Federal Government Backs Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative
North Carolina benefits from over $140 million in two rounds of historic funding to MCNC to expand high-speed connectivity through the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN)
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that MCNC, an independent non-profit organization that employs advanced networking technologies and systems to improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community, has been awarded $75.75 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Broadband Recovery Funds through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to support the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI).
This award builds on MCNC's Round 1 BTOP award, a $39.9 million project (including $28.2 million in BTOP Funds) granted in January 2010 to build 480 miles of fiber in 37 counties in southeastern and western N.C.
The GLRBI will enhance the existing North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), which MCNC has operated for the last quarter century, and will add to the existing ERC Broadband Network operated by the non-profit ERC Broadband in western North Carolina. Approximately 1,300 miles of new middle-mile fiber will be built throughout the state under this latest award. In addition, about 400 miles of existing fiber will be provided to the GLRBI through lease agreements and donations. The middle-mile is the sector of the network that connects last-mile facilities such as telecom company local interconnection points (central offices) with the commercial Internet and with national and global advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail.
The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded $24 million in matching funds for the Round 2 grant. An additional $5.25 million in match was raised from the MCNC endowment, donations of land from individual community colleges and universities, and a donation of already-installed conduit in northeastern North Carolina from the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. UNC-Chapel Hill's Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute for Entrepreneurship and School of Government helped prepare the GLRBI application.
MCNC raised $11.7 million in matching funds for its successful Round 1 application through private sources, including $4 million from the MCNC endowment.
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue congratulated MCNC and the Golden LEAF Foundation as well as commended U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and his team at the NTIA for making this second middle-mile investment in North Carolina through the BTOP program.
"This investment provides North Carolina with a robust broadband infrastructure that will help deliver access to education, through NCREN, that is not defined geographically but is equitable for every student at every level of education," said Gov. Perdue. "This infrastructure also helps us scale to meet the health care needs of our most rural citizens, and levels the playing field in attracting high-paying jobs to rural North Carolina."
The GLRBI expands the NCREN footprint to traverse a total of 69 counties in the rural Northeastern, North Central, Northwest and South Central parts of North Carolina. Sixty-seven of these counties are designated as rural, according to Federal Highway Administration standards, and are designated as fully or partially underserved with respect to the availability of broadband service.
MCNC's application for ARRA recovery funds was tendered to the U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA and BTOP on March 25, a day prior to the March 26 deadline. For Round 2, the program required a 20-percent funding match by applicants but gave priority review to applications raising 30 percent in matching funds. The design, construction, and operation of the network could create more than 1,000 engineering/construction jobs.
The new fiber-optic build will connect with the existing-owned NCREN fiber in North Carolina's urban core as well as the new Round 1 BTOP fiber. The GLRBI will greatly increase the broadband capacity and stabilize bandwidth and Internet access costs for public school systems, community college campuses, libraries, universities, and other community anchor institutions that connect to NCREN.
In addition, many private-sector wholesalers and last-mile service providers have expressed interest to MCNC in leasing fiber on the GLRBI. More than a dozen letters of support and interest from private-sector service providers were included in the GLRBI application. As a result, every region of the newly-funded fiber build will likely have private-sector partners who will increase the broadband service options for citizens and businesses in these areas.
Additional Quotes & Reactions in North Carolina
U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC): "This second grant of $75.75 million to MCNC - which is on top of $39.9 million awarded in January - is a serious investment in broadband infrastructure for North Carolina. North Carolinians in the areas gaining this technology will now have 21st-century broadband infrastructure, which will boost job growth in our state. When this fiber is built, students in rural schools, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities will access a network that will meet their research and education needs well into the future. With this award, many more North Carolinians will have broadband access, and I will continue working in the senate to secure broadband funding for North Carolina."
Dan Gerlach, President, Golden LEAF Foundation: "The areas of the state covered by the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative continue to transition their economies to compete globally. The Golden LEAF Foundation's Board of Directors viewed the investment in the GLRBI as an opportunity to provide essential infrastructure, take advantage of federal matching dollars, and invest directly in efforts to grow stronger communities."
University of North Carolina President Erskine Bowles: "This BTOP award is truly a game changer for North Carolina. Since 1999, the Rural Prosperity Task Force and our state's leaders have highlighted the importance of statewide access to broadband for our students and citizens. The funding of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative is the most significant event toward meeting this goal since it was crafted over a decade ago. For the University system, an NCREN with a statewide fiber footprint will enable our institutions to accelerate the pace of innovation and research, educate greater numbers of students, and address the health care, education, and economic needs of North Carolina's citizens in greater numbers. NCREN truly is a digital pathway through which our public university can reach all citizens of the state."
Michael A. Murphy, chairman, MCNC Board of Directors: "North Carolina has long supported affordable broadband networks to ensure a high quality of life and a globally-competitive future for its citizens, businesses, and communities. Securing second-round funding provides critical broadband infrastructure to areas of the state that without the BTOP program would likely never see this investment. We are pleased our application has been funded by the NTIA and are grateful that the Golden LEAF Foundation saw fit to invest into this project."
Hunter Goosmann, General Manager, ERC Broadband: "ERC Broadband is proud to be part of the GLRBI. With the BTOP funding we will enhance and expand broadband services to key education, public safety, health care institutions in Western North Carolina. This is another significant step in bringing enhanced broadband services that will benefit the citizens of Western North Carolina."
Reference Guide & MCNC Application Information
About ARRA/BIP/BTOP
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated $7.2 billion and directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved communities across the U.S., increase jobs, spur investments in technology and infrastructure, and provide long-term economic benefits. The result is the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). BIP will make loans and grants for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas. BTOP will provide grants to fund broadband infrastructure, public computer centers, and sustainable broadband adoption projects. Of that $7.2 billion, $4.7 billion has been allotted to the NTIA to award grants. The remaining $2.5 billion was allotted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make loans to companies building out broadband infrastructure in rural areas.
MCNC Filing
MCNC filed the GLRBI application on March 25; one day prior to the March 26 filing deadline.
MCNC's Package Details
MCNC's application was 400 pages of information that included an executive summary and letters of support from several government and private-sector leaders throughout North Carolina. Highlights of the package include:
-- More than 130 letters of support including approximately 70 from
state, county and municipal officials and 12 from middle-mile and
last-mile service providers interested in using the network to reach
last-mile consumers and small businesses.
-- In the 69 counties being impacted, there are 5.9 million residents.
Sixty-seven of the 69 counties fully qualify as underserved per the
NTIA definition or have smaller underserved pockets within them. There
are a total of 4,066 CAIs, including 1,718 K-12 schools, 61 community
college main and satellite campuses and 33 baccalaureate degree
granting 4 year colleges and universities. In addition there are 254
public libraries, and 1,887 municipal, county and state public safety
facilities. A comprehensive set of economic, education and public
health statistics are included in the upload section.
-- The original GLRBI requests $77,977,126 in BTOP funds. The actual
funding awarded is $75,757,289. The adjustments came during the due
diligence review process for the application. The adjustments mainly
involved a changing of the type and quantity of conduit used in the
build.
Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Fact Sheet
This 69-county service area encompasses approximately:
-- 32,597 square miles (67% of North Carolina's total square miles)
-- 5.93 million total population (66% of North Carolina's population)
-- 2.32 million households (66% of North Carolina's households)
-- 160,000 businesses (68% of North Carolina's businesses)
-- 4,066 community anchor institutions (68% of North Carolina's CAIs)
-- Approximately 709,500 households without access to broadband (31% of
households)
Total Project Value:
-- $105 million
-- $75.75 million requested from National Telecommunications and
Information Administration BTOP
-- $29.25 million in matching funds raised in N.C., including $24 million
from Golden LEAF Foundation
Estimated Jobs Created:
-- More than 1,000 temporary engineering and construction jobs (average
period 1.5 years)
-- MCNC Logo (horizontal)
-- MCNC Logo (vertical)
-- NCREN Logo
-- Golden LEAF Foundation Logo
-- MCNC/BTOP Central Web Space
-- MCNC Website
-- Golden LEAF Website
-- GLRBI Map
-- GLRBI Due Diligence (summary of changes)
-- Follow MCNC @Twitter
About MCNC
MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a quarter century, the 501c3 non-profit organization, MCNC, has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit http://www.mcnc.org.
About NCREN
The North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. It creates possibility and provides an equitable educational experience throughout the state.
About Golden LEAF Foundation
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 971 grants worth over $459 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit http://www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.
Source: MCNC
CONTACT: MCNC Editorial Contact: April Connery: +1-919-802.4777 or
aconnery@mcnc.org; Golden LEAF Contact: +1-252-442-7474 or
jtinklepaugh@goldenleaf.org; Agency Support: Noah Garrett, +1-252-423.1277 or
press@mcnc.org
More Than 200 Websites Use 'Justin Bieber' as Bait to Distribute Malware, According to PandaLabs
- Blackhat SEO techniques are being used by cyber-criminals to position malicious links among the top results in search engines - Other popular topics recently used include the last episode of 'Lost' and the release of 'Iron Man 2'
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 18 -- PandaLabs, Panda Security's antimalware laboratory, has detected more than 200 spoof Web addresses using the name 'Justin Bieber' as bait to lure users. When including the name of this pop singer and teen sensation in malicious links, cyber-criminals are distributing the fake antivirus MySecurityEngine. This technique has been used many times in the past, taking advantage of popular topics such as the series finale of 'Lost' or the release of the movie, 'Iron Man 2'.
References to Justin Bieber in malicious links include examples such as:
-- justin bieber takes estrogen pills did justin bieber died
-- justin bieber smoking weed
-- justin bieber born in 1998
-- justin bieber north korea
-- justin bieber arrested
-- justin bieber died
-- justin bieber drinking problem
-- justin bieber gender change operation
-- justin bieber hermaphrodite
-- justin bieber i m gay!
-- justin bieber pregnant
-- justin bieber removes left testicle
There is nothing new about the way this infection operates. When somebody runs a search for 'Justin Bieber' on the Internet, these fake websites have been indexed to appear among the first results displayed. If users click these links, they will be prompted to accept the download of a file, such as a codec, and the fake antivirus will be installed on their computers. An image displaying this prompt is available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/panda_security/4903898962/
"These types of activities have become increasingly common," said Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs. "Any popular topic or issue is being used by cyber-crooks to spread their creations. By positioning websites used to distribute malware among the first results in search engines, they can be sure that numerous Internet users will inadvertently download the fake antivirus."
PandaLabs advises users to take precautions when searching for information on the Internet, make sure they have reliable antivirus software installed and use safe browsing tools, such as those offered for free by Panda Security at http://free.pandasecurity.com/.
About PandaLabs
Since 1990, its mission has been to detect and eliminate new threats as rapidly as possible to offer our clients maximum security. To do so, PandaLabs has an innovative automated system that analyzes and classifies thousands of new samples a day and returns automatic verdicts (malware or goodware). This system is the basis of Collective Intelligence, Panda Security's new security model which can even detect malware that has evaded other security solutions.
Currently, 99.4 percent of malware detected by PandaLabs is analyzed through this system of Collective Intelligence. This is complemented through the effort of several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc), working 24/7 to provide global coverage. This translates into more secure, simpler and more resource-friendly solutions for clients.
Hip Hop Hall of Fame Denounces NYC Pre-Party 'Soiree' as Unauthorized & Unofficial - Sets Soft Launch of 'HipHopHoF.TV' Fan Social Media Site late August
HipHopHoF.TV features Magazine, TV Channels, Merchandise, and VIP Fan Membership Drive with Free Gifts till HHHOF Awards TV Show in 4th Qtr 2010
NEW YORK, Aug. 18 -- Pursuant to a story circulating in the media of a pre-Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards TV Show "Soiree" Party scheduled for August 18, 2010 in NYC, The Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum felt the need to alert fans that this report is not accurate. This is a non-affiliated, and non-sanctioned event that has intentionally misled attendees, sponsors, the media, and the public by using our Hip Hop Hall of Fame brand to promote this party without authorization.
The Event Organizers were notified weeks ago, and told directly it is a "no-go" for this event to even reference our brand, and due to liability issues we have a responsibility to let the public know that this is not an event associated with the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards TV Show set to return in the 4th quarter. The Hip Hop Hall of Fame has had to deal with a few broken promises and financial commitments this year, but has managed to surpass all expectations as the organization now sees the light at the end of the tunnel.
Be advised that the Hip Hop Hall of Fame is set to finally soft launch its official social networking website "HipHopHoF.TV" later this August 2010. It features the HHHOF Magazine, TV Channels, Official Merchandise, an a VIP Membership Drive with Special Online Promotional offers leading up to HHHOF Awards TV Show being solidified for broadcast in the 4th Qtr of 2010 in NYC!
The Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum, and the Culture itself, has needed its own unbiased independently operated 'fan & celebrity' driven advertiser based multi-media property and content outlet, that will finally let all of the many different 'voices and opinions' of the Hip Hop Nation on major 'issues and concerns' to be heard from around the country and the whole world! The HHHOF and the Hip Hop TV Network Channels founded in 1992, while launching the HHHOF Awards TV Show on BET Cable Network before the internet, is well positioned to become the "Hip Hop Brand" leader of pushing our Cultures News, Politics, Fashion, Business, Lifestyles, Artistry, Gossip, and Leadership strategy and debates to vast audiences, while empowering artists, independents, fans, labels, and entrepreneurs who dare to change the world, stated, founder and Chairman J.T. Thompson.
The VIP Fan Membership & Promotional Campaign will kick-off with the soft launch next week where the first 1,000 VIP Fans will receive special invites to the HHHOF Museum "unveiling party" at the Award show week, while the first 5,000 VIP Fans will have their names listed in a special 'Founders Interactive' Museum Exhibit, while allowing the first 10,000 VIP Fans to receive Lifetime Passes to the HHHOF Museum & Entertainment Complex being unveiled in NYC.
All VIP Fans will receive A free gift choice of either a Official T-Shirt, Calendar, or pre-ordered HHHOF 18th Anniversary DVD when they sign-up for the paid "VIP Memberships for $19.99" via Pay-Pal's 'donate now or membership button' on the HipHopHoF.TV Website, according to Julian Ramiu VP of IPTV division. All pertinent information, membership benefits, contests, and programs will be featured prominently on the website.
Hip Hop 1-TV is a 24 hour all hip-hop television network channel. The network will feature daily shows, and weekly programs, themed video segments, and annual television specials. The network will be an artists and celebrity driven themed programmer that is geared to both the national and international hip hop audiences. Shows include breaking news, feature stories, interviews, live events, movies, behind the scenes all-access, and on-site remote broadcasts with the artists we love to hear, communicating our own Culture messages and images for generations to come. Fans can follow the HHHOF at MySpace.com/HipHopHoF, Facebook.com/HipHopHoFMuseumComplex, or on Twitter.com/HipHopHoF.
ABOUT THE OFFICIAL HIP HOP HALL OF FAME AND PRODUCER J.T. THOMPSON
Originally created in 1992, the awards show was the first independently produced Hip Hop Awards Show on the BET Network Syndication arm in 1995, and was Label mates with the Source Awards. The Creator, J.T. "J-Train" Thompson, is a Brooklyn Born, Queens, and Harlem raised Hip Hop Connoisseur, whose uncle played with Harlem Legends Billie Holliday, Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman, and others, who could not eat, live, or dwell in the places where they played music! J.T. was transplanted to Los Angeles in his early years where he entered the business as a concert promoter and television producer as a guest of former MCA/Universal artists Pebbles, and the R&B Group the Deele, that featured multi- Grammy Award winning artists/producers BabyFace, and current Island-Def Jam Head L.A. Ried. While a free agent professional athlete and businessman, Legends Eazy E, Ice Cube, Yo Yo and Publicist Lynn Jeter, gave J.T. his big break in promotions and productions, as he went on to emerge as a major force in the "Hip Hop Fight the Power Leadership" era of the early 90's, even joining with Sister Souljah.
As one of the main Co-Founders of the historical L.A. Gang Truce Alliance, during the 1992 Riots, J.T. led the R.O.Y.A.L. Alliance Organization (Representatives of Young African-American Leadership renamed the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum Foundation), and took the lead in empowering community, private, and public economic development partnerships, and helped push for the National Empowerment Zones from Los Angeles, to the new Harlem USA projects. His story was highlighted in the Movie Redemption Starring Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, as J.T. utilized Gang Members on Projects including Restoring the Sear's Hollywood among many other activities, and being called a "Hero" by the L.A. Times and L.A. Sentinel. Despite the HHHOF and J.T. producing numerous albums, movies, concerts, step shows, special events from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, Atlanta, and NYC, Hip Hop took a negative turn during the media hyped east-west turmoil and the Hip Hop Hall of Fame suffered in the downturn, only to rise again today with a vengeance to finally complete the NYC HHHOF Museum and Entertainment Complex "Coming in 2010." Often imitated, but never duplicated!
Verizon Wireless Expands Network Coverage in New Jersey With New Ramtown Cell Site
-- Enhanced cell sites keep residents connected to email, music & mobile Web -- Network expansion will make service faster and more reliable -- Verizon continues to add new cell sites and capacity to bolster its already industry-leading 3G network
WARREN, N.J., Aug. 18 -- Verizon Wireless, provider of the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network, today announced the activation of a new cell site in Ramtown, New Jersey. Wireless calling, text messaging and mobile Web surfing is now easier and faster for residents and visitors in the Monmouth County community, where the new cell site will serve the area north to south from Easy Street to East County Line Road and east to west along Allenwood Lakewood Road.
The expanded coverage and increased data capacity enables customers in this area to enjoy clearer reception, fewer dropped calls and quicker download speeds when using their wireless devices to talk, text, email, view high-quality videos and access VZ Navigator's turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, these network enhancements further boost Verizon Wireless' network reliability, particularly during emergencies such as power outages and extreme weather conditions when wireless communications are needed the most. These network enhancements are part of Verizon Wireless' aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for the company's voice and data services.
"While we already have the largest and most reliable 3G network in the country, we're constantly working on ways to bolster the coverage area to provide our customers with the best service possible," said Pat Devlin, regional president. "With the huge increase in the number of Android and other smartphone owners, coverage and data capacity is now more important than ever. Verizon is making sure we stay ahead of the game by continually adding cell sites and capacity to ensure fast and reliable service to all our customers throughout New Jersey and the entire New York Metro area."
Nationally, one hundred real-life Verizon Wireless' test men and women drive more than 90 specially-equipped vehicles nearly one million miles each year on the country's most frequently traveled roadways to confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NASDAQ and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Source: Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: David Samberg, +1-914-329-5429,
david.samberg@verizonwireless.com, http://twitter.com/VzW_NYMetro, or Andrew
Stein, +1-646-484-4568, andrew@crenshawcomm.com
The World's First Mechanical Keyboard Designed for Gaming Launched at Gamescom 2010
Razer BlackWidow(TM) Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Available Worldwide in September 2010
COLOGNE, Germany, Aug. 18 -- GamesCom -- Razer(TM), the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, today announced the Razer BlackWidow(TM) mechanical gaming keyboard engineered for gamers who demand superior tactile feedback and comfort while playing.
Most mechanical keyboards in the market today are standard mechanical keyboards rebadged as gaming keyboards that feature stiff keys that cause key actuation fatigue. Such keyboards are inherently worse off for gamers as it actually decreases gameplay performance as opposed to enhancing it. As a result, most professional gamers eschew such marketing gimmicks for regular membrane keyboards.
For the past 3 years, Razer's design and engineering teams have been working on a mechanical keyboard - developed for gamers from the ground up, resulting in the Razer BlackWidow.
The Razer BlackWidow features a uniquely tactile mechanical key architecture that provides each key on the keyboard with a crisp response and tactile feedback similar to a mouse click. Coupled with a unique key actuation point halfway through the full travel distance, the optimized mechanical key structure found in each of the Razer BlackWidow's keys provide for greater precision and accuracy versus other traditional mechanical keyboards.
The keys on the Razer BlackWidow also feature one of the lightest actuation forces for all keyboards. The key actuation force has been optimized by the Razer design team from readily available components but sorted with the rigorous quality standards that Razer is known for. As a result, this enhanced key force allows gamers to type and click much faster than other mechanical keyboards in the industry.
"The Razer BlackWidow is the world's first mechanical keyboard that has been engineered from ground up for gaming," said Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, president, Razer. "Imagine every single key on the keyboard with the precision of a mouse click - no more pressing of keys without knowing for certain if they have been actuated. Precision clicking coupled with an optimized lighter key actuation force, this changes the way gamers will play from now on."
The Razer BlackWidow is the only mechanical keyboard that features fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording as well as five additional gaming keys, further leaving other mechanical keyboards in the dust when it comes to gaming compatibility and performance.
The revolutionary Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboard will be available in September 2010. Also available in the same month is the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, a step up from the original edition with the added features of individually backlit keys with 5 levels of lighting, 3.5" audio and microphone out jacks as well as an additional USB port.
About the Razer BlackWidow
The Razer BlackWidow's full mechanical key architecture provides a distinctive tactile feedback that simulates the experience and precision of performing a mouse click, giving gamers an entirely new feel with this keyboard. With its optimized actuation force of 50g and an actuation point halfway down the full travel distance of 4mm, the Razer BlackWidow's keys deliver crisp response with exceptional actuation speed. An ultra robust construction, fully programmable keys, 5 additional macro keys, and on-the-fly macro recording round off this revolutionary gaming keyboard.
Razer BlackWidow
PRICE: US $79.99 / euro 79.99
AVAILABILITY:
Razerzone.com - September
Worldwide - September
Product Features:
-- Mechanical key architecture for faster actuation and extended lifespan
-- Fully programmable keys + 5 additional gaming keys with on-the-fly
macro recording
-- 10 Customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
-- 1000Hz Ultrapolling(TM) for a blistering fast 1ms response time
-- Gaming optimized key matrix
-- Easy access media keys
-- Gaming mode option
-- Approx. size in mm: 475(L) x 171(W) x 30(H)
Razer BlackWidow High Resolution Image Links
Black Background
White Background
About the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is a step up from the original edition with the added feature of individually backlit keys with 5 levels of lighting, so players will never miss a step in the dark while giving them the cutting edge to launch assaults and flank foes even in low light conditions. Its full mechanical key architecture with an actuation point halfway through the full travel distance of 4mm, combined with its distinct tactile feedback that simulates a mouse click, allows the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate to provide gamers a keyboard that responds like no other. The ultra robust construction, fully programmable keys, 5 additional macro keys, and on-the-fly macro recording round off this revolutionary gaming keyboard. The Ultimate keyboard also includes 3.5" audio and microphone out jacks as well as an additional USB port. Now, the fate of your game is all at your fingertips with the BlackWidow Ultimate.
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate
PRICE: US $129.99 / euro 129.99
AVAILABILITY:
Razerzone.com - September
Worldwide - September
Product Features:
-- Mechanical key architecture for faster actuation and extended lifespan
-- Individually backlit keys with 5 levels of lighting
-- Fully programmable keys + 5 additional gaming keys with on-the-fly
macro recording
-- 10 Customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
-- 1000Hz Ultrapolling(TM) for a blistering fast 1ms response time
-- Gaming optimized key matrix
-- Easy access media keys
-- Gaming mode option
-- Audio-out / mic-in jacks
-- USB pass-through
-- Approx. size in mm: 475(L) x 171(W) x 30(H)
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate High Resolution Image Links
Black Background
White Background
About the Razer Group:
Razer(TM) is the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming products and peripherals that are designed "For Gamers. By Gamers(TM)". Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Razer's award-winning line up of products includes desktop speakers, headsets, keyboards, mice, software, and gaming surfaces. Since 1998, Razer has collaborated with leading professional gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals using proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. Razer products offer the best in precision, sensitivity, usability and distinctive product design and have a reputation for being leaders in gaming peripheral technology.
USA
Christina Gregor
Christina.Gregor@razerzone.com
Europe
Timo Helmke
Timo.Helmke@razerzone.com
Asia Pacific
Fiona Ng
Fiona.Ng@razerzone.com
China
Chris Chen
Chris.Chen@razerzone.com
Razer - For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)
Source: Razer
CONTACT: USA, Christina Gregor, Christina.Gregor@razerzone.com, or
Europe, Timo Helmke, Timo.Helmke@razerzone.com, or Asia Pacific, Fiona Ng,
Fiona.Ng@razerzone.com, or China, Chris Chen, Chris.Chen@razerzone.com, all of
Razer
Zipcar, Harvard University Transportation Services, and Zimride Partner for First Greater Boston 'Under 21' and Car Sharing Program
New Program offers Harvard University affiliated drivers, 18-years and older, cost effective, convenient transportation and rideshare options
BOSTON, Aug. 18 -- Zipcar Inc., Harvard University Transportation Services and Zimride announced today Greater Boston's first campus car sharing program for drivers under 21. The partnership will make it even easier for parents to send students to school without a car and further reduce the number of cars in Cambridge neighborhoods, already a city with one of the highest concentration of car sharers in the country.
The partnership will expand Zipcar's successful 10-year relationship with Harvard University Transportation Services by doubling the company's on-campus fleet to up to 20 cars and bringing the total number of vehicles in Cambridge and Allston surrounding the campus close to 160. All on-campus vehicles will be available to area residents and Harvard affiliated members including those under 21. With the addition of Zimride, a private network for ridesharing that uses Facebook integration to create a fun way to find friends to share commutes or one-time rides, the partners will help reduce campus traffic, parking difficulties and provide substantial cost-savings for the community and students.
"At eighteen, young adults have adult commuting needs, from students needing to move furniture to a worker having to make a meeting across town," said Dan Curtin, General Manager of Zipcar Boston. "Zipcar is proud to work with Harvard and Zimride on providing these younger drivers with another means of transportation."
"We're excited to work with Harvard University Transportation Services in building their private social network for ridesharing," said Curtis Rogers, National Account Manager at Zimride. "Our integration with Zipcar will provide more transportation options to Harvard's students, faculty, and staff, creating a fun and sustainable way to collectively make a difference."
Through Zimride's customized web-based interface, Harvard faculty, staff and students will be able to find others with similar commuting patterns or one-time rides. As a social network platform with optional Facebook integration, Zimride is fun to use and helps establish trust among users. Just like with Facebook, Zimriders can view profiles for common networks, interests and friends before deciding to share a ride. This new transportation alternative is a fun, easy and sustainable way for everyone to collectively make a difference.
"We are excited to offer a program that will allow the Harvard community to easily find and share rides," said Kris Locke, Manager of Harvard's CommuterChoice program. "Zimride's rideshare solution is a great compliment to our existing car sharing program, Zipcar. With Zipcar and Zimride we will be able to reduce congestion and make campus commuting more efficient for everyone."
"By reducing the number of cars on campus and encouraging carpooling among students, faculty and staff this partnership marks an important step forward in our sustainability goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide economically viable solutions that conserve resources," said Heather Henriksen, Director of Harvard's Office for Sustainability.
Harvard is one of Zipcar's oldest and most successful university programs with more Zipcar members, and car sharing vehicles, than any other university in North America. By working together to help reduce the number of cars in Cambridge, the city has seen a reduction of about 3,000 parking sticker requests between 2006 - 2009.
For more information, including how to enroll in Zipcar at Harvard University, please visit: http://www.zipcar.com/crimson.
About Zipcar
Zipcar is the world's leading car-sharing service with more than 400,000 members and 7,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car. More information is available at http://www.zipcar.com.
About Zimride
Zimride is the largest online social rideshare community in North America with over 350,000 users. Zimride has implemented private rideshare communities for over 50 of the nation's leading universities and companies including Stanford, UCLA, University of Michigan, Cornell University, Wal-Mart and CIGNA.
Zimride embraces ridesharing as a social activity and integrates with Facebook and Twitter to make it fun and easy for users to share the seats in their car or find a ride. On Zimride, participants create profiles that show their favorite in-car music, radio stations and even smoking preferences to ensure an enjoyable ride.
Zimride's site, http://www.zimride.com/, empowers individuals to create social, sustainable and convenient transportation.
About Harvard University Transportation Services
The CommuterChoice program, part of Harvard University Transportation Services, is committed to providing the best commuting options and planning services to the Harvard community. This free service includes transit pass discounts, car and van pools, car and ride sharing, cycling, walking, shuttles, and other sustainable transportation programs. For more information please visit http://www.commuterchoice.harvard.edu.
Zipcar and the Zipcar logo are trademarks of Zipcar, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Zipcar
CONTACT: TK Hall, Weber Shandwick for Zipcar, +1-617-520-7285,
thall@webershandwick.com; John Zimmer, Co-Founder and COO for Zimride,
+1-650-924-1115, john@zimride.com; Michael Conner, Communications Manager,
University Operations Services, Harvard University, +1-617-999-9122,
michael_conner@harvard.edu
Adds Patented Strong Authentication to SSL VPN Authentication
LOS GATOS, Calif., Aug. 18 -- TriCipher, a leading provider of cloud identity services, announced today that its myOneLogin Secure Single Sign-On solution now offers strong authentication and single sign-on for all leading SSL VPNs, including equipment from Juniper, Cisco, Citrix, F5 and SonicWall. Using myOneLogin together with SSL VPNs, businesses can offer secure remote access to corporate assets without the cost and complexity of traditional token solutions.
"SSL VPNs are a critical part of the enterprise identity and access management infrastructure," said Vijay Pawar, Director of Product Management at TriCipher. "With support for virtually any major SSL VPN, myOneLogin gives businesses the security of multi-factor authentication for remote access, together with web single sign-on and centralized authentication and access control capabilities."
Authenticating users to the SSL VPN is the 'last mile' for businesses offering secure remote access to corporate assets. Relying on passwords alone is insufficiently secure, while adding tokens introduces cost and management overhead to SSL VPN deployments. Using myOneLogin's cloud-based identity platform, businesses can add TriCipher's patented split-key authentication to SSL VPN logins quickly and easily.
myOneLogin now supports SSL VPNs using the broadly deployed RADIUS protocol for authentication and authorization, as well as federation standards such as SAML. Businesses using myOneLogin Enterprise Edition can integrate myOneLogin with internal directories, so user password authentication occurs within the corporate network. The myOneLogin service validates additional authentication factors, which may include knowledge-based questions, encrypted browser certificates, one-time passwords sent to mobile phones or VeriSign VIP credentials. Businesses can map multiple credentials to a single identity and select the credential strength that best meets their needs.
RADIUS-based integration with SSL VPNs requires myOneLogin Enterprise Edition, which is available immediately. For more information on myOneLogin, visit http://www.myOneLogin.com.
About TriCipher
TriCipher, Inc. is a market leader and pioneer in Internet-scale and enterprise-caliber identity services, delivering cloud-based solutions for protecting access to web applications and enterprise portals. The myOneLogin identity platform is the first online identity services platform that gives each user a future-proof identity and never-compromised credentials federated to thousand of applications. TriCipher's patented technology has been battle-tested by over 10,000 financial institutions for security, reliability, availability and scalability. Founded in 2000, TriCipher is headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif. The company is funded by ArrowPath Venture Capital, EPIC Ventures, Intel Capital, RBC Technology Ventures, and Trident Capital.
Source: TriCipher, Inc.
CONTACT: Dan Brennan of Corporate Ink, +1-617-969-9192,
dbrennan@corporateink.com, for TriCipher
MediaLab 3D Studio Introduces New Home Builders' Interactive Floor Plan Markup Manager
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 18 -- MediaLab 3D Studio of Tampa, Fla. has developed a revolutionary online tool which allows for new home builders to demonstrate the construction options, selected by a customer, to subcontractors. This may include floor covering breaks, phone, cable, lighting fixtures and other outlets and switches. With this user-friendly tool, customers can work from the privacy of their own home, or with help from their sales representative, to make decisions about their new home according to their specific needs and preferences.
"Our Interactive Floor Plan Markup Manager eliminates marking up a sales brochure," said Mike Lozicki, President of MediaLab. "With our new tool, subcontractors can simply log onto the builder's web site to see an electronic version of the annotated floor plan. Not only is this more convenient, but it also ensures they are reviewing the most recent information."
The Interactive Floor Plan Markup Manager utilizes drag and drop symbols that are clicked on and then dragged to the floor plan, where they will remain in place until moved or deleted. The tool allows for personalizing features such as flooring types, electrical, television and cable outlets, electrical switches, lighting options, thermostats, ceiling fans, phone jacks, gas stubs and more. A choice of structural options such as fireplaces, bay windows, and alternate bedroom, bathroom or kitchen configurations are all just a click away. There are also features that allow for plan zooming and plan reversal.
Fulton Homes, an Arizona-based homebuilder, uses the Interactive Floor Plan Markup Manager as a sales tool where salespeople can save the customer's selections, print out a personalized brochure, and incorporate it into the sales contract. Click here to see what this looks like in action. http://www.medialab3dstudio.com/floorplanmarkup
"We will save over $50,000 a year in sales and back office time with the Interactive Floor Plan Markup Manager. The salespeople can markup a floor plan in a quarter of the time," said Dennis Webb, Vice President of Marketing for Fulton Homes in Tempe, Ariz. "We have gone paperless with our trades, eliminating floor plan copying for each subcontractor. They now access our web site."
About MediaLab 3D Studio
Based in Tampa, Fla., MediaLab 3D Studio is one of the nation's largest interactive marketing agencies dedicated to digital asset creation and interactive tools for the Residential Building industry. For more information on MediaLab 3D Studio, visit http://www.medialab3dstudio.com
Source: MediaLab 3D Studio
CONTACT: Katie Griffin, MediaLab 3D Studio, +1-813-864-0215 ex. 249,
katieg@medialab3dstudio.com
Industry Expert Tracks Include Cloud Computing, Green IT, Social Computing and Virtualization
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Aug. 18 -- Everything Channel, a UBM company, today unveiled the theme of COMDEXvirtual 2010 will be "New Business Solutions: Embracing Disruptive Technologies & Changing Delivery Models." Since announcing COMDEX was returning as a virtual event, the team has worked diligently to develop an agenda that features meaningful and relevant content to support the needs of the high tech channel. As a leader and advocate in the technology community, Everything Channel identified an untapped market need to help better understand the disruptive technologies and changing business models that are influencing the way business is conducted. Designed for both technology suppliers and solution providers, the event platform provides a forum to educate, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions with peers and industry experts and offer practical recommendations on how to embrace this change in their own environments.
The Everything Channel team identified 11 content tracks to address the most pressing IT challenges and opportunities in the industry today. "The response to our call for sessions and speakers has been tremendous," says Robert Demarzo, Sr. Vice President of Strategic Content at Everything Channel, and COMDEXvirtual Conference Chair. "We are thrilled with the insights added by our industry expert track chairs; they have partnered with us to develop track sessions that are comprehensive, cohesive, and compelling."
COMDEXvirtual Tracks & Chairs Include:
-- Business Management & Strategy: Build and Bullet Proof Your Solution
Provider Business Model, John G. Varel, CEO and Chairman of the Board
- Fusion
-- Cloud Computing: Beyond the Hype & Into the Future, Amy Wohl,
President - Wohl Associates
-- CRN Test Center: Are You Ready for the Coming Tech Refresh Cycle:
Assess, Purge & Perk Up Your Product Portfolio, Ed Moltzen, Managing
Editor - Everything Channel
-- Custom Systems: Component Selection and System Building for Small,
Medium and Large VARs, Shirley Turner, CEO and President - Black Lab
Marketing
-- Data Center & Green IT: The Right Approach for Data Center Design
Including The State of Green IT, David Mancusi, Chief Data Center
Architect - Axis Point
-- Mobility: Inside the Tornado of Disruption and Alternative Delivery of
Apps & Information, Jack E. Gold, President & Principal Analyst - Gold
Associates
-- Networking: Voice & Data: Connecting the Clouds of the Future, Vince
Bradley, CEO - World Telecom Group
-- Security: From the Foundation to the Forefront of IT Security -- a
Roadmap for Success, Kelley Damore, Editorial Director - Everything
Channel; Ed Hamilton, Senior Manager - Analysys Mason
-- Social Computing: Leveraging Social Computing as an Important
Business, Marketing and Customer Engagement Tool, Heather Margolis,
President - Channel Maven Consulting
-- Storage: Managing the Mountain, Mark Ferelli, Editor in Chief - CTR;
Storage Analyst
-- Virtualization: The Year of Virtualization Lives On, Barb Goldworm,
Founder, President, Chief Analyst - Focus
"There is a strong need to engage the key players in the channel in lively and thought provoking discussions around the new technologies and business models that are fundamentally changing the way that we do business," says Barb Goldworm, President and Chief Analyst of Focus LLC, and chair for the COMDEXvirtual Virtualization track. "Everything Channel has worked hard to feature leading experts and resources on the key industry trends to create a conference that is filled with quality content."
COMDEXvirtual will be live on November 16 and 17. The Agenda at a Glance provides a schedule overview and descriptions of the eleven content tracks including the associated chairs and speakers. Registration is open.
For more information on exhibiting opportunities, please visit the COMDEXvirtual Sales Office.
Everything Channel
Everything Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, Everything Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. Everything Channel is a UBM company. To learn more about Everything Channel, visit us at http://www.everythingchannel.com/.
UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetization of B2B communities and markets. UBM's businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities - from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists - with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.
Big Star Media Group to Broadcast Live Streaming from BB King's Blues Clubs
Agreement is a significant step for Big Star Live
CLARKSDALE, Miss.,: Aug. 18 -- Big Star Media Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets: BMGI) (the "Company") a diversified entertainment and information distribution company, today announced that the Company has executed an agreement to stream live music performances from the BB King's Blues Club chain via the Internet on the Company's Big Star Live website.
Under the terms of the exclusive arrangement, the Company will install high quality audio/video streaming systems at each BB King's Blues Club venue, beginning with the BB King's location in Memphis, Tennessee. The systems are comprised of three HD cameras and a video switching system that will be viewed and distributed over the Big Star Live content delivery network. BB King's Blues Clubs and Big Star Media Group will work together to promote and market the service. The Company's revenue model is based on recurring advertising fees.
In addition to the location in Memphis, Tennessee, BB King's Blues Clubs are in Orlando, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, and West Palm Beach, Florida. Providing the Big Star Live service from these venues is a significant step toward giving the Company a nation-wide presence.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for our Company," noted Big Star's CEO, Jeff Skillen. "We are extremely excited to expand our Big Star Live service with such a quality and renowned live venue."
Mr. Skillen stated that there are additional opportunities in the near future that management for both companies are currently exploring.
About BB Kings Blues Clubs
The BB King's Blues Clubs are Famous for their world-class house bands and regional southern cuisine. Don't be surprised if you happen to catch a spontaneous drop in jam session by U2, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, or the king of blues himself, BB King.
About Big Star Media Group, Inc.
Big Star Media Group, Inc. is a multi-faceted entertainment and information distribution company focused on web-based presentations of live music events, the promotion of new musical talent, film production, and corporate messaging. Big Star Media Group holds several subsidiaries that are each focused on specific aspects of the Company's strategic plan, including: Big Star Live, Big Star Records, Big Star Informative Media, Big Star Films, and Big Star Communications. Its various entities focus on everything from the webcasting of live music events, to promoting new musical talent, producing film, and performing corporate messaging. For more information, please visit: http://www.bigstarmediagroup.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, commonly identified by such terms as "believes," "will," "looking ahead," "anticipates," "estimates" and other terms with similar meaning. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's projections and expectations are disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.
Contact:
Jeff Skillen
662-655-1002
Source: Big Star Media Group, Inc.
CONTACT: Jeff Skillen of Big Star Media Group, Inc., +1-662-655-1002
iPhone Apps Help Travelers Navigate Healthcare Services in East and Southeast Asia
HTH Worldwide introduces Six New mPassport® Apps for iPhone and iPad
RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 18 -- HTH Worldwide, a global health and safety services company, announced today that it has launched six more mPassport® destination-specific iPhone applications for finding quality healthcare services in some of the top destinations in East and Southeast Asia for international business and leisure travelers: Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. The first app to help travelers in need of medical services when they are abroad, mPassport is available in the iTunes App Store for downloading onto more than 100 million iPhones, iPads and iPod touches around the world.
With mPassport on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch you can
-- Use your smart phone or laptop to find a conveniently located,
carefully-selected, English-speaking doctor or dentist and request an
appointment
-- Use mapping and GPS functionality to find the shortest route to
convenient care
-- Translate brand names for medications and key medical terms and
phrases
-- Understand health risks and access the right emergency services
These features led HR Executive Magazine to recognize the mPassport mobile web site as a Top Human Resource Product of the Year. An early reviewer of the new downloadable mPassport app blogged, "This is a travel app every parent, brother or sister would want their family member to have on their iPhone or iPod touch while exploring the world." Early user reviews in the iTunes App Store are highly favorable.
"About half of all travelers who spend more than two weeks abroad get sick or injured, and we're there to help them when they need assistance," said Angelo Masciantonio, Chief Executive of HTH Worldwide. "Travelers typically do not prepare for illness or injury when traveling abroad and when they need healthcare, they often don't know where to turn. Our mPassport apps make it simple to get quality care when it's needed far away from home."
You can find these apps in the iTunes App Store along with the existing apps covering these destinations:
-- Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague,
Rome, Vienna
-- Cape Town, Nairobi
-- Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, Quito
-- Bermuda, Nassau
-- Beijing, Hong Kong
To preview an mPassport app, click here. To see a video demo, click here.
Please visit mpassport.com where subscribers can also access these services on a worldwide basis.
About HTH Worldwide
HTH Worldwide provides health insurance plans and global medical assistance services for business and leisure travelers as well as students abroad. HTH programs are distinguished by a contracted community of over 6,500 hospitals and doctors in 180 countries. HTH combines its health and safety research, advanced Internet and mobile applications, and extensive experience in designing and delivering international health insurance plans to ensure customers' health, safety and peace of mind. HTH was recently named one of North America's fastest growing companies in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500. For more information, visit http://www.hthworldwide.com.
Source: HTH Worldwide
CONTACT: John Miller for HTH Worldwide ,+1-215-564-3200 x114,
jmiller@gobraithwaite.com
Polaroid Eyewear and RealD Sign Global License Agreement for Polaroid® Premium 3D Eyewear
ORMOND BEACH, Fla., ZURICH and LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 -- Polaroid Eyewear, a division of Stylemark AG, and RealD Inc. (NYSE:RLD), a leading provider of 3D technology for cinema, consumer electronics and professional applications, announced today that they have signed a global license agreement to use the RealD brand in conjunction with the launch of a new generation of curved 3D glasses - Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear.
Under the terms of the agreement, Polaroid Eyewear will distribute its RealD certified Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear line to movie theaters and cinemas, eye care professionals and other retail channels through its global network of subsidiaries and distributors. Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear will be compatible with all RealD 3D enabled movie theatres around the world.
"RealD is excited to partner with a brand like Polaroid that has a heritage in polarizing lens technology," said Joseph Peixoto, President of Worldwide Cinema at RealD. "Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear promises a range of custom frames with precisely curved lenses so moviegoers can fully experience RealD 3D with an uncompromising field of vision and a pair of glasses to match their personal style."
Polaroid Eyewear's launch collection features a range of appealing designs to satisfy demand from all types of movie-goers. And prescription lens wearers are not forgotten, with a range of premium 3D cover styles that fit comfortably over any optical frame. There is even a junior style for the younger audience to enjoy. The collection has been developed under the umbrella of a full 3D vision marketing concept, supporting an easy-to-handle sales system in movie theatre and cinema lobbies, and professional optical and retail channels and will be available soon. All styles feature Polaroid Eyewear's unique 3D formed lenses, differentiating the product from standard 3D cinema glasses provided at theatres and similar products currently available on the market. The product is also fully UV-protective so that a consumer can choose to wear the product outdoors without risk of UV damage.
"We are a brand that is all about technical innovation, style and great value for the money" said Andy Suszko, President of Polaroid Eyewear. "This endorsement from RealD recognizes the high quality of our 3D lenses, made possible only by our unique, patented ThermoFusion(TM) Technology, the same technology used to make our linear polarized lenses for the highly successful sunglass collections we sell worldwide. We are delighted to be associated with RealD and look forward to working closely with them and their other technology partners as 3D pushes into the consumer electronics mainstream."
For further information on Polaroid Eyewear's Premium 3D range please contact Rachel Scholan, North American Marketing and Product Manager at marketing@polaroideyewear.com.
About Polaroid Eyewear
Polaroid Eyewear is a world leader in optics and lens technology, manufacturing high quality polarizing lenses and distributing fashionable polarized sunglasses, optical frames and licensed sunglass brands around the world. Polaroid Eyewear has a worldwide exclusive license for the Polaroid brand with PLR IP Holdings, LLC, the owner of the Polaroid brand. Demand for polarizing eyewear is rising steadily as more and more consumers come to realize the benefits of glare-free vision. Polaroid Eyewear has offices in the US, UK, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Russia, China and the Netherlands, as well as a comprehensive network of distribution partners around the globe.
Polaroid Eyewear is part of the global StyleMark group which, additionally to the brand Polaroid, also markets brands such as Hello Kitty, Jones of New York, Disney, Panama Jack and Revlon.
The licensing agreement between RealD and Polaroid Eyewear heralds the launch of the new Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear collection giving consumers a superior 3D visual experience.
Across several generations, people regard Polaroid as one of the most trusted, well-respected and recognizable brands. The Polaroid story began more than seventy years ago with polarized sunglasses, evolved into instant film, cameras, and camera accessories, as well as a full range of consumer electronics categories. Polaroid and Polaroid Pixel are trademarks of PLR IP Holdings, LLC used under license. For more information about Polaroid: http://www.Polaroid.com.
About RealD Inc.
RealD is a leading global licensor of 3D technologies. RealD's extensive intellectual property portfolio is used in applications that enable a premium 3D viewing experience in the theater, the home and elsewhere. RealD licenses its RealD Cinema Systems to motion picture exhibitors that show 3D motion pictures and alternative 3D content. RealD also provides its RealD Format, active and passive eyewear and display and gaming technologies to consumer electronics manufacturers and content producers and distributors to enable the delivery and viewing of 3D content on high definition televisions, laptops and other visual displays. RealD's cutting-edge 3D technologies have been used for applications such as piloting the Mars Rover, heads-up displays for military jets and robotic medical procedures. RealD was founded in 2003 and has offices in Beverly Hills, CA; Boulder, CO; London, United Kingdom; and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.reald.com.
Media contact:
Rachel Scholan
386.615.5788
Rachel.Scholan@polaroideyewear.com
Take Skype mobile(TM) on Verizon Wireless Back to School With You
App Now on Select 3G Multimedia Phones Enables Unlimited Skype-to-Skype Calls Around the World
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 18 -- As college students hunker down for the fall semester, Verizon Wireless now offers Skype mobile(TM) on many 3G Multimedia phones, making it easy to affordably stay connected with friends and family. The LG enV® TOUCH, LG Chocolate Touch(TM) and Samsung Reality(TM) join Verizon Wireless' strong lineup of 3G Smartphones that already feature Skype mobile.
Skype mobile helps students on a budget stay in touch, whether they're starting at a new school or returning as upperclassmen. Skype mobile also offers a simple, convenient and cost-effective way for parents to keep up with their kids who venture overseas for a term abroad, eliminating the need to set a time to be at a computer to receive the Skype call from junior.
-- Bon Voyage - If students need help preparing for their time abroad
before they go, they can use Skype mobile to talk with professors
about how to balance studies and travel. Skype mobile also offers
language support in Spanish, Korean and simple Chinese, helping
students keep in touch with new international friends after they
return home.
-- Close Quarters - Living in a dorm room with a stranger can be
nerve-racking, but students can use Skype mobile to get to know future
roommates, making the transition to dorm life easier. Whether they
want to plan the dorm room décor or bond over favorite movies, Skype
mobile lets them chat for hours and become fast friends.
-- Dark or White? - Calculus class? Check. Biochemistry test? Aced it.
How to separate dark and white loads? For some students laundry is
stressful. When a terrible stain hits a favorite shirt, students can
use Skype mobile to call home for laundry expertise until the spot is
only a memory.
-- Don't Let Summer Love Fade Away - Maintaining a relationship while
apart is tough, but with an "always on" capability, Skype mobile means
students never have to miss a call while away from their computers.
-- B.F.F. - Making friends at a new school is important, but staying in
touch with friends from home is too. Best friends can send and
receive unlimited instant messages with other Skype users to stay
close no matter how far away from each other they may be.
-- Wisdom of Age - Students living away from home for the first time may
need some survival tips from older siblings. Knowledge from a big
brother or sister is easy with unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls
via Skype mobile.
Skype-to-Skype calls and chats are unlimited when initiated with Skype mobile from a Verizon Wireless phone with a data plan to any of the hundreds of millions of Skype users anywhere in the world. The calls run on the United States' largest and most reliable wireless voice network, providing outstanding call quality and allowing the app to work with traditional voice products, including Bluetooth® headsets. Skype mobile calls made to domestic landline and wireless numbers use minutes from customers' voice plans. Skype mobile calls to international numbers do not use customers' voice plans and are paid for by Skype Credit and charged at Skype's low international rates.
Customers with Android smartphones can download the highly rated app from the Verizon Channel in Android Market(TM), and customers with select BlackBerry® smartphones can download it from http://www.skype.com/vzw through their smartphones' browser. For 3G Multimedia phones, customers can download the app from Media Center/Get It Now® or the online media store at http://www.verizonwireless.com/mp3. Customers can also text "SKYPE" to 2255 to get a message with the link to download Skype mobile.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ)(NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (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.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.
Utah Company's New Apple iPhone Fitness App Lands in Top Ten, Featured on Apple Store Home Page
SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 18 -- Runners and joggers love being moved by the beat of their favorite music, now joggers can use tempo-shifted music with expert coaching to create new levels of motivation. Developers at lolo, llc. have just released lolo Burn for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch, and lolo Burn is Apple's New & Noteworthy Health & Fitness pick for the week of August 11th. Out of 25,100 apps in the Health & Fitness section of the iTunes App Store, lolo Burn was chosen and featured on Apple's App Store Home Page.
"The whole development team is honored that Apple loved our new fitness app, lolo Burn," said Jarom Lee, President of lolo, llc. "We knew we were offering a revolutionary new fitness training app for runners and joggers, but the fact that Apple picked our app as New & Noteworthy is truly an accomplishment and says a lot for our development team," said Lee.
lolo Burn is different than other fitness training apps because it allows users to change the tempo of the music to match their stride while the pitch of the music stays the same. "No longer will you have to listen to chipmunk music," said VP Timmy Chou, "you can set the intensity of your workout on-the-fly and your entire playlist will play through at the correct tempo."
lolo Burn includes 36 progressive training routines for beginners through experts. Your trainer's voice guides you through your workout and you can change intensity or jump to any point in your workout on the fly without stopping or resetting your workout. lolo Burn can be found on the Apple iTunes App Store in the Health & Fitness section, where it can be downloaded onto the iPhone or iPod Touch. The price for this application is $4.99.
About lolo
lolo, llc. is a product development company on the cutting edge of the evolving fitness technology trend. We spent four years creating a patented dynamic media platform that can deliver the same seamless, quality presentation found on a fitness CD or DVD to users, and then took the extra step of making it completely interactive and portable. The goal of lolo is to provide personalized fitness technology through as many emerging media channels as possible.
Creating premium fitness apps for Apple's App Store is simply a first step. lolo is working now to bring its impressive fitness platform technology to an array of new channels through partnerships with fitness equipment manufacturers, consumer electronics manufacturers, and fitness content providers. Our unique combination of expertise in both technology and fitness allows us to quickly attack new media opportunities and create high-quality products that continue to evolve the fitness industry. http://www.lolofit.com/.
lolo, llc.
Crane Building
200 South 307 West
Second Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Ektron Connects with Facebook to Personalize Corporate Websites
Launches Social Targeting Software
NASHUA, N.H., Aug. 18 -- Ektron Inc. announced today the first social targeting software to integrate Facebook with corporate websites. The new software is part of Ektron's Marketing Optimization Suite (eMOS) and makes personalization on a website as easy as building a playlist in iTunes.
"We believe that context is king when it comes to personalizing web experiences - our new software brings social targeting to everyone," said Bill Rogers, founder and CEO of Ektron. "We are simplifying the way companies and brands work with Facebook to connect personalized brand experiences on websites to site visitors using their Facebook profile and social graph."
Companies like Amazon recently have integrated with Facebook in a similar way. Ektron is bringing Amazon-like personalization to everyone. Ektron's software allows marketers to match social behavior in the social graph to relevant experiences on a corporate website, in a few mouse clicks so they can personalize product recommendations, offers, promotions, and other types of content to site visitors.
"Our clients always are asking for new ideas to personalize the online experience. Ektron's Social Targeting Software give us an extremely promising way to target content on consumer websites based on their Facebook profile and social graph," said Jeff Geheb, Partner and Managing Director of Technology at VML. "The concept of aggregating a user's likes and dislikes to drive personalization was born with Facebook Connect, but Ektron's Facebook Social Targeting Software makes it a two-way street where businesses now can directly match their relevant content to specific interested users in a powerful and easy way. This idea combines the best concepts of content management, social networking, and targeted content delivery."
How Ektron's Social Targeting Software Works:
-- Ektron provides native support for the latest release of the Facebook
Platform, so companies and brands can quickly connect their websites
to Facebook.
-- Facebook "Likes" allow users to express their affinity for limitless
combinations of companies, brands, products, etc. Ektron social
targeting matches Facebook content such as "Likes" to a personalized
web experience designed by a company or brand.
-- Marketers can configure personalized experiences with drag-and-drop
capabilities similar to building a playlist in iTunes that connect
Facebook users' data and/or the social graph of their Facebook Friends
to business rules that the marketer defines.
Ektron Inc. has innovated web technology since 1998. By integrating web content management (WCM), marketing optimization and social software, Ektron's software and solutions improve operational efficiency, drive revenue growth and build customer loyalty. Ektron empowers marketers to create, publish and optimize web content that engages, converts and retains customers. Developers benefit from Ektron's extensibility and commitment to the Microsoft .NET framework. Headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, with offices in Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom, Ektron has more than 8,000 customers worldwide including Carnegie Hall, Home Depot, Kodak, Microsoft, NASDAQ, Texas Children's Hospital and the University of Notre Dame. For more information, please visit http://www.ektron.com.
Ektron, the Ektron logo and eIntranet, are trademarks of Ektron Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
blinkx get chins wagging with the launch of a celebrity gossip hub
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18 -- blinkx, the world's largest and most advanced video search engine, today announced the launch of a brand new video gossip hub for those seeking access to real-time celebrity scoops and fashion news. Whether you want to hear the latest on Robert Pattinson's love life, or ensure that you're bang on trend by watching couture designers discuss forthcoming ranges at London fashion week, blinkx's gossip hub lets you access the hottest celebrity video news wherever you are.
You don't have to be part of Hollywood's elite to be well connected. With more than 720 video content partners, you'll never miss a scoop with blinkx. Available on http://www.blinkx.com and direct from your mobile device, blinkx's new gossip hub is a one-stop shop for all breaking entertainment news across the Web, from top content partners such as ITN Entertainment, CelebTV, SNTV and Young Hollywood.
As the pioneer in video search technology, blinkx has built a reputation as the smartest way to find rich media on the Web. The company has made more than 720 partners and indexed over 35 million hours of video and audio content to date.
About blinkx
blinkx plc (LSE AIM: BLNX) is the world's largest and most advanced video search engine. Today, blinkx has indexed more than 35 million hours of audio, video, viral and TV content, and made it fully searchable and available on demand. blinkx's founders set out to solve a significant challenge - as TV and user-generated content on the Web explode, keyword-based search technologies only scratch the surface. blinkx's patented search technologies listen to - and even see - the Web, helping users enjoy a breadth and accuracy of search results not available elsewhere. In addition, blinkx powers the video search for many of the world's most frequented sites. blinkx is based in San Francisco and London. More information is available at http://www.blinkx.com.
Source: blinkx
CONTACT: Nicole Love of Marlin PR, +44 207 869 8328,
nicole.love@marlinpr.com; or Tim Turpin of Sparkpr, +1-415-321-1894,
tim.turpin@sparkpr.com; or Charles Lytle or Christopher Wren of Citigroup
Global Markets Ltd, NOMAD and Broker for blinkx plc, +44 (0)207 986 9756
Announces Certification Program at CESI's Advanced Digital TV Test Center (ADTC)
BEIJING, Aug. 18 -- The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) culminated the "Digital Home Summit 2010" event with the announcement of the first certification lab in the People's Republic of China. With more than 1.3 billion citizens, China has become the largest market in the world for TVs, cameras, PCs and mobile phones. DLNA Certification will be conducted by the Advanced Digital TV Test Center (ADTC), a part of CESI Technology Co., Ltd., which is sponsored by the China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI), a comprehensive institute of electronic information technology under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of the People's Republic of China.
"ADTC joins a prestigious list of certification labs worldwide helping our members easily develop and test DLNA Certified® products," noted Nidhish Parikh, chairman and president of DLNA. "Companies based in China are taking an increasing role in the development of connected home technologies used worldwide and we're delighted to be working with ADTC in support of our rapid growth of DLNA Certified® products."
Certification labs are accredited to perform interoperability testing services as part of the requirements set by the DLNA Certification and Logo Program. The ADTC certification lab allows DLNA to better service the growing development and manufacturing base in China.
"We are pleased to be the first DLNA certification lab in China," said Mr. Zhang Hong, Market Director, CESI. "Technological advances in China are moving rapidly and the technology industry has seen substantial growth in the last decade. We look forward to helping more companies based in China obtain DLNA certification for interoperability between devices on a global scale."
The "Digital Home Summit 2010: DLNA and the Future Digital Life" event was held July 14 in Guangzhou, China. Co-hosted by CESI and the State Industry Base of Digital Home Application and Demonstration, the event attracted more than 150 attendees from 71 companies, universities and other organizations. Presentations were made by the Institute of Intelligent Information Processing, the Director of the Guangdong Public Support Center of Digital Home Service and Technology and the Technical Director of the State Industry Base of Digital Home Application and Demonstration. Attendees were also briefed by representatives from ACCESS, ADTC, AwoX, Broadcom, DLNA, Haier, Microsoft, Nokia, Sony and Sony Ericsson on the DLNA Certification Program, and the market for DLNA Certified® products.
Members of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) share a vision of an interoperable network of personal computers (PC), consumer electronics (CE), mobile devices and service providers in and beyond the home, enabling a seamless environment for sharing and growing new digital media and content services. Founded in 2003, the group established and maintains a platform of interoperability based on open and established industry standards that, when used by manufacturers will support the sharing of media through wired or wireless networks. More than 200 multi-industry companies from around the world have joined DLNA, committing the time and resources necessary to achieve their vision. DLNA's 2010 Promoter Members include: ACCESS, AT&T, AwoX, Broadcom, Cisco, Comcast, DIRECTV, Dolby Laboratories, Ericsson, HP, Huawei, Intel, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Pioneer, Qualcomm, Rovi Corporation, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Technicolor, Toshiba and Verizon. Additional information about the Alliance, its participating companies and membership benefits is available at http://www.dlna.org.
Source: Digital Living Network Alliance
CONTACT: John Kreuzer of McGrath/Power Public Relations,
+1-408-727-0351, johnk@mcgrathpower.com, for Digital Living Network Alliance
Damaka Unveils Industry's First Cross Platform Video Conferencing Solution for iPhone 4
Unprecedented Solution Utilizes Front Facing Camera, Supports Multi-Party Video Calling, Sweeping, and Application and Desktop Sharing
RICHARDSON, Texas, Aug. 18 -- Damaka®, a technology pioneer in mobile unified communications and collaboration (UCC), today announced the launch of its industry first multi-party video conferencing solution for the new Apple® iPhone® 4.
Damaka's Amadeo(TM) platform offers a secure and reliable multi-party video solution that utilizes the front-facing camera of the iPhone to enable users to both send and receive video simultaneously over WiFi, 3G, and 4G networks. Video conference sessions can be conducted cross platform, with any other device using Amadeo, including Android(TM), iPad(TM), Symbian(TM) and Windows Mobile® devices.
"Since its introduction in June 2010, the Apple iPhone 4 has become an extremely popular device for business and consumer users alike," said Ira Weinstein, senior analyst and partner, Wainhouse Research. "The ability to leverage the iPhone 4's front and rear facing cameras for live multi-party video conference sessions with any other smartphone on any data network, while simultaneously utilizing the various Damaka collaboration tools, will be of great interest to the growing user base of iPhone users."
The Amadeo platform offers live multi-party video conferencing along with the unique capability to toggle between front and rear cameras on the iPhone during a live video calling session. The solution includes features such as application and desktop sharing with voice, editing, zooming and panning capabilities; Presence; Instant Messaging and multi-party audio conferencing. The solution also features Sweeping(TM) technology, Damaka's innovative method of transferring in-process sessions to and from multiple devices, regardless of operating system or network.
"With analysts estimating that Apple will sell 35 to 36 million units this year, it is clear that the iPhone 4 is a tremendously popular device for both consumer and business users," said Siva Chaturvedi, CEO of Damaka. "In today's business environment which demands a higher degree of collaboration and mobility than ever before, Damaka's Amadeo platform offers users an unrivaled multi-party video conferencing and collaboration solution that helps achieve higher levels of efficiency and productivity."
As a leader in live video calling for smartphones, Damaka is revolutionizing the communication industry through the development of a converged media and collaborative communication platform for IP based networks across the globe. The groundbreaking Damaka mobile unified communications and collaboration solution is available in both Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and traditional client-server architectures. Damaka's software application is based on patented 'direct peering' P2P technology with a highly optimized footprint for smartphones and support for various operating systems. The Damaka mobile UCC offering provides a unique solution for service providers, enterprise organizations and small- and medium-sized businesses.
About Damaka, Inc.
Damaka (http://www.damaka.com) is an innovator in mobile unified communication and collaboration (UCC) solutions. The company is changing the landscape of mobile UCC by providing secure, real-time mobile video calling and mobile collaboration solutions on all major smartphones and PC/MAC platforms, enabling collaboration on any device, any network, anytime and anywhere. Damaka's managed peer-to-peer SIP based software solutions feature Sweeping(TM) technology, allowing users to seamlessly transfer in progress collaboration sessions to and from various devices, including laptops, netbooks, tablets and smartphones. Damaka was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Richardson, Texas, with additional offices in Chennai, India. For more information on Damaka's technology and available solutions please visit http://www.damaka.com/.
Contact: Kevin Thornton
Nadel Phelan
(831) 440-2404
kevin@nadelphelan.com
Source: Damaka
CONTACT: Kevin Thornton of Nadel Phelan, +1-831-440-2404,
kevin@nadelphelan.com, for Damaka
Guitar Hero®: Warriors of Rock Unleashes All 90+ On-Disc Tracks
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 18 -- Bringing the ultimate set list to furious finger-fretting rockaholics around the world this September, Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) revealed today the entire Guitar Hero®: Warriors of Rock on-disc lineup. With more than 90 tracks focusing on guitar shredding hits, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is headlined by some of the largest bands in rock and features original tracks written and composed by AAA talent, special re-records by famous artists, and bands that are making their Guitar Hero® debut.
"We engaged our fans to find out what they really wanted and then hand-picked over 90 tracks that deliver the ultimate rock experience," said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Guitar Hero. "From the new guitar controller to the gameplay to the on-disc set list, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is truly a return to rock."
When Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock ships on September 28, gamers will join the quest to save rock and strive to keep up with the blistering solos and intense riffs as they shred their way through the largest Guitar Hero set list to date. The full track list includes:
-- A Perfect Circle - "The Outsider"
-- Aerosmith - "Cryin'"
-- AFI - "Dancing Through Sunday"
-- Alice Cooper - "No More Mr. Nice Guy"
-- Alter Bridge - "Ties That Bind"
-- Anberlin - "The Feel Good Drag"
-- Anthrax - "Indians"
-- Arch Enemy - "Nemesis"
-- Atreyu - "Ravenous"
-- Avenged Sevenfold - "Bat Country"
-- Bad Brains - "Re-Ignition (Live)"
-- Band Of Skulls - "I Know What I Am"
-- Black Sabbath - "Children Of The Grave"
-- Blind Melon - "Tones Of Home"
-- Blue Oyster Cult - "Burnin' For You"
-- Bush - "Machinehead"
-- Buzzcocks - "What Do I Get?"
-- Children Of Bodom - "If You Want Peace... Prepare For War"
-- Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Fortunate Son"
-- The Cure - "Fascination Street"
-- Deep Purple - "Burn"
-- Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live)"
-- Dethklok - "Bloodlines"
-- The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Setting Fire To Sleeping Giants"
-- Dire Straits - "Money For Nothing"
-- DragonForce - "Fury of the Storm"
-- Drowning Pool - "Bodies"
-- Edgar Winter- "Free Ride"
-- Fall Out Boy - "Dance, Dance"
-- Five Finger Death Punch - "Hard To See"
-- Flyleaf - "Again"
-- Foo Fighters - "No Way Back"
-- Foreigner - "Feels Like The First Time"
-- George Thorogood and The Destroyers - "Move It On Over (Live)"
-- The Hives - "Tick Tick Boom"
-- Interpol - "Slow Hands"
-- Jane's Addiction - "Been Caught Stealing"
-- Jethro Tull - "Aqualung"
-- John 5 - "Black Widow Of La Porte"
-- KISS - "Love Gun"
-- Linkin Park - "Bleed It Out"
-- Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Call Me The Breeze (Live)"
-- Megadeth - "Sudden Death"
-- Megadeth - "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due"
-- Megadeth - "This Day We Fight!"
-- Metallica & Ozzy Osbourne - "Paranoid (Live)"
-- Muse - "Uprising"
-- My Chemical Romance - "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)"
-- Neil Young - "Rockin' In The Free World"
-- Nickelback - "How You Remind Me"
-- Night Ranger - "(You Can Still) Rock In America"
-- Nine Inch Nails - "Wish"
-- The Offspring - "Self Esteem"
-- Orianthi - "Suffocated"
-- Pantera - "I'm Broken"
-- Phoenix - "Lasso"
-- Poison - "Unskinny Bop"
-- Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
-- Queensryche - "Jet City Woman"
-- Rammstein - "Waidmanns Heil"
-- The Ramones - "Theme From Spiderman"
-- Red Rider - "Lunatic Fringe"
-- R.E.M. - "Losing My Religion"
-- Rise Against - "Savior"
-- The Rolling Stones - "Stray Cat Blues"
-- The Runaways - "Cherry Bomb"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 1 - Overture"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 2 - The Temples Of Syrinx"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 3 - Discovery"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 4 - Presentation"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 5 - Oracle: The Dream"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 6 - Soliloquy"
-- Rush - "2112 Pt. 7 - Grand Finale"
-- RX Bandits - "It's Only Another Parsec..."
-- Silversun Pickups - "There's No Secrets This Year"
-- Slash featuring Ian Astbury - "Ghost"
-- Slayer - "Chemical Warfare"
-- Slipknot - "Psychosocial"
-- Snot - "Deadfall"
-- Soundgarden - "Black Rain"
-- Steve Vai - "Speeding" (Vault Version)
-- Stone Temple Pilots - "Interstate Love Song"
-- Strung Out - "Calling"
-- Styx - "Renegade"
-- Sum 41 - "Motivation"
-- Tesla - "Modern Day Cowboy"
-- Them Crooked Vultures - "Scumbag Blues"
-- Third Eye Blind - "Graduate"
-- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - "Listen To Her Heart"
-- Twisted Sister - "We're Not Gonna Take It"
-- The Vines - "Get Free"
-- The White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army"
-- ZZ Top - "Sharp Dressed Man (Live)"
In Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, join with friends on an epic rock journey to save rock. Featuring an impressive 90+ track set list and a host of all-new gameplay features, living room legends and their friends can strum, drum and wail in the most immersive music videogame experience to date. Delivering the quintessential rock music collection that focuses on guitar shredding hits from bands such as Black Sabbath, Slipknot and Megadeth and larger-than-life band anthems from Queen, Muse and KISS, players can unleash more rewards and unlockable content than ever before in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock's Quest Mode, the franchise's first ever story-based mode, and Quickplay+, which invites challenge-starved fanatics to test their rock skills. Running on the powerful Guitar Hero engine that has been expanded and refined and with encores from the critically-acclaimed and fan favorite gameplay features that made Guitar Hero one of the most popular franchises of all-time - such as Party Play, Competitive modes and any combination of up to four instruments - the game offers a complete interactive and connected experience bringing friends and foes to the stage in the ultimate rock music experience.
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and by Vicarious Visions for the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo. The game is rated "T" (Teen - Lyrics, Mild Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes) by the ESRB. For more information about Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, please visit GuitarHero.com.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Guitar Hero and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All rights reserved.
Source: Activision Publishing, Inc.
CONTACT: Lindsay Morio, Publicist of Activision/Guitar Hero,
+1-424-744-5733, lmorio@guitarhero.com
StarKist Launches New Website, http://www.StarKist.com, to Encourage Americans to Incorporate More Seafood in Their Everyday Lives
Have You Been StarKist(TM)? Now's Your Chance at http://www.StarKist.com... New Site Offers Delicious Recipes, Rate-A-Recipe Features, Promotional Information and Much More
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 18 -- Log on, pucker up and get ready to be 'Kist! StarKist Co., a leading producer, distributor and marketer of seafood products in the United States, announced today the launch of its dynamic new website, http://www.StarKist.com. With mouthwatering recipes like the StarKist Farmhouse Salad and Sweet & Spicy Lettuce Wraps, the site features more than 80 delicious meal solutions to help consumers easily incorporate more healthy tuna products into their everyday lives.
The new website comes after the recent launch of the "Have You Been StarKist?" campaign. Representing a play on words, and bridging the connection between the "fish-kiss" and seafood, Have You Been StarKist? aims to engage today's consumers with innovative ways to enjoy the best that seafood has to offer. The launch of the new and improved http://www.StarKist.com is just another way StarKist is sharing the love, as well as new ways to use StarKist products in appetizers, entrees, salads, sandwiches and soups.
"Getting 'Kist is all about discovering the taste and health benefits of incorporating StarKist Tuna into your everyday life," said Jennifer Albert, Director of Marketing, StarKist Co. "With a variety of recipes for any meal occasion, beautiful recipe photography, helpful recipe tips and nutrition information, we know that http://www.StarKist.com will become a valuable resource for today's busy consumers."
Get 'Kist for Dinner Tonight
According to Albert, the site features delicious, easy to prepare and good for you meal solutions -- everything from Albacore Pesto Panini, a perfect weekend lunch, to Mediterranean Tuna Pizza, a delectable dish that will draw the whole family to the dinner table. In addition, many of the recipes were developed by StarKist's registered dietitian to encourage more families to incorporate healthy tuna products, which are an excellent source of protein and heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, into their cooking repertoire.
The website will provide online visitors with the ability to rate recipes, share them with friends and save recipes to a personalized recipe box. The site will offer the most up-to-date information about StarKist promotional activities, including coupons and special offers, as well as seafood-related health and nutrition information. The new http://www.StarKist.com also features a special section dedicated to everyone's favorite tuna, Charlie the Tuna.
Developed by IBM Interactive, the new StarKist website will feature:
-- Innovative, New Design: A unique, fluid visitor experience,
cutting-edge technology and world-class usability with a focus on
recipes - everything from beautiful recipe photography, rate-a-recipe
features and a recipe box for consumers to store their favorite
recipes;
-- Socializing with Friends: The ability to upload recipes with product
links, share recipe with friends, rate StarKist recipes and provide
comments or additional suggestions on recipes; and,
-- Cost Savings: The latest information on various promotional offers
and coupons.
"One of our core guiding principles was to provide content that would be fresh and relevant to StarKist's consumers," said Dawn Goulbourn, IBM Interactive. "Encouraging consumer interaction through the enablement of features that support user generated contributions, such as ratings, recipe submission and comments will foster a sense of community and will help to keep the site interesting and authentic."
StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States. A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, who swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. For more information on the Company, visit starkist.com. StarKist Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.
LightSquared Delivers Notice to Inmarsat Triggering Re-banding of L-Band Radio Spectrum in North America
RESTON, Va., Aug. 18 -- LightSquared, the nation's first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, today announced it has delivered notice to Inmarsat triggering Phase 1 of a Cooperation Agreement between Inmarsat and LightSquared.
Under the Cooperation Agreement originally signed in December 2007, Inmarsat and SkyTerra (now LightSquared), designed a phased plan aimed at addressing growing wireless broadband demand. The agreement increases the amount of contiguous spectrum available to both parties and provides LightSquared enhanced operational flexibility for deployment of its 4G-LTE integrated terrestrial and satellite network.
"Implementation of this agreement represents a significant milestone in LightSquared's plan to build the nation's first wholesale only 4G-LTE wireless broadband network," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer of LightSquared. "Triggering this agreement will now give us the contiguous spectrum we need to support additional network capacity to meet the growing demand for wireless data."
To implement Phase 1, Inmarsat will immediately begin a process of transition to a modified spectrum plan to increase spectrum contiguity. This process is expected to take 18 months and will require Inmarsat to incur the cost of certain network modifications. During implementation of Phase 1, LightSquared will make a series of payments to Inmarsat totalling $337.5 million (USD):
-- Upon exercise, LightSquared made an initial payment of $81.25 million
(USD) ($31.25 million (USD) plus first installment of $50 million
(USD)).
-- Following the initial payment of $81.25 million (USD), LightSquared
will pay $40 million (USD) every three months until the final $40
million (USD) installment is paid 15 months from the trigger date.
-- At the Phase 1 completion date (targeted for 18 months following the
trigger date), LightSquared will pay another $56.25 million (USD).
Additionally, LightSquared has an option to implement Phase 2 which will add further capacity to its network. Phase 2 may be exercised at any time through January 1, 2013 and provides that Inmarsat would make additional spectrum available at an annual cost of $115 million (USD) per year. The Phase 2 process is expected to take 30 months following the exercise by LightSquared of the Phase 2 option.
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. The company's services are delivered through a global network of more than 400 distribution partners and service providers operating in 100 countries. For the year ended 31 December 2009, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,038.1m (2008: US$996.7m) with an EBITDA of US$594.2m (2008: US$531.2m). For more information, please visit http://www.inmarsat.com.
About LightSquared
LightSquared's mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. Through the creation of the first-ever wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value, and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Through its wholesale-only business model, those without their own wireless network or who have limited geographic coverage or spectrum can develop and sell their own devices, applications, and services using LightSquared's open 4G network--at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared.
This release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding LightSquared and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of LightSquared's management and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements expressed herein relate only to information as of the date of this release. LightSquared has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor is there any assurance that the plans or strategies discussed in this release will not change.
Source: LightSquared
CONTACT: Amy Rosenberg of Burson-Marsteller, +1-212-614-4558; or Tom
Surface of LightSquared, +1-703-390-1579
Petsintouch.com New Web Portal Landing Page Is Now Live!
MIAMI, Aug. 18 -- On its way to becoming a predominant force in the online social networking pet community, Pets In Touch launches an entertaining and impacting new landing page, now live!
Pets In Touch is proud to launch its new landing page with five easy-to-navigate tabs that contribute positively for a nice tour through its pages and informative content. From broadcasting your pet to shopping made easy, you may travel freely through these and other sections showcasing free greeting cards, a 'become a winner' contest, and free wallpaper downloads for your iPhone, BlackBerry, pc, mac or laptop.
In addition to our pet news network featuring eight pet categories, you may now link to our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pettube and Petsintouch pages so members and visitors can enjoy the full experience and share with family and friends.
"With the ever increasing number of people navigating on the web universe trying to find information, news, products, services, games and friends, an easy and user-friendly web portal is more than ever crucial to capture and captivate the demands of the internet population," said co-founder Vannessa Serrano.
As we continue to provide great entertainment, service and information to our members and visitors, we will be working diligently to reinforce our site as the online destination for owners of pets from all breeds and species! If you are not already in-touch, we invite you to join for free at http://www.petsintouch.com!
About Petsintouch.com
Pets In Touch (Petsintouch.com) is a worldwide FREE interactive social network putting pets and their owners "in-touch" with others around the world. Here, pets rule! Because of their unconditional love, companionship, friendship, and bringing meaning to our lives, Pets In Touch was created because people are different, and so are their pets! Our goal is to create an open forum for ownership diversity and everyone to share the very best of these important pet pals that are unique to each of us and make a difference in our day-to-day lives. Visit http://www.petsintouch.com.
Source: Petsintouch.com
CONTACT: Vannessa Serrano of Pets in Touch, +1-305-301-6504,
vannessa@petsintouch.com
The Kitchen Hotline Offers Personalized Coaching and Help on Food, Wine, Entertaining and Nutrition
Colorado Woman Launches a New Business that Connects You with Professional Chefs, Sommeliers
DENVER, Aug. 17 -- Do you ever wish that you could have your own personal chef? It used to be that this was a luxury available only to a privileged few, but a new Colorado-based business is bringing the expertise of professional chefs and sommeliers to at-home cooks of all levels across the country.
The foundation of The Kitchen Hotline is an interactive website that has extensive content about food, wine and entertaining, coupled with a unique opportunity for real-time conversations with professional chefs and sommeliers. Members can talk with the hotline's expert chefs and sommeliers via live online chat or on the phone to answer any cooking or wine-related questions they might have - whether they're in the kitchen cooking dinner and trying to figure out a new recipe, at the grocery store searching for ingredients, or planning a dinner party for friends and family. Members can call on the hotline's experts as many times as needed and there are no time limits for the phone conversations.
Mawa McQueen, president and CEO of The Kitchen Hotline, has a long history of working with five-star restaurants and chefs, and wanted to make professional chefs and sommeliers accessible to a wider audience. "Everyone deserves to have easy access to expert information about wine and cooking, but I couldn't find a service that offered this. The Kitchen Hotline is the answer by providing one-on-one solutions for each of our members," she said.
Membership also includes weekly menus with recipes and shopping lists and a one hour consultation with a nutritionist (additional consultations with nutritionists are available for additional fees). The Kitchen Hotline will also soon offer online wine and nutrition webinars.
For more information about The Kitchen Hotline and membership, visit the company online at http://www.thekitchenhotline.com or on Facebook and Twitter, or call toll-free 1-877-773-8485.
About Mawa McQueen. Originally from the Ivory Coast, Mawa McQueen was raised in Paris, where she earned her degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. In England she worked as an assistant restaurant manager and food and beverage manager. After moving to Kennebunkport, Maine, McQueen was a member of the opening team of the upscale fish restaurant, Stripers Seafood Restaurant, and also worked at the White Barn Inn, a AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star restaurant. In 2002, McQueen moved to Aspen, Colo., where she joined The Little Nell team, worked with a variety of catering companies, and opened her own successful catering company, M & M Home Dining Services. She is a creative individual with a flexible approach to hospitality service that makes her unique in the industry.
Source: The Kitchen Hotline
CONTACT: Sarah Rasmussen of MGA Communications, +1-303-382-4074,
srasmussen@mgacommunications.com, for The Kitchen Hotline
Online Backup Company Launches IDrive EVS, a Cloud Storage Solution Optimized for Backup, Sync and Sharing
CALABASAS, Calif., Aug. 17 -- Pro Softnet Corporation, a leader in the Storage-as-a-Service, Online Backup and Storage market, today announced release of IDrive EVS.
IDrive EVS (http://evs.idrive.com/) is a new Cloud Storage System with Encryption on Storage, Versioning and Block level incremental transfers built-in for highly efficient and secure uploads and downloads and comes with easy to use APIs/Utilities.
While it competes with Amazon S3, EVS is a specialized cloud storage service targeted for applications that need encrypted data on storage and versioning.
"Anyone who wants to develop a custom online backup, sync, sharing or transfer application for almost any platform including mobile devices can use IDrive EVS. For example, let us say you have a Scanner or a Medical Imaging device, and you want to push these highly confidential scanned documents immediately to the cloud for backup, you could write a custom app using IDrive EVS with just a few lines of code compared to S3," says Raghu Kulkarni, CEO of Pro Softnet Corp.
Productivity improvements of using EVS over S3 are huge for these applications with respect to size of code and development time. Many sample applications requiring folder transfers require only a fraction of the code size that are typically required with Amazon S3, and more importantly, EVS performs significantly better with its inbuilt patching technology.
"We already have some demo applications listed on the site, for multiple platforms including some sample code. Some of these include a real time Quickbooks backup application for Macs, PCs and a photo backup application for the iPhone," said Shweta S, COO at Pro Softnet Corp.
Initial 2GB of storage is free. Pricing plans for tiered storage and bandwidth will be announced shortly.
Pro Softnet Corp. is calling developers worldwide to join, embrace and develop for IDrive EVS.
About IDrive:
IDrive (http://www.idrive.com/), a service of Pro Softnet Corp., is one of the leading services in the field of online backup and combined with IBackup (http://www.ibackup.com/) offers one of the most popular online backup services for both Windows and Mac. PC World recently named it as one of the Best 101 Freebee products. The technology behind IDrive has received many accolades, the latest being Best of the Bunch rated by PC World, the PC Magazine Editor's Choice pick and the PC Pro award winner.
Source: IDrive.com
CONTACT: Shweta Sachdeva of Pro Softnet Corporation, +1-818-251-4200,
ext. 107, shweta@pro-softnet.com
CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on FCC's Release of '2nd Annual Report to Congress on State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges'
Report found 13 states that collected the fees used it to support programs other than 911 and five states didn't respond or didn't provide information
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the "2nd Annual Report to Congress on State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges," CTIA-The Wireless Association® Vice President of External and State Affairs K. Dane Snowden released the following statement:
"CTIA and the wireless industry are proud supporters of the public safety community and we find this report on state activity incredibly disappointing. We are baffled by the states that have decided to take money from the 911 funds and use them for extraneous purposes.
"With more than 20 percent of American households going wireless-only and more than 300,000 wireless E911 calls made every single day, it is vital that our public safety responders are properly equipped to respond to wireless distress calls as quickly as possible. This includes making sure that public safety answering points (PSAP), or 911 call centers, are prepared for next generation 911.
"When our consumers see a '911 tax and fee' on their wireless bills, they pay it because they believe their contribution will go to ensure their emergency wireless or wireline calls will be answered. Unfortunately, this report tells us a different story.
"While we understand that the current economic conditions are challenging for everyone and many states, we do not believe poaching money from our public safety community is right. We look forward to working with Congress and the FCC to enact legislation that would stop states from raiding this important fund."
CTIA-The Wireless Association® (http://www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.
Tweet Your Way to a Grand Prize of Two Roundtrip Tickets to South Africa
NEW YORK, Aug. 17 -- CheapOair, a top ten rated online travel agency, in partnership with South African Airways and Lonely Planet, has announced that they will hold a 10-day contest via Twitter.
Starting on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 and ending on Monday, August 30, 2010, participants will have the opportunity to enter the contest where they can win a grand prize of airfare to South Africa. For 10 days, @Cheapoair will tweet a South African themed question to its followers. Individuals can respond to the question using the hash tag #COASA. A daily winner will be randomly selected and rewarded with a South Africa related Lonely Planet guidebook. Participants are limited to one entry per day.
The daily winner will be announced before 12PM ET the following day via the @CheapOair Twitter page. The winner has a 24-hour time period to claim the prize. All ten daily winners will be added to the random drawing for the grand prize of two roundtrip coach tickets to South Africa.
Participants can also enter the grand prize drawing at the CheapOair travel contests page (http://contests.cheapoair.com/southafrica-contest.asp), where they can sign up for the CheapOair newsletter and be directly entered for a chance to win. Also each newsletter refer-a-friend (up to five) gives an extra chance to win the grand prize. Newsletter entry is limited to one per e-mail address.
Visit the CheapOair blog (blog.cheapoair.com) on August 31, 2010 to discover the winner of the grand prize.
ABOUT CHEAPOAIR:
CheapOair.com is the 7th largest online booking travel site and is a leading supplier of airfares, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages. CheapOair offers the best in value with attractive solutions for today's savvy traveler. Their portfolio of products includes 100 million airfare combinations on over 400 airlines, low airfare guarantees, 100,000 negotiated hotel rates, and the technological foundation to deliver affordable tickets to every region in the world. For CheapOair information, call 866-636-9088 or visit CheapOair.com.
In the news release, BlueCava and Crisp Thinking Partner to Rid MMOGs and Online Worlds of Criminals and Predators, issued 17-Aug-2010 by BlueCava over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the wrong version of the release was issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:
BlueCava and Crisp Thinking Partner to Rid MMOGs and Online Worlds of Criminals and Predators
BlueCava and Crisp Thinking Protect Online Games from Gold Farmers, Bullies and Cheats
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 17 -- BlueCava (http://www.bluecava.com), the credit bureau for devices, and Crisp Thinking (http://www.crispthinking.com), the global leader in user management and analytics technology for social media, today announced a strategic partnership to integrate the BlueCava Device Identification Platform into Crisp's award-winning User Management Platform - NetModerator(TM) for games, virtual worlds and social networks.
BlueCava's Device Identification Platform uniquely identifies each computer or mobile device being used in massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) and online world platforms, together with Crisp technology allowing customers to block fraudsters, child predators, community code violators and botnet attackers.
"Users who cheat, grief, spam, bully or engage in dangerous, fraudulent or anti-social behavior in online communities monitored by Crisp's NetModerator(TM) technology, will find not only their accounts banned, but will also find that their devices may be flagged, or banned outright, from the community," said David Norris, CEO of BlueCava.
NetModerator(TM) is a unique, intuitive system that allows developers, publishers and their moderating staff to ensure online safety through a single system that both blocks in real-time and offers ongoing in-depth analysis of online communications.
About BlueCava
BlueCava is the credit bureau for devices, providing information about good, bad, and historical activities conducted from desktop and mobile devices. Our reputation data fights fraud and improves online communications. Using a low priced, disruptive business model, BlueCava allows all customers the chance to identify any online device, retrieve valuable history about it and use our technology for every transaction.
Our innovative Device Reputation Exchange lets businesses share information about fraudulent, good, and useful transactions from recognized computers, enabling decisions regarding doing business, or not, with any specific computer.
For more information, visit us online at http://www.bluecava.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/bluecava.
About Crisp Thinking
Crisp is the global leader of user management and analytics technology for social media. Established in 2005, the Crisp User Management Platform allows gaming and social network companies to profile, manage, and protect across both moderation and customer service functions from within one single system, using one simple dashboard.
With offices in the UK and the United States, Crisp helps brands create engaging and healthy online communities and reduce customer service and moderation costs by more than 80 per cent. Its full reporting and dashboard capabilities analyse levels of user engagement and overall moderation and CSR team performance.
The Crisp Platform both blocks in real time and offers ongoing in-depth analysis of conversations in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, German and Dutch. These analysis engines are constantly updated to detect new behaviours, new language forms and slang, as well as new abuse tactics. The Crisp Platform also provides end users with the most up-to-date COPPA compliant online child safety service available today. In tests it has a proven accuracy rating of 98.4 per cent in the detection of online predators and cyber bullies.
Proven to scale, with millions of messages and users per day, the Crisp Platform is the solution of choice by some of the world's largest online media companies. For more information, visit http://www.crispthinking.com.
Media Contact:
Kayla Zerby
The Morris + King Company for BlueCava
212.561.7454
kayla.zerby@seismk.com
Source: BlueCava
CONTACT: Kayla Zerby, The Morris + King Company, for BlueCava,
+1-212-561-7454, kayla.zerby@seismk.com
Top Gun Video Game Lands Exclusively on PlayStation®Network, Now Available for Download
Paramount Digital Entertainment's Top Gun Allows Players to Fly Into The Danger Zone as Maverick and Experience All-New Dialogue and an Expanded Storyline Written by the Film's Screenwriter, Jack Epps, Jr.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 -- Paramount Digital Entertainment today announced that Top Gun the video game is now available for download on PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. Based on the iconic film, Top Gun is a free-flying air combat shooter that expands the legend of Maverick, Iceman and the rest of the Top Gun flyers through new dialogue and combat scenarios written by the film's screenwriter, Jack Epps, Jr.
"Jumping into the cockpit and blasting down bogeys to the classic compositions 'Danger Zone' and 'Top Gun Anthem' is something every 'Top Gun' fan has wanted to do since the film's release," said John Kavanagh, senior vice president of video games, Paramount Digital Entertainment. "And with the help of Jack Epps, Jr., we're excited to offer both intense combat and all-new encounters with the film's famous flyers."
As Maverick, players will go up against the best of the best at the Top Gun Academy with their Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), Goose. Following graduation, players will take on the Soviets over the Indian Ocean. While engaging in large-scale dogfight battles, Maverick will test the limits of his plane, his new RIO and his wingman, Iceman. Top Gun also features five multiplayer modes, allowing up to 16 players to battle it out online. Top Gun is available for purchase on PlayStation Network for $14.99. Those who purchase Top Gun in the first eight days will receive a free limited edition flight suit for their PlayStation® Home avatar.
"I've always wanted to expand the story of Mav and Ice after graduation. In the film, we got to the ending really fast, but the game gives them a few more missions to compete and challenge each other. The Top Gun game is the perfect place for the two best pilots in the world to continue to answer the question: Who's the best pilot? And this time they face the top Soviet ace, Ivan. I think the game is a great extension to the movie," said Jack Epps, Jr.
As Maverick in Campaign Mode, solo players first learn the ropes at the Academy and then progress to active duty, teaming up with seasoned pilots to take down enemy planes over the Indian Ocean. Players will experience the tumultuous new wingman relationship between Iceman and Maverick as they team up to take on the top Soviet ace pilot.
"We strive to provide the best games exclusively on PlayStation Network," said Rob Dyer, senior vice president of publisher relations, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With seven gameplay modes, including five online multiplayer modes, and a script penned by the screenplay's original author, Top Gun is incredibly deep for a digital distribution title. It's a fun, fast-paced air combat game set in the world of an iconic American film, all at a great price."
It takes a lot more than just fancy flying - Top Gun features seven gameplay modes, two single player and five multiplayer. In addition to Campaign Mode, Top Gun features Horde Mode, where players must show off their flying prowess as they defeat endless waves of increasingly challenging enemies. In online multiplayer, players either enlist in the US Navy or join with their Soviet comrades to go head-to-head with up to 15 other live opponents in five different modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Top Gun, Bombing Run and Capture the Flag.
Players will feel the need for speed in a total of six planes, starting with the US Navy's F-14 and unlocking five more: the F-16, F/A-18, and the enemy's MiG-29, MiG-31, and Su-27. Each jet has unique strengths and abilities, with varying levels of speed, destruction, agility and durability.
Top Gun was developed by doublesix, the recent award winner of Spike's "Video Game Awards" for "Best Game Based on a Movie or TV Show" category.
Top Gun is now available to download on PlayStationNetwork for $14.99 and is rated T by the ESRB. It will be available for PC and Mac later this year. As a free gift with purchase, players will receive a free limited edition Flight Suit for their PlayStation Home avatar. For more information, including screenshots, please visit http://www.bhimpact.gamespress.com.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Worldwide Television Distribution.
About doublesix
doublesix is an award-winning game developer studio, part of Kuju Entertainment Group. doublesix is the developer behind South Park tower defense game soon to be released for Microsoft XBLA; the critically-acclaimed Geometry Wars: Galaxies and the addictive PSN shooter Nucleus. The studio also developed Burn Zombie Burn!, the first self published PSN title exclusive to the Sony Pub Fund. doublesix is dedicated to producing the highest-quality digital-distribution titles across all platforms: XBLA, PSN, WiiWare, PC and iPhone. For more information about doublesix, visit http://www.doublesixgames.com.
U.S. Auto Parts Completes Acquisition of the Whitney Automotive Group, One of the Nation's Largest, Most Trusted Online Auto Parts Retailers
CARSON, Calif., Aug. 17 -- U.S. Auto Parts (NASDAQ: PRTS), one of the largest online providers of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Whitney Automotive Group for the purchase price of $27.5 million and assumption of approximately $11 million in trade-related and other payables. Whitney Automotive Group is expected to have $110 - $120 million in revenues under U.S. Auto Parts ownership in 2011. Silicon Valley Bank has provided the Company with acquisition financing totaling $35 million.
About U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.
Established in 1995, U.S. Auto Parts is a leading online provider of automotive aftermarket parts, including body parts, engine parts, performance parts and accessories. Through the Company's network of websites, U.S. Auto Parts provides individual consumers with a broad selection of competitively priced products that are mapped by a proprietary product database to product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years. U.S. Auto Parts' flagship websites are located at http://www.autopartswarehouse.com, http://www.partstrain.com and http://www.automd.com and the Company's corporate website is located at http://www.usautoparts.net.
Investor Contacts:
Ted Sanders, Chief Financial Officer
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.
tsanders@usautoparts.com
(310) 735-0085
Budd Zuckerman, President
Genesis Select Corporation
bzuckerman@genesisselect.com
(303) 415-0200
Source: US Auto Parts Network, Inc.
CONTACT: Ted Sanders, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Auto Parts
Network, Inc., +1-310-735-0085, tsanders@usautoparts.com; or Budd Zuckerman,
President of Genesis Select Corporation, +1-303-415-0200,
bzuckerman@genesisselect.com
MassMutual Retirement Services Launches a 'One-Stop' Online Demonstration Portal
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug. 17 -- MassMutual's Retirement Services Division has launched a centralized online demonstration portal that enables retirement plan advisors and plan sponsors to experience a number of MassMutual's offerings with the click of a mouse.
The online portal is part of MassMutual's ongoing efforts to simplify the lives of advisors and sponsors who do business with MassMutual. This sleek, innovative demonstration portal streamlines the overall sales process for advisors and the sponsors they serve, giving them a peek into some of MassMutual's innovative technology and tools. Visitors can experience:
-- the participant website via a guided tour or interactive demonstration
-- sponsor website: interactive demonstration
-- view a guided tour of the participant statement
-- participant experience from hire to retire (traditional and
Taft-Hartley plan)
-- a virtual tour of MassMutual's headquarters
"At MassMutual we recognize the importance of being innovative in the marketplace. We're making significant investments so our sales process for both advisors and their clients is as simple and enjoyable as possible, and we're receiving great feedback," says E. Heather Smiley, chief marketing officer, MassMutual Retirement Services Division.
To view the demonstration portal, please contact your MassMutual sales representative or call MassMutual at 1-866-444-2601.
About MassMutual
MassMutual's Retirement Services Division has been serving retirement plans for more than 60 years. It offers a full range of products and services for corporate, union, nonprofit and governmental employers' defined benefit, defined contribution and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. It serves approximately one million participants.
Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.
MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) [of which Retirement Services is a division] and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.
For more information, visit massmutual.com.
Contact: Lisa Reilly
413-744-0589
lreilly@massmutual.com
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Source: MassMutual Retirement Services Division
CONTACT: Lisa Reilly, MassMutual, +1-413-744-0589,
lreilly@massmutual.com