VTech® Launches MobiGo(TM) and Combines Mom's Touch Screen Technology With Kid-Friendly Edu-Gaming
VTech's MobiGo Sets the New Standard in Handheld Learning and Play
CHICAGO, June 8 -- Leading educators and smart parents agree on one trend: there is a direct correlation between the way kids play and how they learn. With edu-gaming on the rise, parents are looking for new ways to provide a playful, educational experience for their children.
Fortunately, the hunt is over as VTech® (http://www.vtechkids.com), creator of the electronic learning products category and a leader in merging technology, education and fun, has designed a new device specifically for children that will entertain and educate, while keeping little fingers away from those expensive touch screen phones.
VTech launched MobiGo today, which combines popular touch screen technology with important early learning games that develop pre-school skills such as math, language and logic for 3- to 8-year-olds. Children can explore a world of learning through the interactive games, coloring book pages, drawing and playing instruments on MobiGo with the touch, tap and flick of their fingers. In addition to the touch screen, MobiGo has a QWERTY keyboard so older children can develop early typing skills. MobiGo recently received the Dr. Toy award for "Best Vacation Children's Product."
"VTech is excited to introduce MobiGo and change how kids can enjoy learning and play," said Tom McClure, director of marketing, VTech Electronics North America, LLC. "By marrying touch screen technology and educational gaming, we have created a unique platform that appeals to kids and parents alike."
An initial offering of 11 popular licensed MobiGo games are uniquely designed to ensure that even when children are engaging in "play," they are still developing the skills that are the bedrock for learning. MobiGo also comes with a free cartridge that holds seven learning games.
"MobiGo signals the next generation of handheld developmental play," said Dr. Michele Borba, author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions and an internationally recognized educator and parenting expert. "The unique features of MobiGo allow for entertainment and early education to be seamlessly integrated into a single play experience."
VTech designed MobiGo to grow alongside kids; an online store launching in July will host free games and content available for quick and simple download onto MobiGo. Additionally, each time a child's MobiGo is connected to a PC or Mac their scores are automatically uploaded to their parent's registered account. Through this account parents will be presented with a useful overview of how their child is progressing through key learning curriculum, all of which are tailored to his or her age grade.
MobiGo - Ages 3 to 8 years - SRP: $59.99
Touch Learning System
Innovative Touch screen Interface
MobiGo provides kids with touch controls that include tap, flick, pat and drag & drop, so that they can have fun while learning on the same technology as parents do with their touch screen devices. There is also a slide-open QWERTY keyboard that introduces older children to early text typing, an important skill to equip them for the tech-focused future.
Engaging Educational Gaming
From coloring, drawing and playing instruments, kids can discover a wide variety of fun and engaging learning games. MobiGo teaches a wide range of skills including math, vocabulary, spelling, logic and categorization. By hooking MobiGo up to a PC or Mac, parents can also receive status reports on their child's progress as they move through key learning curriculum tailored to his or her age grade.
Download Content, Then Hit the Road
MobiGo was designed to grow alongside kids for years to come; an online store will host free games and content available for quick and easy download. An included free cartridge holds seven games. And the durable, handheld MobiGo make learning fun when on-the-go and is equipped with headphone jacks.
Favorite Characters
At initial launch, 11 software titles (SRP: $19.99 each) are available and include:
-- Ben 10 Ultimate Alien -- Disney/Pixar's Cars
-- Disney Fairies -- Disney Princesses
-- Dora the Explorer -- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
-- Mr. Men & Little Miss -- NASCAR
-- Shrek 4 -- Super Hero Squad
-- Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3
What's more, today's kids love to mimic mom and dad as they longingly watch their parents touch and swipe their latest expensive and powerful gadgets. Yet strawberry jam is especially hard to clean out of a smartphone and parents can give a sigh of relief now that the MobiGo is here.
VTech, the creator of the Electronic Learning Products (ELP) category and the award-winning V.Smile TV Learning System, is a world leader of age-appropriate learning toys. Since 1980, VTech has been developing high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children's development, from birth to preteen, through fun and smart play.
VTech Electronics North America, LLC is based in Arlington Heights, Ill. VTech Electronics Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with distribution throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Voxbone Adds Local Number Service in 50th Country: South Africa
Coverage Reaches South Africa in Time for World Cup
BRUSSELS, June 8 -- Voxbone, a leading provider of telephone numbers to communications service providers and businesses worldwide, today announced availability of its local number service in a 50th country: South Africa.
Carriers and large enterprises wanting a local-call presence in South Africa now can purchase direct-inward-dial (DID) numbers and origination service through Voxbone, which carries the call over the long international leg via IP, delivering it to the network of the end user.
With this milestone, Voxbone establishes its first offering in Africa, after providing local DID coverage for all European Union and North American nations, as well as many Latin American, Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern countries.
"The South African market is one of the most advanced in Africa, and therefore one in which international businesses desire a local presence," said Voxbone CEO Rod Ullens. "We expect business customers to welcome the chance to create sales and service footholds in South Africa without opening new offices. And for existing Voxbone business and carrier customers, South African DIDs are just one more convenience in Voxbone's one-stop, online shop. Our self-service site will provision South African numbers, along with those of all 49 other countries, in real time."
Ullens noted that the 50th-country addition is well timed with the FIFA World Cup events beginning June 11 in Johannesburg. Thousands of visitors may be dialing Voxbone's DIDs to access international calling services.
He forecasts growing Voxbone coverage in Africa, as well as South America and Asia, in the coming year. A list of all covered countries is available at http://www.voxbone.com/.
About Voxbone
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Voxbone provides worldwide local and toll-free phone numbers over its own private intercontinental VoIP network - the world's first and largest backbone dedicated to voice-origination services. The all-IP architecture of the Voxbone core network enables customers to rapidly deploy new communications services with local presence while reducing costs. It delivers high-quality call origination from 50 countries and more than 4,000 cities, as well as iNum® numbers that enable billing as local calls when dialed through participating carriers anywhere in the world. Through its number inventory, network, self-administered provisioning and comprehensive SIP adherence, Voxbone's global infrastructure enables its customers to expand to international markets quickly and efficiently. Founded in 2002 and privately held, Voxbone is the only carrier licensed in all 27 countries of the European Union. For more information, visit http://www.voxbone.com.
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Ingram Micro First to Market With Cross Platform Digital Signage Solutions for Windows and Mac
Industry Leader Signs Distribution Agreement with Nanonation, Broadens Reach to Apple Specialists and Extends Value Proposition to Channel Partners
SANTA ANA, Calif., June 8 -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM) is pleased to announce its Digital Signage Division has signed a U.S. distribution agreement with Nanonation, a leading developer of customer experience software and one of the few IT vendors in the U.S. to offer a cross platform digital signage software solution that runs on open standards and works within both Windows and Mac environments.
"Digital signage represents a sizable sales and service opportunity for Apple Specialists, as well as mainstream Windows-based IT professionals," says Kevin Prewett, vice president, vendor management for the Ingram Micro Digital Signage Division U.S. "With the addition of Nanonation, Ingram Micro is enabling our channel partners to expand their addressable market by offering a compelling, cross platform digital signage solution designed for both Mac OS and PC-based environments. That's a tremendous value proposition that is sure to resonate with Apple Specialists and attract even more channel partners to our growing Digital Signage Division."
Under the terms of the new agreement, Ingram Micro becomes the first broad-based distributor to market, sell and support Nanonation's award-winning digital signage software solution to Apple Specialists and channel partners throughout the U.S. Available now through the Ingram Micro Digital Signage Division, the Nanonation software solution includes:
-- Nanopoint Kiosk and Digital Signage Client Software - An end-to-end
solution designed for everything from interactive kiosks to networked
digital signage that delivers content and self-service applications to
devices throughout the business enterprise.
-- Commandpoint System Management and Reporting Software - Real-time,
web-based reporting tools that can remotely monitor, measure and
manage multiple kiosk and digital signage deployments anywhere,
anytime, from any web-enabled PC.
To raise awareness and generate demand for Nanonation's Nanopoint and Commandpoint solution, the Ingram Micro Digital Signage Division is conducting a number of training and education seminars, such as the Digital Signage Boot Camp in Boston, MA July 14-15, as well as hosting a webinar this summer. In addition, Ingram Micro is providing pre- and post-sales, marketing and technical support for the Nanonation solution.
"It's great to see Ingram Micro expand its portfolio to include a Mac-friendly digital signage solution," says Mike Ohren, CEO, MacMan, an Ingram Micro solution provider and Apple Specialist. "Nanonation is a recognized brand among Apple Specialists selling digital signage solutions, and this new relationship with Ingram Micro will certainly strengthen its partner enablement capabilities and make it that much easier for us to source complete solutions."
"Digital signage represents one of the most lucrative sales and service opportunities for channel partners in the U.S.," says Brian Ardinger, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Nanonation. "By teaming with the Ingram Micro Digital Signage Division, we are expanding our footprint and enabling more channel partners and Apple Specialists to leverage our software to help businesses create effective ways to deliver targeted information, more often, to more people with more impact."
For more information about Ingram Micro's Digital Signage Division and Nanonation's software, solution providers can contact (800) 456-8000 x77607, visit http://www.ingrammicro.com/digitalsignageinfo, or send an email to DigitalSignageDivision@ingrammicro.com.
Nanonation's enterprise-class software for digital signage and kiosks drives sales and fuels profits. With proven tools and technologies to enhance the customer experience, businesses can now deliver powerful messaging and integrated marketing services seamlessly across an enterprise - all while monitoring, measuring, and managing each customer interaction. Nanonation's client list includes Build-A-Bear Workshops, Royal Caribbean, Mazda, Harley-Davidson, and many others in the retail, hospitality, entertainment, and financial services markets. For more information, visit http://www.nanonation.net.
About Ingram Micro
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves approximately 150 countries and is the only global broad-based IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit http://www.ingrammicro.com.
New WD(R) My Book(R) Studio(TM) LX Drive Combines Speed and Intuitive Functionality in a Sleek Aluminum Enclosure
Mac(R) Users and Creative Professionals Can Upgrade Storage with Custom Labeling, High Performance and Full Metal Sleekness
LAKE FOREST, Calif., June 8 -- WD® (NYSE:WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its new high performance My Book® Studio(TM) LX external hard drive, which offers a high-speed FireWire 800 interface and features a sleek new, cool-to-the-touch aluminum case that complements any iMac®, G5 or MacBook Pro®. The award-winning, book-like design, with its customizable, always-on digital e-label, allows creative professionals to easily archive and find photos and videos from different projects and time periods, even when the drives are unplugged.
Key features include a FireWire 800 interface to give users the speed they need for demanding tasks like photo and video editing and graphic design, as well as a customizable e-label that enables users to easily personalize their media collection and identify critical information about the drive, such as the contents and remaining capacity, without having to boot up their computer and plug in the drive. The My Book Studio LX drives also support USB 2.0, so users have maximum flexibility in allocating their FireWire and USB ports or plugging the drive into a variety of computers.
My Book Studio LX drives offer automatic, continuous backup through WD SmartWare software and also sync seamlessly with Apple Time Machine software, so consumers can choose the backup method that suits their needs. And the 256-bit hardware-based encryption, typically only found on much more expensive drive systems, provides a high level of data security along with password protection that acts as a virtual padlock to keep users' data safe. Available now at select retailers and the WD online store (shopwd.com), the new My Book Studio LX drives are formatted for Mac® and come in capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB.
"When choosing the right hard drive, creative professionals look for high-quality materials, maximum speed and visual appeal to complement their creative toolkit. The My Book Studio LX drives offer high-speed FireWire 800 performance and a design that will look right at home next to their G5 or MacBook Pro computer," said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD's branded products group. "With the customizable e-label, My Book Studio LX drives help videographers, photographers and graphic designers create, organize and locate their clients' valuable content, no matter how many drives are in their studio."
The new My Book Studio LX drives come equipped with WD SmartWare software, an optional application that provides automatic and continuous backup, control of the e-label display, password and other settings. The real-time visual interface of WD SmartWare software gives users a reassuring view of their backup as it happens. After the first backup, users' files are backed up automatically every time they change or add a file.
My Book Studio LX External Drive
The new My Book Studio LX drive features:
-- New, contemporary aluminum casing that remains cool to the touch and
matches the aesthetics of Mac computers;
-- High-performance FireWire 800 interface to access data at top speeds
and USB 2.0 interface for maximum flexibility;
-- Smart display with a customizable e-label that reminds users of what
is stored on the drive, available capacity and security status
at-a-glance, even when the drive is unplugged;
-- Plug-and-play ready for Mac users and compatible with Apple Time
Machine;
-- WD SmartWare visual backup software, 256-bit hardware-based encryption
and password protection to give users peace of mind knowing that data
is protected from unauthorized access;
-- WD GreenPower Technology(TM), lowers internal drive power consumption
by up to 30 percent. WD GreenPower Technology also includes a sleep
mode that reduces power during idle times, and a power-saving feature
turns the drive on and off with your computer;
-- Planet-friendly packaging derived from recycled materials to minimize
waste; and,
-- HFS + Journaled formatting and are compatible with Mac OS X Tiger®,
Leopard® and Snow Leopard®.
Price and Availability
The new My Book Studio LX drives are offered in capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB and have a 3-year limited warranty. My Book Studio LX drives are available now at select retailers and online at shopwd.com. MSRP ranges from $199.99 to $269.99 USD depending on the model.
About WD
WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and media products.
WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (http://www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to expected growth in digital libraries, consumer demands for access to personal media, and the market for connected consumer electronics devices. These forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations, and actual results may differ materially as a result of several factors, including business conditions generally and other risks and uncertainties listed in WD's recent SEC filings, including its form 10-Q for the third fiscal quarter of 2010. WD undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or for any other reason.
Western Digital, WD, WD logo and My Book are registered trademarks; Studio, WD GreenPower Technology, and WD SmartWare are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies. All other brand and product names mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies. One terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment.
CONTACT: WD Press Relations, Jennifer Taylor, +1-949-672-9880,
Jennifer.Taylor@wdc.com, or WD Investor Relations, Bob Blair, +1-949-672-7834,
Robert.Blair@wdc.com, both of Western Digital Technologies
Exar Announces Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.5 In-Box Support for X3100 Family with SR-IOV
Neterion X3100 Family of 10 Gigabit Ethernet NICs Enables High I/O Performance for Virtualized Environments
FREMONT, Calif., June 8 -- Exar Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAR) today announced integrated support in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.5, for Exar's third generation of Neterion X3100 10 Gigabit Ethernet server adapters which includes full compatibility with Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV). SR-IOV is an extension to the PCI Express standard that enables a single PCI Express adapter to behave simultaneously as multiple independent devices using a shared PCI Express physical interface.
Exar's Neterion X3100 server adapters leverage SR-IOV to enable IT organizations using the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor included in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.5 to take full advantage of Exar's unprecedented level of hardware acceleration for virtualization. The X3110 single port and X3120 dual port server adapters provide the ability to virtualize even the most demanding I/O-intensive applications.
Taking advantage of SR-IOV, Exar's Neterion X3100 family supports up to seventeen independent virtual interfaces, with each virtual interface having the dedicated hardware resources of a full NIC, and the ability to support direct access from any Guest OS using standard drivers. This unique architecture allows the X3110 and X3120 to deliver near-native I/O performance to Guests, while preserving all the benefits of virtualization. In addition to supporting SR-IOV, the X3100 family also supports PCI Express Multi-Function Mode, which provides the same high I/O throughput for up to eight virtual interfaces.
"Exar's native support of both SR-IOV and PCI-Express Multi-Function Mode improves the migration path for Red Hat users to SR-IOV technology with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.5," said Tim Burke, vice president, Linux Engineering at Red Hat. "This combined solution offers a more comprehensive virtualization platform for the enterprise, making it easier to optimize utilization of both compute and I/O resources."
Exar's leading edge IOQoS(TM) technology enables dynamic bandwidth allocation and assignment of Quality of Service (QoS) priorities per virtual interface, allowing virtual servers to provision resources on-demand. IOQoS technology maximizes resource utilization and system efficiency while driving down operating costs. Exar's unique, hardware-based architecture delivers guaranteed service levels for QoS, bandwidth utilization, and latency for multiple traffic types, virtual machines, and applications that share a single physical NIC.
"By providing out of the box I/O virtualization support for Red Hat's KVM virtualization technology, Red Hat and Exar are enabling enterprise customers to run even the most I/O intensive applications in virtualized environments," said John Williams, Exar's vice president of Datacom and Storage. "This greatly expands the number of applications that can be virtualized, resulting in a dramatic reduction of both capital and operating expenditures for IT organizations."
About Exar
Exar Corporation delivers highly differentiated silicon, software and subsystem solutions for data communication, storage, consumer and industrial applications. For nearly 40 years, Exar's comprehensive knowledge of end-user markets along with the underlying analog, mixed signal and digital technology has enabled innovative solutions that meet the needs of the evolving connected world. Exar's product portfolio includes power management and interface components, communications products, storage optimization solutions, network security and applied service processors. Exar has locations worldwide providing real-time customer support to drive rapid product development. For more information about Exar, visit: http://www.exar.com.
Source: Exar Corporation
CONTACT: Greg Kaufman, Marketing Communications of Exar Corporation,
+1-510-668-7000
InvolveMobile Equips Business Owners With Mobile Marketing Know How
New mobile marketing guide gives businesses the start they need in the mobile channel
BOISE, Idaho and SYDNEY, June 8 -- InvolveMobile, the leading mobile marketing company, is equipping small and medium business owners with essential mobile marketing know how with the release of a comprehensive mobile marketing 'How to Guide'. The Guide aims to fill the gaps for the many business owners keen to utilize the mobile channel but unsure where to start with text messaging, apps or mobile web, and provide a new source of ideas for those already using the channel.
The 'Mobile Marketing How to Guide' is available for free from http://blog.involvemobile.com/ and takes marketers and business owners through every step of the process from the very basics right through to specific mobile marketing campaign ideas.
The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) predicts spending in the mobile channel to grow by 27% in 2010. This growth is sparking interest amongst many small businesses who want to get involved but are unsure where to start.
"We see a lot of small businesses interested in using everything from text message alerts to mobile coupons with their customers, but often they have no idea where to start," says Simon Vella, CEO at InvolveMobile. "We've created the new Guide as an introduction to the mobile channel, in a clear way and taking you through the process from the very basics right up to running a campaign."
The new 27 page Guide covers every facet of text based mobile marketing answering the most common questions from 'How do I choose the best mobile marketing company?' to 'How does mobile marketing actually work?'.
The Guide features a host of great mobile marketing campaign ideas with industry specific information making it ideal for everyone from complete beginners through to more seasoned mobile marketers looking for something new. The Guide also features an extensive mobile marketing A-Z glossary, which makes understanding unfamiliar terms simple.
About InvolveMobile
Since 2001, InvolveMobile has powered successful mobile marketing programs, enabling clients with a single customer view across all campaigns. InvolveMobile is a database and multi-channel solution, including short code which touches consumers via SMS, mobile web, and ultimately email, and voice. The InvolveMobile platform operates off-deck and is fully carrier agnostic. For more information, please visit http://www.involvemobile.com/.
Media Contact
Michaela Cristallo
+1 (208) 433.9740
michaela.cristallo@dload.us
Source: InvolveMobile
CONTACT: Michaela Cristallo, +1-208-433-9740,
michaela.cristallo@dload.us, for InvolveMobile
INRIX Launches Mobile Development Kit to Accelerate Integration of Traffic-Powered Mobile Apps into the Car
Announces INRIX Traffic! and INRIX Traffic! Pro Availability for iPad
NOVI, Mich., June 8 -- Telematics Detroit -- INRIX, the leading provider of traffic services, introduced a mobile developer kit (MDK) today that helps speed to market breakthrough traffic-enabled navigation and location-based applications that integrate smartphone functionality with in-car display and/or voice controls. The company also announced the upcoming release of a new iPad version of INRIX Traffic!, its popular app for commuters.
Designed for automotive OEMs, tier one suppliers and mobile application developers, the MDK provides access to hundreds of sample applications and code libraries as well as best practices for seamlessly integrating INRIX traffic information into in-car and mobile navigation applications. For example, the MDK provides developers with documentation and best practices for the creation of apps that take the guesswork out of the daily commute with the fastest route, travel journey times and ETAs.
The MDK supports a variety of use cases including display of traffic on a map, incident data integration, travel times, traffic cameras as well as INRIX's suite of Connected Services including traffic-influenced routing, weather and fuel prices. Developers will gain access to the technical resources and INRIX traffic data through INRIX's Dev Zone and Mobile Gateway.
"Our mobile and automotive customers and partners asked us for a simpler way to create custom mobile applications leveraging INRIX traffic information," said INRIX Vice President of Product Management Ken Kranseler. "With our MDK, it's now easy to create unique HMIs, plus leverage code from our highly popular commuter apps for creating breakthrough navigation and location-based apps."
Using the MDK, INRIX completed development of an iPad optimized version of its popular INRIX Traffic! and INRIX Traffic! Pro app in less than 2 weeks. Coming later this month to the iPad App Store, INRIX Traffic! is a free app that provides real-time traffic, traffic forecast, speed trap, accident and incident information for all major cities and roads across the U.S. and Canada. Winner of a 2010 MacWorld Best of Show Award, INRIX Traffic! Pro is available as an in-app upgrade to the free app that provides motorists with the added benefit of always knowing the fastest route, best time to leave, travel time and ETA for any destination.
Leading efforts to extend the benefits of INRIX Traffic! to more mobile platforms and expand adoption of the company's traffic services by automotive and mobile navigation software providers, mobile operators and handset manufacturers, INRIX also announced the hiring of former Senior Vice President of AOL Mobile Bill Schwebel as the company's new Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Planning.
"Our mobile apps and tools have helped companies like Ford and providers of 8 of the top 10 most popular GPS smartphone navigation apps get to market fast with new traffic-powered navigation services," said INRIX President and CEO Bryan Mistele. "Bill's experience helps us transform our unique consumer insights into new features that extend beyond INRIX Traffic! to apps that empower our partners and customers to deliver consumer experiences that make navigation more useful every day."
Schwebel brings to INRIX more than 20 years of leading-edge telecommunications, media, internet and software experience. He most recently served as president of T9 predictive text input software maker Tegic Communications, Inc. which he successfully sold to Nuance Communications in 2007. Prior to his role at Tegic, Schwebel was Senior Vice President and General Manager of AOL Mobile where he developed, launched, and grew the first large-scale mobile internet offering that at its peak was used by more than 10 million subscribers and accounted for 1 of every 5 mobile messages sent or received in North America.
About INRIX
INRIX® is a leading provider of highly accurate traffic services, with more than 100 customers and industry partners including the Ford Motor Company, TomTom, MapQuest, Microsoft, NAVIGON AG, TeleNav, I-95 Corridor Coalition, Tele Atlas, deCarta, TCS, Telmap, ANWB and ADAC. INRIX's strategic partnership with Clear Channel Radio and Total Traffic Network extends the delivery of the highest quality data and broadest coverage available for personal navigation, mapping, telematics and other location-based service applications in the car, online and on mobile devices.
INRIX Traffic Services leverage sophisticated statistical analysis techniques, originally developed by Microsoft Research, to aggregate and enhance traffic-related information from hundreds of public and private sources, including traditional road sensors and the company's unique network of more than 2 million GPS-enabled vehicles and mobile devices including 8 of the top 10 iPhone navigation apps. INRIX delivers real-time and historical traffic information today for 20 countries across North America and Europe. To experience the traffic technology revolution behind the next generation of navigation and location-based service applications, visit http://www.INRIX.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/INRIX.
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case-mate Unveils 26 New Accessories for the iPhone 4
New Accessories Excel in Style, Protection and Power
ATLANTA, June 8 -- case-mate, creating the world's most innovative accessories that protect, adorn and enhance mobile technology, today unveiled 26 new accessories for the iPhone 4 including 24 cases and two power solutions.
"Our latest line-up of accessories offers something for every consumer, whether you're a fashionista, outdoor enthusiast or self-expressionist," said Shashi Reddy, founder and CEO of case-mate. "Focusing on both design and functionality, we're striving to deliver it all - from Fuel Lite, which gives road warriors extra on-the-go battery power to the Barely There 2.0, which seamlessly fuses two materials for a truly chic look and unique tactical feel."
The case-mate iPhone 4 accessory portfolio includes:
Fashion-forward cases:
-- Lisboa: This unique, stand-out-from-the-crowd case is made from real
cork laid over a metallic background to reveal hints of bronze, gold
or silver. It is the ultimate in mobile sophistication.
-- Barely There 2.0: The best-selling case just got better. Still just as
thin, but with an updated design, Barely There 2.0 merges protective
ABS plastic with unique organic materials and finished fabrics to
create a case that radiates a high-end look and feel.
-- Reina: Embrace your inner diva with this luxury case that is adorned
with certified Swarovski crystals; available in silver, copper, green
and blue.
-- Rangoli: Celebrate the spirit of India with this beautifully
handcrafted pouch made with traditional Indian textile crafts - it
even has a ring to attach a set of keys.
-- Pop!: Phones won't slip out of pockets or hands in this slim case due
to the soft TPU interior, which provides users with a firm grip and
protects the phone from shock and impact.
-- Ivy: This season's must have case is both whimsical and romantic and
features a raised ivy pattern in a variety of summer hues.
-- Medley: Style and durability are key components in this modern case,
which is soft to the touch while providing excellent protection.
Active Lifestyle cases:
-- Torque: Inspired by running shoe soles, this case is made with impact
resistant rubber and sports a two-toned chevron stripped design.
-- ID Case: This multi-tasker protects the iPhone 4 from scrapes and
scratches while offering a place to store must-haves like a driver's
license, credit card, subway pass, and more.
-- Decathalon: When you have to stay connected while going for a run,
taking a hike or bike riding, the high performing, flexible neoprene
on the Arm Band protects your device from impact and scratches while
allowing full function on the go. Hand washable and water resistant
for those dirty days.
-- Hybrid Tough: For the ultimate in protective gear for your device,
this case has a form-fitting silicone skin that absorbs each impact or
hard knock. Wrapped around the skin is an ABS plastic shell for
complete security, adding another level of protection - and making for
a firm grip. Choose from over 24 color combinations to make it
personal and fun.
Personalized cases:
-- I Make My Case: Use the online 'I Make My Case' tool to design a
custom case by remixing the art of internationally-renowned graphic
artists, including Joshua Davis, Deanne Cheuk, Thomas Hooper, Matt
Moore, Hannah Stouffer, Shadow Chen, Chuck Anderson and more. Visit http://www.imakemycase.com for more information.
-- DIY: The new "Do It Yourself" design option allows you to create your
own case by uploading a photo, piece of art or logo. Both 'I Make My
Case' and 'DIY' are available at http://custom.case-mate.com/.
Power cases:
-- Fuel Lite: Slim in design and light in weight, this case offers up to
two extra hours of battery life for the Apple® iPhone 4. A power
on/off button and LED light indicate charge levels, so users will
always know when they are using the extra juice and can choose to save
it for when it's needed most.
-- Fuel Max: For the individual who is always on the go this two piece
power case is the perfect fit - boasting an extra two and a half times
the battery life compared to the Fuel Lite.
Pricing and Availability
The case-mate iPhone 4 products will launch in Q2 and Q3. Cases are priced from $20.00 to $50.00 and power cases range from $60.00 to $100.00. All products will be available at http://www.case-mate.com.
About case-mate
Launching innovative accessories since 2006, case-mate combines design engineering with cutting-edge materials to protect, adorn and enhance mobile technology. A melting pot of entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world, case-mate believes that there is nothing more important than the freedom of self-expression ... our mantra "Freedom To Be Truly You" inspires every creative output, every day. This core principle carries through our products, packaging and partnerships and brings to life case-mate's vision in a dynamic technology marketplace. To learn more, please visit http://www.case-mate.com.
Source: case-mate
CONTACT: Monica Rohleder, Signal Rock Communications,
monica@signalrockcomm.com, +1-847-606-1973
Eating out in Europe? There's an app for That - Europe's No 1 Restaurant iPhone app is now Available in the US
LONDON, June 8, 2010-- toptable, Europe's leading online restaurant booking service, has made
their iPhone app available in the US App Store, allowing Americans to book
restaurants in Paris, London and all over Europe before they travel.
In just two months since its UK launch, toptable's iPhone app has been
downloaded over 240,000 times and restaurant reservations made via the app
currently represent 10% of all toptable bookings.
Carl Lyons, Marketing Director said, "We want to make it easy for
Americans to book great restaurants in Europe. toptable is Europe's number 1
restaurant booking service, and with this iPhone app, travelers can easily
book before they go and ensure a great dining experience."
toptable is free, easy to use and features thousands of bookable
restaurants across 15 countries including 191 Michelin starred
establishments. Users can book to dine a la carte or from hundreds of special
restaurant offers, read how other diners rate restaurants from a bank of over
1 million independent reviews and earn reward points every time they book
which can be redeemed for gifts or free meals.
The toptable iPhone app lets people find and book restaurants while on
the move. They can choose to see all offers nearby on a handy map or search
for and book venues anywhere, anytime. It also features an innovative
'augmented reality' element that uses the iPhone's GPS and compass to allow
users to actually see where the nearby restaurants are, how near and in which
direction.
Notes to Editors:
toptable is Europe's leading online dining community and restaurant
reservation service. The toptable group which incorporates city-eating, a
network of 61 global food websites, features thousands of restaurants in 15
countries and receives 3 million monthly visitors (Omniture). Shareholders
include legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson and celebrity chef Gary
Rhodes.
One website specializes in reviews of the top brands of e cigarettes available in the United States.
WAVERLY, Tenn., June 8 -- While there are dozens of different brands of e cigarettes lurking out there, WorldOfECigarettes.com is trying their best to separate the gold from the pyrite. The e cigarette review not only states the quality of the e cigarette itself but also looks at the quality of customer service.
"What we're trying to do is make sure that anyone who visits our site doesn't regret that they made a purchase that we recommended," says Teresa Peach of World Of E Cigarettes. "We have several e cigarette reviews on the site, including our Green Smoke review and our Njoy review."
Electronic cigarettes have been on the scene in the United States since around 2006 and since then, the number of choices that e cigarette consumers have has exploded. Everything from cheap kits available at gas stations that are built with cheap parts to the more expensive, higher quality variety. Buying online, however, is still the best way to go, according to WorldOfECigarettes.com.
"When you're dealing with buying an e cigarette at a convenience store or travel center, you're dealing with clerks and cashiers that probably don't know much about the products and won't be able to answer your questions. These are stores that carry hundreds of products and don't specialize in any of them," says Teresa Peach. "The reason so many people are still buying online is due to having access to quality customer service that can answer any questions you have about the product and even send replacement parts if necessary. Returning your kit to the store or getting replacement parts isn't possible in most cases, which leaves the customer out of luck."
While only a select few brands are being sold in convenience stores scattered nationwide, online sales of e cigarettes remains steady and reliable. Whether customers will be getting the most for their money at convenience stores still remains to be seen.
"People have to remember that convenience always comes with a price," says Teresa.
DALLAS, June 8 -- CyberlinkASP, the leader in outsourced IT and integrated managed service solutions, today announced that it has been selected by IBC Management, LLC to provide outsourced IT and managed hosting. CyberlinkASP will implement its turnkey virtual private cloud and Citrix-based technologies to support the mission critical IT component(s) of the investment firm.
IBC Management, LLC recently announced the formation of its newest fund, Independent Bankers Capital Fund II, L.P. ("IBCF"), which is a Dallas-based private capital partnership whose investors consist of Texas-based community banks. "CyberlinkASP's approach is seamless and turnkey, allowing us to focus on our investment activities while they focus on the information technology," said Meg Taylor, CFO of IBCF. IBCF hired an outside consultant and conducted a rigorous review of many different technologies before selecting CyberlinkASP.
"Our solution continues to gain acceptance across the enterprise spectrum as companies of all sizes realize the benefits and cost savings. IBCF is the premier private capital vehicle for independent banks across Texas, and we are proud to partner with them," said Stephen P. Phillips, President of CyberlinkASP.
CyberlinkASP maintains a secure SAS 70 Type II PCI Compliant hosting environment within its mix of managed hosting and outsourced IT solutions. "We are actively pursuing strategic transactions to take this business to the next level, and this latest customer win is a continuation of the growth trends we have seen throughout 2010," said Chris M. Lantrip, Vice President of CyberlinkASP.
About CyberlinkASP
CyberlinkASP is an information technology (IT) managed services firm providing: managed hosting, network, storage, outsourced IT and security services. Our clients include financial institutions, health care providers, insurance companies, cargo logistics businesses, and payment card processors among others. Providing IT solutions since 1999, CyberlinkASP operates from the U.S. and is privately owned. Please visit http://www.cyberlinkasp.com or call Chris M. Lantrip at 214.412.1226 or email clantrip@cyberlinkasp.com.
Ideal for smaller microminiature coaxial interconnect wireless applications.
CHANDLER, Ariz., June 8 -- Radiall USA, Inc. expands its microminiature coaxial product line with new cost-effective MML Series connector solutions that include plugs, receptacles, jacks, adapters, pigtails and cables assemblies. They address the market demand for smaller miniaturized connectors for applications such as Wi-Fi access points, GPS and other mobile terminals.
The MML Series features two types of PCB receptacles and three corresponding types of space saving plugs with mated heights of 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm and 1.5 mm. They also have an operating frequency range of DC-6 GHz and a typical VSWR of 1.35.
In addition, Radiall offers a variety of MML Series cable assemblies with three RoHS compliant 50 ohm high-performance cables: 1.3 mm for MML H2.5, 1.13 mm for MML H2.0 or 0.81 mm for MML H1.5. Adapters and customized cable assemblies are also available.
For more information on MML Series and other microminiature coaxial solutions, please contact your Radiall sales representative, distributor or visit http://www.radiall.com.
Radiall USA, Inc.,
6825 West Galveston Street, Chandler, Arizona 85226
Sales: 480-682-9400 Fax: 480-682-9403
E-mail: infousa@radiall.com
Radiall USA, Inc., Chandler, Arizona, is a global manufacturer of leading edge interconnect solutions. The company offers an extensive range of RF coaxial connectors and cable assemblies, coaxial switches, fiber optic and microwave components, multipin connectors and more. Radiall has sales offices and subsidiaries throughout the world, R&D in the U.S., Europe and China, along with manufacturing facilities strategically located in the U.S., Mexico, India and China.
Product or Editorial Contact
Vincent Bonnassieux
RF Products Marketing Manager
Radiall USA, Inc.
203-776-2813 x107
Cell: 203-809-7462
E-mail: vincent.bonnassieux@radiall.com
Spare Backup Embeds Catch Media's Play Anywhere(R) Platform to Provide Users With Seamless Access to Their Music Collections
Play your music collection when and where you want to Platform to be embedded within Spare Backup data-backup products
PALM DESERT, Calif., June 8 -- Spare Backup (OTC Bulletin Board: SPBU) today announces that it has partnered with Catch Media Inc. to embed Catch Media's Play Anywhere® platform within its current data-backup products. This new strategic agreement will enable Spare Backup customers to access their already 'backed-up' music collections legally and effortlessly from their mobile phones wherever they are.
Catch Media's Play Anywhere® platform provides total convenience to the consumer allowing them to enjoy their music on their mobile device and on the web. Backed by licenses from major and independent record labels, Play Anywhere® offers consumers for the first time a legal and simple way to enjoy their music collection seamlessly across devices.
"Cery Perle, CEO of Spare Backup explains, "This is a very compelling new offering from us and will be extremely useful to our customers. Once we have backed up and secured a user's data, people will be able to pull their favourite music out of the 'cloud' and have access to their content on their cell phone wherever they are. This adds a whole new dimension to data backup and storage as not only is a users content safely secured at another location from their home or office, this added value will enable them to gain access to their content when they are away on vacation or even during down time during the day.
"Adding the functionality of music anywhere to data-backup is a logical step for us and also eliminates the need for users to carry multiple devices to access their music content. We are very pleased to be entering into an agreement with Catch Media and look forward to bringing other leading services to market with the company soon."
"We are excited to be working with Spare Backup to offer consumers the best of both worlds - the safety and security of backed up files with the ease and portability of their music collections. Catch Media wants to provide the same convenience and ease that consumers have come to expect when accessing their money from ATM machines. Just as consumers expect to be able to get their money when and where they want, consumers also want to be able to enjoy their music when and where they want, and by partnering with Spare Backup, we are excited to be able to provide this solution to consumers. We think Spare Backup is an ideal partner for us and are looking forward to working with the company on what we are convinced will be the first of many interesting announcements this year," commented Yaacov Ben-Yaacov, CEO of Catch Media Inc.
About Spare Backup, Inc.:
Spare Backup, Inc. specializes in helping consumers, small office/home office users and small to mid-sized businesses protect their computer data quickly, automatically and cost-effectively. The company's flagship Spare Backup product is the first totally automated online backup service that intelligently selects, secures and stores files without any user intervention, automatically backing up documents, email, music, photos and other PC files on a continuous basis or according to the schedule of the user's choice. The company recently has launched a suite of services in consumer cloud computing. The company is headquartered in Palm Desert, California
About Catch Media Inc.:
Catch Media has developed Play Anywhere® a business-to-business registry, routing, tracking and clearinghouse platform. Developed by digital pioneers who brought the convenience of mass market photo sharing to the Internet. Play Anywhere® provides convenience for the consumer and profitability to industry partners. With key relationships with the major and independent record labels as well as backing by leading broadcast companies and Hollywood talent agencies, Catch Media will begin a global rollout of the Play Anywhere® platform in mid 2010.
Safe Harbor Statement:
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking information made on the company's behalf. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address the company's expectations of sources of capital or which express the company's expectation for the future with respect to financial performance or operating strategies can be identified as forward-looking statements. Such statements made by the company are based on knowledge of the environment in which it operates, but because of the possibility of unknown factors, as well as other factors beyond the control of the company, actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement. An investment in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk. You should not invest in our common stock unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. You should consider carefully all risk factors and other information in our annual report and quarterly filings before deciding to invest in our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develops into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected and you could lose your entire investment in our company.
For additional information, visit http://www.sparebackup.com/. For investor relations, please contact our investor relations department at 760-779-0251 Ext. 224 or ir@sparebackup.com.
Source: Spare Backup, Inc.
CONTACT: Rob Forbes of Generator PR Ltd, +44 (0) 7525 264252,
rforbes@generatorpr.com, for Spare Backup, Inc.
Zinwave First to Receive FCC Certification for full LTE 700 MHz Spectrum with its True Wideband Active Distributed Antenna System
Certification Marks Milestone in Rollout of LTE Networks in the U.S.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 8 -- Zinwave Ltd., a pioneer and leader in next-generation in-building cellular and wireless technology, today announced that its True Wideband active Distributed Antenna System (DAS) solution is the first on the market to receive Long Term Evolution (LTE) certification across the full 700 MHz spectrum band from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's (FCC). This marks a significant milestone in Zinwave's LTE strategy and the wireless industry's progress toward rolling out 4G networks.
Zinwave provides the industry's only True Wideband active DAS solution which removes many of the traditional challenges associated with delivering multiple RF services in buildings. It provides simultaneous support for any number or combination of cellular and other wireless services between 136MHz and 2.7GHz using one single layer of hardware, enabling the addition of new services on demand without the need for costly and disruptive upgrades.
"Achieving this important LTE milestone reinforces Zinwave's technology leadership and sets us on a clear path to capitalize on near-term LTE network deployments," said Jeffery L. Fuller, President of Zinwave Americas. "With FCC certification, we can help wireless operators accelerate the roll-out of LTE networks and provide ubiquitous wireless coverage inside buildings for multiple simultaneous services and technologies."
Zinwave's patented technology provides a future-proof investment for wireless operators, by allowing them to deploy in-building DAS solutions today on existing 3G/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks, with a simple evolutionary path to 4G/LTE in the future.
About Zinwave
Zinwave is a company at the forefront of wireless technology development, pioneering a new approach to in-building unified wireless infrastructure. With unique patented technologies drawn from world-leading research groups at Cambridge University and University College London, Zinwave is today operated by a management team with extensive experience in all parts of the wireless industry and international telecoms markets. The company has developed a Wideband Distributed Antenna System that addresses the challenges of providing ubiquitous wireless coverage inside buildings for multiple simultaneous services with the same infrastructure and components.
For more information please contact:
Lora Friedrichsen, Global Results Communications for Zinwave
Phone: +1.949.608.0276
E-mail: zinwave@globalresultspr.com
Source: Zinwave Ltd.
CONTACT: Lora Friedrichsen of Global Results Communications, for
Zinwave, +1-949-608-0276, zinwave@globalresultspr.com
AUO to Exhibit a Full Lineup of Innovative Display Applications at Display Taiwan 2010
The World's Largest Projected Capacitive Multi-Touch LCD Display and
The World's First Transparent AMOLED In-Cell Touch Panel Make Their Debut
HSINCHU, Taiwan, June 8 -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) will participate in Display Taiwan 2010 at Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1 from June 9-11 to showcase its full lineup of display products. The exhibits include 3D display technologies with panels ranging from 8 to 65 inches, the range of 46 to 65- inch power-saving LED backlit TV panels, LED backlit IT displays from 10.1 to 24 inches employing multi-touch or MVA technologies, and small and medium- sized e-paper display applications, in addition to advanced TV display technologies like the 58" CinemaScope HDTV and AMVA5. The world's largest(*) 32" projected capacitive multi-touch LCD display and the world's first(*) 2.4" transparent AMOLED in-cell touch panel will also be shown. The wide array of innovative applications will for certain be the highlight of the event.
AUO's theme for the show this year is "Innovating Life". The aim is to offer dazzling viewing experiences through technological innovations to create an amazing and enriched digital life. "The development of digital content and cloud computing has contributed to the critical role that flat panel displays perform. As demonstrated in this show, 3D display technologies provide lifelike experiences; multi-touch technologies create more interactions to enhance human-machine interface; power-saving LED backlit LCD TV panels are slim and trendy, take up less room space, and help sustain the environment. With a wide variety of innovative green technologies and products, AUO hopes to meet the various consumer demands for visual applications, such as for function and fashion, to generate high added values and a whole new sensual experience," said Dr. L.J. Chen, President and CEO of AUO.
The exhibition is divided into sections including 3D displays, advanced technologies for TVs, LED TVs, IT and general displays, mobile display technologies, AMOLED and E-paper.
3D Display -- Currently The Largest Commercialized 3D TV Panel Available*
AUO will exhibit a series of 3D display technologies, including glasses- free barrier and lenticular lens types, and pattern retarder 3D panels to be viewed with special glasses, with panels ranging from 8 to 65 inches.
Of the exhibits, the 65-inch pattern retarder full HD 3D panel is currently the largest commercialized 3D TV panel available. All it takes is for the audience to put on a pair of polarized 3D glasses, weighing only 10 grams, and 3D images with high quality and brightness could be easily captured. What is more, the 3D displays come with LED backlight, making the panels even slimmer and more power-saving. They are the most ideal green choice in home theaters to save space.
In addition, the 65" full HD lenticular lens 3D panel, with high brightness at 650 nits and eight viewpoints, allows the audience to readily enjoy lifelike 3D experiences without 3D glasses.
Advanced TV Display Technology -- The World's Largest 32" Projected Capacitive Multi-Touch Panel*
In terms of the popular touch panel technology, AUO will showcase the world's largest 32" projected capacitive multi-touch panel capable of recognizing ten touch points simultaneously. Back in the days of single touch point applications, it was easy to locate the only touch point on the panel. However with the development of multiple touch points, sometimes ghost points are falsely registered during the detection process. AUO's 32" projected capacitive multi-touch panel has successfully attained zero ghost point, demonstrating the real convenience of using multi-touch panels.
In the same section, the 58" CinemaScope LED HDTV will be displayed with an ultra-wide resolution of 2560X1080. Films of the 21:9 format could be played without black bars on the top and bottom. Also, with its 120Hz double frame rate, motion blurs that characteristically troubled passive lighting displays are effectively reduced. In the future, when at home watching mega sports events on TV, consumers will obtain even more vivid experience, enjoying image quality comparable to that of a cinema.
In addition, the 55" full HD panel employing the latest AMVA5 technology with ultra-wide viewing angle is also on display. AUO has worked to increase cell transmittance to enhance power efficiency. The color washout problem commonly found within traditional MVA technology has also been resolved with AUO's proprietary development in pixel control and LCD driver. The intrinsic static contrast ratio has been raised to 16,000:1; light leakage is reduced, with enhanced image sharpness at dark state.
Power-Saving LED Backlit LCD TV Panels
The trend toward eco-friendly, slimmer and power-saving TVs has set AUO to apply innovative green technologies to large-sized panels. In this year's show, AUO will exhibit panels ranging from 46 to 65 inches, among which the 46" full HD LCD panel with 10.8mm edge-type LED backlight weighs merely 10.5 kg. The complete series of ultra slim LED backlit LCD TV panels are light, slim, of high contrast ratio and power-saving, allowing large-sized TVs to remain eco-friendly, trendy and light at the same time.
E-Paper
AUO has been an active player in the e-paper market and this time the full range of e-paper products using SiPix Microcup(R) technology is also on display, including the 2" electronic shelf label (ESL), 4.3" e-book, and 6" and 9" built-in touch e-books. In addition, 20" e-paper display module for e- signage, 6" foldable e-book module and 6" flexible e-paper module are also to be seen at the show.
Fruits of AMOLED development will also make their appearances, including the world's first(*) 2.4" transparent AMOLED in-cell touch panel, featuring the leading technology that combines transparent panel with in-cell multi- touch function. It will be the best medium for GPS applications in the future, with which users could capture their actual locations for the navigation system to recognize, and make use of the convenient touchscreen interface to find their ways easily, whether for business or pleasure. Another highlight at the show is the wide array of small and medium-sized applications and technologies, such as general displays applications with high resolution and contrast ratio, AMVA mobile technologies with high contrast and wide viewing angle, and a-Si VGA Landscape LCD with narrow border. Visitors are most welcome to visit AUO's booth at Display Taiwan to witness and enjoy for themselves the infinite possibilities of digital life!
*Based on available market research information as of June 8, 2010.
Any use of photographs must cite the source thereof is from AU Optronics Corporation
ABOUT AU OPTRONICS
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is a global leader of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers with a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to greater than 65 inches. AUO generated NT$359.3 billion (US$11.2 billion) in sales revenue* in 2009 and now houses a staff of more than 42,000 employees, with global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to be successfully listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO extended its market to the green energy industry in late 2008, and formally founded its Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit in October, 2009. For more information, please visit AUO.com.
Safe Harbour Notice
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11th, 2010.
Source: AU Optronics Corp.
CONTACT: Freda Lee, Corporate Communications Division, AU Optronics Corp.,
+886-3-5008800 ext 3206(TEL), or +886-3-5772730(FAX) or freda.lee@auo.com;
Yawen Hsiao, Corporate Communications Division, AU Optronics Corp., +886-3-
5008800 ext 3211(TEL), +886-3-5772730(FAX), or yawen.hsiao@auo.com
4G Inside: WiMAX Enabled Laptops Presented in Ukrainian Capital
KIEV, Ukraine, June 8, 2010-- FreshTel has become Ukraine's first international Mobile WiMAX
operator to present laptops equipped with Intel's WiMAX adapters. FreshTel,
the Ukrainian 4G operator, and Intel, the leading producer of microelectronic
hardware, have presented four portable computers, fully equipped and
integrated to be used in WiMAX networks.
4G, the mobile broadband internet access technology, is
gaining ground as a standard feature for laptop producers. The leading
vendors are beginning to equip new portable PCs with the 2010 Intel(R)
Core(TM) and Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 adapter. The
multiband wireless adapter can be used in WiMAX networks in three frequency
bands - 3.5 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz. FreshTel network launched in Kiev in
September 2009 has enabled the residents of the Ukrainian capital and its
suburbia to take advantage of this technology. In 2010-2011 the network is to
cover all the major cities of the country.
"WiMAX adapter equipped laptops mark an important stage in the
development of affordable 4G. From now on, every buyer of a portable computer
or a netbook will be able to use mobile broadband internet at any time in any
place. The technology enables video calls, online TV as well as other
multimedia content, access to the lectures at the world's best universities,
web conferences and webinars. This development indicates a higher level of
Ukraine's integration in the modern knowledge-based economy," Kirill
Dmitriev, president of Icon Private Equity says.
FreshTel and Intel have focused on the WiMAX-preinstalled
netbooks - this segment of the global laptop market is rapidly growing: in
2008-2009 sales have more than doubled - from 16.4m to 33.3m units a year,
their share in the total sales volume increased from 11% to 20%. Netbook
devices boats a wide range of functions and low prices - FreshTel intends to
offer its users netbooks at less than $300. These advantages along with the
expanding coverage and affordable tariff plans (the minimum rate is as low as
59 UAH) can become a catalyst of explosive growth in penetration and usage
rates of broadband internet in Ukraine and make it available at every
secondary school, university, small enterprise and towns across the country.
DataInherit Launches Unique Secure Login Feature for the iPhone
ZURICH, June 8, 2010-- Online banking and data storage experts, DSwiss, have taken secure login
on the iPhone to the next level with the launch of their latest technology
DoubleSec. The technology enables the first automated two-factor
authentication on the iPhone for their leading password and data safe service
DataInherit (http://www.datainherit.com).
"Security and ease-of-use don't have to be mutually exclusive. With
DoubleSec we have developed what we believe to be the simplest method of
secure authentication currently available for iPhone users," commented Tobias
Christen, CTO at DSwiss.
Usernames and passwords are still the most common way of authenticating
users on the Internet. However, to ensure that login details cannot be
captured or intercepted, more and more online services are moving towards
two-factor authentication. The 1st factor is something "known" such as a
username or password while the 2nd factor is something "owned" like an iTAN,
scratchcard or a mobile phone. In the case of DoubleSec users are provided
with a secret token that is stored on their iPhone and is refreshed before
each login.
The secret token is made available the first time that a user establishes
a secure login to their account at http://www.datainherit.com and is then
stored on the iPhone for use in future sessions. Ongoing login requests
verify that the user trying to login is in possession of the iPhone linked to
their DataInherit account by verifying the token before each login. The
technology also blocks anyone trying to dishonestly access an account as they
would need the username and password as well as the secret token stored on
the user's iPhone.
As well as being incorporated into the DataInherit iPhone app, DoubleSec
will also be licensed to third parties such as financial institutions and
insurance companies who wish to provide this additional level of security to
their own iPhone apps.
About DataInherit
DataInherit online safes for private password and document storage are
provided by DSwiss Ltd (http://www.dswiss.com), a Swiss bank for information
assets. DataInherit offers individuals and companies, protection and
intelligent applications for their increasingly important digital assets -
passwords, codes, important documents and data. The Company has plans to
launch a series of technology innovations over the next three years.
Victoria Tayler
Press Contact
contact@victoriatayler.com
+4179-4301915
Dr. Tobias Christen
CTO
tobias.christen@dswiss.com
+4144-5151111
Source: DSwiss AG
Media Contacts: Victoria Tayler, Press Contact, contact@victoriatayler.com, +4179-4301915 ; Dr. Tobias Christen, CTO, tobias.christen@dswiss.com, +4144-5151111
toptable's iPhone app is Now Available Across Europe
LONDON, June 8, 2010-- toptable's popular restaurant booking iPhone app is now available across
Europe in French and German. The app is downloadable for free from Apple
iTunes App Stores giving French and German speakers access to the toptable
service in their native language where ever they are.
The app can now also be downloaded from App Stores in the USA, Australia,
New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa offering consumers in those countries
the opportunity to easily search and book restaurants in New York, Paris,
London, Dublin and other key cities across Europe before they travel.
In just two months since its original launch in the UK, toptable's iPhone
app has been downloaded over 240,000 times and restaurant reservations made
via the app currently represent 10% of all toptable bookings.
Carl Lyons, Marketing Director said, "The response to our iPhone app has
been phenomenal. We hope the new multi-lingual app will make it even easier
for French, German and other international diners to use toptable, book great
restaurants and take advantage of thousands of special offers in many major
cities."
The toptable iPhone app lets people find and book restaurants while on
the move. They can choose to see all offers nearby on a handy map or search
for and book venues anywhere, anytime. It also features an innovative
'augmented reality' element that uses the iPhone's GPS and compass to allow
users to actually see where the nearby restaurants are, how near and in which
direction.
Notes to Editors:
toptable is Europe's leading online dining community and restaurant
reservation service. The toptable group which incorporates city-eating, a
network of 61 global food websites, features thousands of restaurants in 15
countries and receives 3 million monthly visitors (Omniture). Shareholders
include legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson and celebrity chef Gary
Rhodes.
Ford Adds Google Maps 'Send to SYNC' Service to Beam Driving Directions Into Car; No Extra Cost
DEARBORN, Mich., June 8 -- -- Ford adds Google Maps to its 'Send to SYNC' feature, allowing drivers
to send destinations from Google Maps to their Ford vehicle through
the cloud-based SYNC® Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) app
-- Drivers download destination information into the vehicle via their
Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones; the information will be processed
into audible turn-by-turn directions, eliminating the need to bring
printed maps into the car and helping drivers keep their hands on the
wheel and eyes on the road
-- 'Send to SYNC' launches later this month and will be available for
existing 2010-11 models equipped with SYNC TDI; no extra hardware,
software updates or costs are required
Drivers who enjoy the convenience of Ford SYNC® with Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) soon will be able to select a destination on Google Maps and send it to their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles.
'Send to SYNC' is a new capability added to the Ford Service Delivery Network, the company's cloud-based architecture, which provides a suite of voice-activated services accessible through a customer's mobile phone.
"Printing paper directions from a website is a relic in our digital age," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization. "With Send to SYNC, you can map a destination at home, at work - wherever you have connectivity - and when you get to your car, it already knows where you want to go. It's convenient and it eliminates the waste and distraction of paper maps, conserving resources while helping drivers keep their eyes on the road."
The SYNC TDI application leverages a customer's mobile phone voice plan and the vehicle's integrated GPS receiver to deliver location-based services, such as driving directions or business searches, and on-demand information such as horoscopes, news, movie listings and stock quotes. Since these services, including the new Send to SYNC functionality, are cloud-based, no vehicle updates are required and they will be available to all owners who have registered for TDI services through http://www.syncmyride.com.
When users visit Google Maps on the web to find locations, they will have the option to send a selected destination to their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle via a "send" menu on the site. Once in the vehicle, the driver connects to SYNC TDI using the "Services" voice command, and when prompted, confirms the request to download the Google Maps destination into the vehicle.
The optimal route is calculated in the cloud using the latest traffic information, downloaded to the vehicle and navigation guidance begins. If the vehicle is equipped with a map-based navigation system, the destination point is downloaded directly to that system, which then calculates the route based on the in-vehicle navigation preferences set by the driver.
"Our cloud-based service network is helping deliver constant improvement for our customers, and has become a key reason why Ford leads the industry with SYNC," said VanDagens. "We're proud to be working with Google to bring this new capability to SYNC."
The Google Maps 'Send to SYNC' capability launches later this month. Ford is currently the only automaker offering this capability without requiring a paid subscription to a telematics service.
Ford previously announced the same feature for MapQuest (owned by AOL), which will launch later this year.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com.
Source: Ford Motor Company
CONTACT: Alan Hall, +1-313-594-3744, ahall32@ford.com, or Robert Parker,
+1-313-845-0784, rparker8@ford.com, both of Ford Motor Company
DETROIT, June 7 -- Webahn, Inc. today announced that Capzule PHR, the first personal health records App for iPad, is now available on the App Store. Capzule PHR is a universal app that lets iPhone and iPod touch users install it as well.
Capzule PHR is also the first PHR on iPhone platform that offers full editing capability from a PC over Wi-Fi, including uploading files, via a web browser. Its Share feature allows data transfer between iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices, making it easier to copy data to a family member's device, to an upgraded device, or replicate in multiple devices. The most unique aspect of Capzule PHR is the ability for users to create their own personal sets of customizable health monitoring templates to record variations in health conditions, progress of health goals, and other observations.
"Capzule PHR is a perfect fit for anyone who needs a simple and complete personal health records solution," said Vinu Nair, CEO of Webahn, Inc. "Personal health record is an essential app that everyone should have and we're thrilled to release Capzule PHR as a universal app in order to make it available to a wider user base."
Capzule PHR helps users record ones own personal and family medical information. This includes family, social, and medical history, medications, vaccinations and immunizations. Helping patients record allergies, conditions, and relevant data such as height, weight, blood pressure and pulse in one place offers a better path to care since all medical data may be stored in one secure location, and is available to review immediately when speaking with one's doctor.
Capzule PHR is now available on the App Store for $5.99.
Webahn, Inc. (http://www.webahn.com) is a privately-held company incorporated in Michigan. The company has been providing clinical documentation solutions since 2000, first with OvernightScribe.com which is used by clinics throughout the nation, as well as Michigan State University HealthTeam and Henry Ford Health Systems. Capzule EMR (capzule.com) was later launched with the goal to provide affordable electronic medical records to solo and small practices and is now serving clinics nationwide.
Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation Patents the Next Generation of Broadcasting
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., June 7 -- Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation has filed for 8 new patents supplementing the existing broadcasting patents they already have. By doing so, Ubiquity strengthens its already notable patented broadcasting technologies, and will allow UBC to change the way the world views live broadcasts and simulcasts over the internet, television, and mobile devices.
Ubiquity will debut the next generation of broadcasting while working with Time Warner Oceanic Cable to broadcast the Sponsor Me Hawaii Ala Moana Bowls contest June 14-26, 2010. Ubiquity will provide broadcasters with a direct IP stream eliminating the need for expensive satellite trucks, production equipment, production staff, and costly fixed fiber drops, termed an IP backhaul. By using an IP backhaul, broadcasters are afforded the flexibility and mobility needed to deliver a cost effective HD broadcast and simulcast to the internet, television, and mobile media devices. The 2010 Sponsor Me Hawaii Ala Moana Bowls Contest will be the world's first action sports contest to use an IP Backhaul. Ubiquity will broadcast the contest live June 14-26 on Time Warner Oceanic Cable, on the internet at sponsorme.tv and surf.transworld.net, on Apple's iPad and iPhone, and on other mobile devices.
Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation's 6 time Emmy award winning producer Stephen Jacobs says, "Ubiquity is at the forefront of broadcasting technology, and has arrived at the intersection of capabilities and opportunities. It's a very exciting time to be here." The next generation of broadcasting is here.
Founder of Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation Chris Carmichael said, "After working on this for 9 years, the technology has finally caught up with reality."
"Our vision is finally coming to fruition after 9 years of hard work and dedication," adds co-founder Connie Jordan.
Ubiquity's Director of live webcasts, Daniel Swiney, who has done over 100 live broadcasts, said, "The pre-tests of the Sponsor Me Hawaii Ala Moana Bowls contest have gone extremely well. We are ready."
The 8 new patents UBC has filed for will complement an already impressive portfolio of patents and trademarks that Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation currently holds. UBC will bring the next generation of broadcasting and technology to life by broadcasting live events in HD simultaneously to the internet, television, and mobile devices.
About:
Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation
Redefining content creation and distribution for the digital age, Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation is a next-generation company, creating the world's first ubiquitous network, where content distribution is platform and screen independent. With more than 60 worldwide patents and patents-pending, Ubiquity is accelerating the ultimate convergence of media: mobile, internet and television. UBC redefines broadcasting for the digital age, placing the UBC network at the forefront of a fully global, mobile society. In addition to its technology developments, Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation also produces and distributes video coverage for the upcoming "Sponsor Me" series of Action Sports events. The company is privately held, based in San Juan Capistrano CA.
For more information on Ubiquity's technology, applications and innovations, please visit http://www.ubiquitybc.com
Sponsor Me
Sponsor Me is a digital Multi Media Company with its roots in action sports. Sponsor Me is creating contest opportunities for rising athletes in action sports like surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, motocross and others. The contests are supported by live webcasts via the Sponsor Me site and delivered to mobile devices. Sponsor Me competitions will be held regionally, judged by the pros, and the winners will go on to compete on a national level where fans will have the opportunity to vote online and via SMS. For more information please visit http://www.sponsorme.tv.
Apple Inc.
Apple Inc., together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication devices, and portable digital music and video players, as well as sells various related software, services, peripherals, and networking solutions. The company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers, and value-added resellers. In addition, it sells various third-party Macintosh, iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and various other accessories and peripherals through its online and retail stores, and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store.
Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is engaged in the development, design, manufacture and sale of various kinds of electronic equipment, instruments and devices. Sony operates in five segments: Electronics, which develops, designs, manufactures and sells electronic equipment, instruments and devices for consumer and professional markets; Games, in which Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. develops, produces, markets and distributes PlayStation 2 (PS2), PSP (PlayStation Portable) (PSP) and PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) hardware and related software; Pictures, which encompasses motion picture production and distribution, television production and distribution, and digital content creation and distribution; Financial Services, which includes the activities of Sony Financial Holdings Inc., and All Other, which comprises Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (SMEJ). On October 1, 2008, it acquired Bertelsmann's 50% interest in SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (SONY BMG). Sony Electronics is the largest unit of Sony Corporation of America, the holding company for Sony Corporation's US-based electronics and entertainment businesses. Sony Corporation of America's consumer electronics unit makes and markets products to tap into Sony's music, films, games, and other businesses. The electronics arm sells PCs (the Sony VAIO) and their peripherals, as well as TVs, VCRs, PDAs, DVD and MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, CD players, and car audio items. The company's also a retailer and operates about 60 Sony Style retail shops in the US, mostly in California, Texas, and Florida.
Ala Moana Bowls
Ala Moana has starred in over 30 surf videos including "Endless Summer" and "Tales of the Seven Seas" which includes a scene that perfectly characterizes the spot - massive tubes, boards flying, ruthless drop-ins, and the climactic conclusion of a catamaran being capsized by a cleanup set. One of the best places to surf in Hawaii, Ala Moana Bowls is a popular spot on Oahu. It's an exposed reef break with consistent surf. This left-hand reef break is the symbol of great South Shore waves. Packed and very competitive, it's virtually reserved for locals who know how to surf inside the bowl. Ala Moana is a long wave with a few different tube sections and a range of takeoff spots. The bowl is just that-an inside-out section halfway in that forms between the Ala Moana boating channel and the Pacific Ocean. It holds waves of 4 to 12 feet. The takeoff is steep and fast; getting caught behind is risky. It's most ideal when a south swell detonates on the initial bowl section. The water next to the reef has been dredged for the harbor so the swells are unique. Ala Moana Bowls is at its best in summertime due to the south swells that provide the surfing community a much needed opportunity to win valuable WQS points at home breaks. These points will count towards qualification for the 2010 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the 2010 elite World Championship Tour.
Time Warner Oceanic Cable
Time Warner Cable (TWC) makes coaxial quiver. The company is the #2 US cable company, after Comcast, with operations in 28 states. TWC has about 14 million basic cable subscribers, mostly consumers, including about 9 million digital video customers. It provides broadband Internet access to about 9 million customers primarily through ISP Road Runner. The company also offers VoIP digital phone service to about 4 million customers in conjunction with Sprint Nextel.
CONTACT:
Marty Appel Public Relations
100 W 57 St
New York NY 10019
PH: 212 245-1772
FAX: 212 245-6353 http://www.AppelPR.com
Source: Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation
CONTACT: Marty Appel Public Relations, +1-212-245-1772, Fax,
+1-212-245-6353, http://www.AppelPR.com, for Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation
SAN FRANCISCO, June 7 -- Apple® today released Safari® 5, the latest version of the world's fastest and most innovative web browser, featuring the new Safari Reader for reading articles on the web without distraction, a 30 percent performance increase over Safari 4,* and the ability to choose Google, Yahoo! or Bing as the search service powering Safari's search field. Available for both Mac® and Windows, Safari 5 includes improved developer tools and supports more than a dozen new HTML5 technologies that allow web developers to create rich, dynamic websites. With Safari 5, developers can now create secure Safari Extensions to customize and enhance the browsing experience.
"Safari continues to lead the pack in performance, innovation and standards support," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Safari now runs on over 200 million devices worldwide and its open source WebKit engine runs on over 500 million devices."
Safari Reader makes it easy to read single and multipage articles on the web by presenting them in a new, scrollable view without any additional content or clutter. When Safari 5 detects an article, users can click on the Reader icon in the Smart Address Field to display the entire article for clear, uninterrupted reading with options to enlarge, print or send via email.
Powered by the Nitro JavaScript engine, Safari 5 on the Mac runs JavaScript 30 percent faster than Safari 4, three percent faster than Chrome 5.0, and over twice as fast as Firefox 3.6.* Safari 5 loads new webpages faster using Domain Name System (DNS) prefetching, and improves the caching of previously viewed pages to return to them more quickly.
Safari 5 adds more than a dozen powerful HTML5 features that allow web developers to create media-rich experiences, including full screen playback and closed captions for HTML5 video. Other new HTML5 features in Safari 5 include HTML5 Geolocation, HTML5 sectioning elements, HTML5 draggable attribute, HTML5 forms validation, HTML5 Ruby, HTML5 AJAX History, EventSource and WebSocket.
The new, free Safari Developer Program allows developers to customize and enhance Safari 5 with extensions based on standard web technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. The Extension Builder, new in Safari 5, simplifies the development, installation and packaging of extensions. For enhanced security and stability, Safari Extensions are sandboxed, signed with a digital certificate from Apple and run solely in the browser.
Pricing & Availability
Safari 5 is available for both Mac OS® X and Windows as a free download at http://www.apple.com/safari. Safari 5 for Mac OS X requires Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or Mac OS X Snow Leopard® 10.6.2 or later. Safari 5 for Windows requires Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista or Windows 7, a minimum 256MB of memory and a system with at least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor. Full system requirements and more information on Safari 5 can be found at http://www.apple.com/safari. The Safari Developer Program is free to join at developer.apple.com/programs/safari.
*Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection and other factors. All testing conducted by Apple in May 2010 on an iMac® 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system running Mac OS X 10.6.3, with 4GB of RAM. JavaScript benchmark based on the SunSpider 0.9.1 JavaScript Performance test.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
Fairmont Private Schools and Ambow Education Partner to Offer Dual-Diploma Program for Chinese Students This Fall
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 7 -- Fairmont Private Schools , the oldest and largest non-sectarian K-12 college preparatory school group in Southern California, and Ambow Education, a leading provider of educational and career enhancement services in China, will offer dual-diploma programs for high school students in China, starting with 21st Century Experimental School in Beijing. Plans for the dual diploma program with Ambow's 21st Century Experimental School were approved by China's Ministry of Education this spring.
Fairmont Private Schools will leverage its international education experience, world-class Advanced Placement (AP) exam pass rates, and nationally recognized faculty to provide Chinese high school students greater opportunities for refining their language and academic skills in preparation for international college acceptance. With the 21st Century Experimental School dual diploma program, Fairmont solidifies its commitment to the Chinese educational market and anticipates forging a number of high school partnerships throughout China.
Fairmont began offering English as a Primary Language(TM) (EPL(TM)) instruction through Fairmont International Academy (FIA) in 2003. The one-year program was conceived as a bridge from students' home country schools to quality American high schools, and ultimately, to college in the U.S. The popularity of FIA in China set the stage for the partnership between Fairmont Private Schools and Ambow Education.
"We have similar goals and a common dedication to providing students the best possible learning opportunities so they are prepared to lead and to serve in an increasingly global world," said Fairmont CEO Robertson Chandler. "Since founding Fairmont International Academy, Fairmont has been on the forefront of working with educational leaders throughout Asia to create novel solutions to the growing demand for language learning and academically-strong college preparatory programs. We look to our partnership with Ambow and the 21st Century Experimental School dual diploma program as the model for multiple agreements to come."
Fairmont's Director of International Education, John Barrier, sees the dual diploma program as an opportunity to combine strengths. "21st Century Experimental School offers an exceptional academic program with a College Board-approved Advanced Placement (AP) program. Fairmont Prep has one of the strongest AP programs in the U.S. and has been recognized by the College Board as having some of the nation's best science and technology AP instruction."
Fairmont will work to bolster 21st Century Experimental School's AP program by providing ongoing teacher training and professional development. Students will benefit from academic and college counseling and access to Fairmont Preparatory Academy's library of brick and mortar as well as eLearning coursework. Fairmont Master Teachers and administrators will make regular visits throughout the school year to mentor teachers, review classroom teaching practices and assess student portfolios. Twenty-first Century Experimental School teachers will also have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops at Fairmont Preparatory Academy next summer.
"There is increasing demand in China for a more Western style pedagogical approach," says Rebecca Wood, Fairmont Preparatory Academy Dean of Advanced Studies. "Fairmont's teacher training will emphasize the importance of student participation, independent thought and critical inquiry." Wood, together with Fairmont Preparatory Academy Master Teachers, will begin teacher training this summer.
About Ambow
Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a leading provider of educational and career enhancement services in China. Founded in 2000, Ambow's mission is to address two critical demands in China's education market: the desire for students to be admitted into top secondary and post-secondary schools and the desire for graduates of those schools to obtain more attractive jobs.
About Fairmont
With six campuses in the Orange County area, Fairmont Private Schools is the oldest and largest family of non-sectarian private schools in Southern California. Starting in preschool and continuing through high school graduation, Fairmont prepares students to succeed in colleges of quality and challenges them to become exemplary citizens of a global society. For more information, please visit http://www.fairmontschools.com.
Source: Fairmont Private Schools
CONTACT: Danyelle Knight-Woodley of Fairmont Private Schools, mobile,
+1-714-504-1085, dknight@fairmontschools.com
SAN FRANCISCO, June 7 -- Apple® today released Safari® 5, the latest version of the world's fastest and most innovative web browser, featuring the new Safari Reader for reading articles on the web without distraction, a 30 percent performance increase over Safari 4,* and the ability to choose Google, Yahoo! or Bing as the search service powering Safari's search field. Available for both Mac® and Windows, Safari 5 includes improved developer tools and supports more than a dozen new HTML5 technologies that allow web developers to create rich, dynamic websites. With Safari 5, developers can now create secure Safari Extensions to customize and enhance the browsing experience.
"Safari continues to lead the pack in performance, innovation and standards support," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Safari now runs on over 200 million devices worldwide and its open source WebKit engine runs on over 500 million devices."
Safari Reader makes it easy to read single and multipage articles on the web by presenting them in a new, scrollable view without any additional content or clutter. When Safari 5 detects an article, users can click on the Reader icon in the Smart Address Field to display the entire article for clear, uninterrupted reading with options to enlarge, print or send via email.
Powered by the Nitro JavaScript engine, Safari 5 on the Mac runs JavaScript 30 percent faster than Safari 4, three percent faster than Chrome 5.0, and over twice as fast as Firefox 3.6.* Safari 5 loads new webpages faster using Domain Name System (DNS) prefetching, and improves the caching of previously viewed pages to return to them more quickly.
Safari 5 adds more than a dozen powerful HTML5 features that allow web developers to create media-rich experiences, including full screen playback and closed captions for HTML5 video. Other new HTML5 features in Safari 5 include HTML5 Geolocation, HTML5 sectioning elements, HTML5 draggable attribute, HTML5 forms validation, HTML5 Ruby, HTML5 AJAX History, EventSource and WebSocket.
The new, free Safari Developer Program allows developers to customize and enhance Safari 5 with extensions based on standard web technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. The Extension Builder, new in Safari 5, simplifies the development, installation and packaging of extensions. For enhanced security and stability, Safari Extensions are sandboxed, signed with a digital certificate from Apple and run solely in the browser.
Pricing & Availability
Safari 5 is available for both Mac OS® X and Windows as a free download at http://www.apple.com/safari. Safari 5 for Mac OS X requires Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or Mac OS X Snow Leopard® 10.6.2 or later. Safari 5 for Windows requires Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista or Windows 7, a minimum 256MB of memory and a system with at least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor. Full system requirements and more information on Safari 5 can be found at http://www.apple.com/safari. The Safari Developer Program is free to join at developer.apple.com/programs/safari.
*Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection and other factors. All testing conducted by Apple in May 2010 on an iMac® 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system running Mac OS X 10.6.3, with 4GB of RAM. JavaScript benchmark based on the SunSpider 0.9.1 JavaScript Performance test.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
New Online Training Courses from Internet Advertising Institute Help Business Pros and College Grads Get Ahead in the Digital World
David Moore, Founder and Chairman of 24/7 Real Media, Part of Founding Team
NEW YORK, June 7 -- With nearly ten percent of the nation unemployed, both current job seekers and the newest crop of college graduates are looking for an economical way to get an edge. In response to their needs, the recently created Internet Advertising Institute (IAI), http://www.internetadvertisinginstitute.com, has launched its web-based education and training portal offering comprehensive and cost-effective Internet and new media courses.
IAI's courses apply real-life examples to the training process for an interactive and hands-on experience. The company was co-founded by David Moore, chairman and founder of 24/7 Real Media, and Michael Flannery, managing partner of Redwood Partners; and is led by co-founder and CEO Steve Bookbinder and President Tom Mahar.
"Real world training means learning the industry inside and out. We're not just giving business professionals and students a superficial understanding to help them get by - we're giving them the tools that they need to function in the burgeoning digital market," said Mr. Bookbinder.
Initial courses cover a wide range of topics including:
1. Social Media Marketing for Sales and Marketing Professionals - This
course explores the current and future state of the social media market
with trainer Joe Doran, founder and former CEO of Media6degrees.
2. The Essentials of Online Display Marketing - This course, featuring
trainer Ari Bluman, president of 24/7 Real Media, teaches how to
communicate like a pro with advertisers, agencies, publishers and ad
networks.
3. The Essentials of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) - Taught by Mr.
Bookbinder, this course outlines how to harness the rules of SEM to
produce successful campaigns.
4. What Senior Executives Need to Know about Digital Marketing - This
course, taught by Mr. Bookbinder, helps business leaders to define the
key terms in digital marketing as well as survey the ever-changing
landscape.
Introductory course pricing is $99 each. IAI is offering a limited time, 20 percent discount for students using the promo code priai2010.
"We formed Internet Advertising Institute to bring quality content to a mass market," said Mr. Moore. "The newly designed web portal allows users to save time and money and better their careers in a convenient online setting."
The company's advisory council is made up of executives from leading Internet advertising companies including Mr. Bluman; Mr. Doran; Wenda Harris Millard, president and COO of MediaLink LLC; Chris Moore, account manager for the media business of 24/7 Real Media; Rob Rasko, president and COO of CPX Interactive; Jim Spanfeller, president and CEO of The Spanfeller Group; and Shane Steele, VP-global b-to-b marketing communications and operations of Yahoo.
Internet Advertising Institute is a web-based portal that helps professionals, business executives and career changers better understand the world of Internet advertising. It provides an affordable suite of online programs with content from active industry leaders. Headquartered in New York, IAI was co-founded by David Moore, chairman and founder of 24/7 Real Media, and Michael Flannery, managing partner of Redwood Partners; and is led by co-founder and CEO Steve Bookbinder and President Tom Mahar.
Source: Internet Advertising Institute
CONTACT: Christa Conte, +1-212-808-4902, or Jeannine Kilbride,
+1-212-808-4941, iai@feintuchpr.com, both of Feintuch Communications
Bot Colony Videogame Featuring English Conversation With the Player to be Previewed at E3
MONTREAL, June 7 -- North Side Inc. (http://www.northsideinc.com) of Montreal will unveil an alpha version of its Bot Colony (http://www.botcolony.com) online game at E3 in Los Angeles on June 15, 2010. The company describes Bot Colony as the first game ever to feature intelligent English conversation between the player and the game. E3 is the first venue where the video game will be shown publicly. A technology prototype was shown at GDC in March 2009.
Until Bot Colony, dialogue in videogames took the form of dialogue trees, essentially a list of canned choices (for example, Mass Effect, Hotel Dusk, The Last Express and older text adventure games), voice commands (EndWar, Sega Seaman), or an attempt to key on a word or extract a sentiment from the input (Facade, Starship Titanic). In Bot Colony, the player speaks freely, asking questions, seeking clarification, or requesting the characters to carry out actions, and the game responds intelligently. This natural interaction makes for a more immersive gameplay experience.
Platform and Availability
Bot Colony is an online game with a PC client. A Beta version is scheduled for August 16, 2010. At that time, North Side also plans to roll out a Beta version targeting ESL (learning English as a second language), enabling players to learn English online (see http://www.botcolony.com/esl.html). Conversing with the characters will be the next best thing to traveling to an English-speaking country and talking with its residents. The game will be able to correct specific errors that a player makes, providing tailored feedback, similar to a human tutor.
The Bot Colony novel that inspired the game will be launched in July. Buyers of the book will receive 10 hours access to the game online servers, as part of a Premium Beta program. Sign-up for the book and Beta is open at http://botcolony.com/book.html
Visitors to the North Side booth (4325 West, Los Angeles Convention Center) will be the first to experience the game.
About North Side Inc.
North Side Inc. has been working for 8 years to develop natural language understanding and dialogue technology that enables a computer to converse with a person about a body of facts.
While Bot Colony is the first to integrate North Side's dialogue pipeline, many other applications can benefit from the ability to speak to a computer and be understood: automated attendants, call centers, e-commerce and help systems are some of the key applications that system integrators and software developers will be able to address using North Side's language understanding technology.
The Gramercy and The Harlem by Cocoon Innovations Offer Unmatched Organization for the Apple iPad
NEW YORK, June 7 -- Cocoon Innovations, LLC, a DMC Worldwide company and leading provider of original, organizational solutions, has once again designed two compelling, critically acclaimed products, The Harlem and The Gramercy, which are targeted at the iPad. As a complement to Apple's release of the iPad, Cocoon's iPad cases, launched in April, have been met with an incredible response and increasing popularity by consumers and the media. Macworld said, "If you're looking for an 'iPad lifestyle' bag, this is a unique, quality option...a solid bag with good stitching, a unique design, and a comfortable feel..." Known for products that offer innovative digital device storage, Cocoon is once again offering unmatched organization solutions for today's evolving, digital lifestyle.
"Apple's iPad was this year's most anticipated tech item, and we were excited to be a part of the excitement by designing exclusive iPad cases that remain consistent with Cocoon's concept of stylish, functional, innovative organization," says Philip Petracca, Vice President of Product Development for Cocoon Innovations. "With the Gramercy and Harlem iPad bags, named after two of New York City's most popular neighborhoods, Cocoon takes organization to the next level, not only providing a stylish case for gear but also innovating the design to incorporate organization options for other tech accessories and personal items carried everyday."
Cocoon's Gramercy is a vertically designed, lightweight, compact messenger sling with an adjustable shoulder strap. This new messenger bag features an easy-access windowed front pocket, which allows for touch screen usage and operation while the device is securely stored away. The pocket is compatible with the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, or other Smartphones or MP3 players. The Harlem is a modernized "fanny pack" designed to be worn across your back as a comfortable and secure storage option for your iPad. And because the Harlem is water resistant, sudden rainstorms or a day at the beach are no problem for tech accessories. Both bags are complete with Cocoon's GRID-IT(TM), a patent-pending organization system made up of a unique weave of rubberized elastic bands that acts as an object retention system to keep additional accessories and personal items in place.
The Gramercy (CGB150) and Harlem (CSN346) are available in three bright color ways: Black with Burst Yellow interior, Gun Gray with Orange interior, and Racing Red with Java Brown interior. Available for purchase on http://www.cocooninnovations.com and at select retailers nationwide. The Gramercy retails for $29.99, and the Harlem retails for $54.99.
Cocoon products are an ideal solution for business travelers, students, busy moms, traveling tourists, and everyday tech junkies, protecting and organizing personal and digital devices. Each bag and case is designed with an organic, innovative shape, which serves as a protective shell to safely transport your virtual cargo and redefine the way you stay organized in an ever-increasing digital world. Cocoon's design language and style provides consumers with superior functioning bags and accessories that are also highly stylized. Wrapped in their Cocoon, today's precious personal cargo is good to go.
About Cocoon Innovations
Cocoon Innovations, LLC was launched to innovate personal storage and organization for the digital world. Whether organizing digital devices, school supplies, or personal items, Cocoon offers a wide variety of products to address every need. The principles of Cocoon have a long history in the consumer electronics arena and have been designing, developing and distributing award-winning products for the last three decades. GRID-IT(TM) is a trademark of Orange22 Design Labs, LLC. GRID-IT is used under exclusive license from Orange22 Design Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Cocoon Innovations, LLC is an independent company and part of the DMC Worldwide family of companies. DMC Worldwide is a leading enterprise and consumer technology company whose heritage spans more than 40 years investing in, and developing, manufacturing and distributing cutting-edge consumer electronics products.
About Distribution Management Consolidators Worldwide, LLC
Distribution Management Consolidators Worldwide, LLC (DMCWW) is a leading enterprise and consumer technology company whose heritage spans more than 40 years investing in, developing, manufacturing and distributing cutting-edge consumer electronics products. The company holds deep expertise in sales channel development, supply chain management sales, marketing, distribution and customer service and support. The DMC Worldwide family of companies has sold hundreds of millions of consumer electronics products by leveraging its robust mature infrastructure. The DMC Worldwide family of companies includes DMC Capital Funding, a leading private equity company focused on strategic investments in middle market, technology product companies; Xact(TM) Technology, a leading provider of GPS tracking solutions; and Cocoon Innovations, LLC, a leading provider of personal organization and protection systems. The company is headquartered in New York City with offices in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.dmcww.com/.
Best Pricing Immediately Available to Any iPhone Customer Eligible for Upgrade in 2010 Preordering for iPhone 4 and New $99 iPhone 3GS 8GB Available June 15 at AT&T Retail and Online Stores
DALLAS, June 7 -- AT&T*, the U.S. smartphone leader, today announced it will offer iPhone 4, the thinnest smartphone ever with all-new design, FaceTime video calling, Apple's stunning new Retina display, 5 megapixel camera and HD video recording. iPhone 4 will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model, in company retail stores and online at http://www.att.com/iphone, plus business channels, beginning June 24. Customers can preorder starting June 15.
To let current iPhone customers quickly upgrade to iPhone 4, AT&T will make its best pricing immediately available to any iPhone customer who would be upgrade eligible for a discounted device by the end of 2010.
"This is another very exciting day for AT&T customers," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "By teaming with Apple to deliver an extraordinary device over the nation's fastest 3G network, we're enabling our customers to access their favorite social networks and favorite business applications."
"We know that people are eager to get iPhone 4, which is why we moved up the upgrade eligibility date for current iPhone customers by up to six months. This move, combined with the new wireless data plans we announced last week, will make it more affordable for more people to purchase an iPhone and enjoy the benefits of the mobile Internet."
In addition, a new iPhone 3GS 8GB for $99 will also be available on June 24.
Pricing
iPhone 4 and the new iPhone 3GS 8GB will be available at a variety of attractive price points for customers:
New and "Upgrade Eligible"
Device Customers Early Upgrade No Commitment
iPhone 4 16GB $199 $399 $599
iPhone 4 32GB $299 $499 $699
------------- ---- ---- ----
iPhone 3GS (8GB) $99 $299 $499
---------------- --- ---- ----
All new and current iPhone customers who are upgrade eligible, plus existing customers who choose to upgrade early must agree to a two-year term commitment, and select an eligible voice and data plan for iPhone. No commitment pricing does not require a two-year term commitment, but does require both voice and data service.
AT&T will also offer current iPhone 3GS 16GB and 32GB models at new, lowered price points of $149 (16GB) and $199 (32GB), with a two-year term commitment plus voice and data plans, while supplies last.
Eligibility
Existing iPhone customers eligible for an upgrade between today and the end of this year have been made immediately eligible for AT&T's best pricing for iPhone 4 with a new two-year term commitment. Consumers can verify upgrade eligibility at http://www.att.com/iphone today. Business customers can verify upgrade eligibility at AT&T's Premier site, https://www.wireless.att.com/business/.
Preordering
Consumers may preorder iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS 8GB at AT&T retail stores or online at http://www.att.com/iphone beginning June 15. Business customers can preorder through their AT&T sales representative or by visiting AT&T's Premier site. For greater convenience and faster delivery, preorders can be shipped directly to a customer's home or business for delivery as early as June 24. Customers can also have a preorder shipped to their local AT&T store for pick up on or after Friday, June 25.
AT&T stores will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and will accommodate as many customers as possible.
Consumer Plans
AT&T customers can choose from several monthly plans that start as low as $54.99 per month for individual plans with voice and data. For families, customers can now add additional iPhones to their FamilyTalk account for as little as $24.99 per month, providing voice and data service. All iPhone plans include nationwide long distance and domestic roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling.
Business Plans
Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk®, a shared minute plan specifically for small businesses. Companies can share up to 20,000 minutes per month among as many as 40 employees. In addition, business customers and employees of many businesses are eligible for discounted service rates. For more information, customers can contact an AT&T business account representative or visit http://www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.
New Wireless Data Plans
iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS customers can choose one of AT&T's new data plans: DataPlus, which provides 200MB for just $15, and DataPro which provides 2GB for just $25. Existing AT&T smartphone customers upgrading to iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS are not required to switch to a new plan, but can choose to do so. iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G customers can add tethering to AT&T DataPro for an additional $20 per month.
Each data plan includes unlimited Wi-Fi usage at more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide at no additional charge. AT&T will help customers monitor and manage wireless data usage by sending text messages and emails as customers begin to approach their usage limit, and by providing online tools, including an iPhone app that shows monthly usage information.
Currently, less than 98 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use more than 2 GB a month on average. More information on the new data plans can be found at http://www.att.com/dataplans.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit http://www.att.com. For more information and detailed disclaimer information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
Legendary Easy-to-Play / Challenging-to-Master Guitar Hero Gameplay Enjoyed By Millions Debuts for the iPhone® and iPod Touch®
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 7 -- Having transformed the way over 40 million people across the globe experience music, the biggest music videogame franchise ever created, Guitar Hero®, is now available for the first time on iPhone(TM) and iPod® Touch, Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) announced today. Created by Guitar Hero veteran developer, Vicarious Visions, Inc., and based on the easy-to-play / challenging-to-master mechanics, the new game features all-new, addictive gameplay exclusively designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch that will keep players rocking out as they strum, tap, slide and whammy to the hottest tracks from the bands they know and love such as Queen, Rise Against, The Rolling Stones, Vampire Weekend, Weezer and The White Stripes.
Built exclusively from the ground up for the iPhone and iPod Touch, the Guitar Hero app takes full advantage of the platforms' functionality and features a robust avatar customization mode that lets players personalize their game; built-in social integration so gamers can share their scores with their friends on Facebook, check leaderboards and get updates through in-game news feeds; innovative new mechanics that challenge fans to tap, strum and whammy their way to the top of the Rock Ranks; and the ability to download new tracks from an in-game music store; wannabe rock stars will be shredding on guitar or ripping it up on bass whenever, wherever they want.
"With Guitar Hero for the iPhone and iPod Touch, we are once again leveraging our leadership position in the music/rhythm videogame space to deliver an all-new Guitar Hero experience that millions of people around the world can enjoy anytime, anywhere," said David Haddad, Chief Operating Officer for Guitar Hero. "From our headliner set list in the base app and forthcoming song packs to the innovative new social integration and guitar shredding gameplay mechanics, Guitar Hero will let players experience and interact with music in all-new ways."
The Guitar Hero base app will feature the following tracks:
-- Queen - "We Are The Champions"
-- Rise Against - "Savior"
-- The Rolling Stones - "Paint It Black"
-- Vampire Weekend - "Cousins"
-- Weezer - "Say It Ain't So"
-- The White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army"
Six additional song packs, featuring three songs each, will also be available at launch.
Song Pack featuring The Faint, Minus the Bear and Silversun Pickups:
-- The Faint - "The Geeks Were Right"
-- Minus the Bear - "Secret Country"
-- Silversun Pickups - "Substitution"
Song Pack featuring Band of Skulls, Obits and The White Stripes:
-- Band of Skulls - "Death By Diamonds And Pearls"
-- Obits - "Two-Headed Coin"
-- The White Stripes - "Blue Orchid"
Song Pack featuring Darkest Hour, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Protest the Hero:
-- Darkest Hour - "The Tides"
-- The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Farewell, Mona Lisa"
-- Protest the Hero - "Limb From Limb"
Song Pack featuring A Day to Remember, AFI and Breaking Benjamin:
-- A Day to Remember - "I'm Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?"
-- AFI - "Medicate"
-- Breaking Benjamin - "Diary of Jane"
Song Pack featuring Vampire Weekend
-- "A-Punk"
-- "Giving Up The Gun"
-- "Holiday"
Song Pack featuring Queen
-- "Another One Bites The Dust"
-- "Fat Bottomed Girls"
-- "Killer Queen"
Guitar Hero for the iPhone and iPod Touch is available for $2.99 from the App Store at http://itunes.apple.com/app/id374801345. Song packs are only available through the Guitar Hero app and cost $1.99 each. For more information about Guitar Hero for the iPhone and iPod Touch, 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, Russia, Japan, 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, competition from the used game market, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition and competition from other forms of entertainment, rapid changes in technology, industry standards and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, 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 which 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 the other factors identified in the risk factors section 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.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
Source: Activision Publishing, Inc.
CONTACT: Lindsay Morio, Publicist of Activision/Guitar Hero,
+1-424-744-5733, lmorio@guitarhero.com
All-New Design with FaceTime Video Calling, Retina Display, 5 Megapixel Camera & HD Video Recording Thinnest Smartphone Ever
SAN FRANCISCO, June 7 -- Apple® today presented the new iPhone® 4 featuring FaceTime, which makes the dream of video calling a reality, and Apple's stunning new Retina display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone, resulting in super crisp text, images and video. In addition, iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple's A4 processor, a 3-axis gyro and up to 40 percent longer talk time--in a beautiful all-new design of glass and stainless steel that is the thinnest smartphone in the world. iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest version of the world's most advanced mobile operating system, which includes over 100 new features and 1500 new APIs for developers. iOS 4 features Multitasking, Folders, enhanced Mail, deeper Enterprise support and Apple's new iAd mobile advertising platform. iPhone 4 will be available in the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan on June 24, starting in the US at just $199 for qualified buyers with a two year contract.*
"iPhone 4 is the biggest leap since the original iPhone," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "FaceTime video calling sets a new standard for mobile communication, and our new Retina display is the highest resolution display ever in a phone, with text looking like it does on a fine printed page. We have been dreaming about both of these breakthroughs for decades."
FaceTime is as mobile as your phone, so you can see your loved ones and friends anywhere there is Wi-Fi. Using FaceTime is as easy as making a regular voice call, with no set-up required, and you can instantly switch to the rear camera to show others what you are seeing with just a tap.
Apple's stunning 3.5 inch Retina display has 960 x 640 pixels--four times as many pixels as the iPhone 3GS and 78 percent of the pixels on an iPad(TM). The resulting 326 pixels per inch is so dense that the human eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels when the phone is held at a normal distance, making text, images and video look sharper, smoother and more realistic than ever before on an electronic display.
iPhone 4 is the thinnest smartphone ever--9.3 millimeters--with an all-new design and build quality like no other mobile device. The front and back are made of aluminosilcate glass, chemically strengthened to be 30 times harder than plastic, more scratch resistant and more durable than ever. The front and back glass have an oil-resistant coating that helps keep it clean, and encircling iPhone 4 is a highly finished stainless steel band made of a custom alloy that is forged to be five times stronger than standard steel.
iPhone 4 features a new 5 megapixel autofocus camera with a 5x digital zoom, a backside illuminated sensor and built-in LED flash that allows you to take amazing pictures even in low light and dark environments. iPhone 4 lets you record and edit incredible HD video and the popular tap to focus feature now works while recording video. You can use the iPhone 4's LED flash for both still photography and video recording. The new iMovie® app for iPhone lets you combine movie clips, add dynamic transitions and themes and include photos and music, and users can buy it for just $4.99 through the App Store right on their phone.
iPhone 4 is the best mobile device ever for games and entertainment, with access to tens of thousands of games and entertainment apps on the revolutionary App Store. Every iPhone 4 has a built-in 3-axis gyro that when combined with the accelerometer provides 6-axis motion sensing such as up and down, side to side, forward and backward and pitch and roll, making it perfect for gaming. Developers can access the gyro using the new CoreMotion API to make games and other apps that go well beyond what other mobile devices offer.
iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest version of the world's most advanced mobile operating system. With over 100 new features, it includes Multitasking, Folders, enhanced Mail, deeper Enterprise support and Apple's new iAd mobile advertising platform. With Multitasking, users can now instantly switch between any of their apps while preserving battery life. With Folders, users can easily organize their apps into collections by simply dragging one app on top of another. A folder is automatically created and named based on the category of apps selected. Users can change the name of any folder at any time. In addition, users can now customize their lock and home screens with an array of supplied wallpapers or with any of the photos on their phone.
The new iBooks® app will be available for iPhone 4 as a free download from the App Store and includes Apple's new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBooks app will sync your current place in a book, along with any bookmarks, highlights and notes you have created, between copies of the same book on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch®. iBooks users can also now read and store PDFs right in iBooks. There are now over 60,000 books available in the iBookstore, and users have downloaded over five million books in the first two months.
More than five billion apps have been downloaded from the revolutionary App Store and more than 225,000 apps are available to consumers in 90 countries. Almost 100 million iPhone and iPod touch users around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.
iPhone 4 delivers an amazing seven hours of talk time on 3G networks, up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi and up to six hours on 3G, and up to 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours of audio playback.** iPhone 4 is powered by Apple's new A4 processor that provides exceptional processor and graphic performance along with long battery life. iPhone 4 features a second microphone and advanced software to suppress unwanted background noise for improved call quality when in loud places. iPhone 4 also offers 802.11n Wi-Fi networking and adds quad-band HSUPA to provide 7.2Mbps downlink and 5.8Mbps uplink capability.***
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 4 comes in either black or white and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model in both Apple and AT&T's retail and online stores, Best Buy and Wal-Mart stores. iPhone 4 will be available in the US, France, Germany, Japan and the UK on June 24 and customers can pre-order their iPhone 4 beginning Tuesday, June 15 from the Apple Online Store or reserve an iPhone 4 to pick up at an Apple Retail Store. iMovie for iPhone will be available on the App Store for just $4.99 (US).
Also on June 24, a new iPhone 3GS 8GB model will be available for just $99 (US). iOS 4 software will be available on June 21 as a free software update via iTunes® 9.2 or later for iPhone and iPod touch customers.****
iPhone 4 will roll out worldwide to 88 countries by the end of September. iPhone 4 will be available by the end of July in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
*Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.
**Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.
***Speed is dependent on cellular network capability.
****iOS 4 is compatible with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, second and third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB). Some features may not be available on all products. For example, Multitasking requires iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB).
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.