Blockbuster Announces New App for Renting and Watching Movies Through Facebook Platform
MCKINNEY, Texas, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockbuster L.L.C. will soon launch an app that gives people the ability to rent and watch movies through Facebook Platform. The Blockbuster app on Facebook is designed to provide Blockbuster customers new forms of discovery and engagement around the Blockbuster digital catalog. The announcement was made at the f8 Developer Conference in San Francisco.
When renting movies from Blockbuster's expansive library, people can navigate the Blockbuster experience within Facebook, which will include discovery, search and video playback through an embedded player.
The Blockbuster app is focused on transactional digital rentals, which include the newest releases as well as older favorites. Additionally, Blockbuster has integrated with Facebook to create a frictionless account creation process.
The Blockbuster app on Facebook will be coming soon.
About Blockbuster
Blockbuster L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), is a leading global provider of movie and game rentals and is synonymous with family entertainment. The company provides customers with convenient access to media entertainment anywhere, any way - whether in-store, by-mail, or digitally to homes and mobile devices. With a highly recognized brand and a library of more than 100,000 movies, TV shows and game titles, Blockbuster's multichannel presence serves millions of customers around the world annually. Visit http://www.blockbuster.com
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
DISH Network Introduces Blockbuster Movie Pass, Featuring First Subscription Streaming Movie Service Bundle in Pay TV Industry
First Year of Blockbuster Movie Pass Included with DISH Network Subscription
One Company, One Bill, One Connection
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH Network L.L.C. and Blockbuster L.L.C. announced today Blockbuster Movie Pass, the most comprehensive TV entertainment programming package ever delivered by a multichannel pay TV provider.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, Blockbuster Movie Pass is available for DISH Network customers, starting at $10 per month, combining the best of TV with the best of movies and games. It features a pay TV industry first: a subscription streaming movie service bundle available on the TV or PC. This programming package is unmatched by any other cable, satellite, telco or online streaming movie service.
Blockbuster Movie Pass includes the following:
-- Mail It! - More than 100,000 DVD movies, TV shows and games available by
mail. No additional charge for high definition Blu-ray(TM) movies. One,
two or three disc plans available. Queue management made conveniently
from a link at http://www.dish.com.
-- Stream it! - Stream more than 3,000 movies to the TV. Stream more than
4,000 movies to the PC. Watch hundreds of on-demand TV shows.
-- Play it! - More than 3,000 video games by mail for XBOX®, XBOX 360®,
Playstation2(TM), Playstation3(TM), and Nintendo Wii(TM).
-- Exchange it! - Unlimited exchanges of DVDs and video games at
participating Blockbuster stores.
-- Watch it! - More than 20 premium entertainment movie channels from
studios like MGM, Epix, Sony Movie Channel, PixL and more.
"With millions of Internet-enabled DISH Network set-top boxes deployed in U.S. homes and our ability to offer services from the iconic Blockbuster brand, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the myriad of ways consumers seek access to their favorite movies, TV shows or games," said Joe Clayton, CEO of DISH Network. "When you combine Blockbuster Movie Pass with a DISH Network subscription, you get endless entertainment options and convenient access to the content you want, when you want it. And unlike other companies, we offer the simplicity of one company, one bill and one connection."
From Oct. 1 through Jan. 31, 2012, DISH Network is offering new customers Blockbuster Movie Pass included with their DISH Network subscription for one year when they subscribe to DISH Network's America's Top 200 programming package or greater and commit to 24 months of DISH Network service. This is up to $360 in savings.
Blockbuster Movie Pass is also included for three months for new DISH Network customers who subscribe to America's Top 120 programming package. After the promotional period, Blockbuster Movie Pass starts at just $10 per month. Access to the subscription streaming movie service requires a DISH Network HD DVR.
"We've created a package that combines the best assets of the movie entertainment and video gaming industries with the convenience and integration provided by a multichannel video provider," said Michael Kelly, president of Blockbuster. "Blockbuster Movie Pass is the ultimate programming package for every movie buff. The combination of DVDs by mail and unlimited in-store exchanges provides more than 100 million people living near Blockbuster stores, which are open 7 days a week, immediate satisfaction and unmatched choice."
Visit http://www.ustream.tv/dishnetwork to watch a replay of the webcast of the press conference announcing the Blockbuster Movie Pass on Sept. 23, 2011.
Blockbuster L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), is a leading global provider of movie and game rentals and is synonymous with family entertainment. The company provides customers with convenient access to media entertainment anywhere, any way - whether in-store, by-mail, or digitally to homes and mobile devices. With a highly recognized brand and a library of more than 100,000 movies, TV shows and game titles, Blockbuster's multichannel presence serves millions of customers around the world annually. Visit http://www.blockbuster.com.
About DISH Network
DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14.056 million satellite TV customers, as of June 30, 2011, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network's subsidiary, Blockbuster L.L.C., delivers family entertainment to millions of customers around the world. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit http://www.dish.com.
BASIS Reveals Details of Heart Rate and Health Tracker; Plans to Showcase Basis Band at Health 2.0
Announces advisory board line-up (see separate release)
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BASIS Science, Inc. today revealed the design and features of its Basis(TM) B1 band due to launch later this year. The Basis band is the world's first continuous heart rate and health tracker with a web-based personal dashboard to help people get and stay healthy.
"With ongoing concerns about our nation's health and wellness, combined with rising healthcare costs, people are looking for smart, useful tools to help them make better lifestyle choices," said Jef Holove, Basis CEO. "Most devices today provide guesstimates on people's health from simplistic metrics like motion or footsteps. Basis technology can provide a much richer, more insightful picture of your wellness."
The Basis B1 band measures heart rate continuously, along with activity and other physiological metrics. The Basis B1 band brings together an array of sensors in a wrist-worn device that is comfortable and convenient to wear day and night.
"We believe the heart is fundamental to understanding your health and continuously measuring heart rate can offer unprecedented insights," Holove said. "Combining this with data from our other sensors, we can track your activity and show the effect of that activity, for instance, how hard your body is working or how well you slept."
Multiple Sensors Provide a Detailed Picture of Health
Along with monitoring heart rate, the Basis B1 band uses its sensors to calculate calories burned, amount of physical activity and sleep patterns. The technical centerpiece of the device is the optical engine that tracks heart rate by directing light into the skin to "see" actual blood flow.
The optical engine is complemented by four other sensors including: two heat sensors that track skin and ambient temperature changes; a 3-axis accelerometer that records movement and activity; and galvanic skin response sensors that help track the intensity of activity by measuring sweat levels. The Basis technology is packed into a sophisticated, water-resistant design -- a result of a collaboration with New Deal Design. The display provides real-time metrics such as heart rate. The modular design also features interchangeable bands to suit style and color preferences.
The advanced technology behind the Basis B1 band sensors provides a rich foundation of data that is uploaded to a cloud-based service, where the user is able to view a personalized dashboard of their results and accomplishments. Basis will be unveiling the Basis B1 band at Health 2.0's Launch! series Tuesday, September 27th in San Francisco. The band will be available later this year for $199. Requests for pre-orders can be made by visiting http://www.mybasis.com.
About Basis:
BASIS Science, Inc. believes it is easier to get and stay healthy when wellness is fun, social and informative. To put this within everyone's reach, the company invented the Basis band - the world's first connected heart rate and health tracker wearable on the wrist. Convenient and customizable, the multi-sensor Basis B1 band collects data like heart rate, calories burned, physical activity and sleep patterns. It links to your personal dashboard where you can easily view performance, share data, earn rewards, and engage with the Basis community. BASIS Science, Inc. is backed by Norwest Venture Partners and Doll Capital Management. For more information visit: http://www.mybasis.com.
BASIS is a trademark of Basis Science, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Solos Endoscopy to Market its MammoView® Breast Endoscopy Components to US Hospitals
BOSTON, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Solos Endoscopy, Inc.'s (OTCPK: SNDY) is pleased to announce that the Company has launched a new website and will begin marketing its MammoView® Breast Endoscopy Components to hospitals across the Country through direct sales channels and social media.
The Solos MammoView®Breast Endoscopy System employs advanced microendoscopes and optical technology to give physicians sharp, clear images of the milk ducts, where the majority of the breast cancers arise. Solos' intraductal devices are designed to provide direct observation with any endoscopic video system while providing unprecedented image quality, using advanced minimally invasive technologies and tissue preservation techniques.
The MammoView® instrument line, designed exclusively for breast endoscopy, has become crucial to early breast cancer screening as a method to significantly reduce breast cancer death rates. The Solos MammoView® Breast Endoscopy System is designed to distinguish and inspect suspicious pre-cancerous lesions that are undetectable by other methods as well as complement existing diagnosis and treatment options with direct endoscopic observation.
Sales of Breast Endoscopy Components for the period of June through August 2011 were $51,630, which represents a 32% increase from the prior year. The Solos MammoView® instrument line is featured on the Company's new website http://www.solosendoscopy.com.
"We strongly believe in our MammoView® product line. It is a key component for early breast cancer detection," stated Bob Segersten, President of Solos Endoscopy, Inc.
About Solos Endoscopy, Inc.:
Solos Endoscopy, Inc. is a HealthCare instrument company whose mission is to develop and market high quality and innovative instruments for the screening, diagnosis, treatment and management of medical conditions. Additional information on its FDA approved products is available on the Company's website at: http://www.solosendoscopy.com.
Safe Harbor: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.
MoMA Offers Online Courses in Modern Art History and Studio Art
Art Lovers Can Explore the Exciting World of Modern Art, Anytime and Anywhere
Registration Now Open for Fall 2011 Instructor-Led and Self-Guided Courses
NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, The Museum of Modern Art's online courses allow newcomers and experienced art lovers from around the world to learn about modern art through MoMA's world-renowned collection, from any location at times convenient for them. These 10-week courses invite students to discover the fascinating stories and ideas behind some of the masterpieces in MoMA's collection through a rich variety of multimedia materials, including text, images, narrated slideshows, and engaging videos shot on location in the Museum's galleries.
For 10 weeks (starting October 3), MoMA Instructor-led courses offer unlimited access to videos, slideshows, audio, multimedia resources, and readings, plus discussion forums that allow the instructor and students to interact.
Price: $350; $300 for educators, students, seniors, other museum staff, and members.
Self-Guided (available now) courses are a go-at-your-own-pace option that offer the same content as MoMA instructor-led courses, without the discussion forums and instructor guidance.
Price: 10-week access: $200; $175 for educators, students, seniors, other museum staff, and members.
There are two online courses to choose from:
Modern Art, 1880-1945 uses works from MoMA's collection to introduce students to the key artworks and iconic figures of modern art including such renowned artists as Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Marcel Duchamp, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, among others.
Materials and Techniques of Postwar Paintingis a focused look at postwar abstract painting from an artist's point of view -- this course goes into the studio to reveal the materials and techniques that created some of the 20th century's greatest masterpieces. Guided by an artist and former MoMA conservator, this studio course covers the art history of the period and offers step-by-step video instruction on the materials and techniques used by iconic painters from Jackson Pollock to Barnett Newman.
Registration now open at MoMA.org/coursesonline
Online Courses are made possible by a partnership with Volkswagen of America.
Related links:
The Museum of Modern Art
SOURCE Museum of Modern Art
Video:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moma-offers-online-courses-in-modern-art-history-and-studio-art-130384903.html
Museum of Modern Art
CONTACT: Kim Donica, MoMA, +1-212-708-9752, kim_donica@moma.org
5 High Quality Games to Showcase the Tablet's Ultimate Gaming Capabilities
PARIS, September 23, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Gameloft, a leading global publisher of digital and social games, is
thrilled to announce a line-up of cutting-edge video games that have been
optimized for, and will be directly accessible on Sony's upcoming tablets:
Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD, N.O.V.A. 2 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance HD, Real
Soccer 2011 HD, Spider-Man: Total Mayhem HD, and Green Farm HD.
"The convergence of high performance, a stunning display, and the focus
on a networked device provided by "Sony Tablet" devices perfectly
complements Gameloft's high quality games and online multiplayer
functionality," said Gonzague de Vallois, Senior Vice President Publishing,
Gameloft. "The high impact of the "Sony Tablet S's" large display along with
the unique dual screen configuration of the "Sony Tablet P" truly enhances
the overall entertainment value of the gaming experience."
"We are extremely pleased to offer our customers access to Gameloft's
exciting entertainment contents through "Sony Tablet"" said Makoto Ishii,
General Manager, Product Planning Dept. No.2, Business Planning and Strategy
Div., VAIO & Mobile Business Group Sony Corporation. "I'm convinced they
will enrich the user experience of our upcoming tablets."
About Gameloft
A leading global publisher of digital and social games, Gameloft(R) has
established itself as one of the top innovators in its field since 2000.
Gameloft creates games for all digital platforms, including mobile phones,
smartphones and tablets (including Apple(R) iOS and Android(R) devices), set
top box, connected TVs and consoles. Gameloft partners with leading
international brands such as UNO(R), Spider-Man(R), James Cameron's
Avatar(TM), Ferrari(R) and Sonic Unleashed(R). Gameloft also operates its
own established franchises, such as Real Football, Asphalt(TM), Modern
Combat 2: Black Pegasus and N.O.V.A Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance(R).
Gameloft is present in all continents, distributes its games in 100
countries and employs over 4,000 developers.
Gameloft is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN: FR0000079600,
Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA).
Texas Instruments completes acquisition of National Semiconductor
National becomes part of TI's Analog business and expands company's ability to deliver more products, expertise and support for customers
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced the acquisition of National Semiconductor (NYSE: NSM) is complete.
"National is now a strategic part of TI's Analog growth engine. Together, we're focused on accelerating semiconductor innovation to improve performance and power efficiency for our customers' electronic systems," said Rich Templeton, TI's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
More than 5,000 National employees will immediately become part of TI. The two companies will begin the work to integrate National as a unit of TI's Analog business, which will have a combined portfolio of nearly 45,000 analog products, strong customer design tools, and a sales force that is 10 times larger than National's previous footprint.
"The closing of this transaction allows TI to expand its market presence with more leading-edge analog products, greater manufacturing capacity, and the largest sales and applications team in the industry. Together, we will serve more customers in more markets," Templeton said.
The transaction, announced on April 4, 2011, cleared all required regulatory reviews and was approved by National's shareholders. TI will include National's contribution to financial performance in the company's third-quarter earnings announcement on October 24.
With today's close, TI's Analog semiconductor business now represents more than 50 percent of the company's revenue.
TI will continue to operate National's manufacturing sites, located in Maine, Scotland and Malaysia, as well as business headquarters in Santa Clara and sales/design support around the world.
Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at http://www.ti.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as "TI will" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe TI's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including: the ability of TI to successfully integrate National's operations, product lines and technology and realize additional opportunities for growth; the ability of TI to realize synergies in terms of growth and cost savings; and the other risks and important factors contained and identified in TI's or National's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings of the companies that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and TI undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
CONTACT: Media, Kim Morgan +1-214-479-0707, kim-morgan@ti.com, or Chris Rongone +1-214-480-6868, c-rongone@ti.com, or Investor Relations, Ron Slaymaker +1-214-480-6388, rslaymaker@ti.com, or Dave Pahl, +1-214-480-4629, dpahl@ti.com. Please do not publish these numbers or email addresses.
AT&T Details More Than 1,000 Wireless Network Upgrades Year-to-Date in the Greater Philadelphia Area
New and upgraded cell sites, added capacity and enhanced backhaul designed to create most advanced mobile broadband experience
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* customers in Philadelphia and surrounding communities including southern New Jersey are expected to experience improved mobile broadband coverage and voice performance as a result of continued investment by AT&T. The company announced today network improvements made to enhance the wireless capacity and performance of its local mobile broadband network.
Since the start of 2011, AT&T has made more than 1,000 wireless network upgrades in the greater Philadelphia area. Some of the enhancements in Philadelphia, the western suburbs and southern New Jersey include:
-- Deploying enhanced backhaul connections to more than 450 cell sites.
Combined with HSPA+ technology, these backhaul deployments enable 4G
speeds.
-- Adding capacity or an extra layer of frequency - which is like adding
lanes to a highway - to more than 600 cell sites in the following areas:
-- Philadelphia - Overbrook, University City, West Philadelphia, South
Philadelphia, Mount Airy, Fern Rock, Frankford, Tacony, Richmond,
North Philadelphia, Center City and Old City
-- Delaware County - Upper Darby, Lansdowne and the airport area
-- Atlantic County - Atlantic City, Ventnor, Brigantine, Margate,
Pleasantville and Absecon
-- Cape May County - Cape May, Wildwood, Ocean City
-- Installing 13 new cell sites to improve network coverage.
-- Upgrading 15 existing cell sites to provide faster mobile broadband
speeds.
"More than ever before, customers look to wireless communications to stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues," said J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T New Jersey and Pennsylvania. "We're working to make this possible by investing in new wireless coverage in the area. In addition, our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network. If approved, this deal means that we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband - 4G LTE - from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to more than 97 percent."
"Our goal is to deliver a network experience that mobilizes everything for customers," said Tiffany Baehman, vice president and general manager, AT&T greater Philadelphia market. "The ongoing investment we're making in Pennsylvania and New Jersey is designed to increase coverage and reliability, and to provide advanced services to our customers so they can do more with their wireless devices."
AT&T plans to support the build or upgrade of thousands of cell sites nationwide to increase network speed, coverage and reliability for both mobile voice and broadband services. AT&T also plans to install additional radio "carriers" at thousands of cell sites nationally this year, enabling new layers of spectrum capacity to carry larger volumes of mobile broadband traffic. Additional capacity helps support rising mobile data traffic volumes, which have increased more than 8,000 percent over the past four years.
AT&T recently launched "Focus: Philadelphia," which provides visitors a peek into AT&T's wireless network enhancements made since the beginning of the year. Enhancements include new cell sites, broadband speed upgrades, capacity upgrades and network connection upgrades. The site also provides a map of area AT&T stores, a map of area Wi-Fi hotspots, useful tips, a localized Twitter handle and device reviews. You can visit the site at http://focus.att.com/philly.
For more information about AT&T's coverage in the greater Philadelphia market or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Brandy Bell-Truskey of AT&T Inc., Office, +1-610-995-5569, or Mobile, +1-610-322-3461, brandy.bell-truskey@att.com
Bounce TV Launches Social Media Sites as First-Ever Over-the-Air Television Network for African Americans Readies to Debut This Monday, Sept. 26
ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and others ease on down the road in The Wiz this Monday, September 26 at 12 Noon (ET), broadcasting history will be made as Bounce TV, the country's first-ever broadcast television network for African-Americans, comes on the air. In anticipation of its birthday, Bounce TV has launched a new web site at http://www.bouncetv.com and can also be found at Facebook.com/bouncetv and Twitter.com/bounce_tv.
Bounce TV will target African Americans primarily between the ages of 25-54 with a programming mix of theatrical motion pictures, live sporting events, documentaries, specials, inspirational faith-based programs, off-net series, original programming and more. Bounce TV will air twenty four hours a day, seven days a week as a digital terrestrial network designed for carriage on the digital signals of local television stations.
Bounce TV will be seen in Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, Cleveland/Akron, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Hartford/New Haven, Norfolk, Dayton, West Palm Beach, Birmingham, Memphis, Louisville, Richmond, VA and other cities. New Bounce TV markets are expected to be announced before the end of the year. Toyota USA is Bounce TV's charter advertiser and will be the signature sponsor of the network's inaugural on-air schedule.
Martin Luther King III and Ambassador Andrew Young are among the founders of Bounce TV.
"My father envisioned the day that African Americans would play major roles in entertainment within ownership, not just serve as entertainers on the stage or in front of the cameras. That's what makes this even more exciting to me as we embark on this new endeavor of an independently owned and operated broadcast television network featuring African Americans," said Mr. King III.
"I am proud that our network will deliver free programming exclusively for our under-served community and be accessible to all homes around the country and not just those who pay for television. We look forward to Bounce TV entertaining African American viewers, and all viewers frankly, for many years to come," added Ambassador Young.
Powerful Mobile App Connects Innovative Church Leaders
DALLAS, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leadership Network announces Leadia(TM), a powerful new mobile application that changes the way church leaders read, grow and learn. Combining concise ideas with practical application, Leadia(TM) utilizes dynamic embedded media and integrated social networking to take leadership learning to a whole new level. The free application will be available from leadia.tv as well as in the iTunes app store beginning Sept 27th.
Greg Ligon, Vice President and Publisher for Leadership Network, states this new tool is birthed out of the organization's desire to continue to engage the churches they serve through peer-to-peer learning. "We're always looking for ways that innovative church leaders can connect and learn collaboratively. This new app is going to provide a powerful tool to bring this interactivity to a level we've never achieved before."
Leadership Network identified a demand for compelling content that maxed out at 8,000-10,000 words - ideas you can experience and put into practice in 100 minutes or less. "There are some ideas that are important, that need to get out more quickly than a traditional publishing cycle might allow for," Ligon explains. "We also have room for fresh ideas that might not require a full book."
Highlights of Leadia(TM):
-- An interactive growth experience for leaders from Leadership Network.
-- Practical and innovative ideas.
-- Dynamic media brings you video from the author you are reading and links
to a wide variety of additional resources.
Within the container application, users can peruse free content, as well as regularly updated featured content referred to as "experiences" available for $5.99 each through in-app purchasing. It will work on Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch platforms, with an Android version in development.
Users can interact with other leaders experiencing the same Leadia(TM) volume, view their comments and take the conversation further, even sharing thoughts and ideas in their favorite social media outlet directly from the application.
The four initial experiences available at launch will be:
-- Game Changer: 5 Essential Ingredients of an Effective Care Strategy by
Scott Wilson, Senior Pastor of The Oaks Fellowship, Dallas, Texas.
-- Building a Leadership Development Culture by Mac Lake, Chief Launch
Officer of The Launch Network, Atlanta, Georgia.
-- Fighting Through A Disconnect by Dr. Stacy L. Spencer, Senior Pastor of
New Direction Christian Church, Memphis, Tennessee.
-- Flux: 4 Paths to the Future by Will Mancini, CEO and Founder at Auxano,
Houston, TX.
Believing that meaningful conversations and connections can change the world, Leadership Network seeks to help leaders of innovation navigate the future by exploring new ideas together. Through collaborative meetings and processes these leaders map future possibilities and challenge one another to action that leads to results in their unique contexts. Leadership Network helps leaders move from ideas, to implementation to impact.
More information can be found at leadia.tv and leadnet.org.
Onteco Corporation, ONTC, Subsidiary, NexPhase Lighting, Inc., Introduces Vandal Proof Version of Its Linear LED Luminaire Series
MIAMI, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Onteco Corporation (OTC.QB: ONTC), (the "Company", or "Onteco"), announced today that its subsidiary, NexPhase Lighting, Inc. ("NexPhase"), a designer, developer and manufacturer of high efficiency, high quality LED intelligent lighting fixtures, has introduced a vandal proof version of its Linear LED Luminaire Series.
Ty Ramsey, COO of NexPhase, stated, " We are proud to announce this new product offering which we developed as a direct result of feedback we have received from our sales channel partners and our end customers. By engineering a robust and innovative vandal proof enclosure for our linear LED luminaire series we are able to take advantage of lighting applications were our fixture is in direct view and reach of our end customer's constituents. This product alleviates our customer's concerns reference damage to and vandalization of expensive LED lighting fixtures. Additionally, our design provides an aesthetically pleasing luminaire that can handle the rigors of high traffic environments such as schools and universities. We have already taken advance orders for this product series and expect it to be quite successful in the marketplace."
About Onteco Corporation
Onteco Corporation was founded to develop innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions to some of the most significant environmental challenges facing us today. Additionally, these solutions must show promise of generating significant, ongoing profits for the company. The company determined that one industry that meets these criteria is the Energy Saving Lighting Industry, and as a result acquired NexPhase Lighting, Inc., in February 2011.
Additional information about Onteco Corporation is available at: http://www.Onteco.com
About NexPhase Lighting, Inc.
NexPhase Lighting, Inc. is a designer and developer of proprietary high quality LED (light-emitting diode) lighting fixtures and control systems for commercial applications. It believes its products will be the lowest cost, highest efficacy fixtures available in the LED Lighting Industry. All NexPhase lighting products incorporate its proprietary "NexSense Technology(TM)", which provides benefits well beyond the generally acknowledged advantages of all other LED lighting fixtures. NexSense control systems use a unique, "patent pending' wireless protocol, which provides for an unsurpassed reduction in architecture and infrastructure installation cost in commercial applications, as well as significantly reduced maintenance and ongoing operation costs.
This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Certain statements set forth in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words "estimate", "project", "intend", "forecast", "anticipate", "plan", "planning", "expect", "believe", "will likely", "should", "could", "would", "may" or words or expressions of similar meaning. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results and financial position to differ materially from those included within the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those relating to the Company's ability to grow its business. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the Company's limited operating history, the limited financial resources, domestic or global economic conditions -- activities of competitors and the presence of new or additional competition and conditions of equity markets.
The Energizer Bunny® Gets His Groove Going With New Mobile Ad
Energizer Embraces New Mobile Marketing Strategy as the Rock Star Spirit of the Energizer Bunny® Makes Its Way Onto Mobile Devices in the Name of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Energizer Bunny® is drumming and rocking his way onto mobile devices everywhere thanks to a new mobile marketing ad campaign on Apple's iAd Network. iAd is Apple's mobile advertising platform, reaching millions of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users right in their favorite apps. By leveraging iAd, Energizer is reaching new and more relevant audiences to help further awareness of their partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Energizer is helping the Foundation restore instrumental music education in America's public schools with a $250,000 donation, including grants of donated instruments to eight schools in need around the country.
The "Unleash Your Inner Rock Star" iAd, which was developed by TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles, takes an interactive approach to informing consumers about the partnership. The ability to truly interact with the Energizer Bunny®, a national icon, makes this ad unique.
By utilizing the accelerometer on the iPhone and iPod touch, consumers can recreate rock star moves like the windmill on guitar and hit the cymbals on a drum set. Energizer believes Apple iAd offers a unique way to reach consumers and let them know about its commitment to reputable organizations with positive causes like the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
"The iAd lets mobile phone users experience the Energizer brand in a new way," said Serge Traylor, Marketing Communications Manager for Energizer North America. "By focusing on mobile we can provide entertainment and information to people anywhere, not just when they are seated at their computer, and we're excited to let our unstoppable icon interact with consumers in new and different ways to deliver this information."
In addition to powering music education in America's public schools, Energizer is also powering Americans' playlists. Right now in stores, specially-marked Energizer® products contain a special code so when someone buys three participating products, he or she can go online to http://www.nowthatspositivenergy.com/music and redeem the codes for a $10 iTunes Gift Card. The iAd includes a "where to buy" map that shows the location of stores carrying the specially-marked Energizer® products.
"We're very proud of our efforts with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation," said Michelle Atkinson, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. "And if we're going to power music education and playlists, it made sense to let people know about the program on their iPhone or iPod touch, the very devices where music is consumed. Using this platform to communicate our positive message was a perfect fit for a program."
Atkinson added the iAd fit nicely into its overall marketing strategy for the year. Mobile advertising is a growing focus for Energizer as it aims to reach consumers where they are spending a lot of time - on their mobile phones. Energizer views this iAd as a great way to test the waters in the mobile space; the data collected from the iAd will be analyzed for future mobile marketing decisions.
Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR), headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries, portable flashlights and lanterns. Energizer is a global leader in the dynamic business of providing power solutions with a full portfolio of products including Energizer® brand battery products Energizer® MAX® premium alkaline; Energizer® Ultimate Lithium; Energizer® Advanced Lithium; Rechargeable batteries and charging systems; and portable flashlights and lanterns.
Energizer continues to fulfill its role as a technology innovator by redefining portable power solutions to meet people's active lifestyle needs for today and tomorrow with Energizer® Energi To Go® chargers for rechargeable portable devices; charging systems for wireless video game controllers; and specialty batteries for hearing aids, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, toys and watches. Energizer is redefining where energy, technology and freedom meet to bring to market consumer-focused products that power the essential devices that help people stay connected and on the go at work and at play. Visit http://www.energizer.com, http://www.facebook.com/energizerbunny.
About VH1 Save The Music Foundation
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, VH1 Save The Music has provided more than $47 million in new musical instruments to 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.6 million children. The 2012 Ambassador Class - dedicated to raising awareness and funds to benefit The Foundation - includes: Amber Riley, Ciara, Jewel, John Legend, John Mayer, Kristin Chenoweth, Lifehouse and Sara Bareilles. Get involved at http://www.vh1savethemusic.com and follow us on twitter @vh1savethemusic.
MARKHAM, ON, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Coach Niki and her squad of Philips
Groom U cheerleaders kick off a cross-Canada campus tour on September
22 to educate young Canadian men on the daily opportunities they have
for self-expression through smart, stylish grooming.
"Shaving and grooming are manly arts that many guys learn from their
dads, or they just pick up on their own. Coach Niki's Groom U lesson
plan teaches that unique, personal touches can transform predictable
and mundane routines into something extraordinary," said Veronica
Castillo-Ruiz, Marketing Manager, Philips. "Daily grooming is truly a
rare opportunity for self-expression and for young men to convey their
individuality. Our range of Philips male grooming products, help young
men do that with confidence and ease."
Coach Niki will be leading the two-day crash course in the student
centres and at a campus sporting event at 10 Canadian campuses
throughout September and October. Besides encouraging campus men to
open up to the possibilities for self-expression that are available to
them, the Philips Groom U team will provide products and tips for
incorporating a unique personal style into daily grooming routines.
Coach Niki will also be on the lookout for students who embody a unique
element of self-expression, making the 10 campuses she is visiting a
more enjoyable place to live, learn and play. She will award products
from the Groom U toolbox to 10 stand-out students from each campus.
Those who visit http://www.PhilipsGroomU.ca (live Sept. 22) and learn about male grooming, will have a chance to be
awarded a $10,000 cash scholarship from Philips.
Groom U Classes in Session at:
_____________________________________________________________________
| Groom U Timetable |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| Campus | Class Day 1 | Class Day 2 |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|University of Alberta,| 22-Sept: Student | 24-Sept: Campus |
|Edmonton AB | Centre | Football Area |
| |10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.| Homecoming Game |
| | |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|University of British | 24-Sept: Campus |27-Sept: Student Centre|
|Columbia, Vancouver BC| Football Arena |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| | Homecoming Game | |
| |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.| |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|York University, | 24-Sept: Campus |19-Oct: Student Centre |
|Toronto ON | Football Arena |10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| | Homecoming Game | |
| |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.| |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|Guelph University, | 24-Sept: Campus |20-Oct: Student Centre |
|Guelph ON | Football Arena |10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| | Homecoming Game | |
| |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.| |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|University of Ottawa, | 24-Sept: Campus |26-Oct: Student Centre |
|Ottawa ON | Football Arena |10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| | Homecoming Game | |
| |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.| |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|McGill University, | 28-Sept: Student |30-Sept:Campus Football|
|Montreal QC | Centre | Arena |
| |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.|12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|Wilfrid Laurier | 29-Sept: Student | 1-Oct:Campus Football |
|University, Waterloo | Centre | Arena |
|ON |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.|10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|University of Western | 29-Sept: Student | 1-Oct:Campus Football |
|Ontario, London ON | Centre | Arena Homecoming Game |
| |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.|10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|University of |5-Oct: Student Centre |6-Oct: Campus Football |
|Waterloo, Waterloo ON |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.| Arena |
| | |4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
|Dalhousie University, |20-Oct: Student Centre|21-Oct: Student Centre |
|Halifax NS |10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.|10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
|______________________|______________________|_______________________|
Skipped the class? Follow Coach Niki on Twitter @CoachNikiKnows and
include the hashtag #PhilipsGroomU or watch her on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/PhilipsGroomU (live Sept. 22).
Groom U Toolbox
Too many men look at daily grooming as a chore they have to get through,
when in fact it's a rare opportunity for self-expression, to create
your own style. Philips is replacing the utilitarian tools of the past
with products, tools and an attitude that enables a truer individual to
shine through with the following tools of expression.
Choose Your Comfort Zone with Wet and Dry Electric Shavers from Philips
The Philips AquaTouch is the tool of choice for those with a tight
schedule and a strict budget. Fully waterproof and optimized for use
with gel or foam, guys on the go can shave and style in the shower. A
pop-up trimmer is perfect for maintaining sideburns and a moustache,
while the three-minute quick charge means they won't ever miss a shave.
Notes on the Philips AquaTouch:
-- More than 50 minutes of cordless shaving on one charge, or
three-minute quick charge for one shave
-- Built in dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably
closer
-- Aquatec seal protects skin during dry or wet shave
-- Philips AquaTouch shavers range in price from $79.99 to $149.99
and are available at major retailers across Canada including:
Best Buy, Future Shop, Canadian Tire, Personal Edge, Jean
Coutu, Loblaws, London Drugs, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, The
Bay, VSRG and Walmart
Do you really want to treat yourself? The SensoTouch 3D is the world's
premier wet and dry electric shaver using Aquatec technology, which
allows use of gels, foams or dry. The Gyroflex system traces every
contour of the face. Aquatec + Gyroflex = a flawless and effortless
shave every time.
Notes on the Philips SensoTouch 3D/2D Series:
-- SkinGlide technology for smooth, low friction shaving
-- UltraTrack shaver heads cathces every hair in just a few
strokes
-- Jet Clean system cleans, lubricates and charges the shaver
ensuring a fresh new shave every day
-- Philips SensoTouch 3D/2D series shavers range in price from
$149.99 to $329.99 and are available at major retailers across
Canada including: Best Buy, Future Shop, Canadian Tire,
Personal Edge, Jean Coutu, Loblaws, London Drugs, Sears,
Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, VSRG and Walmart
Cultivate Sensational Stubble with the Philips Stubble Trimmer
For Groom U students looking to ditch the baby-faced teen look and
replace it with sexy stubble, the Groom U toolbox offers the Philips
Stubble Trimmer. The Stubble Trimmer features precise cutting to any
length, even as short as 0.5mm, and has hardened steel blades that are
sharper than titanium and cut hairs without pulling.
Notes on the Philips Stubble Trimmer:
-- Philips SteelWave technology uses revolutionary, wave-shaped
blades that channel and cut hair for a precise, even trim
-- Ergonomic design makes it easy to use and comfortable to hold
-- Cleaning brush and hair comb included
-- The Philips Stubble Trimmer is $44.99 and is available at major
retailers across Canada including: Best Buy, Future Shop,
Canadian Tire, Personal Edge, Jean Coutu, Loblaws, London
Drugs, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, VSRG and Walmart
Get Back to Body Basics with the Philips Bodygroom Pro
From neck to toe the Bodygroom Pro is designed to adjust to every curve
and slope of a man's body. With rounded blades and combs made from
hypo-allergenic materials, the Bodygroom Pro prevents scratching and
irritation.
Notes on the Philips Bodygroom Pro:
-- All-in-one integrated trim and shave head allow you to tame or
remove unruly hair
-- Cordless with eight hours of charge
-- Wet and dry use
-- Five integrated length settings (three-11 mm)
-- Philips Bodygroomers range in price from $44.99 to $79.99 and
are available at major retailers across Canada including: Best
Buy, Future Shop, Canadian Tire, Personal Edge, Jean Coutu,
Loblaws, London Drugs, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, VSRG
and Walmart
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a
diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving
people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in
healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and
design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer
insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered
in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales
and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR
22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care,
acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and
new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal
well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male
shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News
from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.
Muve Music Programs Offer Customers Exclusive Access to New Music
~ Muve First and Muve Headliner Highlight Emerging and Iconic Artists ~
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cricket Communications, a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services, today announced Muve First and Muve Headliner, two new monthly music programs exclusively for Muve Music customers.
The first monthly program, Muve First, will offer Muve Music subscribers exclusive content before any other digital music service. September's Muve First selection is Mindless Behavior, a dynamic group of young men barely into their teens who have the potential to transform the entire musical landscape as we know it. Mindless Behavior gave Muve Music subscribers a first look at their new music five days before its official launch on September 20.
Cricket is also announcing Muve Headliner, a monthly program that features A-list artists and provides Muve Music users with exclusive and featured music. During the month of September, Muve Headliner highlights two artists--Lil Wayne and Lenny Kravitz. Lil Wayne is a Grammy winning, platinum selling artist and Cricket helped take him to that level. Muve subscribers have made Lil Wayne the artist with the most downloads on Muve Music since the service launched in January. In addition, for Muve Music the real news in Rock right now is the new release of Lenny Kravitz's powerful new album, "BLACK AND WHITE AMERICA." Only on Muve Music will you find an exclusive track titled, "Dance Around The Fire" that will be available all month long tied to this new release.
"Muve subscribers are extremely active music consumers. On average, they are downloading more than 400 songs per month and are listening to music as much as three hours per day," said John Bolton, senior director of product for Muve Music, "Major music labels are looking to Muve as a way to launch new music and increase awareness around emerging talent to further engage this active group of music enthusiasts. And, music industry icons have taken note of Muve and are launching new music that only our subscribers have the opportunity to download and listen."
About Muve Music
In January 2011, Cricket Communications launched Muve Music and became the first U.S. wireless carrier to offer consumers unlimited music as part of a wireless rate plan. With Muve Music, Cricket customers across the country can purchase monthly wireless service that includes unlimited nationwide talk, text, web and unlimited music (full track downloads, ringtones and ringback tones). Muve Music is the first music experience designed specifically for the mobile phone; there are no download fees or monthly music subscription costs - it's all included in the monthly flat rate.
The Muve Music service was built for customers for whom the phone, not the computer, is the center of their digital life. With Muve Music, Cricket has eliminated the complexity found with other digital music services - there are no cables, no drivers and no synching required. Everything happens over Cricket's nationwide 3G network to deliver a robust music experience to music lovers on the go.
Muve Music is the result of a unique collaboration, led by Cricket, between the recorded music and music publishing industries, as well as technology partners Samsung Mobile and SanDisk. The service has an ever-growing music library of millions of recordings featuring artists from 55 record labels, including those owned by Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. Muve Music debuted in early January at the International Consumer Electronics Show. The service launched commercially in Las Vegas on January 20, 2011 and by May 2011, was available in all Cricket markets (one-third of the US) with plans to roll out nationwide later this year. In September, Cricket announced it had achieved 200,000 customers.
How to Get Muve Music
Muve Music is available at Cricket company-owned stores and at http://www.mycricket.com, as well as through select partner retail outlets. The Cricket Muve Music wireless unlimited plan is $65 per month on the Samsung Vitality Android(TM) smartphone and $55 per month on the Samsung Suede feature phone. The Samsung Vitality has an M.S.R.P of [$219.99], but is available now with a [$20] instant rebate. The Samsung Suede has an M.S.R.P. of [$199.99,] but prices may vary by market and by promotional programs. Additional accessories are available for purchase including premium headphones, an audio jack and Bluetooth adapter to connect to home and car stereos, either wired or wirelessly.
Cricket is the pioneer of simple and affordable unlimited wireless services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required serving approximately 5.7 million customers in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Cricket offers wireless voice and broadband Internet services over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital 3G CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Cricket's nationwide wireless voice service plans include unlimited anytime minutes, unlimited U.S. long distance, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited text to Mexico, unlimited Mobile Web, unlimited directory assistance, as well as a variety of calling features and feature-rich mobile applications such as popular games, ringtones and wallpapers. For more information on Cricket, visit http://www.mycricket.com. Cricket is offered by Leap Wireless International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information on Leap, visit http://www.leapwireless.com.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions
SOURCE Cricket Communications, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101220/MM20546LOGO-b http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Cricket Communications, Inc.
CONTACT: Cricket Communications, Inc., Jennifer Briscoe, Media Relations, +1-858-882-9408, jbriscoe@cricketcommunications.com
The popular Irish promo code and deal website relaunches. 5hop5 to save money before you shop.
DUBLIN, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There have been so many discount codes circulating since the recession, helping users save money on everything from food to fashion, that it can be difficult to keep track of what's available. However, one website brings the leading offers together exclusively for Irish consumers - 5hop5.ie.
The promo codes website has re-launched with a brand new look and a host of new features. It collates offers from the leading retailers across Ireland and allows customers to find the discount codes they want either by searching for a specific merchant, such as Next, Debenhams, 3 Mobile, Vodafone, etc.; or searching by category, such as: electronics, travel and more. Among the leading promo codes currently available is 40 per cent off cinema tickets in UCI and Storm Cinemas - the offer runs until the end of September.
5hop5.ie, which already has more than 32,000 regular users, also offers a price comparison service, comparing deals on CDs, DVDs and other items; and a daily deals wall, highlighting the leading offers from group buying websites across the country.
With nine out of ten* people now using money off vouchers and daily deals to save money, Daire McCarthy, the founder of 5hop5.ie, believes the website's re-launch is perfectly timed.
"There's no hiding the fact that Irish consumers are feeling their purse strings tighten through increased fuel, gas and insurance bills - so any chance they have to save money should be grasped with both hands," he said.
"The beauty of 5hop5.ie is that it saves customers money before they shop. The best way to use the website is to think about what items you want to buy and then log on to 5hop5.ie before going to a retailer's website - there might be a discount code available that could slash the cost of an item you were going to buy anyway."
Despite the obvious benefits of using promo codes and social deals, Daire McCarthy still urges caution.
"Don't use daily deals or voucher codes to spend more than you planned," he said. "The trick is to seek out codes for planned purchases and use daily deals for occasional treats."
*According to Halifax Home Insurance - August 25, 2011.
Rdio Becomes One of the First Music Services to Launch on Facebook Open Graph
Now Instantly Play Music from Rdio Straight from Your Facebook Profile
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rdio (http://www.rdio.com), the unlimited, on-demand social music service from the creators of Skype, today announced it is one of the first music services to launch on Facebook's new music platform. With the integration of Rdio on Facebook, Facebook users now have an additional and established platform to share their musical tastes with their friends, regardless of whether or not those friends have an Rdio account. The announcement took place today in San Francisco at f8, Facebook's annual developer conference, during the unveiling of the company's much anticipated music platform.
"Rdio, like Facebook, was built from the ground up as a social service so this integration is a natural fit for us," said Drew Larner, Rdio CEO. "Music has always been a social experience and Rdio has built the best social music discovery service. By combining our social DNA with the expansive reach of the world's largest social network, we've made it even easier for consumers to use Rdio to discover music and share it instantly with their Facebook friends."
Each time an Rdio user plays a song, it shows up in their News Feed, Ticker, and Timeline, giving their friends instant access to what they are listening to. By simply connecting their Facebook account with Rdio, existing Rdio users can instantly play or pause a song on Rdio without ever leaving Facebook. For a Facebook user that is not an Rdio subscriber, clicking on a song automatically creates an Rdio account, but only after permission to connect Facebook and Rdio is given. The newly created account includes a free trial to Rdio Unlimited and doesn't require any downloads or a credit card.
Rdio's integration with Facebook makes it even easier for Canadian music fans to discover, share, and enjoy music with their friends. For a free, seven-day trial of Rdio, visit http://www.rdio.com.
About Rdio
Rdio is an unlimited, on-demand social music service that brings music alive by letting users listen to as many songs as they want, anytime, anywhere, and discover and share new music with friends. Rdio users build and share their online music collections from a catalogue of over 11 million songs and can check out the listening activity, collections and playlists of other users and influencers as well as see what's in heavy rotation in their network, top charts, and newly released albums. Rdio users can access Rdio on a variety of platforms including web, Mac and Windows desktop clients, mobile phone applications for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7, iPad, in-home devices like Sonos and Roku, in the car on Pioneer AppRadio, and Facebook. Rdio was founded by Janus Friis, one of the founders of Skype and is funded by Atomico, Janus Friis through his investment entities, Mangrove Capital Partners and Skype. For more information please visit http://www.rdio.com.
SOURCE Rdio
Rdio
CONTACT: Marisa Marzano, Sparkpr for Rdio, press@rdio.com, +1-705-484-5105
Foodily Announces Enhanced Facebook® Integration to Make Recipe Sharing More Social
FRIENDS CAN NOW SHARE WHAT RECIPES THEY CRAVE, HAVE MADE AND ARE SEARCHING FOR WITHOUT LEAVING FACEBOOK
SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at f8, Facebook's developer conference, Foodily (http://www.foodily.com) announced its new social recipe sharing experience integrated with Facebook, thereby making it easier for people to express what they think about food, discover more about their friends tastes, and share their recipe adventures with friends. Foodily is among the first companies making recipes more social by way of these new features.
Over half of Foodily's users already share recipe content with their Facebook friends via the Foodily app. Now, unlike any other company in the food category, Foodily provides a whole new way for people to connect around everyday cooking events.
With this new deep integration on Facebook, people will not only get updates on what their friends are liking or sharing, but also see comprehensive wall posts about the foods their friends are craving, making, and recommending. On their walls, Foodily users will have recipe images, source information, and customized lists that showcase all of the recipes they've explored and found using the recipe network.
"We're announcing the Foodily app for Facebook as a new way for people to connect around cooking and discover new recipes with their friends on one of the world's premier social platforms," said Andrea Cutright, CEO of Foodily. "We're honored to be participating in the initial roll out of features that take advantage of these new Facebook capabilities."
The Foodily app on Facebook also allows people to follow popular topics including dietary requirements, celebrity cooks and popular chefs. All Foodily content, including related posts and friends' comments, are streamlined in an easy-to-read Facebook feed, making the online experience more personal and relevant.
For more information on the Foodily app for Facebook, visit apps.facebook.com/foodily or http://www.foodily.com.
About Foodily:
Foodily makes sharing recipes a social experience and empowers people to make more informed decisions about the foods they eat. Through its comprehensive recipe network, influenced by friends, people can find and share the food they love online. Based in San Mateo, CA, the award-winning Foodily is driven by a team of seasoned, food-passionate search, linguistic and consumer product experts. The company is backed by leading venture capital firm Index Ventures. Visit http://www.foodily.com and get cooking!
Media Contact:
Laura Goldberg, LBG Public Relations
347-683-1859
lauragoldberg@gmail.com
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
AT&T Presents Major Grant to United Way of Northern New Jersey
NEWTON, N.J., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T* Inc. (NYSE: T) announced a grant of $100,181.28 to United Way of Northern New Jersey. For over 60 years, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have been strong supporters of the United Way both nationally and locally. The AT&T Foundation has given $6.3 million in 2011 to 579 local United Ways across the country.
"AT&T shares United Way's commitment to strengthening communities and improving lives," said J. Michael Schweder, President, AT&T New Jersey. "United Way of Northern New Jersey's support of programs with proven results heightens the positive impact on our community and its citizens by connecting them with resources and expertise to improve their situation. We are proud to support the important work UWNNJ and other New Jersey United Way branches."
"At United Way we know it takes the entire community working together to create lasting, positive change," said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin. "We thank AT&T Foundation for its ongoing generosity on behalf of thousands of families who are struggling across the region. United Way applauds AT&T for being a committed partner in our efforts to strengthen the local communities where we live and work."
United Way of Northern New Jersey is committed to removing the barriers that keep hardworking individuals and families living in our communities from realizing their potential. United Way research has shown that nearly 30 percent of households in our region, which encompasses Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties, are the working poor or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, yet Employed). United Way provides the resources and foundation needed in the areas of Education, Income attainment, and Health so that our residents stay on the right track, avoiding the costly and often unreliable game of catch-up. From promoting early literacy to increasing access to healthy foods and providing free tax preparation, United Way is focused on having a lasting impact on lives from birth through retirement.
In addition to this grant, each year AT&T employees take part in an employee giving campaign that provides millions of dollars to the United Way. In 2010, AT&T's employees, including our employees who are also members of the Communication Workers of America, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Telecommunications International Union, pledged $32 million through this campaign.
*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 and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and working with other organizations, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2010, more than $148.2 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit organization working to improve people's lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life - a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people's lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 973.746.4040 or visit http://www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.
Alliance Distributors Announces Release of "Elemites" in the iTunes App Store
NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Distributors Holding Inc. (Pink Sheets: ADTR.PK), a distributor of interactive video games and gaming products, today announced that Metaversal Studios, its content development arm, has released 'Elemites' in the iTunes App Store.
The game casts the player in the role of an inept wizard who is chased from his village by an angry mob after a spell goes horribly awry. A book of magic gives him the power to summon mysterious elemental creatures called Elemites. Armed with the book and his Elemite forces, he sets off to seek his revenge.
Players can begin the journey, free for the first region, and then upgrade the game for $0.99 to unlock additional regions.
"Elemites gives us the opportunity to bring a new genre of games to iOS," said Matt Sughrue, Vice President of Product Development. "With Elemites, we've created the RTSS genre, which marries vertical scrolling with deep strategy. Gamers of all types and skill levels will enjoy the new twist on strategy gaming and fans of our games will love the quirky humor."
Jay Gelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We're excited to add Elemites to our growing list of innovative, mobile, casual games. Elemites combines an entertaining story, great art work and challenging game play, to create a great gaming experience."
About Alliance Distributors Holding Inc.
Alliance Distributors Holding Inc. (http://www.alliancedistributors.com), which does business as Alliance Distributors, is a full-service wholesale videogame distributor, specializing in gaming products and accessories for all key manufacturers and 3rd party publishers. Alliance Distributors offers support on: PS3, PSP, PS2, X-Box 360, Wii, DS and GBA SP, peripherals and software titles. Alliance develops downloadable and social content video games through Metaversal Studios (http://www.metaversalstudios.com), which it wholly-owns.
Safe Harbor
Certain statements contained in this press release contain forward-looking statements including without limitation, statements concerning our operations, economic performance, and financial condition. The words "estimate," "believe," "expect," "should" and "anticipate" and other similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements, which are based largely on our current expectations, involve risks and uncertainty. Actual results, events and circumstances (including future performance, results and trends) could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors, risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, risks associated with technological change, competitive factors and general economic conditions, including the related impact on discretionary consumer spending, changes in marketing and distribution strategies by manufacturers, continued shortages of new platform systems, timely development and release of video game products we produce, potential cost overruns in our development of video games, ability to protect our intellectual property rights, potential claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others, market acceptance of games we develop, ability to realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions, potential undiscovered liabilities of companies that we acquire, changes in our business or growth strategy, the emergence of new or growing competitors, various other competitive and technological factors. There can be no assurance that the results referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this release will occur. The Company has no duty and undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
SOURCE Alliance Distributors Holding Inc.
Alliance Distributors Holding Inc.
CONTACT: Alliance Distributors Holding Inc., Steve Gelman - VP of Marketing and Communications, +1-718-536-2248, steve@alliancedis.com
Rdio Becomes One of the First Music Services to Launch on Facebook Open Graph
Now Instantly Play Music from Rdio Straight from Your Facebook Profile
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rdio (http://www.rdio.com), the unlimited, on-demand social music service from the creators of Skype, today announced it is one of the first music services to launch on Facebook's new music platform. With the integration of Rdio on Facebook, Facebook users now have an additional and established platform to share their musical tastes with their friends, regardless of whether or not those friends have an Rdio account. The announcement took place today in San Francisco at f8, Facebook's annual developer conference, during the unveiling of the company's much anticipated music platform.
"Rdio, like Facebook, was built from the ground up as a social service so this integration is a natural fit for us," said Drew Larner, Rdio CEO. "Music has always been a social experience and Rdio has built the best social music discovery service. By combining our social DNA with the expansive reach of the world's largest social network, we've made it even easier for consumers to use Rdio to discover music and share it instantly with their Facebook friends."
Each time an Rdio user plays a song, it shows up in their News Feed, Ticker, and Timeline, giving their friends instant access to what they are listening to. By simply connecting their Facebook account with Rdio, existing Rdio users can instantly play or pause a song on Rdio without ever leaving Facebook. For a Facebook user that is not an Rdio subscriber, clicking on a song automatically creates an Rdio account, but only after permission to connect Facebook and Rdio is given. The newly created account includes a free trial to Rdio Unlimited and doesn't require any downloads or a credit card.
Building on today's integration, Rdio will soon be launching free access to its music catalog without advertising. With Rdio's free access, users will be able to listen to all of Rdio's content (over 11 million songs and growing), including exclusives on the web. Importantly, it will further enhance the music experience on Facebook by making discovering and listening to music shared by your friends through Rdio completely frictionless.
About Rdio
Rdio is an unlimited, on-demand social music service that brings music alive by letting users listen to as many songs as they want, anytime, anywhere, and discover and share new music with friends. Rdio users build and share their online music collections from a catalogue of over 11 million songs and can check out the listening activity, collections and playlists of other users and influencers as well as see what's in heavy rotation in their network, top charts, and newly released albums. Rdio users can access Rdio on a variety of platforms including web, Mac and Windows desktop clients, mobile phone applications for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7, iPad, in-home devices like Sonos and Roku,in the car on Pioneer AppRadio, and Facebook. Rdio was founded by Janus Friis, one of the founders of Skype and is funded by Atomico, Janus Friis through his investment entities, Mangrove Capital Partners and Skype. For more information please visit http://www.rdio.com.
SOURCE Rdio
Rdio
CONTACT: Joseph Martorano of Sparkpr, +1-415-321-1865, press@rdio.com, for Rdio
Indie Web Movie Theater Inmoo.com Joins Apple's App Store
Thousands of Independent Films Available for Free on iPhone and iPad Devices
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Inmoo, the world's largest authorized independent movie theater on the Web, announced today that it will stream thousands of free, high-quality independent movies to both iPhone and iPad users through native apps available in the App Store. Inmoo and Inmoo HD, designed for the iPhone and iPad respectively, provide consumers with free access to nine movies selected each week from Inmoo's growing content library. Additionally, paid version of the app, called Inmoo Plus, is available for users wishing to gain access to the entire content library, use advanced search and filtering functions or participate in the dialog.
"Our apps are a result of continuous feedback from our loyal user base; we're pleased to offer it in the App Store for free," said Mike Wittlin, president of Inmoo. "We're giving our users a growing collection of Indie Movies to enjoy wherever they are, whenever they want."
Sourced directly from producers, directors and distributors, Inmoo's content is now accessible to mobile users in addition to those on the Web. With Inmoo, content producers are given a simple way to help distribute and monetize their Indie films without having to invest in infrastructure or marketing. Inmoo's suite of management tools encodes and stream videos, while advanced real-time analytical tools provide meaningful insights into consumer behavior, preferences and social activity. These tools, coupled with strategic partnerships with top-tier advertising networks, help monetize films and increase viewership.
"Thanks to the Inmoo app, finding and sharing indie movies has never been easier," Sergio Radovcic, CEO of Inmoo stated. "Additionally, our integration with Twitter and Facebook allow users to share their favorite clips and moments with their friends - conveniently from their iOS devices."
Inmoo's platform allows users to comment, rate, recommend and share their favorite indie films, shorts, behind-the-scenes, experiments, webisodes and clips with friends through seamless integration with various social networks. Additionally, the content is free for users, compliments of relevant advertising from marquee sponsors. Half of all proceeds generated by Inmoo, go back to the filmmakers and are also used toward innovative contests and festivals to help promote the creative content.
Focused on an excellent user experience, Inmoo created a custom video player that adapts to the user's available bandwidth and CPU utilization to provide the best viewing experience possible. Their custom-built open API allows any third party developer to create their own application that can leverage the Inmoo infrastructure.
About Inmoo
Founded in 2010, Inmoo is the largest authorized independent entertainment theater on the Web. Inmoo provides free, ad-supported access to thousands of high quality independent films, shorts and series. Viewable on the computer, smart phone, tablet or television, Inmoo s founding team is rooted in the entertainment and digital media fields. Based in Los Angeles, Inmoo operates on the core principles of simplicity, fairness and transparency by creating an open marketplace for the content owners and consumers to connect, interact and engage.
Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon Launches Smart Phone App
DETROIT, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon announced today the release of a smart phone app for use on iPhone and Android devices. This free app, sponsored by Greektown Casino, gives users the ability to register for events, check course maps, search results, view photo galleries, and track runners during the race.
The app is also fully integrated with Facebook and Twitter, making it easy for users to share content.
"Detroit is the only race that crosses international borders twice and now we're the only major race with an app," said Rich Harshbarger, executive race director. "We're proud to work with Greektown Casino on this exciting launch that puts information about this premier event right at users' fingertips," Harshbarger said.
Marvin Beatty, chief community officer of Greektown Casino added, "We are excited to be involved with this year's Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon. This event, which brings such fantastic energy to our city each year, is a prime example of why we are so proud to be a part of this great community."
The 34th annual Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank marathon takes place October 16 and includes a full- and half-marathon, 5-person relay team and a 5k run/walk. Registration closes October 13, at midnight.
Here's Something to "Like": Rhapsody Unveils All-Access Free Music Trial Through Facebook
With 38 percent of all Rhapsody playback coming from smartphones, mobile is an essential part of the on-demand music experience
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Here's something to "like":Rhapsody unveiled a new free trial today for Facebook Music users that provides unlimited and instant access to Rhapsody's catalogue of 13 millions songs with the click of a button. The trial also includes access to Rhapsody via all major smart phone types including Apple and Android mobile phones, making it the only on-demand music service to offer a free trial with full access to all features for 30 days, even while on the go.
Mobile usage has skyrocketed over the past year, and is on the verge of surpassing the PC as the most popular way to listen to Rhapsody, with the mobile and PC platforms each accounting for 38 percent of plays. In addition, mobile users are enjoying their Rhapsody subscriptions even more by playing 30 percent more tracks on average, than someone who listens to Rhapsody only from their PC.
While most on-demand music services put access to their mobile offering behind a pay wall, Rhapsody's new free trial provides full access to its mobile platform so users can immerse themselves in the full Rhapsody music experience wherever they are--with or without an Internet connection.
"Taking mobile access out of the on-demand music experience is like taking Mick Jagger out of the Rolling Stones," said Jon Irwin, president, Rhapsody. "Consumers love listening to Rhapsody on their smartphones, without advertising and gimmicks to keep their free experience going. We've found that the best way to demonstrate the value of an on-demand music service is to actually provide it in an on-demand fashion; on the device you carry with you everywhere."
During the trial period, Facebook users can listen to Rhapsody's library of 13 million songs on more than 70 consumer electronic devices, including all smartphone platforms--no credit card or sign-up required. In addition, they can sample from Rhapsody's programmed and artist radio, browse original editorial content and try out Rhapsody's new social music features - all for free and without advertising.
"The only free music we believe in is music that is free of restrictions," said Irwin. "We have found that a trial is the optimal way to convert paying subscribers, and I expect that Facebook Music will amplify the effectiveness of this proven marketing tactic."
To learn more about Rhapsody, please visit http://www.rhapsody.com/plans. You can also follow Rhapsody on Twitter and Facebook.
About Rhapsody
The Rhapsody® digital music service (http://www.rhapsody.com) gives subscribers unlimited on-demand access to more than 13 million songs, whether they're listening on a PC, laptop, Internet connected home stereo or TV, MP3 player or mobile phone. Rhapsody allows subscribers to access their music through more touch-points than any other digital music service, including mobile phones from Verizon Wireless and MetroPCS, through Rhapsody applications on the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, RIM BlackBerry and Android mobile platforms as well as through devices from Vizio, SanDisk, HP, Sonos and Philips. Rhapsody, and the Rhapsody logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Rhapsody International Inc. Follow @Rhapsody on Twitter and keep up with the latest on the Rhapsody Facebook page.
CONTACT
Jaimee Minney Steele
Rhapsody International, Inc.
206.707.8175 (o)
CHARGE Anywhere® Announces PA-DSS Application Certification for the CHARGE Anywhere® Payment Application for Windows Mobile®
Certification ensures highest degree of security & privacy
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CHARGE Anywhere® LLC, a leading provider of award winning secure mobile payment and payment gateway solutions, announced today certification with Payment Card Industry Standard Security Council's (PCI SSC) Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) program (previously called the Visa Payment Application Best Practice (PABP) Program) for version 2.0.0.17 of the CHARGE Anywhere® Payment Application for Windows Mobile®.
With CHARGE Anywhere® Payment Application for Windows Mobile® merchants can effortlessly turn any Smartphone or Tablet into a fully functional, secure, and intuitive point-of-sale terminal. The easy-to-use, Windows based credit card processing solution gives businesses the freedom to securely process and manage credit card transactions from their mobile devices.
"Certification with Payment Card Industry Standard Security Council's Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) program demonstrates CHARGE Anywhere's ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and reliable platform that assists merchants in protecting themselves against unscrupulous hackers intending to steal valuable information," said Paul Sabella, President and CEO. "CHARGE Anywhere is pleased to be able to offer our customers products and solutions that meet the industry's highest level of security."
The PCI SSC developed the PA-DSS based upon the Visa Payment Application Best Practices (PABP) to direct software vendors to create and maintain secure payment applications to reduce vulnerability of merchants and minimize data breaches. Compliance with the PA-DSS is determined based upon data and information developed by an evaluation of the application by a Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor approved by the PCI SSC. Today the adherence to PCI DSS is mandatory for banks, processing centers, financial organizations and merchants working with payment brands.
CHARGE Anywhere's distinct mobile point-of-sale solution for iPhone(TM), BlackBerry®, Android(TM), Windows Mobile®, Java® and Brew(TM) Platforms, allow users to process payments securely and in real-time. The exclusive solution allows users to capture and download mission critical business data above and beyond traditional credit card data such as signature, invoice number, employee number, tips, GPS location and more. CHARGE Anywhere's solution also has the capability to eliminate the need to store paper receipts with electronic signature capture, storage and retrieval.
CHARGE Anywhere continues to win awards for its industry-leading, multi-platform Payment Ecosystem. CHARGE Anywhere's mobile payments solutions are winners of the 2011 Mobile Payments Solutions Provider, 2010 CTIA E-Tech Awards in the Mobile Applications - Mobile Payments Category, the 2010 Mobile Merit Awards for Best Overall Enabler Application, the 2009 Best of Interop-PCI Security Solution Award and the 2009 Electronic Transaction Association Technology Innovation Award.
About CHARGE Anywhere: CHARGE Anywhere is the developer of proprietary Payment Card Industry PA-DSS certified CHARGE Anywhere® v2.0.0 Mobile Payment/POS software solution designed for use with QuickBooks®, Smartphones and POS Terminals, e-commerce, Web terminal and PCI DSS Level 1 compliant ComsGate® Payment Gateway. CHARGE Anywhere offers business partners and customers the most secure and robust selection of industry specific and customized payments solutions and services, including: IP/Wireless Payment Gateway, POS software, Encryption and Data Security Services, Closed Loop Card Management and Merchant Billing Services. For more information contact them at http://www.chargeanywhere.com, or (800) 211-1256.
Kobo(TM) announces new social eReading features on Facebook at f8 developer conference
SAN FRANCISCO, TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Today at f8, Facebook's
developer conference, Kobo, a global leader in eReading with over 4.9
million users worldwide, is discussing the next advancement in social
eReading that will provide people with the ability to engage in
conversations with each other while reading, as well as a Facebook
integration that makes it easier for people to feature their eReading
activity on their Facebook profile.
"Kobo will soon launch a revolutionary advancement in social eReading,
and this news will change the nature of how and what we read," said Dan
Leibu, chief technology officer, Kobo. "Our extremely popular Kobo
Reading Life app was the first social platform to deliver interaction
to eReading. Kobo is committed to staying on the cutting-edge of
social eReading to realize our mission of inspiring more people to read
by allowing them to share thoughts, insights and experiences."
Kobo Reading Life, one of the industry's first comprehensive social
reading experiences, is available on all of the company's apps and
devices including the innovative Kobo eReader Touch Edition and apps
for iPad, iPhone and Android. Reading Life allows people to connect
with their friends on Facebook and see what books they are reading, see
books in common, ask for recommendations, compare awards and reading
stats, and share their favorite quotes and passages, notes and thoughts
with followers. Kobo offers free eReading apps for most computers,
smart phones and tablets on the market today.
Through Facebook Platform, people can share the experience of the social
reading app with their friends, and discover new books through friends,
making their online experience more personal and relevant.
Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis will be discussing Kobo's expanding social
reading experience on f8 Live (f8.facebook.com), streaming directly from the event at 2:20 p.m. PST.
Kobo is a global eReading service with more than 2.5 million eBooks,
magazines and newspapers - one of the largest eReading catalogues in
the world. Kobo believes consumers should have the freedom to read any
book on any device and has attracted millions of readers from over 100
countries across the globe. Kobo has top ranked eReading applications
for iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows and MacOS, and is the
eReading application of choice for leading tablet OEMs. The Kobo
Wireless eReader and the new Kobo eReader Touch Edition is available at
leading retailers, including Indigo, Walmart, Best Buy, WH Smith,
Collins Booksellers and Whitcoull's. Kobo's innovative Reading Life is
an industry-first comprehensive social eReading experience - Kobo users
can earn awards simply for time spent reading and encouraging others.
Kobo is backed by majority shareholder Indigo Books & Music Inc, Cheung
Kong Holdings, and institutional investors.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
SOURCE Kobo Inc.
Kobo Inc.
CONTACT: Wendy Zaas/Karina St. Jean
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8148/212.445.8419
wzaas@rogersandcowan.com
kstjean@rogersandcowan.com
Pyramid Research Launches New Industry Insight Packs
New service delivers data and analysis to navigate key high-growth telecom markets
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pyramid Research (http://www.pyr.com) today launched a new research service that combines Pyramid's extensive database resources with high-level expert analysis to enable clients to identify and exploit new telecom revenue opportunities in emerging markets.
Pyramid's new Industry Insight Pack Series includes up-to-the-minute data and market forecasts, an in-depth research report and a live session with a senior Pyramid analyst, giving clients quick and direct insight into key trends that are reshaping the telecom landscape in the world's emerging markets. The first four Industry Insight Packs offered by Pyramid include the following:
-- Mobile Broadband Devices: Global Landscape & Trends
-- Mobile Commerce Landscape: Value Chains, Business Models and Innovations
-- Fiber in the Last Mile: Network Business Models, Adoption Trends and
Best Practices
-- Universal Access to Broadband: Regulatory and Policy Best Practices in
Emerging Markets
"The global communications industry is undergoing a transformation as service providers redefine their role in the industry's value chain while battling with falling subscriber revenues and re-focusing on growth opportunities in emerging markets, technologies, and services," says Cristiano Laux, Head of Consulting and Thematic Practices for Pyramid Research, a telecom research division of the Light Reading Communications Network. "Developed by Pyramid's Practice Leaders, each Industry Insight Pack offers a full range of resources to identify, evaluate and enter emerging, high-growth telecom markets and sectors."
IndustryInsight Packs are the latest addition to Pyramid's expanding product portfolio, following the recent announcement of new sector series tool kits for its targeted consulting practices. "In addition to our renown research expertise in Emerging Markets across Latin America, Africa and the Middle East and Asia/Pacific, Pyramid has built powerful Strategic and Functional credentials in key sectors such as Mobile Devices, Digital Content and Applications, Broadband & Media and Regulation and Policy through our fact-based approach to Consulting," says Daniel Amparan, Managing Director for Pyramid Research. "Our Industry Insight Packs are yet another way we can offer our expertise across the sectors that matter most to leaders in the global communications industry."
Learn more about Pyramid's new Industry Insight Packs and our Strategic & Functional Consulting capabilities. To purchase, you can order online, or contact us at sales@pyr.com.
Press contact:
Jennifer BakerDirector of MarketingLight Reading Communications Networkjbaker@lightreading.com
Pyramid Research (http://www.pyr.com) offers practical solutions to the complex demands our clients face in the global communications industry. Our analysis is uniquely positioned at the intersection of emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models, powered by the bottom-up methodology of our market forecasts for more than 100 countries - a distinction that has remained unmatched for more than 25 years. As a telecom research arm of the Light Reading Communications Network (http://www.lrcn.com), Pyramid Research contributes to the only integrated business information platform serving the $4 trillion global communications industry.
The Light Reading Communications Network (http://www.lrcn.com) combines the most trusted telecom research brands with award-winning online communities and a rich events portfolio to deliver the only integrated business information platform serving the global communications industry. With the power of this platform, leaders who build, deploy, finance and regulate next-generation telecom networks are able to make more informed decisions on emerging market and service opportunities. The Light Reading Communications Network is a division of UBM TechWeb (http://www.ubmtechweb.com), the global leader in technology media and business information.
Education app launched for course selection advice, connecting college students nationwide
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chegg today announced a new integration with Facebook to expand its social education platform within the social epicenter. The new app will give Chegg users the ability to share their college course selection - past and present - on Facebook with only the touch of a button.
The app will be available to all students and will initially start with course listings for more than 1,000 colleges and universities and continue to expand. The app will also allow students who use Chegg and Facebook within these universities to share previous or current course selection on Facebook using a simple widget embedded within their Chegg profile.
The integration with Facebook significantly expands Chegg's reach through the most widely used social site in the world. With this feature, students who are already on Facebook can now connect to others via their courses. Unlike any other company in the education space, Chegg now provides tools and resources to students in ways that fit into their everyday lives 365 days a year.
"Our mission has always been to save students time, save money and help them get smarter," said Dan Rosensweig, president and CEO of Chegg. "With this new integration, we're extending our social education platform so students can connect with even more students to make smart choices about their courses in the largest social community - Facebook."
Chegg is among the first to introduce education focused apps at Facebook's f8 developer conference.
To learn more about Chegg's social education platform and its network of services, go to http://www.chegg.com.
About Chegg:
Chegg, the social education platform, is transforming the way millions of students learn by connecting them to the people and tools needed to succeed in college. Students on more than 7,000campusesnationwide use Chegg 365 days a year for: Homework help, Course selection, Note taking, Textbook and e-textbook rentals and Daily deals. As a part of the company's philanthropic efforts, Chegg is dedicated to its Chegg For Good program, where it does good for education, the environment and various communities. Since its founding in 2007, Chegg's growth has made it one of Silicon Valley's most successful start-ups. From starting as a purely textbook rental company to evolving into the education network, Chegg is disrupting (and enhancing) education for millions of students. For more information, visit http://www.chegg.com/.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
Verizon Wireless Is the Official Wireless Partner of "THE X FACTOR(TM)"
The Xtra Factor(TM) App Presented by Verizon to Give Verizon Wireless Customers Exclusive Access to THE X FACTOR with Live Behind-The-Scenes Video and Voting from Within the App
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Verizon said today that it is the official wireless partner of THE X FACTOR(TM), which premiered last night and continues tonight from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX, and it has joined forces with THE X FACTOR as the presenting sponsor of The Xtra Factor App for smartphones and other mobile devices including tablets. The free App, available now, will give customers unprecedented access to this fall's most-anticipated new TV show with exclusive content and features available only to Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon Wireless customers will also have the chance to vote for contestants from within the smartphone App during the voting window directly following the live performance shows of THE X FACTOR later this fall.
The Xtra Factor App presented by Verizon immerses customers in THE X FACTOR experience on their smartphones and other mobile devices with exclusive, live, behind-the-scenes streaming video during the performance shows. Customers can experience the pre-performance backstage frenzy and post-performance emotional reactions of the contestants on their phones while at the same time watching the live shows on television. Verizon Wireless customers will also be able to click on the image of their favorite contestant to vote using the App.
"Verizon's mobile technology lets customers watch TV in entirely new ways," said John Harrobin, vice president, marketing at Verizon Wireless. "The Xtra Factor App will be a companion screen to the TV broadcast and give our customers a front row seat to the hottest show of the fall."
"I think it's fantastic that Verizon is giving everyone a chance to watch what's going on backstage on The Xtra Factor App and to stay connected with the show and each other," said Simon Cowell. "I'm looking forward to reading everyone's comments!"
"We are very excited to be partnering with Verizon Wireless on THE X FACTOR," said Jean Rossi, president of FOX One and executive vice president of sales for FOX. "The collaborative nature of Verizon Wireless will give us the opportunity to unleash innovative entertainment beyond an organic integration, and their technological expertise will elevate THE X FACTOR consumer experience across multiple screens."
The Xtra Factor App will be available in the Android Market(TM) and iTunes® Store with basic features, including video-on-demand and tweeting from within the App to wireless customers with a compatible device. In addition to video content, all fans with the App will be able to participate as the Verizon Fifth Judge during the live performance shows, rating contestants based on various criteria, then posting their individual rating to their Facebook® news feed. Verizon will also have a presence at TheXFactorUSA.com with features including a virtual set tour and video-on-demand.
All Verizon smartphones require a data package. Message and data charges apply to the download and use of The Xtra Factor App.
Hosted by Steve Jones, THE X FACTOR continues its highly anticipated debut with the second night of a two-night series premiere tonight from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. Be there as THE X FACTOR judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger begin their search for undiscovered talent 12 years old and over - both solo artists and vocal groups - who are worthy of the largest prize in television history: a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music and a featured role in an iconic Pepsi Super Bowl spot.
THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America. Visit TheXFactorUSA.com for up-to-the-minute news, videos and information. Become a fan of THE X FACTOR on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA, and follow the series on Twitter(TM) @TheXFactorUSA.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About "The X Factor"
Since its debut in 2004, "The X Factor" has remained the U.K.'s #1 program for the last seven years, peaking with an audience of 21 million with 65% audience share for its 2010 finale. The format swiftly broke similar records around the world, where local versions have consistently rated #1 in 15 territories, with a worldwide audience now well over 100 million. In Denmark, it has ranked #1 for the last four years, peaking with an 80% share of the audience. In Colombia, it has consistently ranked #1 with a 75% share of the audience. Additionally, "The X Factor" consistently delivers a 50% to 65% share of the viewing audiences in Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, France and Italy - with the highest percentage of these shares in A15-34. In some markets, "The X Factor" has increased the channel average demographic by up to 250%. The series has received numerous honors worldwide, including three BAFTA awards, numerous NTA awards and the coveted Rose d'Or. In the U.K., an unprecedented 1.5 million iTunes downloads were made from "The X Factor" contestant performances in 2010. Globally, more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.
About Syco/Simon Cowell
Syco, with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. Syco Television owns and produces the BAFTA Award-winning "The X Factor," which has topped the charts around the world. Syco Television is also the owner of the "Got Talent" television format. Versions of both "The X Factor" and "Got Talent" are co-produced by Syco, and are shown in more than 70 countries and have won multiple awards including national television awards and BAFTAs. THE X FACTOR launches in America on FOX in Fall 2011 with Cowell as a judge. Syco is also the record label home for such diverse international recording stars as Leona Lewis and Il Divo. Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 200 million albums and delivering more than 180 No. 1 records. "Britain's Got Talent" in 2009 launched the global singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut Syco album sold over 8 million units in six weeks, making it the world's biggest-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album in history with a total of 20 million records to date. In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporter's Top 50 Most Powerful in Reality TV and Entertainment Weekly's Top Entertainer of the Year. In 2010, Cowell was awarded Variety International's Humanitarian Award for his extensive charitable work, The Rose d'Or Golden Jubilee Award and BAFTA's Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and development of new talent. He also appeared on Time Magazine's list of Most Influential People in the World and was awarded the International Emmy Founders Award.
About FremantleMedia North America
FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative programs for network, cable, syndicated and online platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon AMERICAN IDOL (FOX), "America's Got Talent" (NBC), "Hole In The Wall" (Cartoon Network), "Let's Make A Deal" (CBS), "Family Feud" (syn), "The Price Is Right" (CBS) and THE X FACTOR.
Activision and Treyarch Declare War on Zombies, as They Launch Call of Duty®: Black Ops Rezurrection on PlayStation®3 System and Windows PC Today
Zombie Hunting Season Begins With All-New Level "Moon," Four Remastered Classic Zombies Maps, Enhanced Zombies Soundtrack and New Zombies Theme
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Call of Duty® gamers lock and load in low gravity today with the release of Call of Duty®: Black Ops Rezurrection, the fourth downloadable content pack for the best-selling first-person-shooter, Call of Duty®: Black Ops. Rezurrection's top-secret cargo features the massive Zombies frag-fest Moon, as well as four re-mastered levels from Zombies past, an enhanced soundtrack and new Moon theme.
Moon features all-new weapons, futuristic gear and hordes of low-gravity loving undead, delivering Black Ops' deepest and most intense Zombies experience yet. Meanwhile, strengthened with the firepower and visual splendor of Black Ops, players can relive the nightmare of "Nacht der Untoten," escape the zombie madness in the asylum of "Verruckt," battle back the undead Imperial Army of "Shi No Numa," and pull the plug on "Der Riese," the zombie factory that started it all.
"The enthusiasm of our incredibly loyal Zombies community is infectious," said Treyarch Studio Head, Mark Lamia. "With Rezurrection, we are delivering to our fans the most comprehensive Zombies content package so far, with four critically acclaimed Zombies experiences, plus our latest creation Moon, the biggest and most elaborate Zombies adventure yet."
For our fans who purchased the Black Ops Hardened or Prestige Editions for the PlayStation 3 system, and have already downloaded the Classic Zombies Pack with re-mastered maps, Rezurrection can be downloaded via the in-game store or through the PlayStation®Store for free. This includes Moon, the Zombies Soundtrack and the Moon Theme.
Treyarch is also delighted to announce that they have once again partnered with hardcore Call of Duty fans and rock superstars, Avenged Sevenfold, featuring their classic track, Nightmare, in Rezurrection's Moon level.
To mark the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection on the PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC , the team will host Double XP from Friday, September 23rd through Monday, September 26th.
Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language. PS3 players who purchased the Call of Duty: Black Ops Hardened or Prestige Editions can download Rezurrection in its entirety for free by going to the in-game or PlayStation Store. For full details on download options, please visit http://www.callofduty.com/intel/492 for in-depth instructions.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Call of Duty and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Windows PC is a registered trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.
SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.
Activision Publishing, Inc.
CONTACT: Bianca Harzbecker, Publicist of Activision Publishing, Inc., +1-310-496-5290, bianca.harzbecker@activision.com
Adam Kidron and Mark Mulligan on F8 Facebook Music Announcement, Boinc and Digital Music
Ahead of the imminent F8 Facebook music sharing announcement, industry analyst Mark Mulligan interviews Adam Kidron, CEO of Boinc, which is set to launch its new device-based social music service in coming months
LONDON, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the imminent F8 Facebook music sharing announcement, industry analyst Mark Mulligan interviews Adam Kidron, CEO of Boinc, which is set to launch its new device-based social music service in coming months.
The two discuss:
-- The ever-changing music industry market dynamics
-- The importance of a social element in music
-- Boinc's device-based offering
Adam Kidron: "We're going to democratize music consumption. By embedding licenses into devices, we're going to reduce costs to a point which consumers don't mind paying and bring thousands . . . hundreds of thousands . . . . millions of new consumers into the marketplace."
Mark Mulligan: "I think the idea of subsidizing music or getting the telco or device manufacturer to subsidize music is crucial. It's something I've been talking about for a lot of years. It's the third way of digital music."