomExplorer Ultra can be used to compare simulation results to a known-good waveform, saving considerable analysis time. The CustomExplorer Ultra debug environment offers complete SPICE linting, design hierarchy file browsing and signal tracing, as well as cross-probing between netlists, waveforms and interactively-generated connection visualization for rapid debugging. CustomExplorer Ultra is integrated with Custom WaveView (included), enabling waveform cross-probing and sophisticated waveform measurements. Together, these features aid designers in rapidly performing customized advanced analyses in a powerful design verification and debugging environment for analog and mixed-signal designs.
Heterogeneous Netlists Assembly
Netlists can be imported from a variety of heterogeneous sources and assembled into a single simulation netlist for verification using the configuration manager; SPICE, Verilog, Verilog-A, Verilog-AMS and SystemVerilog formats are supported. CustomExplorer Ultra's ability to assemble heterogeneous netlists from multiple sources greatly enhances the automation of mixed-signal verification.
Availability
The CustomExplorer Ultra mixed-signal verification environment is available immediately.
CustomExplorer Ultra Webinar
Synopsys will host a webinar entitled "Advanced Regression and Analysis for Mixed-Signal Verification Using CustomExplorer Ultra" premiering at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. This webinar will demonstrate how CustomExplorer Ultra enables high verification productivity for complex SoCs using advanced strategies that surpass traditional verification approaches. People interested in viewing this webinar can register online. All Synopsys webinars are listed on the web site at http://www.synopsys.com/Company/Pages/WebinarTopics.aspx.
About Synopsys
Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA), supplying the global electronics market with the software, intellectual property (IP) and services used in semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing. Synopsys' comprehensive, integrated portfolio of implementation, verification, IP, manufacturing and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) solutions helps address the key challenges designers and manufacturers face today, such as power and yield management, system-to-silicon verification and time-to-results. These technology-leading solutions help give Synopsys customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to market quickly while reducing costs and schedule risk. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has approximately 70 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com/.
Synopsys, CustomSim, CustomExplorer, Discovery and VCS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Synopsys, Inc. Any other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.
Editorial Contacts:
Sheryl Gulizia
Synopsys, Inc.
650-584-8635
sgulizia@synopsys.com
Lisa Gillette-Martin
MCA, Inc.
650-968-8900 ext. 115
lgmartin@mcapr.com
The MiFi® 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Available on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network Beginning April 18
BASKING RIDGE, N.J.,April 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL) today announced that the award winning MiFi® 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot that runs on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network is available online today at http://www.verizonwireless.com. The MiFi 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is the next-generation of the Novatel Wireless MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, building on innovation and design, proven performance and industry-leading user experience.
The MiFi 4510L allows businesses and consumers to create a personal Wi-Fi cloud capable of sharing the high-speed Internet connectivity of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE and 3G Mobile Broadband with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously. The 4G LTE MiFi 4510L includes new features, such as an intuitive status display on the device showing signal strength, battery level, roaming and number of connected devices.
Key features:
-- 4G LTE - customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload
speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage areas
-- Backward compatible with the Verizon Wireless 3G network
-- Simple one-touch connectivity
-- Intuitive eInk® display with status indicators
-- Security: WEP/WPA/WPA2 and VPN pass-through support
-- Supports Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems
-- Advanced integrated antenna technology
-- Battery: up to 5 hours usage
-- Wi Fi connectivity: 802.11b/g/n
-- Dimensions: 3.74"(H) x 2.36"(W) x 0.53"(D)
Pricing and availability:
-- The 4G LTE MiFi 4510L is available today online at http://www.verizonwireless.com and will be in Verizon Wireless Communications
Stores on April 21 for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new
two-year customer agreement on a 4G Mobile Broadband plan.
-- 4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans begin at $50 monthly access for 5GB.
Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon
receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are
accepted. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online
at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company's entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.
For more information on the MiFi 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot or other Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Novatel Wireless
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)
(C) 2011 Novatel Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless name and logo and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other Company, product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Albert Aydin, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7513, Albert.Aydin@verizonwireless.com; Charlotte Rubin, Novatel Wireless, +1-858-812-3431, crubin@nvtl.com