Children's Interactive Website, Planet Fassa, Helps Get Kids Reading and Back Outside
Planet Fassa is helping families get kids off the computer by using the computer!
CHICAGO, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fassa is a new website that gives kids the opportunity to read books, participate in activities, on-and-off line, and communicate with friends and family members through various activities. It's a modern day "choose your own adventure" book!
Planet Fassa has a wide range of characters that go on different adventures within a series of books called "Fassa Tails". Kids are challenged to get outside and participate in activities alongside the books' characters. They can also build their own "village" where friends and family members can login and follow the child's activities. Members can make their own challenges for the child and come up with their own rewards too. Kids earn points for each activity they complete and then "cash" them in for rewards. Think of it as a virtual allowance!
Working parents can also log on during the day and see the type of activities their child did with Planet Fassa. When returning home, they can encourage their child to discuss these activities, giving them a wider range of conversation topics and helping them move beyond the usual "how was school today?" Parents can find a new way of communicating with their children and feel a part of their everyday activities.
Planet Fassa also encourages kids to get outside! Many of the activities involve outdoor settings so kids don't spend hours in front of a computer screen or television. The Planet Fassa characters challenge kids to use their imaginations! The site also gives parents new ideas to create activities for their kids using their current surroundings. For example, Planet Fassa gives subjects to talk to your children about, activities for an upcoming road trip and games like "Doctor's Office Hangman."
Planet Fassa is creating a platform for kids to get outside and enjoy their surroundings. The site's goal is to open kids' minds and expand their curiosity, imagination, creativity and love for reading through characters they can relate to. Many of the "Fassa Tails" storylines are centered on life lessons, teaching kids to respect others and the planet they live on. By using new technology, Planet Fassa hopes to bring back old-fashion play!
Jack Henry & Associates Expands Internet Banking Solutions
- My NetTeller and OurCashFlow personalize the online banking experience -
MONETT, Mo., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: JKHY), a leading provider of computer systems and electronic payment solutions primarily for financial services organizations, today formally announced the availability of My NetTeller, its solution that enables accountholders to create customized dashboard-style landing pages of their most commonly used online banking functions. The company also provided an update on its ongoing success with OurCashFlow(TM), the online financial management (OFM) solution that is fully integrated with NetTeller Online Banking(TM) platform.
My NetTeller
My NetTeller enables accountholders to fully customize their online banking environment by selecting the functionality they want to see when they log in. Accountholders simply drag and drop widgets to create a dashboard-style view of online banking features such as funds transfers, electronic bill payments, and transaction downloads. The ability to place frequently used functions in a more accessible and obvious location simplifies site navigation and makes the online banking experience more efficient, convenient, and intuitive for each user.
Pete Hopkins, general manager of Internet Solutions, said, "One of the fundamental benefits of online banking is empowering accountholders with self-sufficiency and more control over their finances. The ability to fully customize the online banking experience puts another level of control in the hands of accountholders and strengthens their banking relationships. This single, configurable user interface comingles Internet banking offerings, creates personalized online banking landing pages, and optimizes the flexibility and usability of the online channel."
According to Greg Bixby, chief technology officer for Michigan-based Capitol Bancorp, Ltd, "With all the material enhancements, including the new look and feel of My NetTeller, the flexibility of widgets, and the recent integration of a sophisticated OFM solution, NetTeller competes head-to-head with the best-of-breed solutions on the market today. In fact, My NetTeller has made such dramatic improvements in the user experience that many of our customers think we have upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art online banking platform. NetTeller also provides the key benefit of total integration with our core system and other electronic products we have deployed. The common user interface between NetTeller and the goDough® mobile banking system is fantastic and enables us to provide a consistent user experience across these customer-facing channels. NetTeller is strategically evolving into an innovative and comprehensive suite of fully integrated, electronic solutions that can quickly and easily be deployed."
Bill Froehlich, technology manager for Wyoming-based UniWyo Federal Credit Union, said, "NetTeller was a huge leap forward from the previous Internet banking products we used based on the advanced functionality, the sophisticated user interface, and the operational control it provides for our credit union. NetTeller is the Internet banking product we were waiting for, and now with the launch of My NetTeller, our Internet banking platform provides the highly personalized online banking experience today's consumers expect from their financial institution."
Darren Crossett, senior vice president of New York-based Beacon Federal, said, "We introduced the NetTeller platform in 2009. Since then, our user base has grown to approximately 11,600 customers who generate more than 200,000 logins each month. We continue to be very pleased with the NetTeller suite of products because it supports our strategic plan to provide our customers with leading-edge electronic services. NetTeller provides a single point of access to complete financial management and the flexibility, ease-of-use, convenience, and security consumers expect today."
Since My NetTeller was introduced in August 2010, it has been implemented by 125 financial institutions and is now supporting more than 3,500 end-users.
OurCashFlow
OurCashFlow is the online financial management (OFM) solution available through Jack Henry & Associates' strategic partnership with Lodo Software, Inc. OFM transforms financial institutions' websites into financial management hubs that enable consumers and small businesses to access and manage their finances in consolidated, easy-to-use dashboards. OurCashFlow automatically categorizes financial transactions; supports internal and external account aggregation; tracks budgets, spending habits, and savings goals; and generates user-defined alerts. OurCashFlow is fully integrated with Jack Henry & Associates' NetTeller Online Banking solution and is seamlessly accessible to users from a dedicated tab within NetTeller.
According to Hopkins, "We expect there will be an ongoing and growing demand for our OFM solution based on the tangible benefits it generates for both financial institutions and accountholders. OFM empowers accountholders with financial control, sophisticated financial management tools, and opportunities to reduce overdraft fees and interest. OFM empowers banks with opportunities to grow deposits, increase the profitability of their online channel, improve customer retention and acquisition, and enhance their competitive position."
Froehlich added, "With the addition of the online financial management product to NetTeller, our Internet banking solutions now have the 'stickiness' we were looking for. Once members begin using the OFM solution, we're confident it will become a key financial management tool and they won't want to manage their money anywhere else. Jack Henry & Associates also priced the OFM solution in way that enabled us to offer it to all of our members for free, and they are amazed that they can manage their money, set financial goals, create budgets, and aggregate their internal and external accounts at absolutely no cost to them."
Since the availability of OurCashFlow was announced in July 2010, it has been purchased by 13 financial institutions and is now supporting more than 200 end-users.
Tony Wormington, president of Jack Henry & Associates, concluded, "Today, consumers and small businesses need to manage their finances more efficiently and effectively, and they are expecting their financial institutions to provide the tools to help them do so. My NetTeller and OurCashFlow provide the easy-to-use, fully featured, and proven tools accountholders need for real-time financial management and highly personalized banking experiences. We believe My NetTeller and OurCashFlow are essential additions to our Internet banking platform and to our clients' online offerings."
About Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: JKHY) is a leading provider of computer systems and electronic payment solutions primarily for financial services organizations. Its technology solutions serve more than 11,200 customers nationwide, and are marketed and supported through four primary brands. Jack Henry Banking(TM) supports banks ranging from de novo to mid-tier institutions with information processing solutions. Symitar(TM) is the leading provider of information processing solutions for credit unions of all sizes. ProfitStars® provides highly specialized products and services that enable financial institutions of every asset size and charter, and diverse corporate entities to mitigate and control risks, optimize revenue and growth opportunities, and contain costs. iPay Technologies operates as a leading electronic bill pay provider supporting banks and credit unions with turnkey, highly configurable retail and small business electronic payment platforms. Additional information is available at http://www.jackhenry.com.
Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking information. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking information. Specifically, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking information. Additional information on these and other factors, which could affect the Company's financial results, are included in its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings on Form 10-K, and potential investors should review these statements. Finally, there may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information.
SOURCE Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
CONTACT: Analysts, Kevin D. Williams, Chief Financial Officer, +1-417-235-6652, or Media, Dennis Jones, Marketing Manager, +1-704-357-0298, both of Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
CHINO HILLS, Calif., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacuzzi, a global leader in the hot tubs and luxury bath industries, is pleased to introduce their new Jacuzzi Luxury Bath Blog that keeps consumers up-to-date with the latest news and trends for transforming a bathroom into a home spa. Whether looking for bathroom design trends, ideas, tips, or cost estimates, the new Jacuzzi Luxury Bath Blog now features everything you need to know before, during, and after your bathroom remodel.
"We all deserve a private quiet place where we can relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy," said Pam Messick, Jacuzzi's Digital & Social Media Marketing Specialist. "And while most are familiar with our outdoor hot tubs, we want people to fully experience the luxury of Jacuzzi's bathroom product lines, including bathtubs, showers, toilets and sinks in a variety of styles and budgets. Now you too can have the spa of your dreams right in your own home."
From design inspiration to informative health tips, Jacuzzi aims to provide blog visitors with everything they need for recreating their home spa experience. With videos featuring Jacuzzi's newest Salon® Spa bathtub collections and articles educating readers on the benefits of hydrotherapy, the Jacuzzi Luxury Bath Blog is the one-stop guide for your bathroom spa transformation.
When designing bathrooms, Jacuzzi works with customers to select the perfect combination of shape, size and therapy experience. Whether limited on space or shape, Jacuzzi makes sure the Whirlpool, Salon® Spa, Soaking Bath, or Pure Air(TM) bathtub you choose will exceed all expectations of comfort and relaxation.
Jacuzzi welcomes Jacuzzi owners and those interested in Jacuzzi to become a fan of Jacuzzi on Facebook, follow Jacuzzi on Twitter, watch videos on the Jacuzzi YouTube channel, or read the Jacuzzi Luxury Bath Blog. Jacuzzi also invites visitors to be notified when new blogs are posted by subscribing to the new Jacuzzi Luxury Bath Blog's RSS feed.
Jacuzzi is the name that defines the hot tub and whirlpool bath experiences. Social and private, fun and relaxing, Jacuzzi completely satisfies and leaves you wanting more. Known for innovation, Jacuzzi is the company that started the modern hot tub industry.
Jacuzzi is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Glu Mobile Launches In-App Purchases on Android with Gun Bros, Deer Hunter® Challenge and World Series of Poker® Hold'em Legend
Leader in 3D Social Mobile Games: One of First to Boost Revenues with Android IAPs
SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUU),a leading global publisher of 3DSocial Mobile games for smartphone and tablet devices, announced today the implementation of In-app purchases (IAPs) into several of Glu's leading games on the Android(TM) platform. As one of the first freemium game publishers to launch IAPs for Android games, Glu continues to provide a superior gaming experience while driving new revenue and customer acquisition.
"The implementation of In-app purchases on Android Market is a very significant step forward that will underpin Glu's continued leadership in 3D Social Mobile gaming on Android," said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of Glu. "The Android gaming market continues to demonstrate impressive growth and we are optimistic that over the medium term IAPs on Android will generate revenue streams analogous to those on iOS."
In-app purchases are available now in Gun Bros, Deer Hunter Challenge and World Series of Poker Hold'em Legend on the majority of smartphones and tablets on the Android platform.
About Glu Mobile
Glu Mobile (NASDAQ:GLUU) is a leading global publisher of 3D Social Mobile games for smartphone and tablet devices. Glu's unique technology platform enables its titles to be accessible to a broad audience of consumers all over the world - supporting iOS, Android, Palm, Windows Phone 7 devices and beyond. Glu is focused on bringing the best in social, freemium, cross-platform mobile gaming experiences to the mass market. Founded in 2001, Glu is headquartered in San Francisco and has major offices in Brazil, China, Russia and the UK. Glu is focused on creating compelling original IP and also partners with leading entertainment brands including Activision, Atari, Caesar's and Fox. Consumers can find high-quality, fresh entertainment created exclusively for their mobile devices wherever they see the 'g' character logo or at http://www.glu.com. For live updates, please follow Glu via Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/glumobile or become a Glu fan at Facebook.com/glumobile.
GUN BROS, DEER HUNTER CHALLENGE, WORLD SERIES OF POKER HOLD'EM LEGEND,GLU, GLU MOBILE and the 'g' character logo are trademarks of Glu Mobile Inc.
Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.
SOURCE Glu Mobile Inc.
Glu Mobile Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Breslin, Glu Mobile Inc., +1-415-800-6120, PR@glu.com; or Jason Enriquez, Weber Shandwick Worldwide, +1-415-215-9498, jenriquez@webershandwick.com
Benefits for Trade Recognised as Screwfix Celebrates Latest Win
YEOVIL, England, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading trade retailer Screwfix is celebrating, having taken home a top retail industry gong for the award-winning shopping experience it offers to the trade.
Honoured in the Retail Technology Initiative category at the Oracle Retail Week awards, Screwfix was commended for its 'Fusion Platform', a large-scale initiative developed to transform the company's multi-channel order process.
John Mewett, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: "The Fusion Platform is something we are very proud of here at Screwfix, and the benefits of the new system are already being enjoyed by the trade, with reduced order times, product recommendations, real time stock checking and a Call, Pay and Collect facility live across the business.
"So we are thrilled that along with providing a fantastic, future-proof service for our tradesman, this achievement has been recognised at the Oracle Retail Week awards."
The system allows customers to purchase goods across multiple platforms and brands including Plumbfix and Electricfix, and is built with expansion in mind - with further developments such as mobile shopping applications in the pipeline.
Key strengths of the system are:
- The system allows an improved range of promotions to be run across any channel or brand, meaning more deals for the trade.
- The single-system for sales ordering enables tradesmen to place an order far more easily, with transaction time reduced to four minutes.
- The system allows a more secure purchasing experience for tradesman, with improved fraud checks.
- Automated product recommendations make for an easier shopping experience.
- The system offers real time stock checking and Call, Pay and Collect (call and order with the Contact Centre, pay and collect at a local Trade Counter within 15 minutes).
What is the Fusion Platform?
In essence, Fusion provided Screwfix with a single technology platform with integrated applications, to enable the business to run these multiple channels, replace 80 per cent of the previous systems and enable future sales and customer-driven initiatives.
What are the Retail Week awards?
The Oracle Retail Week awards, run by the retail industry's leading publication, celebrate the great achievements in UK retailing and this year's event attracted entries from nearly every major name multiple retailer.
About Screwfix:
Recognised as being "where the trade buys" and promising a fast, reliable service, Screwfix is the UK's leading multi-channel supplier of thousands of high quality screws, fixings, hand tools, power tools, radiators and electrical supplies. Combining trade prices and a massive range of leading brand name items, Screwfix offers over 18,000 products and is fully committed to customer care and support.
For more information, please contact:
Felicity Cross, McCann Erickson Public Relations
Tel: 0121 713 3823
E-mail: felicity.cross@europe.mccann.com
CancerForward Rolls Out New Free National Program to Connect Cancer Survivors
Funded by The Dan L. Duncan Family, ConnectToForward initiative delivers nonprofit's mission to over 500 cancer organizations in U.S.
HOUSTON, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CancerForward: The Foundation for Cancer Survivors today announced the creation of ConnectToForward, a fundamental initiative of the Foundation's three-prong mission to connect, educate and share information among cancer survivors through its website, cancerforward.org.
ConnectToForward is a national outreach and partnering program developed to introduce CancerForward's virtual cancer survivor community to constituents of the 300 U.S. nonprofit cancer-related organizations and the after-treatment patients of the National Cancer Institute's 65 designated cancer centers and other national leaders in cancer care.
On April 1, 2011, CancerForward will rollout the new program, making available to cancer survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals free memberships to The Survivor Network on CancerForward. Funded by The Dan L. Duncan Family, The Survivor Network is a unique online platform that provides survivors and caregivers a virtual community to connect and share experiential information.
"Many cancer organizations do not fully-address the needs of cancer survivors, their family, friends and caregivers beyond delivery of a last treatment," said CancerForward founder, Beth Sanders Moore. "By partnering with CancerForward, those organizations can at no charge, immediately offer their patients a quality option to plan and begin cancer rehabilitation."
Moore continued, "Because CancerForward is virtual, we can serve anyone in the world. We recognize we may be supplemental to existing bricks and mortar survivor support communities. We know that for survivors and groups of survivors limited by geography and budgets, we will be their initial or primary support group resource."
ConnectToForward is the first step in the integrative partnering process. Once in community forums on CancerForward, survivors can find or create support groups, exchange experiences and seek information from leading health, wellness and rehabilitation experts.
Website content includes articles and help tips developed by leading cancer rehabilitation experts from across the U.S. It also includes editorial features about high-profile cancer survivors, considered by the medical community a valuable tool for dispelling myths about cancer and stimulating open-communication among traditionally-reticent survivor populations.
"Cancer survivors and their families need to be able to communicate with someone who has been through the same illness they have faced," stated Randa Duncan Williams on behalf of The Dan L Duncan Family which underwrote ConnectToForward. "They need a resource to help answer questions and provide current, unbiased information. CancerForward does that and our family is proud to be a part of its growth."
In line with its new ConnectToForward initiative, CancerForward has recruited as bloggers on its website oncologists who are preeminent cancer survivorship and rehabilitation experts familiar to its prospective partners. Among them are Dr. Julie Silver, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Oncology Rehab Partners, an innovative healthcare company breaking new ground in the field of after-cancer care. Also joining CancerForward as a contributing writer and blogger is Michael J. Fisch, MD, MPH, Chairman of the Department of General Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
CancerForward board chair, Stewart Smith emphasized the unique ability of CancerForward to facilitate its planned initiative, ConnectToForward. "The quality, speed and sophistication with which CancerForward can distribute resources to an infinite number of survivors are rooted in the sophistication of The Survivor Network. We have been able to achieve momentum in our program delivery because of the foresight and financial support of The Dan L. Duncan Family."
Smith continued, "Our capacity nine months into existence also reflects the visionary leadership of Beth Sanders Moore, 20 years a studied and respected national advocate for cancer prevention and survivorship issues. For cancer survivors, the CancerForward site is now functionally-equivalent to the offerings of the American Cancer Society, LIVESTRONG® and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. We intend to continue molding CancerForward to our users' needs. We are confident of the long term significance of ConnectToForward."
CancerForward's announcement today follows the recent bellwether report on cancer survivorship statistics and instructive projections issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). That report states the number of cancer survivors in the United States is increasing by hundreds of thousands a year, and now includes roughly one in 20 adults. Further, it advises the immediate need for the development and implementation of programs to provide optimal care and support for all cancer survivors.
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Lydia Baehr, Lydia Baehr Public Relations
Phone: 713-208-3421
E-mail: LYDIA@LTBAEHR.COM
Verizon First Service Provider to Announce 100G Deployment on U.S. Network
High-Capacity Transport Technology Uses Ciena and Juniper Networks Gear for Improved Network Efficiency, Latency and Capacity
NEW YORK,March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon plans to deploy 100G (gigabits per second) technology on selected segments of its U.S. backbone network by the end of the second quarter of 2011, bringing customers the benefit of greatly increased speed and performance for everything from cloud-based enterprise applications to video streaming. The network segments include Chicago to New York, Sacramento to Los Angeles and Minneapolis to Kansas City.
"We've already successfully deployed 100G on a portion of our European network, and now we're preparing to expand this technology to our U.S. network," said Ihab Tarazi, vice president of network planning at Verizon. "Advancing to 100G is a significant step in strengthening our global IP network to handle the bandwidth demands of our customers - whether it's large enterprises or the average consumer. Besides greater scalability and network efficiencies, we also expect 100G deployment to improve latency on a route-by-route basis."
Customer demand is driving the company to deploy 100G, as business customers launch integrated solutions that include cloud computing services, security, and unified communications and collaboration applications. Consumers are advancing growth through applications such as video streaming and online gaming.
Verizon's rollout of 100G in the U.S. will use Juniper Networks routers and Ciena's 100G coherent optical transport solution. Verizon also used Juniper and Ciena equipment for its 100G deployment in Europe earlier this year.
"Juniper Networks has a proud history of working with Verizon to innovate and deliver the next generation of capacity to enable network services to scale ahead of growing subscriber expectations and demands," said Stefan Dyckerhoff, general manager and executive vice president, Platform Systems Group, Juniper Networks. "With the coming availability of 100G service in the U.S., Juniper looks forward to continuing to work with Verizon to deliver scalable, cost-effective and reliable high-speed network connections that empower businesses and individuals to harness the full potential of today's connected life."
Philippe Morin, senior vice president of Ciena's global products group, said: "Verizon and Ciena have worked together for many years in deploying advanced optical technologies, including intelligent mesh switching and coherent optics, to deliver the network capacity, resiliency, and performance that its customers demand. Ciena is thrilled to extend our relationship with Verizon to bring the benefits of next-gen, high-capacity transport to its North American network, driven by our decade of development in coherent optical-processing technologies and extensive field experience with 100G deployments."
Moving to 100G enables Verizon to increase bandwidth efficiency on its existing fiber infrastructure. By installing new equipment on the network while retaining use of the current fiber system, the company can carry up to 10 times the amount of network traffic carried on a standard route. Optical efficiencies also are gained from carrying traffic on a single 100G wavelength as opposed to 10 wavelengths, each operating at 10 gigabits per second.
For the past several years Verizon has been a dominant force in 100G technology, beginning in November 2007 when the company successfully completed the industry's first field trial of 100G optical traffic on a live system. Last month Verizon deployed the world's first standards-based, multivendor 100G Ethernet link for an IP backbone on a portion of the company's European network between Paris and Frankfurt.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Giant Interactive Announces Official Closed Beta Testing for ZT Online 2
SHANGHAI, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) ("Giant" or the "Company"), a leading Chinese online game developer and operator, today announced that it plans to commence official closed beta testing for ZT Online 2 on April 8, 2011.
ZT Online 2 is the Company's new internally developed, martial arts, massively multiplayer online role playing game ("MMORPG"), which features both traditional ZT Online gameplay and new casual gameplay such as pet-raising, attractive 2D graphical effects, and support for 40,000 concurrent gamers per shard. With four hundred talented developers involved with the project for three years, ZT Online 2 utilizes a revised in-game economy to target lower spending and non-spending users compared to the original ZT Online. This "Third Generation" in-game economy has already helped the game attract high interest from gamers without large scale marketing by the Company. ZT Online 2 has already reached over 200,000 peak concurrent users ("PCU") during the unlimited closed beta testing phase that began in the fourth quarter 2010. This achievement was driven mostly by word of mouth by gamers and positions ZT Online 2 as one of the most anticipated online games for 2011 as voted by gamers during the China Game Industry Annual Conference.
Mr. Xuefeng Ji, Giant's Vice President of Research & Development and the producer of ZT Online 2 commented, "Unlike the first generation time-based games and second generation item-based games, ZT Online 2's transaction-based in-game economy promotes fairness among gamers. Because we no longer sell items directly to gamers, players are tasked with creating the items and trading them within the game. With only a five percent transaction fee, and more balanced power between paying and non-paying users, gamers now have more incentive to play the game, earn items, trade, and remain involved in the social aspects of the game."
Mr. Yuzhu Shi, Giant's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "A successful online game needs to pass three hurdles: the first impression, the trial when gamers begin testing the game, and longevity - keeping players engaged over the long term. During ZT Online 2's unlimited closed beta testing phase, we have seen great results as churn rates have been very low and gamers have responded very positively to our new in-game economy. I hope that gamers continue to explore our third generation in-game economy and that ZT Online 2 becomes not only an innovative growth driver for our Company, but also an influence on the online game industry."
About Giant
Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) is a leading online game developer and operator in China in terms of market share according to iResearch Consulting Group, an independent Chinese research center, and focuses on massively multiplayer online role playing games. Currently, Giant operates multiple games, including ZT Online, ZT Online Green Edition, Giant Online, The Golden Land, XT Online, and Dragon Soul. Giant has several additional online games that it intends to launch, including ZT Online 2, Allods Online, and Elsword. Giant has built a nationwide distribution network to sell the prepaid game cards and game points required to play its games, which as of December 31, 2010 consisted of over 130 distributors, and reached over 96,000 retail outlets, including internet cafes, software stores, supermarkets, bookstores, newspaper stands, and convenience stores located throughout China. For more information, please visit Giant Interactive Group on the web at http://www.ga-me.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this release contain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements and among others, include our ability to successfully commercially launch ZT Online 2 into official closed beta testing, and the ability of ZT Online 2 to be a growth driver. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition and other circumstances may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements is included in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 20-F. Any projections in this release are based on limited information currently available to us, which is subject to change. Although such projections and the factors influencing them will likely change, we undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. Such information speaks only as of the date of this release.
Contacts:
Investor Contact (China): Investor Relations (US):
Rich Chiang, IR Manager Kelly Gawlik, Senior Associate
Giant Interactive Group, Inc. Taylor Rafferty
+86 21 6451 1258 +1 (212) 889 4350
ir@ztgame.com giantinteractive@taylor-rafferty.com
Investor Relations (HK): Media Contact (US):
Mahmoud Siddig, Managing Director Marc Raybin
Taylor Rafferty Taylor Rafferty
+852 3196 3712 +1 (212) 889 4350
giantinteractive@taylor-rafferty.com giantinteractive@taylor-rafferty.com
Prostate Oncology Specialists, Inc. Launches "Prostate Snatchers" - A Blog Featuring Posts by the Co-Authors of Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers
MARINA DEL REY, Calif., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Prostate Oncology Specialists, Inc. announces the launch of the "Prostate Snatchers" blog. It features contributions from a medical oncologist, Mark Scholz MD, who specializes only in prostate cancer and a prostate cancer patient, Ralph H. Blum. Both authors will provide perspectives on engaging topics. The bloggers are co-authors of the book Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers (August 2010, Other Press). They will be following the same alternating chapter style used in their book by posting alternating blogs every Tuesday.
In his review of Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers, Dana Jennings, New York Times Science Editor, wrote: "I wish I had this book back in 2008." Ralph Blum reflects, "My blogs continue where the book left off." Blum adds, "I'm excited to be writing, in blogs, things I wanted to say in our book, but left out because they seemed too radical - things men need to know and may not find anywhere else." Dr. Mark Scholz states, "Medical technology is changing week to week and prostate treatment hits a man right where it hurts. Ralph and I want to provide a map to help guide men safely through a medical minefield."
Blum kicks off his first blog with the topic, "To Be or Not to Be Biopsied - That is the Question." More than a million men undergo prostate biopsy every year facing some of the most momentous decisions of their life. Dr. Scholz will follow up next week with his thoughts the impact of surgery on sexual intimacy. These blogs can be viewed at http://prostatesnatchers.blogspot.com. Readers are welcome to interact by posting comments on each blog.
About Prostate Oncology Specialists
Established in 1995, Prostate Oncology Specialists has earned national acclaim for its comprehensive approach to prostate cancer prevention and management. Under the direction of Medical Director Mark Scholz, M.D., Prostate Oncology Specialists employs a highly skilled team of physicians trained in oncology, radiology, hematology, and internal medicine that treats all stages of the prostate cancer. Prostate Oncology Specialists are not wedded to any single therapy for prostate cancer, but rather advocate the exploration of treatment options that are customized and tailored to the unique needs of each individual patient. Treatments employed include active surveillance, testosterone deprivation, partial cryotherapy, seed implantation, intensity-modulated radiation, and surgery. Prostate Oncology Specialists' ongoing mission is to uncover new medical breakthroughs in the treatment and management of prostate cancer.
About Ralph H. Blum
Ralph H. Blum is a cultural anthropologist and author, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University with a degree in Russian Studies. His reporting from the Soviet Union, the first of its kind for The New Yorker (1961--1965), included two three-part series on Russian cultural life. He has written for various magazines, among them Reader's Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue. Blum has published three novels and five nonfiction books. He has been living with prostate cancer, without radical intervention, for twenty years.
Verizon Announces Early Termination of Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Waiting Period Relating to Tender Offer for Shares of Terremark Worldwide, Inc.
NEW YORK, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) today announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), for Verizon's pending acquisition of Terremark Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: TMRK), has been terminated by the U.S. Department of Justice. As a result, no regulatory conditions remain outstanding with respect to the pending acquisition.
The tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Terremark common stock at a price of $19 per share in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes, is scheduled to expire at midnight Eastern time on March 31, 2011, unless extended. Terremark stockholders should contact Georgeson Inc., the information agent for the tender offer, at 800-903-2897 for instructions on how to tender their shares or to obtain the offer to purchase and related materials.
The tender offer and merger are subject to customary closing conditions described in the offer to purchase (as amended) that was filed by Verizon and its wholly owned subsidiary, Verizon Holdings Inc., with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 10.
"We appreciate the hard work of the staff of the Department of Justice in approving this transaction," said John Thorne, Verizon senior vice president and deputy general counsel.
The depositary for the tender offer has advised that, as of the close of business on March 29, 2011, approximately 29,848,605 shares (including approximately 789 shares subject to guarantees of delivery) were validly tendered and not withdrawn, representing approximately 41.99 percent of all outstanding shares of Terremark common stock.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Verizon -- through a new subsidiary, Verizon Holdings Inc. -- has filed a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the SEC, which has been previously amended. Terremark stockholders are strongly advised to read the tender offer statement (including the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and related tender offer documents) and the related solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9, as amended, filed by Terremark with the SEC because they contain important information about the proposed transaction. These documents are available at no charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and certain other related tender offer documents may be obtained free of charge by directing a request to Verizon at 212-395-1525. A copy of the tender offer statement and the solicitation/recommendation statement is available to all stockholders of Terremark by contacting Terremark Investor Relations at 305-860-7822.
Certain statements in this communication regarding the proposed transaction between Verizon and Terremark, the expected timetable for completing the transaction, benefits and synergies of the transaction, future opportunities for the combined company and products and any other statements regarding Verizon's and Terremark's future expectations, beliefs, goals or prospects constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions) should also be considered forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the parties' ability to consummate the transaction; the timing for satisfying the conditions to the completion of the transaction, including the receipt of Terremark stockholder approval and the regulatory approvals required for the transaction; the parties' ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the transaction; the possibility that the parties may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected time-frames or at all and to successfully integrate Terremark's operations into those of Verizon or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, clients or suppliers) may be greater than expected following the transaction; the retention of certain key employees of Terremark may be difficult; and the other factors described in Verizon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and Terremark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 and in its most recent quarterly report filed with the SEC. Verizon and Terremark assume no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.
The Depositary for the tender offer is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The Information Agent for the tender offer is Georgeson Inc. The tender offer materials may be obtained at no charge by directing a request by mail to Georgeson Inc., 199 Water Street, 26th Floor, New York, New York 10038 or by calling toll-free at (800) 903-2897, and may also be obtained at no charge at http://www.verizon.com and the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Additionally, any questions related to the tender offer may be directed to Georgeson Inc. at the mailing address or telephone number provided above.
SOURCE Verizon Communications Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc.
CONTACT: Peter Lucht, +1-617-743-6809, peter.lucht@verizon.com
AT&T Building Most Advanced Mobile Broadband Experience in Nashville Market, Announces 2011 Network Upgrade Plans and Wi-Fi Rollout at Bridgestone Arena
AT&T to Expand Backhaul in 2011 in the Nashville area to Enable 4G Speeds, Increase Mobile Broadband Capacity, Upgrade Hundreds of Cell Sites
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T*, building on its strong 2010 record of network accomplishments, today announced network improvement plans designed to enable 4G speeds** and enhanced reliability to Nashville and surrounding communities in 2011. The wireless network enhancement plans are part of AT&T's planned $19-billion investment in its wireless and wireline networks and other capital projects in 2011.
Gregg Morton, AT&T Tennessee state president, says AT&T plans the following network improvements in the Nashville area in 2011:
-- Deploying upgraded backhaul connections to more than 200 cell sites.
Combined with HSPA+ technology, these backhaul deployments enable 4G
speeds.
-- Upgrading 70 new cell sites for mobile broadband.
-- Installing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) in high-traffic areas and
facilities, including The Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. The
distributed antenna system provides improved wireless coverage for
customers in indoor or outdoor spaces where geographical limitations
might otherwise prevent an optimal wireless experience.
-- Delivering additional mobile broadband capacity to 241 cell sites in the
area through the addition of new layers of frequency, also known as
"carriers." Adding extra capacity to a cell site is like widening a
highway - you're creating more lanes to accommodate increasing traffic.
-- Activating 20 new cell sites to improve network coverage and
reliability.
"Our story is getting even better for Nashville and surrounding communities," said Gregg Morton, AT&T state president. "Our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a great deal for customers and a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network. In fact, this deal, if approved, means that we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband - 4G LTE - from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to 95 percent."
Morton said the T-Mobile acquisition provides a fast, efficient and certain solution to the impending wireless spectrum exhaust situation facing both companies while adding cell towers. Additional towers mean additional capacity which means fewer dropped calls. "We'll be able to provide better voice quality and data performance to our customers," said Morton.
"Today's announcement from AT&T shows yet again that Nashville is a city on the rise, where businesses invest and grow," said Karl Dean, Mayor of Nashville. "Investment like this helps continue to grow our economy and create jobs. AT&T has invested heavily in Nashville, both in their mobile network expansion and through their IPTV service, U-verse. These investments help create and keep jobs in the Nashville area, which is good news for our city."
Morton said AT&T invested more than $550 million in its Nashville and surrounding communities wireless and wireline network from 2008 through 2010 as part of its commitment to superior service in the area:
In 2010, AT&T:
-- Activated eight new cell sites.
-- Added extra mobile broadband capacity to more than 104 cell sites.
-- Upgraded 67 cell sites for mobile broadband.
-- Added 106 additional layers to 104 cell sites to expand network capacity
and improve in-building coverage.
"This is great news for the Nashville area," said Beth Harwell, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. "AT&T's investment of over $550 million in our area alone shows that our state is on the right track for economic development and growth, and most importantly job creation. Nashvillians will benefit from better service and more access to the information they need wherever they are."
The investments made in the Nashville area wireless and wireline networks are part of the nearly $1.2 billion AT&T invested from 2008-2010 across Tennessee, Morton said.
The Bridgestone Arena is home to the Nashville Predators. Additionally, it is designed to accommodate a wide variety of other events including basketball games, concerts, circuses, wrestling, concerts, boxing matches and ice shows.
"This new relationship with Fortune 500 Company AT&T means Bridgestone Arena guests can better communicate using their smart phones on game or event days," said Nashville Predators Chief Executive Officer Jeff Cogen. "This significant network upgrade is especially important to attracting both locals and visitors to Bridgestone Arena, while helping the city of Nashville, the Preds and Arena stay connected."
With this activation, AT&T has enhanced the amount of wireless voice and data traffic that the network is able to handle at large capacity gatherings, where demand on the network is at its peak. To make this enhancement, AT&T installed network equipment on a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to manage available spectrum and increase mobile broadband capacity inside Bridgestone Arena.
"AT&T's investment in Nashville, and in Tennessee overall shows that our state is moving in the right direction when it comes to growth and jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey. "By investing in their networks, AT&T is also investing in Tennessee, and we are glad to see the results of these investments through better service and more productivity for all Tennesseans. $1.2 billion is a lot of money, and across Tennessee it has a direct impact on jobs and economic development for our state."
The nation's fastest mobile broadband network is getting faster with 4G. A key planned upgrade for 2011 is deployment of enhanced backhaul connections to more than 255 cell sites in the Nashville area to enable 4G speeds. Backhaul connections carry traffic between cell sites and AT&T's nationwide network. Enhanced fiber-optic and ethernet backhaul connections expand capacity many times over, and enable additional expansion in the years to come.
"We're investing in our Nashville area network to help AT&T customers take advantage of the numerous capabilities of their wireless devices," Morton said. "This year, we're committed to providing best-in-class wireless voice service to our customers, and we're backing that up with the right investments. This type of investment would not be possible without the leadership of elected officials like Speaker Harwell and Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey. Thanks to their leadership in creating an environment that spurs business investment and economic growth, we are able to make announcements like these today."
AT&T's advanced network provides several important advantages for customers. Unlike some competitors' CDMA network, AT&T's mobile-broadband network provides customers with the ability to talk and surf at the same time. For instance, you can look up directions to an event while staying on the phone with your boss, or browse your favorite social media sites while chatting with a friend. AT&T's mobile broadband network also is up to 35 percent faster than our largest competitor's CDMA-based network on average nationally.
AT&T also provides access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries. AT&T's largest competitor's CDMA-based devices work in fewer than 45 countries. Business Traveler magazine recently named AT&T as having the "Best Mobile Coverage in the World" - the fourth time AT&T has received the distinction.
"AT&T is consistently among the top companies in the U.S. in terms of our capital investment and we're committed to helping our customers right here in Nashville take advantage of the numerous capabilities of their wireless devices," said Jim Thorpe, vice president and general manager, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets for Tennessee and Kentucky.
Ralph Schulz, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, said AT&T's plans to significantly invest to improve its network will further bolster Nashville's reputation as a great place to live and work. "High-tech expansions like this one help our business community, our local economy and our overall quality of life," Schulz said.
AT&T's focus is delivering the nation's most advanced mobile broadband experience, which includes delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience. At the same time, AT&T offers a wide-ranging portfolio of smartphones and devices, with 20 4G devices planned for 2011, including a robust Android lineup. And we're driving development of wide-ranging mobile applications with three AT&T Foundry collaborative innovation centers planned for this year, as well as leadership in multiple initiatives to provide new tools for apps developers.
AT&T's mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world.
AT&T also operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network*** with more than 24,000 hotspots in the U.S. and access to more than 135,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly data plans.
For more information about AT&T's coverage in Nashville or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
**4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device. Learn more at att.com/network. Actual speeds experienced will vary and depend on several factors, including device, location, capacity, facilities, and other conditions.
***Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, 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. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
Starz Digital Media Renews Web Series "How It Should Have Ended" for Second Season, Launches New HISHE Web Video Game Series With Machinima.com
NEW YORK, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Digital Media, the digital and on-demand distribution arm of Starz Media, LLC, has renewed the popular, movie parody web series "How It Should Have Ended" (HISHE) for a second season and will expand the HISHE franchise into the video game genre with a new web series, "How It Should Have Ended: Video Games." The new series will be produced and distributed under a limited exclusive distribution agreement with Machinima, Inc. for release on Machinima.com's online video entertainment network for videogamers (http://www.youtube.com/machinima).
HISHE is a series of online video spoofs that parody the endings of popular films and iconic television series. Starz Digital Media will distribute new, ad-supported HISHE webisodes monthly as part of the HISHE second season at http://www.howitshouldhaveended.com and the official HISHE YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/HISHEdotcom.
Launching today, How It Should Have Ended: Halo is the first HISHE: Video Games property on the Machinima.com network. HISHE: Video Games will have the same animated look and feel as the popular, award-winning flagship HISHE web series, and will focus on parodies of plots and characters from best-selling and iconic game franchises. The Machinima.com network generates more than 50 million monthly unique users and more than 500 million monthly video views.
Under terms of the agreement with Machinima, Inc., the HISHE: Video Games episodes will have an exclusive, five-week online run across Machinima.com's content network, and will then reside alongside other HISHE videos on the HISHE homepage and its dedicated YouTube channel. Machinima will provide its videogames expertise in creating storylines and scripts, and promote the series to its massive global audience.
"How It Should Have Ended has been a real success story for Starz Digital Media, reaching millions of viewers each month. We are very pleased to renew the franchise for a second season and expand into the videogame genre, working with Machinima in creating a second web series," said Marc DeBevoise, Starz Media's senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy and lead executive for Starz Digital Media. "HISHE's success is a great example of how Starz' innovative approach combines our robust digital distribution capabilities with passionate creators, such as Daniel Baxter and Tina Alexander."
"Our partnership with Starz has allowed us the freedom to focus on developing great content for our fans while giving us the platform to reach a larger, global audience," said Daniel Baxter, HISHE's co-creator. "We are very excited to continue our partnership with Starz, parody more movies, and expand the franchise into video games."
"Our ability to activate significant audience engagement around content we know will resonate with videogamers, makes this partnership a natural fit," said Sanjay Sharma, Machinima, Inc.'s senior vice president, strategy and business development. "We're excited to bring innovative new content, such as HISHE: Video Games, to our 50+ million fans worldwide."
How It Should Have Ended was the winner of top honors for "Best Animated Web Series" at the 2010 Streamy Awards. Co-created by producer, animator and writer Daniel Baxter and his friend Tommy Watson, their first webisode was a spoof on The Matrix. Joined by producer/writer/critic Tina Alexander, the team launched http://www.howitshouldhaveended.com in July 2005, and has created more than 30 videos and approximately 100 million views to-date. Since partnering with Starz Digital Media in 2009, HISHE has produced a new episode each month, including 2012, Avatar, The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Twilight, and "Lost."
About Machinima.com
Machinima.com is the dominant video entertainment network for serious gamers around the world. The number one gaming channel on YouTube, Machinima served over 2 billion video views in 2010 alone, reaches over 50 million gamers monthly, and delivers over 500 million videos a month, and growing. Machinima.com's global content network features official publisher content, gameplay videos and original content, including over 20 original weekly shows, all aimed at the coveted 18 - 34 year old male demographic. Machinima.com is fast-becoming a global phenomenon with an ability to capture a cultural sensibility and awareness among a next generation of entertainment consumers and marketers alike. The company is backed by MK Capital and Redpoint Ventures, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
About Starz Digital Media
Starz Digital Media, an operating division of Starz Media, LLC, is responsible for all digital and on-demand distribution of library content from Overture Films, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Originals from Starz Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment. Through a range of distribution and marketing partnerships with multichannel video providers, Internet distributors and wireless operators worldwide, Starz Digital Media makes its content available under numerous business models including download-to-own/electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, pay-per-view, subscription video-on-demand and ad-supported streaming. The division also programs and supports numerous ad-supported broadband channels and develops games and gaming-related content from many of its properties for distribution worldwide.
Contacts:
Melissa Zukerman/Joe Libonati/Erica
Eric Becker Zilinskas
Principal Communications Group (For
Starz Digital Media Machinima.com)
(720) 852-4065 (323) 658-1555
eric.becker@starz.com joe@pcommgroup.com
Arrival of New Sparkling Cases and Covers for iPhone 4
SHENZHEN, China, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading Co., which enjoys a high reputation worldwide, presents consumers with new series of blazing cases and covers for iPhone 4.
The new aluminum cases are the best choice for fashion-pursuing consumers. There are six different colors for selection. Strong material and sparkling surface is a plus for iPhone. Four metal bolts can be easily installed to the iPhone frame and make a perfect fit. The cases are compatible with both 3G/3GS and 4th Generation and available in 6 sparkling styles: Black/White/Rubberized/plastic case with silver/metal skin/Slim fit grip case (clip-on style).
As a rapidly growing company in China, Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading Co. always considers customer satisfaction a main core value. For more detailed information concerning iPhone cases and covers, please check out on http://www.cellphone-case.net. We are fully confident that customers will definitely be able to find one that fits their individual style in the huge selection.
AT&T Building Most Advanced Mobile Broadband Experience in Atlanta, Announces 2011 Network Upgrade Plans and Wi-Fi Rollout at Turner Field
AT&T to Expand Backhaul in 2011 in Atlanta to Enable 4G Speeds, Increase Mobile Broadband Capacity, Upgrade Hundreds of Cell Sites
ATLANTA, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T*, building on its strong 2010 record of network accomplishments, today announced network improvement plans designed to enable 4G speeds** and enhanced reliability to Atlanta and surrounding communities in 2011. The wireless network enhancement plans are part of AT&T's planned $19-billion investment in its wireless and wireline networks and other capital projects in 2011.
Sylvia Russell, state president, AT&T Georgia, says AT&T plans the following network improvements in the Atlanta area in 2011:
-- Deploying enhanced backhaul connections to more than 450 cell sites to
enable 4G speeds and add capacity to support more mobile traffic, like
adding traffic lanes to a highway
-- Installing approximately 12 new cell sites to improve network coverage
-- Adding spectrum carriers to more than 610 cell sites to support more
traffic
-- Deploying Distributed Antenna System (DAS) networks at 12 venues to
enhance network coverage during events
-- Launching AT&T Wi-Fi at Turner Field to further enhance the fan
experience during home games
"Our story is getting even better for Atlanta and Georgia," Russell said. "Our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a great deal for customers and a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network. In fact, this deal, if approved, means that we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband - 4G LTE - from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to 95 percent."
Russell said the T-Mobile acquisition provides a fast, efficient and certain solution to the impending wireless exhaust situation facing both companies while adding cell towers. Additional towers mean additional capacity which means fewer dropped calls. "We'll be able to provide better voice quality and data performance to our customers," she said.
Russell said AT&T invested more than $2 billion in its Atlanta wireless and wireline network from 2008 through 2010 as part of its commitment to superior service in the area. In 2010, AT&T performed the following upgrades and improvements to its network in the Atlanta area:
-- Installing 50 new cell sites
-- Upgrading 9 cell sites for mobile broadband
-- Deploying enhanced backhaul connections to 33 cell sites to enable 4G
speeds and more capacity
-- Adding spectrum carriers to 116 cell sites
-- Deploying DAS networks at 8 venues, including one at Turner Field to
serve the heavily-trafficked areas throughout the stadium
"Investments in a strong wireless network help attract new business and strengthen our economy," said Georgia House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee Chairman Don Parsons. "The Georgia General Assembly has worked diligently to help to create a public policy environment that provides the right incentives for companies to invest in our state."
The nation's fastest mobile broadband network is getting faster with 4G. A key planned upgrade for 2011 is deployment of enhanced backhaul connections to more than 450 cell sites in the Atlanta area to enable 4G speeds. Backhaul connections carry traffic between cell sites and AT&T's nationwide network. Enhanced fiber-optic and ethernet backhaul connections expand capacity many times over, and enable additional expansion in the years to come.
"We're investing in our Atlanta network to help AT&T customers take advantage of the numerous capabilities of their wireless devices," said Keith Holmes, vice president and general manager, AT&T Georgia. "This year, we're committed to providing best-in-class wireless voice service to our customers, and we're backing that up with the right investments."
The investments made in the Atlanta area wireless and wireline networks are part of the more than $3.3 billion AT&T invested from 2008-2010 across Georgia, added Russell.
Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said AT&T's significant investment to improve its network will further bolster metro Atlanta's reputation as a great place to live and work.
"High-tech expansions like this one help our business community, our local economy and our overall quality of life," Williams said. "Few businesses today are more competitive than the wireless industry. That level of competition results in investment and new technology, which delivers benefits to the entire community."
AT&T's advanced network provides several important advantages for customers. Unlike some competitors, AT&T's mobile-broadband network provides customers with the ability to talk and surf at the same time. For instance, you can look up directions to an event while staying on the phone with your boss, or browse your favorite social media sites while chatting with a friend. AT&T's mobile broadband network also is up to 35 percent faster than our largest competitor's CDMA-based network on average nationally
AT&T also provides access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries. AT&T's largest competitor's CDMA-based devices work in fewer than 45 countries. Business Traveler magazine recently named AT&T as having the "Best Mobile Coverage in the World" - the fourth time AT&T has received the distinction.
"AT&T is consistently among the top companies in the U.S. in terms of our capital investment and we're committed to helping our customers right here in Atlanta take advantage of the numerous capabilities of their wireless devices," said Holmes.
AT&T's focus is delivering the nation's most advanced mobile broadband experience, which includes delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience. At the same time, AT&T offers a wide-ranging portfolio of smartphones and devices, with 20 4G devices planned for 2011, including a robust Android lineup. And we're driving development of wide-ranging mobile applications with three AT&T Foundry collaborative innovation centers planned for this year, as well as leadership in multiple initiatives to provide new tools for apps developers.
AT&T's mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world.
AT&T also operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network*** with more than 24,000 hotspots in the U.S. -- including more than 680 in the greater Atlanta area -- and access to more than 135,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly data plans.
For more information about AT&T's coverage in Atlanta or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page, and for more information on AT&T Wi-Fi*** and how to connect, visit AT&T Wi-Fi Access.
*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.
**4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device. Learn more at att.com/network. Actual speeds experienced will vary and depend on several factors, including device, location, capacity, facilities, and other conditions.
***Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, 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. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Dawn Benton of AT&T, Office: +1-404-986-1824, or Mobile: +1-404-202-6335, Dawn.Benton@att.com
Get a First-Hand Look at Lean Manufacturing and Outsourced Maintenance in Action During ATS' Spring Plant Tours
Advanced Technology Services and its Customers Invite You to See Their World-Class Operations with Free Tour Program
PEORIA, Ill., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Advanced Technology Services (ATS), a nationwide provider of managed production equipment maintenance and IT services that make factories run better, today announced the kickoff of its all-new 2011 Spring Plant Tour Program. The free program invites prospective customers and those curious about outsourced maintenance to go inside five world-class manufacturing facilities and see first-hand how their lean manufacturing and maintenance programs enhance performance, cost savings and efficiency.
"It's an incredible honor that these tour partners graciously welcome us into their facilities to let others see exactly how the ATS maintenance solution we provide helps these manufacturers run leaner and more efficiently," said Jeff Owens, president of ATS. "The tours provide a unique opportunity to understand the importance of maintenance in lean manufacturing - it's an interactive and educational experience that allows participants to see these best-practice strategies in action, hear about challenges and ask hard questions."
Venue and tour dates for the free program include:
-- May 3 - Eaton Electrical Components - Asheville, N.C.,
-- May 5 - Honeywell Aerospace - Rocky Mount, N.C.,
-- May 10 - MasterBrand Cabinets - Auburn, Ala.,
-- May 12 - Eaton Aerospace - Beltsville, Md., and
-- May 25 - Caterpillar, Inc. - East Peoria, Ill.
At each location, participants will have an opportunity to speak directly with plant managers, ask questions and discover how outsourcing maintenance can improve asset performance and solve challenges ranging from capacity shortfalls to skilled labor shortages.
Interested parties may register for just one or all of the locations, if desired, but tour size is limited so early registration is encouraged. Early bird registrations made before April 1 will be entered into a drawing to win one of three Kiazen Events to be conducted at the winners' facilities. The tours are free, but participants must cover their own costs for transportation and overnight accommodations, if needed.
ATS makes factories run better. Advanced Technology Services (ATS) improves the productivity and profitability for many of the world's most respected manufacturers through the managed services of production equipment maintenance, information technology and spare parts repair. Born out of the need for American manufacturers to remain competitive in a fast changing global economy, ATS is the recognized leader in outsourced production equipment maintenance. ATS is headquartered in Peoria, IL with offices and services centers located in Greenville, SC, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Monterrey, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China. For more information, visit http://www.AdvancedTech.com.
SOURCE Advanced Technology Services
Advanced Technology Services
CONTACT: Alice Robbins of SS|PR, +1-847-415-9335, arobbins@sspr.com, for ATS
First Cloud-Based Business Plan Dashboard Service Launches
San Francisco's Web 2.0 Expo Kicks Off General Release Of Quipu's BusinessModel(TM) Dashboard
SAN FRANCISCO, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quipu Applications, Inc., a Northern California software start-up, announced the official general public release date of Quipu BusinessModel(TM) (QBM), the world's first business plan dashboard service. Coinciding with Quipu's booth appearance at San Francisco's Web 2.0 Expo, March 29 will be the first day that the public will be able to take advantage of QBM's application suite -- a combination of best-of-breed business plan software features including business plan samples, section wizards and descriptions, research and analysis tools, stakeholder mapping, company valuation tools, and other critical business functions.
"After our successful preview at Cloud Connect 2011 in early March, we're ready to bring QBM to the public," says Michael Issa, President and CEO of Quipu Applications, Inc. "By using the Web 2.0 Expo as QBM's kick-off platform, we've ensured a high-profile launch at the premier conference for cutting-edge web applications."
QBM enables entrepreneurs and VCs granular control over the sharing and collaboration while developing business plans thanks to tightly integrated Web 2.0 features including blogs, micro blogs, wikis, and chat. Each business plan section -- financials, presentations, research, etc. -- can be viewed based on assigned permissions, granting total flexibility for companies to bring in internal and external stakeholders as needed.
In addition, QBM offers practical business applications such as project management, Gantt Charts, and an automated calendar and notifications. QBM is integrated with Google Document Viewer and Visualization API, and can also import financial data from QuickBooks and contacts from all major online sources: Yahoo!, GMail, Facebook, LinkedIn, and hundreds of others.
"Web 2.0 features are critical to any business application these days. For documents that require collaborative data-gathering, this is even more so," says Issa. "Technology has pushed collaboration forward but business plan software has been behind the curve. With QBM, we're not just matching the curve -- we're exceeding it, and consumers can have at it at the Web 2.0 Expo on March 29."
The BusinessModel(TM) base feature set is available to anyone free via the web - no hardware or software installation required. Advanced reports can be purchased on an a la carte basis; and annual subscriptions start at of $49.95.
Web 2.0 Expo attendees are invited to collaborate in their free QBM account at the Quipu Applications booth by scanning in their badge. Accounts include credit for 5 free QBM reports and a 30-day subscription to Business Analysis Manager allowing show attendees to get a taste of QBM's powerful capabilities, as well as exclusive access to other QBM materials: demos, data sheets, white papers, case studies, videos, and more.
About Quipu Applications, Inc.
Quipu Applications, Inc. is a start-up Cloud Computing company. Based on Quipu Applications, Inc.'s Business Plan Software and collaboration platform, Quipu has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs and VCs collaborate and communicate with one another and their other stakeholders. For more information, visit http://www.QuipuApps.com.
About the Web 2.0 Expo San Francisco
Web 2.0 Expos are the leading annual events that bring people, ideas, products, and companies together to build stronger Web 2.0 communities, shaping the next-generation Web. For more information, visit http://www.web2expo.com
Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase Quipu Applications, Inc. services should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Quipu Applications, Inc. has headquarters in Lafayette, CA, with offices in Asia. For more information please visit
Sony Online Entertainment's Family-Friendly Virtual World Becomes First Free-to-Play Massively Multiplayer Online Game on Any Console
SAN DIEGO, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced that Free Realms®(http://www.FreeRealms.com), the popular free-to-play, family-friendly virtual world game, is now available as a free download on the PlayStation®Network. Free Realms, originally launched in 2009 for the PC and in 2010 for the MAC computer, has quickly grown into an online community of nearly 17 million registered players!
Free Realms comes as SOE's second massively multiplayer online game on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, following DC Universe(TM) Online's PC and PS3(TM) release this past January. At launch, Free Realms is also the first free-to-play MMO and the first family-friendly MMO to hit any console to date.
"SOE has set the standard for MMOs on the console with two incredibly successful, innovative and exciting new massive online game worlds for the PlayStation®3 system -- first with DC Universe Online and now Free Realms," said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. "Our games extend the current lifecycle of the console with the added value offer of bringing tens of thousands of people together, in a game world, to socialize at community events, compete in combat activities and engage in a diversity of gameplay experiences, for years to come."
Much like the PC and MAC versions, Free Realms on the PlayStation®3 system features the fun minigames, robust player housing system and adventure exploration that millions of gamers have come to love. From racing cars and building backyard mazes, to casting spells and mining for gold, in Free Realms players have endless opportunities to play and explore! New to the game, the PS3(TM) version adopts the console's interactive capabilities and is easily accessible from the PlayStation®Store. Players are now able to use voice chat to communicate with their friends as they boogie down at parties, engage in battles against mystical characters, and more. Additionally, players can now earn, compare and share trophies.
FEATURES:
Attracted to adventure? Love to Explore? Players can take on endless amounts of roles including ninjas, warriors or wizards, while participating in a variety of activities such as adventuring for treasure, playing a soccer game, decorating their player house or even entering a demolition derby! If players are seeking a totally different challenge, they can participate in minigames and quests that include decorating their house, constructing a maze, or exploring the terrain on the back of their T-Rex Ride. Free Realms is a safe place for friends to imagine and have fun!
-- Fun Now, No Waiting: Free Realms is easy to access! Get in the game
quickly and easily from the PlayStation®Store, create a character, and
adventure in a fully immersive social game world. Click on the Game
Guide to access the Activity Finder, Events Calendar, 3D and 2D
minigames, quests, Match Making and more!
-- Be Whoever You Want: With 15 jobs to get into and more than 30,000
wearable combinations, players can find the perfect profession, or try
them all! Jobs include: wizard, blacksmith, medic, archer, warrior,
ninja, brawler, chef, miner, demolition derby driver, kart driver,
adventurer, postman, soccer star and fisherman.
-- Fun for Everyone: With so much to do and see it's easy for players to
find something fun to do! Start by playing minigames like cooking,
mining, soccer, Demolition Derby, or Pirate's Plunder. Players can
decorate their player house with a party dance floor, rocket ship or
talking tiki head, or create a maze with any number of items and invite
friends over to race through it. The action doesn't stop there; players
can participate with the entire community at live event Boss Battles or
in holiday quests, attend in-game concerts and learn boom box dance
moves.
-- Vibrant, Deep Environment: There are eight distinct, unique and
breathtaking environments for players to explore. Areas include the
snowcapped mountain villages of Snowhill, the dark and mysterious swamps
of Blackspore, and the sunny shores of Seaside.
-- Connect with Friends: Whether one's meeting up with old friends or
finding new ones, Free Realms players can connect, play, quest and
adventure together. For group quests and multiplayer battles, players
just log in to see what their friends have been up to, select them from
your friends list, and join them in game.
-- Play Free or Upgrade: At its heart, Free Realms is free-to-play, with
more than 800 quests and the ability to take each job through level
four. Players who want to break through to the next level can become
Members with access to an additional 400 quests and the ability to level
all jobs up to 20. Memberships are offered in terms of one month, three
months, six months and lifetime (valid for the life of the game).
Members and free players can also purchase a variety of items and
wearables through micro-transactions.
-- Family-Friendly: Recently recognized by Creative Child Magazine with the
2010 Creative Toy Award Seal of Excellence, Free Realms is a fun online
experience to share with the entire family. Parental controls on the PC
and MAC allow for the customization of safety options, include
pre-canned and white-list chat, reporting, and filter for younger
players. For kids who enjoy playing on the console, robust parental
controls are innate to the PlayStation 3 system.
Free Realms is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up with content descriptors of Crude Humor and Fantasy Violence. Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB. Free Realms is now available to download on the PlayStation Network for free; with options to purchase one month (US $4.99), three month (US $12.99), six month (US $ 24.50), one year (US $29.99), and lifetime membership (US $34.99).
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online game console and wireless devices. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends(TM),PlanetSide®, and the recently launched DC Universe Online(TM), as well as the recent kids' phenomena Free Realms® and Clone Wars Adventures(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Tucson, AZ, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development across various platforms and genres for audiences of all ages.
SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest, Free Realms,and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Legendsof Norrath is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment LLC.
All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
SOURCE Sony Online Entertainment LLC
Sony Online Entertainment LLC
CONTACT: Taina Rodriguez of Sony Online Entertainment, +1-858-577-3033, trodriguez@soe.sony.com
The Bible App with the Most Languages and Audio, too? Bible.is
Faith Comes By Hearing expands global Gospel outreach through Bible app
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Developed by Faith Comes By Hearing, the popular Bible.is app already offers a Bible listening experience in 96 languages. Today, the ministry is announcing they have nearly doubled that number by adding 89 more languages that will now be available for reading and listening on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and mobile Android devices, as well as at Bible.is online. The update marks a further expansion of their Digital Bible Project, which is already the world's largest standardized digital library of Bible text and audio recordings.
Troy Carl, the national director for Faith Comes By Hearing, believes technology - and the increasing access to it - makes the fulfillment of the Great Commission a real possibility in this generation.
"Think about it," explains Carl. "We already have two billion Internet users - almost half of them on social networks - and more than five billion cell phone subscribers. These numbers are only going to grow and we will continue to be on all these platforms freely providing Scripture, in heart languages, to all who want to hear."
Some of the new additions include Vietnamese and Thai, spoken by approximately 88 million people, as well as Mazateco de Ayautla, spoken by about 3,700 people in the Oaxaca region of Mexico.
The Bible.is app now has 324 versions of the Bible available in 185 languages for people to read, listen and even share with their friends and family on Facebook and Twitter.
Faith Comes By Hearing currently has New Testament recordings in 525 languages, which represents a potential outreach to more than 5 billion people.
"We are working diligently to make all of these (languages) available on the Bible.is app and website in the near future," confirms Carl. "Advancement in technology means greater access. As more and more people use mobile devices, we want to ensure they have God's Word with them wherever they go."
The ministry has a goal to record Audio Bibles in 2,000 languages by 2016, creating access to the Gospel for 97% of the world's population. The average cost to record the New Testament in a people's heart language is $25,596.
Wireless MousePen M508W Graphic-Design Tablet by Genius
Now Available in the USA & Canada
Professional Grade -- Affordable Price
TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
Product Highlights
-- 2.4GHz RF wireless connectivity
-- Wide 5"x8" high-resolution contact area
-- Four hot keys and 13 programmable shortcuts
-- Tilt sensitive stylus with 1024 pressure levels
-- Wireless mouse included plus lots of software
Genius, a leading manufacturer of computer peripherals, today releases its MousePen M508W in the USA and Canada. A 5" x 8" wireless graphic-design tablet, the MousePen M508W uses 2.4GHz wireless technology and connects to notebooks and computers via a USB receiver, giving you wide-ranging freedom to move around without any interference. With exceptional value for money, this high-performance tablet is perfect for art teachers, students, and graphic-design professionals, and gives them wireless freedom to paint, draw, write, and edit.
The high-performance stylus is tilt sensitive ±60 degrees and has 1024 pressure levels, making brush strokes thicker or thinner depending on how hard the stylus is pressed, mimicking traditional painting. Perfectly suited for graphic-design professionals, MousePen M508W gives you the same experience as if you were using paint and canvas. As a mouse, the left button is a simple push down with a right-click button and scroll button near the tip along the side. The stylus moves across the 4000 LPI high-resolution contact area as if the screen and tablet were the same, making operation smooth and accurate. You can switch between the 5" x 8" contact area to a 4:3 wide screen contact area, if desired.
The Genius MousePen M508W tablet has four express keys (Desktop, Flip 3D, Page Up, Page Down) for easy navigating as well as an LED power and low-battery indicator. It also has thirteen programmable hot cells for customized Office and Internet shortcuts along the top of the contact area. There is a clip to store the stylus, making it easy to take the MousePen M508W with you. A wireless mouse comes with right, left, and scroll-wheel buttons and connects via the USB receiver.
The Genius MousePen M508W includes the following programs (for Windows only):
-- Annotate for Word -- Allows you to hand write notes, highlight and
annotate documents in Microsoft Word.
-- Pen Notice -- Allows you to touch up pictures, put in annotations, or
insert text when doing a presentation, sending email, or editing
pictures.
-- Pen Commander -- Allows you to draw command symbols directly on the
digital pen tablet so you can execute commands or open files instantly.
-- Pen Mail -- Allows you to send hand-written emails with your own
signature.
-- Pen Signer -- Allows you to insert signatures or hand drawn graphics
into a document.
Trial versions of Adobe® Photoshop® Extended and Corel® Painter (TM) are also included as well as two spare stylus tips and an easy-to-use tip-changing tool. Three AAA and two AA alkaline batteries are included so that the tablet, stylus, and mouse can be used right out of the box.
System Requirements
-- Windows® 7/Vista/XP or Mac OSX 10.4 or above
-- CD/DVD ROM drive
-- At least 64MB of RAM
-- At least 12MB hard disk space
-- IBM PC Pentium 233 compatible or higher
-- One USB port
The suggested retail price for the Genius MousePen M508W is US$149.
Genius is an international leading brand in computer peripherals. Established by KYE Systems Corp. in 1983, Genius offers PC products including computer mice, keyboards, web and security cameras, speakers, gaming peripherals, remote controls, headphones, digital cameras, digital camcorders and digital photo frames. Genius also expanded from computer peripherals into consumer electronic products that include mobile phone accessories, Bluetooth headsets, iPod speakers and EeePC mice. Since 2007, Genius has been one of Taiwan's top 20 Global Brands. For more information you can visit the Genius website at http://www.geniusnet.com.
Square Enix Ships The 3rd Birthday To North American Retailers Today
Celebrity Voice Cast Brings an Engrossing Tale of Survival Horror to Life on the PSP® System
LOS ANGELES, March 29, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced that The 3rd Birthday® for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system has shipped to North American retailers today. Continuing the story of Aya Brea, the main character in the hugely popular PARASITE EVE® series, The 3rd Birthday is a unique action-RPG that offers both the character development of a story-driven title and the fast-paced gameplay of a third-person shooter.
The 3rd Birthday drops players into Manhattan in the year 2012. Hideous creatures known as the Twisted have come from the future to feed on humans - a resource they exhausted in their own era. Aya, a strong yet complex female protagonist, is the only candidate compatible with the Overdive system, and the only hope humanity has against its looming annihilation. True to the tradition of Square Enix games, The 3rd Birthday delivers a uniquely told story with riveting visuals that are unmatched among portable games.
The 3rd Birthday features characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura, famous for his work with the FINAL FANTASY® and KINGDOM HEARTS franchises, and the celebrity voice talents of Yvonne Strahovki, of NBC's Chuck, andJensen Ackles, of the CW's Supernatural. The talented cast creates compelling character development and storytelling that will keep players emotionally engaged as they help Aya fulfill her role as the only person who can save mankind from the menace of the Twisted and rediscover her lost past.
Story
Hideous creatures descend on Manhattan. Ground reports from the squad tasked with containing the pandemonium refer to these life forms as the "Twisted." An investigatory team known as the CTI is formed within the year.
The Overdive system emerges as a means of opposition, but only one viable candidate exists - Aya Brea. A gift as she awakens from a lost past on this, the occasion of her third birth.
Features
-- Exciting new chapter for Aya Brea from the popular PARASITE EVE series:
An engaging, all-new tale of survival horror set in a ravaged New York
City
-- A true action-RPG hybrid: Resist the Twisted's vicious onslaught in a
third-person shooter, with a heavy dose of character progression and
customization
-- Strategic gameplay: The new Overdive System gives players a tactical
advantage as they make split-second decisions on the battlefield
-- All-star production staff: Including producer Yoshinori Kitase (FINAL
FANTASY series), director Hajime Tabata (CRISIS CORE® -FINAL FANTASY
VII-), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (KINGDOM HEARTS series), art
director Isamu Kamikokuryo (FINAL FANTASY XIII) and music by Yoko
Shimomura (KINGDOM HEARTS series)
The 3rd Birthday will be available at North American retailers and the PlayStation®Network on March 29, 2011 for the suggested retail price of $29.99. The 3rd Birthday is rated M (Mature). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.
For more information about The 3rd Birthday, please visit the official website:
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 57 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
CONTACT: Sonia Im or Elizabeth Stewart, both of Square Enix, Inc., +1-310-846-0400, na.pr@square-enix.com; or Jennifer Poulson, +1-310-248-6113, jennifer.poulson@ogilvypr.com, Alyssa King, +1-310-248-6158, alyssa.king@ogilvypr.com, both of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide for Square Enix, Inc.
Ricoh Introduces @Remote(TM) Enterprise Pro Server-Based Fleet Management Software
Software Extends @Remote Fleet Reporting Portal Capabilities to Enterprise-level Organizations to Give Device Population and Utilization Visibility
WEST CALDWELL, N.J., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment and advanced document management solutions and services, today introduced @Remote Enterprise Pro along with the @Remote Connector option, a server-based fleet management software application that extends Ricoh's Intelligent Remote Management System capabilities to enterprise-level organizations. With the @Remote Connector option added, organizations are able to see their population and utilization of devices through a dedicated online portal, allowing for IT departments to monitor and manage their fleet from within.
@Remote Enterprise Pro is an important tool in Ricoh's Managed Document Services (MDS) program, which focuses on total cost of ownership, business process improvement, security and compliance, and environmental sustainability. This new addition to the @Remote family is geared toward organizations with hundreds to thousands of networked printer and digital multifunction product (MFP) output devices, enabling these large print fleets to be managed from a single application. @Remote Enterprise Pro compliments an already robust set of MDS tools.
By centralizing fleet management, @Remote Enterprise Pro permits simplified management of print devices across multiple locations. IT Administrators are able to map, monitor and configure Ricoh devices remotely, greatly reducing help desk calls and simplifying the IT support needed to manage large print fleets. The software's optimized performance improves the process for device discovery and polling, further saving time and reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for devices being managed by the software.
"@Remote Enterprise Pro is Ricoh's device management solution that enables larger organizations to manage their print devices and have access to secure fleet reporting. This unique blend of onsite print device management and fleet utilization reports provides an enterprise with the necessary tools to improve day-to-day administrative tasks and streamline their bottom line," said Shun Sato, senior vice president, Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "@Remote provides a means to monitor the ever-changing population and device utilization data to help organizations to optimize their fleet of print devices."
@Remote Enterprise Pro offers access to detailed fleet population and utilization reports found at Ricoh's secure Web-based portal. Administrators can scrutinize page counts, page sizes, duplex versus simplex, monochrome versus color and other metrics to better track network activity. Also, @Remote Green Reports allow businesses to monitor, assess and report imaging fleet performance and employee printing trends on Ricoh devices in support of internal sustainability and/or cost reduction goals.
In addition, @Remote Enterprise Pro can automate service alerts, toner alerts and meter submission, reducing labor intensive tasks by permitting devices to communicate directly to the service provider. Remote firmware upgrades can also be made seamlessly by @Remote, which improves uptime by facilitating the installation of upgrades without user intervention.
For more information about @Remote Enterprise Pro or all other Ricoh products and solutions, please visit http://www.ricoh-usa.com.
About Ricoh Americas Corporation
Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd., the 74-year-old leading provider of advanced office technology and innovative document imaging products, services and software, with fiscal year 2009 sales in excess of $21 billion.
Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and customizable services and software help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.
Ricoh Americas Corporation, directly or through its network of authorized dealers, markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.
Raritan Adds More Intelligence Throughout Data Center Racks to Better Manage Energy, IT Assets and Other Resources
- Efficient data center management begins with smarter racks; New products support DCIM solutions to optimize data center infrastructures and operations -
LAS VEGAS, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Raritan today added more intelligence to the data center rack space so data center managers can gather additional insights on how best to manage energy, IT equipment and key resources. First-of-its-kind intelligent Environmental and Asset Management Controller and Smart Asset Tags, as well as new sensors, join Raritan's portfolio of products that make data center racks smart enough to monitor operations health, deliver a holistic view of the data center, and take corrective action if needed.
The new products -- which provide innovative ways to track IT assets and air pressure, airflow and cooling in data center racks -- expand Raritan's solutions that facilitate and advance key data center infrastructure management (DCIM) activities, such as monitoring data center energy, capacity, changes, and environment, and tracking IT and facility assets. Raritan's portfolio of DCIM solutions are based on the new products introduced today, along with Raritan software offerings -- dcTrack® for DCIM and Power IQ® for energy management -- and intelligent rack power distribution units (iPDUs) for metering at the device level.
"The rack just got a lot smarter so that data centers can be managed more efficiently and run optimally," said Herman Chan, Director of Raritan's Power Management Business. "Data centers have evolved into complex ecosystems requiring a new level of monitoring and care. In addition to traditional uptime goals, data center managers now need to efficiently manage IT assets, capacity, changes, events, rack environment, power, energy and carbon. It all boils down to having the right management and feedback tools to support the care and feeding of IT assets in racks."
Cost savings and optimized operations are among the benefits of more-thorough management of physical infrastructures. One of Raritan's customers, for example, has reclaimed more than 25 percent of existing power capacity, extended the life of existing and new data centers by three years, and curbed IT energy consumption up to 25 percent.
According to Gartner Research, data center managers and senior IT leaders must now go beyond performance management of IT equipment and begin to manage the entire data center infrastructure. "Tools for data center infrastructure management (DCIM) will provide detailed monitoring and measurement of data center performance, utilization and energy consumption, supporting more-efficient, cost-effective and greener environments," said David J. Cappuccio, managing vice president and chief of research for the infrastructure teams with Gartner.
Smart Racks with Raritan's solutions can:
-- On a continuous basis, capture and record detailed power consumption
statistics at varying levels, including: room-, zone-, row- or
rack-level.
-- Track and visualize data center assets. View infrastructure devices,
such as floor PDUs and branch circuit panels, UPSs and CRAC units. Map
physical relationships between devices to easily see how everything in
the data center is physically connected.
-- Collect a wide range of data types -- current, voltage, kW, kVA, kWh,
temperature, humidity, airflow, and differential air pressure.
-- Collect data at many points: at outlet level, circuit breaker level, PDU
level, cool-air inlets at ASHRAE-recommended rack heights, hot-air
exhaust for delta T, containment aisles, sub-floor air pressure, and
perforated tile airflow.
-- Generate billing-grade energy consumption data at +/- 1 percent
accuracy.
-- Interoperate within product suite and other vendor's products, as a
result of supporting open standards, such as SNMP, ODBC, and Web
services APIs.
-- Gather and access information over almost any network, including wired
and wireless networks.
-- Deliver multi layers of security -- SNMP V3, HTTPS, SSL, AES, SSH.
About Raritan's new Smart Rack products introduced today:
Intelligent Asset Management Tags and Sensors
The innovative system to identify and track the location of IT assets down to the single U level in a rack, consists of Asset Management Tags (AMT), which adhere to IT devices and contain ID chips and barcodes, and Asset Management Sensors (AMS). When a server is installed in a rack and its smart tag is connected to the AMS sensor bar, the system tells you exactly where that asset is located in the data center. The unique ID is communicated to Raritan's dcTrack software or your existing asset management software. If the server is moved to a new location in the same rack or to a different rack entirely, the device ID and its new location are automatically updated in dcTrack. Modular AMS sensor bars support racks of all sizes. (For video of the solution in action, visit http://vimeo.com/21406807)
Intelligent Controller (EMX) for Asset Management and Environmental Management
The EMX Controller, which is powered by Raritan's intelligent embedded platform, is a 1U-rack space environmental management appliance that serves as a hub for collecting data from many types of sensors -- including temperature, humidity, airflow, air pressure, smoke, water, door open and other contact closure -- and passing that information to Raritan's Power IQ energy and event management software for tracking and analyzing.
Smart sensors for measuring airflow, air pressure, and cooling:
-- Differential Air Pressure Sensor measures the differences in air
pressure between two adjacent data center locations, such as sub-floor
and floor.
-- Airflow Sensor measures airflow accurately from 0-4 meters/sec.
Typically mounted at a perforated tile in front of the inlet side of a
cabinet; but, can also be mounted in an air duct (plenum) to detect a
failed fan/motor.
-- DPX-T3H1 Sensor, with one humidity and three temperature sensors on one
wire, makes it easy to meet ASHRAE cool air inlet positioning.
Raritan is a proven innovator of power management, infrastructure management, KVM and serial solutions for data centers of all sizes. In more than 50,000 locations worldwide, Raritan's award-winning hardware and software solutions -- including intelligent PDUs, energy management software, KVM-over-IP and Serial-over-IP access products -- provide IT and facility directors, managers and administrators with the control they need to increase power management efficiency, improve data center productivity and enhance branch office operations. Based in Somerset, N.J., Raritan has offices worldwide serving customers in 76 countries. For more information, visit us at Raritan.com or follow us on the Raritan blog. Raritan is an active member of the Green Grid, Climate Savers Computing Initiative, and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design associations. The company has been recognized by the EPA for its contribution to the agency's data center initiative.
All marks are the property of their respective owners.
Training The Street Announces New Merger Modeling Course Pack
-- World's Leader in Course Offerings for Financial Industry Expands Program --
NEW YORK, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Training the Street (TTS), the world's leading provider of instructor-led courses in financial modeling, corporate valuation and accounting, today announced the release of its Merger Modeling Course Pack, a self-study product focused on the advanced concepts and applications of mergers and acquisitions analysis. It will offer real world modeling simulation to users through multi-media guides and videos.
"We are excited to expand our outside-the-classroom teaching tools," said Scott Rostan, President and Founder of TTS. "Our methods have proven capabilities and these self-study programs allows greater access to our world-renown teaching methods."
The Merger Modeling Course Pack consists of a self-study book, online instruction videos and Excel drills and models. It will complement TTS's efforts to expand its teaching tools beyond the extensive training programs it offers to Wall Street investment banks, business schools, and colleges. The self-study products deliver the company's teaching capabilities and knowledge base to a broader group of individuals and financial institutions looking to get a "real-world" advanced modeling experience.
"Given our high level of expertise in teaching financial modeling and valuation for finance professionals," said Billy Chu, Principal at TTS, "it is only natural that we would continue to grow our self-study programs. We want to continue opening the doors for corporate practitioners in M&A fields and for participants that have taken our live seminars and are looking for an advanced modeling topic."
Future self-study guides in the works include Relative Valuation and Leveraged Buyout Analysis. The Merger Modeling Self-Study Product will be available for purchase through the firm's website http://www.trainingthestreet.com beginning on April 1.
About Training The Street
Training The Street (TTS) is a leading provider of instructor-led courses in financial modeling, corporate valuation and accounting training to Wall Street investment banks, business schools, and top colleges. With offices in the financial hubs across the U.S., as well as an office in London and India, TTS boasts a deep field of expert instructors and extensive practical experience. Currently, TTS is offering live training programs to interns, analysts and associates at more than 140 academic and corporate clients, including Wall Street's ten largest banks and 24 of the 25 highest ranked MBA programs in the nation.
SOURCE Training The Street
Training The Street
CONTACT: Zach Leibowitz, Dukas Public Relations, +1-212-704-7385, zach@dukaspr.com
Pearson, Columbia University Announce Partnership to Design Innovative Online Learning Program using Social Technology
Columbia Students to Benefit from Social Learning Environment
NEW YORK, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson and Columbia University's School of Continuing Education today announced a partnership to design an innovative online learning program that leverages Pearson's social technology platform to support cooperative learning.
Beginning with a series of pilots starting this summer, the School of Continuing Education will offer courses via the Pearson LearningStudio platform, including a hybrid Master of Science program in Information and Knowledge Strategy and an online Business Certificate Program. Columbia's administrators and faculty will have access to a range of Pearson LearningStudio's data tools, including Enterprise Reporting to monitor and analyze trends in student performance, and Learning Outcome Manager to track the achievement of learning objectives and goals.
Using Pearson's social technology tools, students can connect and interact in real-time or asynchronously with instructors and peers for a richer online learning experience. As a result, they will be able to build relationships and learning communities; exercise social, team and leadership skills; give and receive feedback on ideas; participate in shared knowledge building; and support one another in the pursuit of shared learning goals.
"We anticipate that this collaboration will yield a model of innovative learning that will serve to advance higher education in the 21st century," said Kristine Billmyer, Dean of Columbia's School of Continuing Education.
"We are very happy that Pearson shares our interest in developing a new learning platform that by design encourages social engagement and 'knowledge networking' through the latest web 2.0 functionality," said Marni Baker Stein, Senior Associate Dean for Curriculum and Instruction at Columbia's School of Continuing Education.
"Our design partnership with Columbia is aimed at forging new ground in how social technology tools and online learning can be merged to provide students with a more robust and rewarding learning experience," said Matt Leavy, CEO at Pearson eCollege.
About Columbia University's School of Continuing Education
The Columbia School of Continuing Education offers innovative and rigorous programs that integrate knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, combine theory with practice, leverage the combined expertise of our students and our faculty, and connect global constituencies. Through its 13 professional master's degrees, courses for advancement and graduate school preparation, certificate programs, summer courses, high school programs, and program for learning English as a second language, SCE transforms knowledge and understanding in service of the greater good, defined as a just, sustainable and compassionate global society.
Pearson eCollege is a trusted and innovative leader in powering online learning programs and part of Pearson, the world's leading learning company (NYSE: PSO). Pearson eCollege's flagship product--Pearson LearningStudio--represents the next generation in learning management systems and provides a comprehensive, flexible and fully supported cloud computing environment for online personalized learning in higher education. Serving more than 9 million students around the globe, Pearson LearningStudio provides a comprehensive learning management system with an assessment and analytics suite that helps to improve student achievement and retention. The technology offers a personalized learning environment build on an advanced, scalable and dependable Software as a Service platform. For more information, visit http://www.pearsonlearningstudio.com.
Media Contact: Susan Aspey, susan(dot)aspey(at)pearson(dot)com or 1-800-745-8489
Aditi Technologies Joins Rackspace Partner Network to Offer Reliable and Secure Hosted Intranet Solutions
BANGALORE, India, March 29, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Aditi Technologies, a leading provider of software product and
application development services today announced that it has entered into
an agreement to join the Rackspace(R) Partner Program with Rackspace Hosting,
the world's leading specialist in the hosting and cloud computing industry.
This relationship will help Aditito provide its customers
with fast, reliable and secure intranet solutions that are hosted by
Rackspace. The use of hosted software has become a cost efficient option for
many businesses as it offers a strategically intelligent alternative to
network based applications. Hosting enables access to a company intranet
anywhere / anytime via a web browser,which enhances collaboration
opportunities for distributed or remote users. It also reduces pressure on
limited in-house IT resources, as essentially there is no software to deploy
or servers to maintain.
Customers of Aditi, who leverage the company's technology for
enterprise 2.0 application development such as intranet portals, supplier
portals, knowledge portals etc., will see immediate benefits of this
relationship. Going forward, Aditi also plans to offer scalable internet
sites through its Digital Marketing Services, geared for web 2.0 and social
business activities by leveraging Rackspace's hosting capabilities. In both
of these cases, the relationship can accelerate every organisation's ability
to add the components, resources and services that are required as the
users and content evolves and grows.
Kaushik Banerjee, Aditi VP- Europe and Asia, believes that
hosted solutions are increasingly popular today for their ability to offer
enterprise level system functionality with the advantages of zero maintenance
overhead or initial capital outlay."The financial investment and overhead of
owning and maintaining servers and software applications in-house can be
substantial. Rackspace Hosting services and Aditi can deliver powerful and
cost-effective solutions for customers, offering rapid deployment,
scalability and flexibility in a secure environment," he said.
Since 2001 Rackspace has been hosting and supporting mission
critical websites, Internet applications, email servers, security and storage
services in the UK. Andrew Bartlam, Head of Channel at Rackspace said, "We're
delighted that Aditi has joined our Partner Program. The company is clearly
working hard to combine enterprise and web 2.0 technologies into a compelling
proposition that customers will be able to grasp, implement and reap direct
short and long term benefits from. We look forward to working together and
doing great things in the future."
About Aditi Technologies:
Aditi represents the top Microsoft software development
capability in the world. Leveraging a close partnership with Microsoft across
product groups and sales offices, Aditi has emerged as a partner of choice
for Microsoft clients seeking to engineer products or applications on
emerging Microsoft platforms. Driven by a philosophy of hiring only 'top
percentile technology talent' and fostering an open culture of innovation and
fun, Aditi is one of India's best places to work. It leverages Microsoft as a
customer, as a partner and as a platform. Founded in 1994, Aditi is
headquartered in Bangalore and has offices in Seattle, New York, Boston,
London, Mountain View and Jakarta. To learn more, visit http://www.aditi.com
For More Info:
Sandish Handa
Lead - Global Marketing Communications
Aditi Technologies
Tel: +91-80-6610-7000
Email: sandishh@aditi.com
Source: Aditi Technologies
For More Info: Sandish Handa, Lead - Global Marketing Communications, Aditi Technologies, Tel: +91-80-6610-7000, Email: sandishh@aditi.com
Huawei Chooses Synaptics ClearPad(TM) 7010 to Power Multi-Touch on IDEOS S7 Slim Tablet
ClearPad(TM) 7010 Single-Chip Touch Solution Provides Industry-Leading Accuracy for a Superior User Experience
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 29, 2011/PRNewswire/ --Synaptics Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA), a leading developer of human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices today announced that Huawei has selected its ClearPad(TM) 7010 single-chip solution for the IDEOS S7 Slim tablet. The Huawei IDEOS S7 Slim features a 7" capacitive touchscreen, giving users an intuitive touch interface that is extremely responsive and accurate.
The IDEOS S7 Slim's design and interface are optimized for portability and easy single-handed use. The tablet is thin and light measuring only 12.5 mm thick and weighing only 400 grams; a 16x9 aspect ratio makes it easy to hold. The IDEOS S7 Slim runs Android 2.2, supports HD media with 720p HD playback and multi-tasking, and sports a 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera. Huawei plans to launch the tablet globally in April 2011.
The 7010, part of Synaptics Series 7 product portfolio for large touchscreen applications, is an excellent touch interface for low power and small component area footprint, supporting up to 8.2" diagonal touchscreens and multi-touch for up to five fingers. Compared to other single-chip solutions, ClearPad 7010 offers:
-- Lower power consumption featuring 8-12 mW
-- Industry-leading touch sensing accuracy and linearity
-- Faster finger tracking - 60Hz report rate for up to five fingers
"Huawei's IDEOS S7 Slim tablet has a sleek, high-performance touchscreen that's the ideal companion device for users on the go," said Kevin Barber, senior vice president and general manager of the Handheld Division at Synaptics. "The ClearPad Series 7 Portfolio combined with Synaptics system design expertise enables a new class of large touchscreen devices that respond naturally to your touch."
"The S7 Slim delivers a rich mobile user experience for watching video, gaming, viewing pictures, and browsing the Web," said Wang Yin Feng, director of the home device product line at Huawei. "Synaptics' technology delivers the enhanced touch performance required to bring this portable media experience to life."
For the latest Synaptics news follow @SynaCorp on Twitter.
About Synaptics
Synaptics (NASDAQ: SYNA) is a leading developer of human interface solutions for the mobile computing, communications, and entertainment industries. The company creates interface solutions for a variety of devices including notebook PCs, PC peripherals, digital music players, and mobile phones. The TouchPad(TM), Synaptics' flagship product, is integrated into a majority of today's notebook computers. Consumer electronics and computing manufacturers use Synaptics' solutions to enrich the interaction between humans and intelligent devices through improved usability, functionality, and industrial design. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. http://www.synaptics.com.
About Huawei
Huawei Device products cover a wide range of series, including mobile phones, Mobile Broadband, Convergence Terminal, Fixed Network CPE, and Video Products. Huawei Device has established its R&D centers in the U.S., Sweden, Russia, India, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Its sales and service operations have spread across more than 70 countries. Besides, Huawei Device has set up a worldwide logistics network centered in Ufa, Amsterdam, Cairo, Dubai, and Rio de Janeiro to deliver fast and high-quality services to its customers all over the world. http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/index.html.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements about Synaptics, as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. Synaptics intends such forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe harbor created by those laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Huawei's plans to launch the IDEOS S7 Slim tablet globally in April 2011 and the Company's ClearPad Series 7 Portfolio combined with its system design expertise enabling a new class of large touchscreen devices. Synaptics cautions that these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such factors include, but are not limited to, (a) demand for Synaptics' products, (b) market demand for OEMs' products using Synaptics' solutions, (c) changing market demand trends in the markets Synaptics serves, (d) the success of customers' products that utilize Synaptics' product solutions, (e) the development and launch cycles of customers' products, (f) market pressures on selling prices, (g) changes in product mix, (h) the market acceptance of Synaptics' product solutions compared with competitors solutions, (i) general economic conditions, including consumer confidence and demand, and (j) other risks as identified from time to time in Synaptics' reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to Synaptics on the date hereof, and Synaptics assumes no obligation to update such statements.
Synaptics, ClearPad, TouchPad, and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
For further information, please contact:
Nick Rottler
Synaptics
408-454-5388
nrottler@synaptics.com
Katie Mech
Edelman for Synaptics
650-762-2824
kathleen.mech@edelman.com
Verizon Wireless and Samsung Deliver the 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
Running on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network, the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is Available Today
BASKING RIDGE, N.J.,March 29, 2011/PRNewswire/ --Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced that the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is available for order today in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at http://www.verizonwireless.com for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a 4G Mobile Broadband plan. The 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot will be available in stores on March 31.
Key features:
-- Share 4G LTE internet connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices
at the same time
-- 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
-- Dimensions: 2.32"(H) x 3.54"(W) x 0.45"(D)
Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot customers can take advantage of Verizon's 4G LTE network by subscribing to a 4G LTE mobile broadband data package starting 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 networks. 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 about the LTE Innovation Center and Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/lte.
For additional information on 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 Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsungwireless.com.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Albert Aydin, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7513, Albert.Aydin@verizonwireless.com; or Brett White, MWW Group for Samsung Mobile, +1-214-414-3329, bwhite@mww.com
Company to Launch Wireless in Additional Cities in 2011
ATLANTA, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications today officially introduced its "Unbelievably Fair" mobile phone and high-speed Internet service throughout Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla. Oklahoma City and Tulsa mark the 5th wireless cities for Cox, following the company's initial launch in Hampton Roads, Va., Omaha, Neb. and Orange County, Calif.
The addition of wireless to Cox's existing bundle of video, Internet and landline telephone services brings an unprecedented value proposition to consumers and introduces greater ease in integrating home and mobile services. Cox, the only wireless carrier to provide MoneyBack Minutes (SM), or cash back on customers' bills for unused minutes each month, has received a very enthusiastic response from customers of other providers who would lose unused minutes or carry them over month-to-month with no monetary benefit.
"We are very excited to bring Cox's fair approach to wireless to consumers in Oklahoma," said Len Barlik, Cox's executive vice president of product development and management. "We are introducing new service and features to the Cox bundle that were built on fairness - and our customers are telling us they like it. We plan to bring the same value from bundling services, unbelievably fair plans and easy to use products and services to more Cox customers this year."
Following Oklahoma, Cox will soon launch wireless service in its New England market, which includes Rhode Island and Cox communities in Connecticut and Cleveland, Ohio. Later this year, the company will introduce Cox Wireless in additional markets, bringing its wireless service to more than 50 percent of the Cox footprint.
For more information about Cox Wireless service and details on devices and rate plans, including images and videos, visit http://www.unbelievablyfairwireless.com or http://www.cox.com (choose Hampton Roads, Va., Omaha, Neb., Orange County, Calif., Oklahoma City or Tulsa, Okla.)
Social Media: #CoxWireless, #UnbelievablyFair, #MoneybackMinutes
About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.
Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for six years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at http://www.cox.com and http://www.coxmedia.com.
SOURCE Cox Communications
Cox Communications
CONTACT: David Deliman, +1-404-269-7935, David.Deliman@cox.com, or Jill Ullman, +1-404-843-5014, Jill.Ullman@cox.com
Defend Your Kingdom in Atari's Classic Remake of Warlords(TM)
Multiplayer Mayhem and Arcade Action with an Atari Twist, Makes Warlords a Standout on Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network in Summer 2011
LOS ANGELES, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Atari, one of the world's most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment announced today that Warlords, a remake of the classic Atari 2600 title, will be making its debut on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network in Summer 2011.
Warlords is a one-to-four player, arcade action game in which players will defend their castles from mischievous minions and ferocious fireballs spun from the mouth of a maniacal dragon. In this whimsical reinvention of the beloved classic, players will face the ultimate battle of speed, strategy and survival.
In addition, the game will increasingly challenge players to multitask as they strive to shield the castle walls and simultaneously rally troops to capture control points, collect power-ups and destroy the other warring factions.
"Warlords infuses the arcade action genre with a bold and vibrant visual style coupled with robust strategy gameplay," says Jim Wilson, President and CEO of Atari, Inc. "It exemplifies our design goals and company strategy as we reintroduce these classic brands to a new generation of gamers."
KEY FEATURES:
-- Protect the stronghold! Defend your castle walls from the destruction
of fast-flying fireballs with your mighty shield. Move the shield
around the perimeter of your castle with precision and speed to deflect
the fireballs or grab onto and charge fireballs to release even more
devastating attacks back at your opponents.
-- Multiple local/online game modes sweeten the quest for power and allow
for cooperative and competitive battles with up to 4 players. Select
the faction of your choice and engage in a number of competitive
variations, including co-op siege mode, 2v2 or classic free-for-all
battles.
-- Rally your Troops and pit them against your foes. Your loyal posse
brings a layer of depth and replayability to every battle, and can be
sent off to capture control points, gather power-ups to immobilize your
enemies or bolster your defenses. Manage your troops wisely to gain the
battlefield advantage!
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Atari's brands and content are available across all key traditional and digital distribution touch points, including browser-based and social online platforms, PC, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android and RIM devices).
Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc. Atari benefits from the strength of its worldwide brand and its extensive catalogue of contemporary classic game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports®, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek(TM) Online, Champions(TM)) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Dungeons and Dragons®). Atari also leverages the power of its franchises to deliver movies and merchandise to consumers around the world.
Marchon3D and UltraStar Cinemas to Test First Ever In-Theater Vending Machine for EX3D Glasses
LAS VEGAS, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marchon3D(TM) and UltraStar Cinemas have teamed up to create the first in-theater, self-service vending machine for Marchon3D's patented 3D glasses.
Marchon3D, the premier designer and supplier of the most technologically-advanced, circular polarized 3D eyewear on the market, has created an innovative custom vending machine for theater-goers. Beginning in the summer 2011 - just in time for the summer blockbuster season - 3D movie-goers in San Diego will be able to purchase the newly released line of EX3D glasses with patented M3D lens technology in the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas.
This state-of-the-art vending machine will have a sleek digital interface and be extremely user friendly, allowing consumers to browse and select from a wide assortment of EX3D glasses, pay with a quick swipe of their credit card and then take their seat to enjoy the show!
"This is the first time we'll be offering our EX3D glasses for sale in theaters and the first time we've ever built a self-service installation like this. 3D has become so pervasive in our culture, and 3D theaters are the most popular venue where we consume 3D content - having our glasses in-theater with a reputable partner such as UltraStar Cinemas makes perfect sense," said David Johnson, president, Marchon3D. "Today's consumer has a vast digital footprint, using more digital devices than ever before. Marchon3D glasses are designed to easily move them through the 3D component of their digital 'life.' The EX3D glasses delivered in this vending machine can be used across all passive 3D platforms including movies, video games, 3D televisions and laptop computers and they offer a mix of style, comfort and affordability."
Movie fans can choose from adult, tween and children's sizes in a variety of trendy colors and fashionable shapes. Marchon3D will also offer smart solutions for prescription glasses wearers including clip-on lenses that easily work on any prescription frame as well as frames that comfortably fit over the entire prescription frame. Prices will range from $25-$80.
"We want to provide the best possible 3D movie experience to our customers and there is no better way to do that than to offer best-in-class and best-in-value 3D glasses from Marchon3D," said Damon Rubio, vice president of operations for UltraStar Cinemas. "With well over 40 3D movies coming out within the next year, it makes sense to invest in a comfortable, well designed pair of glasses that will deliver a top-notch movie viewing experience."
The test in the San Diego theaters is slated to begin in June and last three months. Marchon3D plans to roll out additional vending machines in other markets in the upcoming months.
"Marchon3D is the first company to really take a 360 degree look at today's consumer and think about what they want in a pair of 3D glasses," said Hannah Sarbin, vice president of new business development, Marchon. "They want an exceptional 3D experience from a technical standpoint, and they want something that fits their lifestyle and personality. They don't want the same old black frames and flat lenses that come with the cost of a movie ticket. Studios and manufacturers spend hundreds of millions of dollars pushing the boundaries of 3D technology, why settle for the generic 3D glasses for that experience?"
Marchon3D is attending CinemaCon and will have a suite in the Augustus Tower of Caesar's Palace. If you are interested in making an appointment to check out the glasses and discusses this latest partnership, please contact Marchon3D@kcsa.com.
About Marchon3D(TM)
Marchon3D (http://www.marchon3d.com), a division of Marchon Eyewear, markets 3D eyewear featuring a portfolio of patented and patent-pending M(3)D(TM) lens technologies that stand apart from all other premium 3D lenses due to its unique, optically contoured lens design. The lenses are inserted into premium-style frames that offer wearers superior fit, comfort and an outstanding 3D viewing experience. M3D lenses also provide 100 percent UVA/UVB/UVC protection.
About Marchon Eyewear, Inc.
Marchon Eyewear, Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunwear. The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including: Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein, Coach, DIANE von FURSTENBERG, EMILIO PUCCI, FENDI, Flexon®, Jil Sander, KARL LAGERFELD, LACOSTE, Marchon, Marchon3D, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike and Sean John. Headquartered in New York, with regional offices in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Venice, Marchon distributes its products through numerous local sales offices serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries.
Contacts:
Anne Donohoe / Samantha Wolf
KCSA Strategic Communications
212-896-1261 / 212-896-1220
adonohoe@kcsa.com / swolf@kcsa.com