iBaby Labs Launches Breakthrough Baby Monitor for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad
Joint hardware and application allows users to view, listen to and soothe their baby from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pepcom Holiday Spectacular! -- iBaby Labs, the designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge mobile baby products, today announced the launch of their introductory device, the iBaby Monitor(TM) for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Comprised of a free-standing or wall-mountable camera and free companion iBaby App, this breakthrough product provides users with the easiest way to monitor their baby at home or on the go.
Available early fourth quarter, the iBaby Monitor goes far beyond traditional baby monitors allowing parents to pan and follow their moving baby, receive alerts upon their baby's cries or movement and share access with additional loved ones or childcare providers.
"Giving consumers the ability to easily and effectively care for their families is our passion," said Adam Lin, GM of iHealth Lab, the exclusive distributor of iBaby products. "The iBaby Monitor enables parents to watch over their sleeping children from anywhere leaving them feeling confident in their babies' well-being."
How It Works
The iBaby Monitor allows users to view, hear and monitor their baby through a free downloadable app on their iOS device or a free PC desktop application. The system comes with a free-standing camera, wall-mounting bracket and accessories for quick and easy set up.
The companion iBaby App includes an easy-to-use interface with high resolution, color and night vision images allowing the user to monitor their baby anytime, anywhere there's a Wi-Fi connection. Users can easily pan up/down and left/right with the swipe of their iOS touchscreen device or the click of a PC mouse. Motion and sound detector features allows users to establish alerts anytime a motion or sound is detected. Users can also instantaneously share access to the camera with three additional family members or childcare providers via a secure access code. Two-way audio capabilities also allow parents to soothe their baby anywhere, anytime with the sound of their voice.
The iBaby Monitor's unlimited range allows users to monitor their baby from anywhere in the world via a Wi-Fi signal. The sleek and slender unit is also portable and can be moved anywhere in the house or conveniently brought with you while traveling.
Availability, Compatibility and Price
The iBaby Monitor is available for $199.95 from http://www.ibabylabs.com and select national retailers.
The companion iBaby Monitor App will be available for free from the App Store for iOS devices.
About iBaby Labs
iBaby Labs designs and manufactures parent-friendly, mobile baby products. The company focuses on delivering easy-to-use products that make it simple for you to monitor and improve the health and wellness of your family. iBaby plans to develop a suite of digital baby devices designed for the iOS mobile platform. Visit http://www.ibabylabs.com for more information.
SOURCE iBaby Labs
iBaby Labs
CONTACT: Lyndsey Besser, Sparkpr, +1-415-321-1877, or +1-650-995-4563, ihealth@sparkpr.com
The #1 virtual world for kids launches its first App for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad -based on the wildly popular game from the Club Penguin virtual world
BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Club Penguin (clubpenguin.com), the #1 virtual world for kids, announced that its first iOS game, Puffle Launch, is now available on the App Store. Puffle Launch features fast paced gameplay in which players blast pet Puffles through a series of challenging levels. Originally debuting as a game within Club Penguin in March 2010, Puffle Launch became an instant hit, and is now played by more than 150,000 kids each day in the virtual world.Puffles are the penguins' pets in Club Penguin, and have become a phenomenon of their own. In fact, a new Puffle is adopted every second in the virtual world, with more than 20 million Puffles already adopted in 2011. In the Puffle Launch App, the Puffles take to the skies to seek revenge when a cranky crab steals all the snacks.
"Kids are going mobile and have been asking for Club Penguin to go there with them. Disney pioneered virtual worlds and social gaming for kids, and now we want to enable kids to connect with their friends and our worlds on the go," said Lane Merrifield, Co-founder and executive vice president of Disney Online Studios. "This is only the beginning for Club Penguin on mobile and we have some really exciting plans that will unfold over the next year."Key Puffle Launch features:
-- Take on 24 high speed levels - Get back all the Puffle O's, dodge
obstacles, discover surprises, and find a fiery prize at the end of
every level.
-- Challenge boss levels - Battle the cranky crab and his mechanical claw,
and counter his moves with some of your own.
-- Easy to use touch controls - Use your skills to blast through the skies,
conquering each level.
-- Unlock new modes - Take on Time Trial Mode, Turbo Mode, and replay all
the levels in Slo-Mo.
-- Earn virtual coins to transfer - Collect Puffle O's and earn virtual
coins to transfer to clubpenguin.com.
In addition to the success of its virtual world, Club Penguin has extended its franchise with several offline offerings, including a successful line of products in 10 major categories. These products are available in more than 25 countries, and include books, toys and games, as well as the #1 selling Disney property ever on the Nintendo DS.
The Puffle Launch App is available for $0.99 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.
About Club Penguin
Club Penguin (http://www.clubpenguin.com), a product of Disney Online Studios, is the #1 virtual world for children. Club Penguin works to maintain a fun and safe online entertainment experience by using filtering technology and live moderators. The award-winning virtual world of Club Penguin contains no third-party advertising and is free to use and enjoy, however a subscription membership provides access to additional features that enhance the play experience. Club Penguin is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, is enjoyed by parents and children around the world, and can be played in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.
About Disney Online Studios
Disney Online Studios (DOS), part of Disney Interactive Media Group, develops and publishes an industry-leading suite of online virtual worlds for kids and families. Products under the DOS brand include Club Penguin, one of the largest virtual worlds for children, World of Cars Online, based on the hit Disney/Pixar animated feature "Cars;" Fairies Pixie Hollow, Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and Toontown Online. Disney Online Studios offices are located in North Hollywood, California.
For more information contact: Brian NelsonDisney Interactive Media Group650-963-8051brian.nelson@disney.com
RadioShack Delivers Special Offers for Launch of Verizon Wireless in Stores Nationwide
Largest Wireless Carrier's Top-Selling Devices Available in 4,400-Plus RadioShack Locations
FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH), a leading national retailer of innovative technology products, services and accessories, today announced the arrival of Verizon Wireless products and services in more than 4,400 U.S. company-operated RadioShack locations and through its website, http://www.RadioShack.com. Together, RadioShack and Verizon Wireless will celebrate the launch with a series of special offers.
Starting today, RadioShack customers will have access to industry-leading smartphones, feature phones and mobile broadband devices from the nation's largest wireless carrier. To mark this significant event, RadioShack will offer $100 off* most Verizon Wireless smartphones, including scorching-fast 4G LTE devices such as the DROID BIONIC by MOTOROLA, the DROID CHARGE by Samsung, the Revolution by LG and the ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC. RadioShack also will offer $100 off* other iconic 3G smartphones from Verizon Wireless, including the DROID X2 by MOTOROLA and the DROID INCREDIBLE 2 by HTC, among other top-selling handsets. (*Offer available only for a limited time for new or upgrade customers with qualifying two-year service agreement and data feature.)
"The arrival of Verizon Wireless is a definitive enhancement of our multi-carrier retailing proposition. Consumers increasingly expect the freedom to compare and contrast their mobile phone choices in one convenient location," said Jim Gooch, president and chief executive officer for RadioShack Corp. "Giving consumers access to knowledgeable associates plus a wide range of carriers, rate plans, devices, services and accessories helps us build lasting relationships. RadioShack is now well positioned to continue our momentum with consumers in the mobility category."
RadioShack will also offer the $50 Unlimited prepaid plan from Verizon Wireless -- featuring monthly unlimited talk, text and Web service on no-contract phones such as the Samsung Intensity(TM) II Prepaid, Pantech Caper(TM), LG Revere(TM) or Verizon Salute. Customers who purchase a no-contract Verizon Wireless phone in-store at RadioShack will receive a $20 RadioShack gift card. Other great offers to celebrate the Verizon Wireless launch include 25 percent off all cases and screen protectors matching Verizon Wireless devices. These offers will only be available for a limited time.
"We are pleased to begin what we anticipate will be a long and fruitful relationship with Verizon Wireless. Today we have strengthened our wireless portfolio and have given our customers an authoritative, compelling selection of phones, service plans and accessories for their connected lifestyles," said Scott Young, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for RadioShack Corp.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements, as referenced in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and projections regarding economic conditions, retail industry environment and Company performance. Factors that could significantly change results include, but are not limited to, the underperformance or loss of certain of our important vendor relationships, including our relationship with Verizon Wireless as discussed in this news release; difficulties associated with profitably operating our new Target Mobile centers; a breach or termination by one of our wireless carrier providers of its agreement with us; overall sales performance, economic conditions, product demand, expense levels, competitive activity, interest rates, changes in the Company's financial condition, availability of products and services and other risks associated with the Company's vendors and service providers; the regulatory environment; and factors affecting the retail category in general. Additional information regarding these and other factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on Feb. 22, 2011, and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on April 25, 2011.
About RadioShack Corporation
RadioShack is a leading national retailer of innovative mobile technology products and services, as well as products related to personal and home technology and power supply needs. The Shack®( )offers consumers a targeted assortment of wireless phones and other electronic products and services from leading national brands, exclusive private brands and major wireless carriers, all within a comfortable and convenient shopping environment. RadioShack employs approximately 33,000 people globally, including a team of friendly and helpful sales experts who are recognized for delivering the best customer service in the wireless industry. RadioShack's retail network includes approximately 4,675 company-operated stores in the United States and Mexico, more than 1,475 wireless phone centers in the United States, and approximately 1,140 dealer outlets worldwide. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, please visit http://www.radioshackcorporation.com; to purchase items online, please visit http://www.radioshack.com. RadioShack® and The Shack® are registered trademarks licensed by RadioShack Corporation.
SOURCE RadioShack Corporation
RadioShack Corporation
CONTACT: RadioShack Corporation Media Relations, +1-817-415-3300, Media.Relations@RadioShack.com
Milestone Expands IP Video Product Portfolio with New Product and New Versions
COPENHAGEN, September 15, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
Growing needs in the mid-range surveillance market are met
Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management
software, at its MIPS Europe partner event today announced XProtect(R)
Professional 8 with the power to do more for mid-size businesses, and
XProtect Express, a brand new product that makes video enabling easy for
smaller businesses.
"Milestone now has an even stronger and more competitive family of open
platform IP video management software, offering more options from the
world's leading solution provider: deeper functionality, fast and flexible
installations, and affordability. We are excited to reveal our new product
XProtect Express, and the latest updates to the XProtect product suite,"
says Lars Gudbrandsson, Head of Product Management at Milestone Systems.
XProtect Professional - the power to do more
XProtect Professional is comprehensive open platform IP video management
software (VMS) for mid-sized installations with multiple servers supporting
up to 64 cameras per server. XProtect Professional is a complete solution
for single-site installations with multiple buildings requiring integration
with business systems and video analytics. It is ideal for installations
with a large number of megapixel and HD cameras. Easy-to-use software
wizards guide through the process of adding cameras, configuring video
settings, scheduling recordings and administering user access. Consolidated
single-management interface, unique video search tools and easy export of
evidence make operations more efficient. With such performance enhancements
as dual streaming and improved motion detection, XProtect Professional helps
extend the performance of hardware.
XProtect Express - Fastest way to video enable business
XProtect Express is a new addition to the Milestone product line.
Supporting up to 48 cameras on a single server, it offers speedy VMS
integration for small businesses like retail. Due to the open platform
environment, businesses can seamlessly integrate solutions such as
point-of-sale and video analytics directly into the XProtect Smart Client,
for a common interface and unified operating system.
XProtect Essential offers brilliant simplicity
In addition to these releases, Milestone is also now offering XProtect
Essential 2 designed for small, single-server businesses that want to manage
up to 26 surveillance cameras. With a wide set of features to view and
export video evidence, XProtect Essential is cost effective with a flexible
licensing model that makes it easy to expand the system. The Sequence
Explorer is an investigative tool that displays an overview of captured
video and time intervals from one of more cameras. XProtect Smart Client -
Player is a viewer added to exported video and audio with one click, along
with any relevant information you choose, making it easy for law enforcement
to quickly view footage of an incident.
Founded in 1998, Milestone Systems is the worldwide industry leader in
open platform IP video management software, according to IMS Research six
years in a row. Milestone XProtect(R) has been installed in thousands of
customer installations, sold through authorized and certified partners in
more than 100 countries. With support for the widest choice in network
hardware and integration with other systems, XProtect provides best-of-breed
solutions to 'video enable' organizations - managing risks, protecting
people and assets, optimizing processes and reducing costs.
E-commerce: Momox Purchases Used Books Via The Internet
LONDON, PARIS and BERLIN, September 15, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
Momox, the online trade-in service is expanding its used books, CDs,
DVDs and computer games business to the UK and to France
- The purchase price for your used articles is calculated
online at http://uk.momox.com and http://fr.momox.com by simply
entering the barcode or ISBN number
Internet companies will announce their interest in purchasing used
articles in other European countries in the foreseeable future too
Momox, the online trade-in service is expanding its used books, CDs,
DVDs and games business to the UKand to France. Customers in these countries
can now also make use ofthe offer from Germany's leading second-hand
dealers. The purchase price for your used articles is calculated online at http://uk.momox.com and http://fr.momox.com by simply entering the
barcode or ISBN number. The shipping of goods sent by post from abroad to
the online trade-in service is also free of charge.
According to Christian Wegner, Momox founder and Managing Director, the
leap towards further countries is an important milestone for the development
of the company: "The market for online purchasing of used goods is not only
very lucrative in Germany. Internet giants such as eBay and Amazon, who are
also entering the market for online trade-ins, confirm that we are on the
right road." Wegner also announced that Momox will be interested in
purchasing used articles in other European countries in the foreseeable
future. "Which countries will follow next we'd like to keep secret for as
long as possible", adds Wegner, with a wink.
The steadily increasing growth-rate in the online trade-in market is
reflected in Momox's business figures. 100,000 used articles are checked
daily in the Momox logistics centre in Berlin and prepared for resale. In
the past few years, the volume from suppliers has doubled almost every year
to reach EUR 23 million in 2010. We can already predict that 2011 will be
the most successful year in the company's history.
The company was recently awarded the "2011 Innovation Prize" by
Software-Initiative Deutschland e.V. in the e-commerce category. The
software association chose the online trade-in service for its free iPhone
app. Furthermore, the internet company came out winner in the most recent
benchmark test conducted by getestet.de. With a total score of 1.9, Momox
was nominated the best portal for fixed-price media trade-ins. German news
magazine, Der Spiegel, also recently commended the online trade-in service:
"The dynamic development and fast payout speak in Momox's favor."
The original source-language text of this announcement is the official,
authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only,
and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the
only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
MerchantService.com Offers a FREE AK-47 with Merchant Account
SARASOTA, Fla., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --MerchantService.com, a leading retail merchant account provider, is pleased to announce their "No Merchant Victims" campaign. This program features a FREE GUN Incentive to encourage Merchants to stand their ground and protect themselves.
"Keep in mind we are not simply handing out AK-47 assault rifles to anyone who opens an account with us. Instead, the merchant receives a voucher that can be used at any reputable gun shop where they must go through the proper background checks and waiting period that the law requires," said Gino Kauzlarich, President of MerchantService.com, Inc.
Theft and Medical Coverage
Although the chances of being robbed may be low, most people have experienced feelings of unease at one time or another while conducting a transaction with a merchant account. This coverage includes lost cash replacement, hospitalization and an accidental death benefit for losses occurring during a robbery at your location.
PCI Breach Coverage
This coverage will pay the multiple expenses incurred by a company that experiences a security breach with their merchant account, helping to ease and expedite resolution of the incident for all parties involved. It also provides services to help mitigate financial losses to customers impacted by the incident, including identity recovery services and credit monitoring.
Enhanced Transaction Security
The Fraud Protection utility implements safety precautions with an online merchant account when accepting credit cards over the phone or Internet. Due to the inherent risks associated with these transaction types, this program allows merchants to develop a negative database to help prevent against fraudulent transactions and avoid charge backs by disallowing purchases based on credit card number, name, and country.
"Our No Merchant Victims campaign is designed to earn your business with a value proposition that is unmatched in our industry today," says Kauzlarich. "This special program is designed to protect merchants against robberies, employee theft, hackers and credit card processing rate increases," he adds.
MerchantService.com provides leading edge credit card processing and business management solutions proven to improve efficiency and reduce expense. They feature the most economical merchant account pricing program in the industry, and they have NOT raised their markup rates over interchange in over 15 years of operations.
SOURCE MerchantService.com
MerchantService.com
CONTACT: Gino Kauzlarich of MerchantService.com, 1-888-288-3816 ext. 4014, ginok@merchantservice.com
A Fantastic Start Up with the World's Largest Mobile Game Festival
SEOUL, South Korea, September 15, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
Over 200,000 gamers worldwide downloaded the free game
Upload your scores to win total cash prize of USD65,000
World Cyber Games, Inc. (WCG), organizer of the premier international
video game competition and festival, and Samsung Electronics, the world's
leader in mobile technology, has successfully started its 4th annual WCG
2011 Samsung Mobile Challenge (SMC).
The online preliminary started on Sept. 5th, and until now, more than
200,000 gamers worldwide downloaded the free official game titled - 'Asphalt
6'. This year, gamers will compete to win a total cash prize of USD65,000,
just by sending their game scores to the ranking system before Sept. 25th.
To participate in the 3-week SMC online preliminary, gamers will need to
have the official challenge phone 'Samsung Galaxy S II', and log on to
Samsung Apps (Samsung application store) and download 'Asphalt 6' for free.
Only gamers who upload their scores will have a chance to be invited to the
WCG 2011 Samsung Euro Championship. 4 winners will get to attend the
upcoming WCG Grand Final in Busan, South Korea from December 8th to December
11th, 2011
Among the 27 countries attending this year's challenge, there are 11
European countries including: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, UK, and Ukraine.
Galaxy S II
Samsung Galaxy S II is a powerful evolution of Galaxy S in speed, screen
and slim design. It is a slim 8.49 mm device packed with an over-sized 4.3"
super AMOLED Plus display, a 1.2 GHz Dual core processor, HSPA+ connectivity
providing ultra-fast data transfer, and generous memory of 16 GB + Micro SD.
Asphalt 6
"Asphalt 6," the WCG 2011 Official Mobile Game title is a racing game
which features more than 40 cars and bikes from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston
Martin, Ducati and other World-class manufacturers. You can tune your
vehicle & customize it with decals before tearing up the streets of L.A.,
Tokyo, the Bahamas & other beautiful locations, each rendered in HD. You'll
be driving against tough opponents in 11 different leagues with 55 events
plus Online/Local Multiplayer for up to 6 players.
For more information on the Samsung Mobile Challenge, please visit the
official website: http://mobile.wcg.com.
Source: World Cyber Games, Inc.
World Cyber Games, Inc., Ryan Oh, realizer@wcg.com, +82-2106-6543
Today, virtualisation is being utilised by many top enterprises to
maximise system resource ROI. It's certainly no surprise; CIOs are always
looking to strengthen that bottom line, and when multiple "computers" can be
run from a single hardware platform, that bottom line can certainly be
strengthened.
However, virtualisation comes with some major challenges of its own. For
example, capacity planning, when dealing with complexity in mixed
environments, becomes increasingly difficult. Resource tracking and
utilisation becomes a multi-headed hydra. Historical analysis becomes almost
moot when prime resources are constantly shifting and being reallocated.
Device failures, since they are utilised by multiple virtual machines,
trigger multiple alerts and tracking down the actual failure becomes an
interesting exercise.
A virtual infrastructure is dynamic and responds to the storage and
resource needs of the moment - but it must be kept healthy. Virtualization
is designed to make the most efficient use of the IT network investment, but
succeeds only when resources are shared efficiently without competing with
other guests sharing the same hardware. Here then, are three primary
barriers:
1. I/O bottlenecks occur from the continuous generation of unnecessary
split I/Os. As a result, the more a virtual platform is driven to produce,
the slower it responds.
2. Resource conflicts. Virtual machines compete for shared I/O resources
and have limited knowledge of actual hardware resource usage. Overloaded
disk I/O traffic from one VM will not only run slower, it will slow the I/O
speed of another VM.
3. Wasted disk space. Virtual disks set to grow dynamically will never
shrink when users or applications remove data. As a result, that physical
disk space cannot be allocated to other virtual systems. It also needlessly
increases time and resources necessary to perform backups for data
continuity and live migration to maintain optimal service levels.
To add to the above mentioned problems, new technologies like CDP, CSV,
Snap-shots and de-duplication are becoming common with SANs - you are more
likely to use a SAN as your backend storage in a large virtual environment.
Not to mention special Linked clones/differencing disks would be used when
you virtualise your desktop estate. In these situations you would need a
proactive approach to address this. A complete optimisation tool which would
write files contiguously in the first place would be ideal.
With Diskeeper Corporation's new V-locity 3(R) virtual platform disk
optimizer for VMware(R) and Hyper-V(TM), you have a fully integrated
software solution that gives the complete package for a fully optimised
virtual network. V-locity is compatible with new SAN technologies, requires
no scheduling and has no impact on system resources. Fully automated, IT
staff no longer need to spend unnecessary time attending to these inherent
problems, and can therefore spend time on other pressing issues. Best of
all, such a solution operates "on-the-fly" using only idle system resources,
which means you can get maximum ROI from your network.
For more information on the benefits and features of V-locity 3 visit http://www.v-locity.com
(c) 2011 Diskeeper Corporation. All Rights Reserved. V-locity is a
trademarks owned by Diskeeper Corporation. All other trademarks are the
properties of their respective owners.
Visonic's Wireless Security Technology to Complement and Broaden Tyco Security Products' Intrusion Security Portfolio
TEL AVIV, Israel, September 15, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Visonic Ltd. (TASE: VSC.TA), a leading developer and manufacturer of
wireless home security and safety systems and components, today announced
that it has reached an agreement to be acquired by Tyco International's
(NYSE: TYC) Security Products business unit for approximately $100 million
in cash, representing approximately $2.26 per share.
The acquisition is intended to help expand both companies' security
technologies and products to new business and provide access to new markets
and significant growth opportunities. By becoming part of Tyco, Visonic will
be able to provide innovative wireless technology and products to Tyco
Security Products' Intrusion business and enable both businesses to leverage
the strengths of their combined research & development and manufacturing
facilities.
The transaction has been approved by the Tyco and Visonic boards of
directors and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the
receipt of domestic and foreign regulatory approvals and the approval of
Visonic's stockholders. The transaction is expected to close towards the end
of 2011. Until then, Tyco Security Products and Visonic will continue to
operate as independent businesses.
"Tyco Security Products recognized the value Visonic carries with our
wireless expertise and innovative PowerG products" said Avi Barir, CEO of
Visonic. "We are enthusiastic about this acquisition and the opportunities
it brings to Visonic and to our partners. For many years we have practiced a
close and intimate relationship with our customers. We will continue
responding to the variety of customer needs arising from different market
segments, countries, languages and different business cultures. Under the
Tyco umbrella we will be able to offer everything we do today and much
more."
"The acquisition of Visonic will strengthen the technology capabilities
in our intrusion security portfolio and will enable us to enhance the
solutions we can offer to our commercial and residential customers," said
Mark VanDover, President of Tyco Security Products. "Visonic is an
established leader in wireless security technology and its strong presence
in the European security market complements Tyco's strength in the North
American market."
After closing, Visonic will continue to exist as a company and legal
entity. The Visonic brand will join Tyco Security Products' group of
world-leading security products: DSC and Bentel in the intrusion field;
American Dynamics in video; Software House, Kantech and CEM in access
control; Sur-Gard in central station communications and Connect24 for
wireless communications.
Imperial Capital, LLC. served as the exclusive financial advisor to
Visonic Ltd. on the transaction. http://www.imperialcaplital.com
About Visonic
The Visonic Group (TASE:VSC.TA), founded in 1973, is a leading developer
and manufacturer of cutting-edge home security systems and components that
provide people around the world peace of mind and safety in their homes.
Building on its decades-long position at the forefront of home security
innovation, Visonic is today leading the drive to expand the boundaries of
security, offering advanced solutions to the full range of residential
safety needs, from securing the house and contents to safeguarding the
health and comfort of the people who live there. Visonic's offerings include
a wide variety of home security systems, personal emergency response and
safety systems, and a market-leading variety of peripherals. Visonic is
headquartered in Israel, where it operates a development center and
manufacturing plant. Its sales and marketing subsidiaries in the USA,
Germany, UK, Poland and Spain are supplemented by a worldwide network of
distributors, serving a growing installed base that spans around 100
countries.
(c) 2011 Visonic Ltd., Ltd. All rights reserved. Visonic and PowerMax
are registered trademarks of Visonic Ltd. Visonic reserves the right to
change information or specifications without notice.
D-Link Expands Value in Partnership Program with IP Surveillance Technology Specialization
IP Surveillance Specialization allows partners to differentiate themselves with added proficiency in security products and best practices
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link, the end-to-end networking solutions provider for consumers, businesses, and service providers, today announced it is now offering an IP Surveillance Technology Specialization through its Value in Partnership Channel Program. With the new specialization, D-Link provides channel partners with the technical background to develop and implement IP surveillance solutions, as well as resources designed to enrich the D-Link® business experience, making it seamless and rewarding. The IP Surveillance Technology Specialization is now available through D-Link's Value in Partnership Program online partner portal.
"As a technology solutions vendor, our customers rely on us to be knowledgeable experts, providing feedback and suggestions for implementing new technologies into their business," said Neil Medwed, president and CEO of Preferred Technology Solutions. "The IP surveillance market is growing quickly with technology advancing at a rapid pace, and D-Link's new Technology Specialization will help us stay ahead of the curve for our customers."
Revamped in May 2011, D-Link's Value in Partnership Program provides its channel partners with tools to differentiate themselves against competitors and position their market value as a D-Link partner. Three levels of partnership are available, and higher levels - Silver and Gold -offer additional partner benefits but require specific training to ensure end users are confident that their D-Link® partner is thoroughly trained on D-Link's network infrastructure products and solutions. Through its partner program, D-Link also offers a Volume Incentive Rebate (VIR) Program, Deal Registration margin protection with a unique Bounty program if a deal is lost, a Rewards loyalty program, and Technology Specializations for Storage and IP Surveillance.
Technology Specializations
D-Link's Value in Partnership Program Technology Specializations allow partners to differentiate themselves and demonstrate proficiency within a specific product technology. The newest specialization, IP Surveillance, offers partners the ability to be thoroughly trained and aligned with D-Link on complete surveillance solutions. Benefits include an upfront discount on IP surveillance products, priority access to surveillance sales leads, and D-Link branding as an IP Surveillance Preferred Partner for differentiation in the market.
"The new IP Surveillance Specialization is one of many enhancements D-Link will be offering partners through its Value in Partnership Program," said Steve Ryan, director of North America Channel Programs for D-Link. "D-Link is committed to providing resources for our channel partners to ensure they are able to deliver best-of-breed solutions in IP surveillance and other technologies to meet customer needs."
About D-Link
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit at http://www.dlink.com or connect with D-Link on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/dlink).
The Kornit Allegro expands printing options while decreasing additional
time and expense in the printing process. "We are very excited about this
new solution," said Sarel Ashkenazi, VP of Marketing & Business Development
at Kornit Digital. "We truly believe that it will revolutionize the industry
since it eliminates the pretreatment and post-treatment stages. It also
provides the only real digital pigment ink in the marketplace. With our vast
experience in creating chemical solutions in the industry, we are able to
push the industry limitations and revive pigment inks with our innovative
digital machines."
Kornit Digital develops, manufactures and markets industrial and
commercial solutions for the garment, apparel and fabric industry. Leading
the digital textile industry with its integrated pretreatment solution and
its CMYK inks, it directly caters to the needs of both designers and
manufacturers. With its immense experience in the direct to garment
industry, it is revolutionizing the roll fabric industry by enabling
printing with one ink set on all kinds of fabrics.
Founded in 2003, Kornit Digital is a global company with offices in the
United States, Asia Pacific, Europe and India and serves customers in more
than 100 countries worldwide.
Visonic's wireless security technology to complement and broaden Tyco Security Products' intrusion security portfolio
SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE: TYC) announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Visonic Ltd. (TASE: VSC.TA), a global developer and manufacturer of electronic security systems and components, for approximately $100 million in cash. The acquisition will strengthen the wireless product and technology portfolio and market presence of the Tyco Security Products business in the intrusion security market.
Visonic is a leader in developing advanced wireless technology for the security industry. The company's recently introduced PowerG wireless communications technology offers increased communications range and superior 128-bit encryption to secure communication between wireless sensors/detectors and panels. The PowerG technology builds on Visonic's PowerCode technology which is in use in more than 1 million wireless installations around the world. The business has annualized revenues of more than $75 million.
"The acquisition of Visonic strengthens the technology capabilities in our intrusion security portfolio and will enable us to enhance the solutions we can offer to our residential and commercial customers," said Mark VanDover, President of Tyco Security Products. "Visonic is an established leader in wireless security technology and its strong presence in the European security market complements Tyco's strength in the North American market."
Visonic operates a state-of-the-art design center at its headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, as well as a manufacturing center in Kiryat Gat, Israel. The company is active in more than 100 countries, with a strong presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The transaction is expected to close later this year and is subject to customary closing conditions.
ABOUT TYCO INTERNATIONAL
Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE: TYC) is a diversified, global company that provides vital products and services to customers around the world. Tyco is a leading provider of security products and services, fire protection and detection products and services, valves and controls, and other industrial products. Tyco had 2010 revenue of $17 billion and has more than 100,000 employees worldwide. More information on Tyco can be found at http://www.tyco.com.
SOURCE Tyco International Ltd.
Tyco International Ltd.
CONTACT: News Media, Paul Fitzhenry, +1-609-720-4261, or Investor Relations, Antonella Franzen, +1-609-720-4665 or Joe Longo, +1-609-720-4545
Sony Computer Entertainment to Offer Software Development Kit for PlayStation®Suite Starting This November
SCE to Provide Strong Support to Content Developers for PlayStation®Suite With the Distribution of the Newly Developed Content Starting Next Spring
TOKYO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it will offer software development kits (SDK) for PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), called "PlayStation®Suite SDK," *1 for content developers starting this November. PS Suite is an initiative solution to deliver the world of PlayStation® to Android(TM) based portable devices.
Through PS Suite SDK, content developers can create content for PlayStation(TM)Certified (PS Certified) devices, hardware certified through the PS Suite license program, as well as for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita).
Supporting C# as the programming language, PS Suite SDK can run programs developed in C# on virtual machine equipped on both PS Certified devices and PS Vita. By supporting development for multiple devices and by adopting libraries to create a variety of content not only limited to games, PS Suite SDK will not only help developers save their cost in creating new content but also allow them to efficiently create their content on one SDK and without having to create on several different SDKs.
Through PS Suite SDK, SCE will provide to game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to Android based portable devices. In addition, SCE can approach to a wider range of content developers, non-gaming developers and individual programmers. The detailed information of PS Suite SDK, including how to download, will be announced via a dedicated PS Suite section on SCE's official website.
As of September 15th, 2011, PS Certified device line-up includes Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB's Xperia PLAY, Sony Corporation's "Sony Tablet" S, "Sony Tablet" P, and SCE will continue to further accelerate the expansion of PS Certified devices in addition to the current hardware line-up.
Furthermore, SCE will provide a variety of content towards these PS Certified devices from end October through PlayStation®Store*2 on PlaySation®Network, starting with original PlayStation games (PS one® classics). The service will start in nine countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia and with more countries to follow. In next spring, SCE will enhance the PS Store for PS Certified devices and provide content created by PS Suite SDK, further prevailing the world of PS Suite.
Through PS Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business for rapidly prevailing Android based portable devices and will expand the PlayStation entertainment experience on an open operating system.
Software
Development
Kit is a set
of
development
tools and
software
libraries.
Developers
are able to
obtain this
SDK by
signing a
license
agreement
with SCE and
by purchasing
tool
*1 products.
Users can
download vast
digital
content
including
games through
PS Store for
PS Network
for PS3, PSP,
PS Vita and
PS Certified
*2 devices.
Number of
content
differ by
*3 regions.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is an innovative handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
PlayStation, PS one, PS3, PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xperia is a trademark of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. "Sony Tablet" is a trademark of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
CONTACT: Patrick Seybold of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com
Razer to Design the Ultimate Arcade Stick for the Xbox 360 with the Community
Razer launches major closed beta program to encourage community feedback on the design of a highly-customizable arcade stick for the Xbox 360
TOKYO, Sept. 14, 2011/PRNewswire/ --Razer(TM), the world leader in high performance gaming hardware, just announced a program to co-develop the ultimate arcade stick for the Xbox 360® together with the arcade stick community. The arcade stick, developed with pro-gamer feedback, is currently at the prototype stage. For the finishing touches, up to 200+ specially selected top-seed Street Fighter(TM) IV pro-gamers, influential modders, and members of the arcade enthusiast community will each be given a Razer arcade stick to test and provide feedback to further improve it to perfection, whereupon the final design will then proceed to production.
Since the company's beginnings in '98, Razer has continually taken pro-gamer feedback and validation during the product development phase to ensure that the design for every gaming product shipped is the absolute best for the competitive edge in tournament-grade play. But in an unprecedented move in the gaming hardware space, Razer is now reaching out to the entire arcade stick community to help make this yet-to-be-named product the best arcade stick in the world. Their feedback will be a huge influencing factor in the design of the final product.
"Razer is for gamers, by gamers. We've been taking feedback from our professional players on products for years and now we want to open it up to the community. That's why we want every arcade enthusiast and modder's input in the development of this special arcade stick," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "In this way, it's not just our arcade stick; it's the community's arcade stick. Together, we will create a weapon that delivers the best fighting performance for every gamer and allows modding to the individual's exact specifications. We're not just asking people for input on the paint job, we're after serious hardware feedback."
Members of the arcade community worldwide interested in participating in this beta program are encouraged to contribute ideas at http://www.razerzone.com/bredtofight, along with a short description as to why they should be selected for prototype testing. Registrants can also nominate other people to the program. Up to 200+ successful applicants worldwide will receive an arcade stick prototype delivered directly to their homes.
Razer will be launching this non-retail arcade stick closed beta community program at Tokyo Game Show, the heart of the professional console fighting scene. Select pro-gamers and key modders will also be approached very soon to begin beta testing the prototype.
Razer(TM) is the world leader in high performance gaming hardware. Founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe. Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360 and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
SOURCE Razer
Razer
CONTACT: USA, Melonie McElhannon, Melonie.McElhannon@razerzone.com, or Europe, Torsten Meier, Torsten.Meier@razerzone.com, or Asia Pacific, Chen Terng Shing, Terngshing.Chen@razerzone.com, or China, Chris Chen, Chris.Chen@razerzone.com, all of Razer
Performance Designed Products Showcases Product Line-Up at Pepcom Holiday Spectacular 2011
PDP Console and Mobile Gaming Accessories Perfect for Holiday Lists
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP), a worldwide leader in the video game accessory market, will feature its holiday line-up of new video game controllers and accessories during the Pepcom Holiday Spectacular in New York.
Some of the products showcased include:
-- The highly-rated Mortal Kombat Klassic Fightstick for both PlayStation 3
and Xbox 360 that reflects the color scheme of the original Mortal
Kombat arcade game cabinet.
-- The wireless Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Collector's Edition Wireless
Controller for the PlayStation® 3 features military gun-metal and
carbon-fiber details, along with the satin finish on the handles and
bottom of the controller.
-- GoTality, a combination ear clip and app for the iPhone or iPod Touch
which tracks workouts in real time, helping athletes to reach their
fitness goals.
-- The Cars 2 Kids Kit for the iPad and iPad 2 provides kid protection for
your iOS tablet with a child proof case, integrated pass through screen
protector, car headrest and carrying strap.
For more information about these products and more, visit http://www.pdp.com
About PDP
Performance Designed Products LLC, a Lynn Tilton company, is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing products for all major video game platforms including the Sony PS2, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, and Microsoft Xbox 360, as well as a line of accessories for the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The company has been supplying video game accessories to the U.S. market for more than a decade. PDP sells products under a variety of brands, with sales in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and throughout Europe and Australia & New Zealand.
SOURCE Performance Designed Products LLC
Performance Designed Products LLC
CONTACT: Chris Kramer, fortyseven communications, +1-415-543-9247, kramer@fortyseven.com
Kensington Delivers the Next Level of Mobile Security for iPad® and iPhone®
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kensington today introduced a series of new groundbreaking security devices to reduce the risk of theft or loss for iPad and iPhone. The increased portability of tablets and smartphones means that they are more vulnerable to loss or theft. Two new Kensington product families include BungeeAir(TM) and SecureBack(TM). BungeeAir alerts users if their iPhone is accidentally left behind or stolen. SecureBack enables the iPad to be physically locked to a stationary device.
After evaluating the significant problem of phone theft or loss, Kensington extended its leadership in physical security -- fusing hardware and software together to protect an iPhone. BungeeAir helps avoid the risk of losing the phone and its contents by protecting and securing it in a manner that is easy, portable, and stylish. BungeeAir is a wireless tether for the iPhone comprised of an iPhone battery case, a downloadable BungeeAir app and a key fob, which can be attached to a key chain or carried in a pocket.
Kensington's family of SecureBack cases feature a unique three-piece design that quickly and easily secures the iPad to prevent theft. SecureBack includes the world-class ClickSafe® Security Anchor that enables iPad users to easily lock their tablet, in just one click. Designed to complement the iPad in every way, SecureBack preserves the tablet's celebrated, slim form factor and offers full access to the iPad 2's ports, speaker, and cameras.
Product Availability
The Kensington SecureBack cases (SRP $49.99-$89.99) and BungeeAir cases (SRP $79.99-$99.99) are currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Kensington.com and other major retailers. For additional information please visit http://www.kensington.com.
ViewSonic Previews Never Before Displayed Entertainment Solutions at Pepcom's Holiday Spectacular!
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, will reveal its exciting holiday gift recommendations at today's Pepcom event. These new offerings include:
-- ViewPad® 7x: This 7" Android(TM)/ Honeycomb-based 3.2 OS tablet offers
Google Android Market for thousands of apps and games, HDMI, DLNA, dual
cameras and SRS® surround sound, plus free trials of many popular
tablet formatted magazines. Paired with a Full HD, 1024x600 capacitive
multi-touch panel and NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual Core processor, the ViewPad 7x
delivers an excellent multimedia experience.
-- ViewPad 7e: This 7" Android / Gingerbread-based 2.3 tablet offers
Amazon® Services for Android integration, Amazon Kindle(TM) for Android
for eBook reading, and RiteTouch for writing directly on the screen.
Teamed with HDMI, Flash support and dual cameras, the ViewPad 7e is
perfect for value seekers demanding innovation.
-- V3D245 & V3D231: These 3D-Ready LED monitors deliver a 2ms response
time, 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, HDMI 1.4 connection and
integrated SRS Premium Sound® for an unsurpassed 3D experience. The 24"
V3D245 connects to 550+ 3D games in 1080p via its integrated NVIDIA 3D
Vision wireless emitter, while the 23" V3D231 includes TriDef 3D
software for playing 370+ PC-based 3D games. Or enjoy 3D content by
connecting to 3D Blu-ray and PS3 consoles.
-- PJD5523w: This WXGA DLP projector has a widescreen 1280x800 WXGA native
resolution, and a high brightness level and contrast ratio (2,700 ANSI
lumens; 3.000:1) so it's sure to shine for any home theater enthusiast.
Additionally, this 120Hz / 3D-capable projector offers an HDMI port for
enhanced connectivity.
For more product information, visit ViewSonic.com/Pepcom.
Trademark footnote:All corporate names and trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
SOURCE ViewSonic Corp.
ViewSonic Corp.
CONTACT: Katelyn Perkins, LEWIS PR for ViewSonic Corp., +1-619-677-2713, viewsonic@lewispr.com
MOG Launches Free On-Demand Music Listening Service
Instant Access to MOG's Entire Catalog for the Ultimate Music Listening Experience
BERKELEY, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MOG®, today announced a free, ad-supported version of its award-winning on-demand music service, which will go live on MOG.com as of 9:00am EDT/ 6:00am PDT on Thursday, September 15. Music lovers can access MOG's entire catalog of over 11 million songs, nearly everything you'd find in popular music download stores, for free, making it the easiest way to enjoy instant access to music with no installable client application and no credit card needed. The free version will be ad-free for the first 60 days so fans can get a taste of the service without any distractions.
Free listeners on MOG receive a virtual "gas tank" full of music visibly integrated into the service. The refillable tank, called FreePlay, is built upon sophisticated game mechanics that enable users to earn free music in perpetuity, simply by listening, sharing with friends and exploring MOG. The FreePlay tank showcases how much free music a user has along with "earn music" and "upgrade" links that provide listeners the opportunity to earn more music, or upgrade to MOG Primo, a subscription plan that includes unlimited, ad-free music, and access to MOG via mobile devices, consumer electronic and streaming entertainment devices, and soon, the car.
"Our obsessed subscribers, and reviewers alike, tell us we've built the best way to listen to and discover music, and we're so excited that we can now provide people with free access," said David Hyman, CEO and Founder of MOG.
Earning Free Music
Listeners earn more music by participating in activities that demonstrate engagement and drive virality. Creating and sharing playlists and exploring the site will earn users more free music. Users can also refer friends to listen free on MOG to fill their virtual music tank.
"Your social influence is a key component," adds Hyman. "Tastemakers and influencers can easily get a lifetime of free on-demand music. These models have worked extremely well for other online businesses, and it's exciting to apply them to the music sector for the first time."
Soon after launch, MOG will expand ways for users to earn more free music including interacting with advertisers in meaningful ways like watching a movie trailer.
In-house Ad Sales Team
MOG brings a unique advantage to the ad supported music market. The company is also the provider of the MOG Music Network (MMN), the largest music focused advertising network online consisting of over 1500 music sites, reaching over 59 million people each month, according to ComScore. MMN operates ad sales offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Detroit, developing integrated, multi-platform marketing programs for more than 100 leading consumer brands in the U.S. The MMN ad sales team will expand these programs to include sponsorship opportunities within MOG's new free music service.
Leveraging HTML5
MOG's free service takes advantage of its recently unveiled HTML5 web application, which comes out of beta today, featuring a slick new interface and advanced features such as integration with Facebook for personalized recommendations. Users who sign in with Facebook Connect will instantly see music recommendations based on both personal listening habits and the artist "likes" of a listener and their friends on Facebook. Other notable features include a blazingly fast, easy to use new interface, drag-and-drop functionality for identifying favorites and creating playlists, redesigned artist pages, improved search capability, and revolutionary radio that offers artist-derived stations without the restrictions or limitations imposed by other online radio services. Playing music does not require a desktop client, so logging in is a seamless experience and users can enjoy MOG's vast catalog with just one click.
Pricing
MOG's free service is web only. Listeners can upgrade to one of the following subscription plans:
-- MOG Basic, $4.99 per month: Access to MOG on online via MOG's web
players or desktop client for Mac OS and through CE devices including
Boxee, Roku, LG Internet connected TVs & Blu-ray players.
-- MOG Primo, $9.99 per month: Access to MOG through mobile devices
(iPhone, iPod touch and Android), online via MOG's web players or
desktop client for Mac OS) via Sonos and through all Basic platforms
(Boxee, Roku, LG Internet connected TVs & Blu-ray players).
About MOG Inc.
MOG Inc. is a next-generation music media company founded in June 2005 by David Hyman, former CEO for Gracenote. MOG's all-you-can-eat, on-demand listening service provides access to a vast library of over 11 million songs and over one million albums through its mobile apps on iPhone and Android phones, online, and on streaming entertainment and consumer electronic devices. MOG Inc. is also the provider of The MOG Music Network (MMN), the premier destination for music content online and largest music focused advertising network consisting of over 1500 music sites, reaching over 59 million people each month.
Headquartered in Berkeley, California, MOG Inc. investors include Menlo Ventures, Balderton Capital, Simon Equity Partners, Universal Music Group, Sony Music and serial entrepreneur, Scott Jones. Grammy-winning record producer, Rick Rubin, named by Time Magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the world," is a member of MOG's Board of Directors.
SOURCE MOG Inc.
MOG Inc.
CONTACT: Marni Greenberg, Director of Communications, MOG, +1-510-883-7102, marni@mog.com; or Lee Rothchild, DKC Public Relations, Marketing & Government Affairs, +1-212-981-5124, Lee_Rothchild@dkcnews.com
Mountain News Corporation Acquires SkiReport.com Providing Expanded Online and Mobile Reach
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mountain News Corporation, publisher of OnTheSnow, the most visited snowsports website in the world, is expanding with the acquisition of SkiReport.com, the second most visited ski report website in North America.
The SkiReport website will be merged with the OnTheSnow website for the winter 2011-2012 season, which will augment OnTheSnow's 9.6 million annual unique visitors to more than 12 million. The acquisition not only solidifies Mountain News Corporation's role as the leader in online snowsports content but also increases its installed mobile application base in North America from 85,000 to 945,000, a 10- times increase.
The SkiReport mobile platform consists of a highly acclaimed iPhone and Android application that has generated 860,000 downloads and an estimated 54 million in screen impressions for last ski and snowboard season. According to Chad Dyer, global managing director of Mountain News Corporation, the SkiReport app has a very unique and powerful feature that allows skiers and snowboarders to provide firsthand ski and snow reports and has emerged as the industry leader in user-generated snow reporting.
"This acquisition positions us well to take advantage of the strong growth we are seeing in mobile platforms around the world," said Dyer. "The SkiReport mobile user base coupled with our powerful online portal instantly makes OnTheSnow the market share leader in reaching skiers and snowboarders through all channels in North America, creating both a terrific user experience and an excellent opportunity for our advertising partners."
The SkiReport mobile app will become the default application for OnTheSnow and Dyer plans to integrate user-generated snow reports into OnTheSnow's web site for this winter season. Going forward Mountain News will be providing the snow reports for the SkiReport mobile app, replacing the reports provided by SnoCountry Mountain Reports.
OnTheSnow is operated by Mountain News Corporation (MNC), a subsidiary of Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN). The site is visited by over 9.6 million unique skiers and snowboarders a year, and is published in 14 countries world-wide. The company also provides snow reports to more than 1,500 web sites throughout the world, including approximately 400 news media websites. The Company's pre-produced radio snow reports are delivered to affiliate stations in 17 radio networks and 800 stations across the U.S.
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, and Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and in the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is http://www.vailresorts.com and the consumer website is http://www.snow.com.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB) today announced the launch of Blackboard Learn(TM) - ANGEL Edition 8.0, which brings a range of key product enhancements driven by input from ANGEL clients and follows through on another commitment from Blackboard to support ANGEL institutions with continued development and support.
The new release includes simplified course functionality for instructors, with the addition of rubrics to discussion forums that let instructors provide feedback and grade student discussions more quickly and consistently. Functionality for Blackboard Mobile(TM) Learn for ANGEL is also upgraded, which lets users upload multimedia content to courses directly from mobile devices. The release also adds certification for Safari and Chrome to give users greater flexibility and an improved experience in their choice of Web browsers.
The release is part of Blackboard's ongoing effort to maintain a high quality experience for ANGEL clients and users since the company merged with Blackboard in 2009. Since then, Blackboard has maintained high service and support levels for ANGEL clients, some of which have actually increased in the last two years.
"We're excited to see the enhancements in ANGEL 8.0," said Julie Rorabaugh at Cowley College. "These improvements give us confidence that we will continue to have a stable and supported platform for the next couple of years, enabling us the time to take a measured approach to considering our LMS options for the future while still operating in a familiar, but upgraded system."
Consistent with previous releases, ANGEL 8.0 was designed through continued partnership with clients. The release provides improved functionality in a highly stable product that requires very little change management and allows ANGEL clients to be fully supported through October 2014.
"Delivering on product quality has been a core execution focus for us, and we've invested much to maintain an excellent experience for ANGEL institutions," said Ray Henderson, President of Blackboard Learn. "We're pleased to continue that investment with this release and to further demonstrate our ability to bring new value to ANGEL clients even as they plan for the future."
ANGEL 8.0 also includes new features that help users share course content, including a batch export tool that lets users transfer course content without associated student data and can make the transition smoother for institutions that choose to move to Blackboard Learn 9.1.
Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K filed on February 18, 2011 and Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2011 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of September 14, 2011. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to September 14, 2011.
SOURCE Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard Inc.
CONTACT: Matthew Maurer, Blackboard Inc., +1-202-463-4860 ext. 2637, matthew.maurer@blackboard.com
LSI Announces Support for Continuously Available Systems Clustering on Next-Generation Microsoft Windows Server Platforms
LSI to unveil high-availability direct-attached storage technology on stage at Microsoft BUILD Conference
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BUILD CONFERENCE - LSI (NYSE: LSI) today announced it is working with Microsoft on the development of low-cost, Windows-based, high-availability (HA) server clustering solutions for Cloud datacenters and small and medium business (SMB) environments. The solutions will combine Microsoft's experience in managing clustered server environments through the Windows operating system with LSI's expertise delivering highly scalable storage and RAID interconnect technology.
The result of this effort is intended to lower the cost and complexity of HA systems clustering for server platforms based on Microsoft's next-generation OS, codenamed Windows Server 8, by providing fully redundant shared-node storage and application failover without requiring additional networking hardware. The solutions are designed to provide both clustered DAS for application servers and clustered NAS when used for file serving environments.
"We are excited that LSI is bringing its industry-leading storage solutions to a new generation of continuously available systems in the marketplace," said Thomas Pfenning, General Manager, Windows File Server, Microsoft. "LSI's solutions combined with Windows Server will give customers an unprecedented range of choices."
The combination of HA-DAS with Windows Server will allow Cloud datacenter providers to support a wider array of applications and enable scale-out to larger server clusters while preserving low latency. For SMBs running local applications, HA-DAS will offer a more cost-effective and easier to deploy and manage solution for avoiding application downtime and the associated lost productivity and revenue. The solutions will also help to increase storage utilization and reduce power, cooling and space requirements for a lower total cost of ownership.
"Current redundant server-storage solutions require complex storage networks or additional virtualization hardware, increasing both latency and costs," said Kelly Bryant, vice president of marketing, RAID Storage Division, LSI. "Together with Microsoft, we will help businesses of all sizes ensure application uptime by integrating multiple servers with common node storage for unprecedented media access, scalability and application failover at a fraction of the cost of existing solutions."
LSI will unveil an HA-DAS technology implementation this week at the Microsoft BUILD Conference, September 13-15, at the Anaheim Convention Center. LSI will show an HA-DAS "cluster-in-a-box" solution implementation consisting of a two-server 3U system in a single enclosure, utilizing LSI® MegaRAID® 6Gb/s SAS controllers to cluster each motherboard together while providing redundant storage connectivity for both servers.
LSI Corporation (NYSE: LSI) is a leading provider of innovative silicon and software technologies that enable products, which seamlessly bring people, information and digital content together. The company offers a broad portfolio of capabilities and services including custom and standard product ICs, adapters and software that are trusted by the world's best known brands to power leading solutions in the Storage and Networking markets. More information is available at http://www.lsi.com.
Editor's Notes:
1. All LSI news releases (financial, acquisitions, manufacturing, products,
technology, etc.) are issued exclusively by PR Newswire and are
immediately thereafter posted on the company's external web site,
http://www.lsi.com.
2. LSI, the LSI & Design logo and MegaRAID are trademarks or registered
trademarks of LSI Corporation.
3. All other brand or product names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
SOURCE LSI Corporation
LSI Corporation
CONTACT: Jay Russo, LVA Communications, +1-860-739-5598, jay@lva.com; or Brian Garabedian, LSI Corporation, +1-408-433-8253, brian.garabedian@lsi.com
Google, Jimdo, and KDDI Get Japanese Businesses Online
Jimdo is Official Partner of Google Initiative minbiz.jp
TOKYO and HAMBURG, Germany, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jimdo and the telecommunications-giant KDDI - Jimdo's partner in Japan - launched http://www.minbiz.jp with Google Japan and other industry leaders. Their goal: to get small businesses in Japan onto the web.
Starting today, the project helps Japanese small and medium-sized companies create a successful Internet presence. Despite a high Internet use rate of 78% in Japan(1), according to Google Japan, only 24% of small and medium-sized enterprises have their own website. In a recent survey, 36% of Japanese small business owners believed that getting their business online would be expensive. 26% cited lack of knowledge, and 25% believe that setting up their own website would be too difficult and time-consuming.
The project partners are changing all that: with the help of Jimdo Japan, businesses participating in the project can create their own website (including a top level domain) for free in just a few minutes. Google Japan will support the project participants with several offerings, including AdWords packages for advertising the websites.
"We're very happy to be chosen as a partner for Google Japan's project," said Jimdo co-founder Fridtjof Detzner. "Our teams in Japan, Hamburg, and San Francisco worked together very closely on the initiative. Now we're excited for the launch and looking forward to many more Japanese users with successful websites." The project partners expect about 150,000 businesses to build websites in the first year.
Jimdo - Pages to the People (http://www.jimdo.com) was founded in February 2007 by three young entrepreneurs-Christian Springub, Fridtjof Detzner, and Matthias Henze-in an old farmhouse. The technology powering Jimdo was developed as a content management service for business clients, but frequent requests from friends gave the founders the idea to offer free JimdoPages. In just a few minutes, anyone-no technical knowledge required-can get a website online, complete with blog, photo galleries, video, online store, and social media integration. Funding from industry leaders like the Samwer brothers (CityDeal/Groupon, Facebook, LinkedIn), allowed Jimdo to scale quickly, and it is now available in 11 languages. In May 2011, the 4,000,000th Jimdo site went online. Follow us on Twitter @jimdo.
Viva Brother Radio Shares Britpop Connections with North American Gritpop Listeners
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Viva Brother and Slacker, Inc. today launched Viva Brother Radio, a station featuring the "Gritpop" UK band previously known as Brother. The station includes commentary by the band, tracks that have influenced them the most and songs from Viva Brother's newly released freshman album, Famous First Words. Viva Brother Radio is now available for free in Slacker Radio's Artist Showcase section.
Slacker Artist Showcase is a special category of curated stations programmed by bands and artists. It can be found for free on Slacker Radio applications online, for the iPad, on home entertainment devices and on leading smartphones. The Viva Brother Radio station can also be accessed directly on the web at: http://www.Slacker.com/VivaBrother.
To view behind the scenes footage of Viva Brother creating Viva Brother Radio please visit: http://youtu.be/K7R7joKusSo
"Slacker Radio was perfect for us as we are slackers and we love radio," said Lee Newell, frontman of Viva Brother. "Can't wait to come back and do it all over again!"
Viva Brother Radio is programmed by the band and features exclusive candid commentary by the band on the songs and musicians that have influenced their music and their lives. The station also includes hundreds of hand-selected songs from bands and artists like The Smiths, The Beatles, Yeasayer and Blur.
"Showcase stations on Slacker Radio empower bands and artists to share their passion for music with their fans," said Scott Riggs, Director of Radio at Slacker. "While working with Viva Brother to create this station, it became obvious by their diverse song picks and heartfelt stories that music is integral in defining them as individuals and musicians and that Slacker Radio was the perfect platform to pull it all together into one great radio station."
Whether listening on the web, BlackBerry smartphones, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Android-powered smartphones, webOS smartphones, a Slacker-enabled Sony TV or Blu-ray player (or any of the many available devices that support Slacker Radio), Viva Brother listeners have instant access to the band's favorite music along with artist profiles, album reviews and album cover art. To get the free Slacker mobile application, simply direct your mobile web browser to http://www.Slacker.com.
About Viva Brother
Viva Brother is a British "Gritpop" band formed by four guys from Slough, UK. Their aim is to create music that they enjoy: catchy songs that make people move. Viva Brother recently released their first full-length album, Famous First Words, and they are currently touring the United States with a UK tour to follow. Viva Brother is Lee Newell on guitar and vocals, Sam Jackson on guitar, Josh Ward on bass and Frank Colucci on drums. For more information about Viva Brother, please visit the band's official website: http://acidlove.net/
About Slacker, Inc.
Slacker offers the world's most complete range of radio services. Whether it's the award-winning free Slacker Basic Radio, or the fully-loaded subscription services Slacker Radio Plus and Slacker Premium Radio, listeners enjoy a unique, custom listening experience. Slacker enables music lovers to play highly personalized music online at the Slacker web site, on connected home devices or on-the-go with Slacker Personal Radio applications. Slacker mobile applications are available for Windows Phone 7, Windows Mobile, Palm webOS, Nokia, Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry smartphones. For more information visit: http://www.Slacker.com/everywhere.
Slacker and Slacker.com are registered trademarks of Slacker, Inc. All other trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
Media Contact:
Anders Steele
FortyThree, Inc.
831.239.0960
slacker@fortythreepr.com
Virgin America Becomes First Airline to Launch Gogo's ATG-4 Technology
New Even Higher Speed WiFi Connection to Launch on First Virgin America Aircraft in Early 2012
ITASCA, Ill. and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogo, the world's leading provider of in-flight connectivity and an innovator in in-flight entertainment, and Virgin America, the airline that is reinventing domestic travel, today announced at the 2011 Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Expo in Seattle that Virgin America will be the first airline to offer Gogo's next generation ATG-4 service. Gogo's ATG-4 service will significantly enhance the ATG network and improve aircraft WiFi capacity to the plane by approximately four times the current performance through the addition of directional antenna, dual-modem and EV-DO Rev. B technologies. Virgin America was the first carrier to offer fleetwide WiFi as of May 2009 via Aircell's Gogo service. Known for its innovative amenities including power outlets at every seat, the airline regularly sees up to one-third of guests on its flights logged on to the popular Gogo service.
"As the only airline based in Silicon Valley our tech-forward guests have come to expect a fully connected in-flight experience on Virgin America," said President and CEO of Virgin America David Cush. "With Gogo's new ATG-4 technology, we're excited to see our long-time partner come to the table with a new offering that will further improve the speed and performance of in-flight WiFi for our guests."
Gogo's ATG-4 service on Virgin America is scheduled for delivery on aircraft beginning in the first half of 2012. The new platform is backwards compatible and allows for upgrades to existing ATG systems through low cost retrofits.
"Gogo is committed to meeting the ever evolving connectivity needs of our airline partners," said Michael Small, Gogo's President and CEO. "ATG-4's increased capacity is a perfect solution to meet Virgin America's connectivity needs. We will continue to develop and offer a suite of technology solutions for our airline partners, recognizing that this isn't a one-size fits all market. Our experience has taught us the important lesson that multiple technologies will need to be deployed over time, and our solutions are built to accommodate changes in technology to meet the needs of every aircraft and mission - whether that's through ATG, ATG-4 or satellite technologies."
With topnotch service, beautiful design and a host of high-tech amenities, Virgin America has swept the industry best-in-class awards for the quality of its service since its 2007 launch, including "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and "Best Domestic Airline" in Conde Nast Traveler's 2008, 2009 and 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. In this year's APEX awards, the airline captured top honors for "Best Ground Experience," "Best In-flight Entertainment in the Americas," "Best In-Flight Video" and "Best Overall Passenger Experience." At APEX earlier this week, Virgin America also announced the new technology partner for the next iteration of the airline's Red(TM) in-flight entertainment system - slated for launch in late 2012.
EDITORS NOTES: Virgin America is a U.S.-controlled, owned and operated airline. It is an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.
About Virgin America: Headquartered in California, Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features aimed at reinventing air travel. In just over four years flying, Virgin America was named "Best Domestic Airline" in the Conde Nast Traveler 2008, 2009 and 2010 Readers' Choice Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure's 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 World's Best Awards. The airline's current base of operations is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In April 2011, the airline became an anchor tenant at SFO's new sleek and sustainable Terminal 2. Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Cabos, Cancun, Chicago and as of December 2, 2011 - Puerto Vallarta. For more, please visit: http://www.virginamerica.com For photos + video: http://www.virginamerica.com/about/airline-photos/virgin-america-pictures.html
About Gogo®: Gogo® is fast becoming everyone's favorite part of flying. By allowing travelers to get online, in air, Gogo keeps them connected to life. Using the Gogo exclusive network and services, passengers with laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled devices can get online on all domestic AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin America flights and on select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways flights. Back on the ground, Gogo's 350+ employees in Itasca, IL and Broomfield, CO are working to continually redefine flying as a productive, socially connected, and all-around more satisfying experience. Connect with us at http://www.gogoair.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/gogo and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gogo
SOURCE Virgin America
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090123/VIRGINAMERICALOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Virgin America
CONTACT: Virgin America, Abby Lunardini, +1-650-533-7576, abby.lunardini@virginamerica.com; or Gogo, Steve Nolan, +1-630-310-2468, snolan@gogoair.com
EaseUS® Partition Master 9.1 Offers Easier Ways to Upgrade System Disk & Extend Dynamic System Volume
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EaseUS Software, a leading provider of easy-to-use storage management, data recovery, data backup and disaster recovery solutions, today announces the new update of EaseUS Partition Master, a comprehensive partition management solution with non-destructive and advanced partition manager features that go beyond the basic functionality offered by Windows' own Disk Management tool. Resizing dynamic volume, especially resize system volume, which is limited in built-in Windows Disk Management, can be easily operated in EaseUS Partition Master now.
As dynamic disks provide more superiorities than basic, it is a justification that dynamic volumes are widely used. But the disk management under Windows is limited, such as users are not able to extend the system volume when it runs out of space if there is no unallocated space behind. As a multi-functional hard disk partition management solution, EaseUS Partition Master has enhanced its ability to extend the system volume without data loss as well as other dynamic volumes, even if there is no unallocated space behind it. It also offers an easy and direct way to reorganize partitions to optimize your disk space.
New EaseUS Partition Master keeps all the features of the previous version as well, such as resize/merge partitions, clone disk and partition, convert dynamic disk to basic disk, create bootable disk, etc.
New updated features available in EaseUS Partition Master:
-- Resize dynamic system volumes - extend or shrink system volume on
dynamic disk easily.
-- Upgrade system disk directly - clone system hard disk to a bigger one
without reinstalling system and applications.
Mr. Liu, CEO of EaseUS, says: "No best software, but better software. We will strive to improve our product to satisfy users' requests constantly."
Pricing & Availability
EaseUS Partition Master Professional for $39.95 is available online at:http://www.partition-tool.com/professional.htm
EaseUS Partition Master Server for $159.00 is available online at:http://www.partition-tool.com/easeus-partition-manager-server/
EaseUS Partition Master Unlimited for $399.00 is available online at:http://www.partition-tool.com/epm-unlimited.htm
About CHENGDU YIWO Tech Development Co., Ltd.:
The Company specializes in backup software, partition manager and data recovery for Windows. Its major products are EaseUS Partition Master, EaseUS Todo Backup, and Data Recovery Wizard. For more information, please visit http://www.easeus.com.
"EaseUS" is a registered trademark of CHENGDU Yiwo® Tech Development Co., Ltd.
Evolution Robotics Extends Award-Winning Product Line With Mint(TM) Plus Automatic Floor Cleaner
Company Offers Consumers Mint(TM) and Mint Plus(TM) Versatility
PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolution Robotics, Inc., a leading robotics technology company, today unveiled the next generation in robotic floor care, Mint(TM) Plus Automatic Floor Cleaner. Building on the success of the original Mint product line, the Mint Plus offers an enhanced wet cleaning system, including a self-dispensing reservoir, faster recharge and a larger battery providing up to four hours of run time. Mint Plus pairs technology with practicality, offering consumers a simple, easy and affordable way to keep up with life's demands while maintaining a clean and healthy home.
Mint Plus will be sold at a variety of national and online retailers this fall, with retail prices starting at $299.99, while the award-winning first generation of the product, Mint, continues to be available at retailers with prices starting at $199.99.
Mint Plus is a robotic floor cleaning appliance designed exclusively for hard surface floor cleaning and automatically dusts and wet mops hard surface floors using popular cleaning cloths, such as Swiffer® brand Dry and Wet Cloths and other similar products. Perfect for any home, Mint Plus is especially convenient for pet owners, those with allergies, elderly, busy parents or anyone looking for a cleaning appliance that can simplify their life.
"With Mint Plus, we listened to what consumers are looking for and developed a product to meet that need," said Dr. Paolo Pirjanian, CEO of Evolution Robotics. "We're always aiming to improve our line of products and are thrilled to share the next generation of the Mint brand with our customers."
Additionally, Evolution Robotics will extend the product line through accessories created to meet the needs of consumers including a turbo-charging cradle, which cuts charge time in half just by setting the product on the cradle. Frequent users can now clean for up to four hours dry sweeping, charge in just two hours, and then either dry sweep or wet mop again. The cradle easily fits into small spaces and provides a convenient place to store Mint when not in use.
Guided by Evolution's own NorthStar® technology, Mint and Mint Plus are smart enough to navigate and clean a room systematically without human assistance, meticulously tracking surfaces that have already been cleaned to help ensure the Mint doesn't miss a spot.
With the launch of NorthStar® 2.0, the latest technology available with Mint Plus, the system features an extendable cleaning area. Consumers can now use two or more NorthStar® Navigation Cubes to expand Mint Plus' cleaning area. Mint has always offered an accessory Cube, but with this next evolution, Mint Plus can move from one Cube area to another allowing the device to clean a much larger area, up to 2,000 square feet. Lastly, NorthStar® 2.0 includes a new 'Pause' function which allows consumers to change cleaning cloths mid-cycle and resume cleaning areas not yet covered.
To clean into hard to reach places, the Mint family's innovative square design breaks the mold of traditional round robots allowing the cleaning cloth to clean along edges of walls and all the way into corners. Mint adapts to different home environments using first-of-their-kind floor sensors allowing the cleaner to adjust the friction of the cleaning pad to maintain optimal traction with its wheels.
For additional information about Mint, Mint Plus and the full line of accessories, please visit http://www.mintcleaner.com.
About Evolution Robotics
Evolution Robotics, Inc., based in Pasadena, CA, is a technology company that partners with brand leaders to make their robots smarter. The company develops cutting-edge technology to enable the next generation of robots to perform useful and interesting tasks autonomously with a level of artificial intelligence that has only been available for military and high-cost applications. Evolution Robotics, Inc. is known for its autonomous navigation and vision technologies which have revolutionized the field by providing extremely complex technologies at the consumer level pricing. With the launch of the Mint(TM) Automatic Floor Cleaner in 2010, Evolution Robotics, Inc. successfully created a consumer brand for useful and interesting robotic products for the home today and in the future. Evolution Robotics is an operating company of Idealab, a creator and operator of technology businesses. http://www.evolution.com
CONTACT: Stephan West, Idealab for Evolution Robotics, +1-626-685-4934, stephan@idealab.com, or Teresa Bridwell, Idealab for Evolution Robotics, +1-626-535-2886, teresa@idealab.com; or Corina Galdamez, Edelman for Evolution Robotics, +1-323-761-6511, corina.galdamez@edelman.com
The FreeStyle Life Selects Brightcove Video Cloud for Online Video
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The FreeStyle Life today announced it has chosen Brightcove Video Cloud, a leading online video platform, to further expand video solutions for high quality content creators. With Video Cloud, TheFreeStyleLife.com, one of the world's premier destinations for curated premium video, can now offer advertisers custom branding opportunities, as well as provide content creators innovative, out-of-the-box solutions for their video needs.
The FreeStyle Life's Chief Publishing Officer, Mary Kate Roach, stated, "Video Cloud is a perfect complement, as it is a leading platform that is continually introducing new innovations and striving to provide an optimal user experience, which is precisely what The FreeStyle Life platform is all about."
The FreeStyle Life, which features outstanding films and music videos from both world renowned and up-and-coming filmmakers and musicians, allows marketers to align their campaigns with today's top indie and Hollywood talent, as well as provide content creators an authentic platform that can suit their individual video needs. Already accessible on PCs, smart phones, tablets, and connected TVs, The FreeStyle Life can now further expand its offering to consumers, retailers, brand marketers, music labels, and filmmakers.
Founder and CEO of The FreeStyle Life, Tommy Swanhaus, said, "between our partnerships with Google and YouTube and our use of Brightcove Video Cloud, we can offer content creators worldwide reach, users the best video experience, and advertisers the best bang for their dollar."
About The FreeStyle Life, Inc.
On the Internet with currently over 21 billion videos, The FreeStyle Life identifies, curates, and centralizes groundbreaking and thought-provoking film, documentary, and music video content. Through their innovative social curation platform, The FreeStyle Life enables users to enlighten their peers through the discovery and sharing of the most interesting film and music content. With social networks quickly becoming one of the primary ways people discover and access content on the web, The FreeStyle Life allows users to share and comment on these handpicked music videos and films through their favorite social networks. The FreeStyle Life has launched the careers of numerous artists and provides an innovative way for content creators and artists to monetize their work.
SOURCE The FreeStyle Life
The FreeStyle Life
CONTACT: Peter Bouloukos, +1-203-594-9124, team@thefreestylelife.com
FreeCause to Present Interactive Loyalty Solutions at GDC Online
Innovative GamerBar rewards users while monetizing online activity
BOSTON, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeCause is pleased to announce its participation at the Game Developers Conference Online, held from October 10th to the 13th. The conference, held in Austin, Texas, is one of the biggest events in the social gaming industry, attracting more than 3,000 attendees worldwide. FreeCause will exhibit innovative web technology that drives engagement and monetization geared specifically towards gaming.
As industry leading experts in monetization and user acquisition, FreeCause will be showcasing its premier loyalty solutions for the gaming industry. The FreeCause technology drives user interaction and increases game traffic while monetizing search and shopping activity. FreeCause's suite of loyalty solutions has been instrumental in helping to build lasting, profitable user relationships for its many gaming clients. "FreeCause has experienced momentum in the social gaming industry as developers continue to seek engaging and profitable solutions that complement the game play experience while monetizing and rewarding their users," said Michael Jaconi, CEO of FreeCause. "We are looking forward to speaking with the developers and publishers attending GDC Austin as we continue to grow our business' social gaming category."
Focused on the gaming industry and it business, marketing, customer experience and development aspects, GDC Online is an interactive forum of idea sharing and collaboration. The event is a perfect opportunity for FreeCause to showcase the solutions that have helped it build significant momentum in the social gaming industry. "GDC provides an excellent avenue for us to get in front of the many developers and business professionals yearning for more effective online tools to help them acquire new highly engaged users while also generating additional revenue," said Tom Guenette, Director of Marketing & Public Relations of FreeCause. "We're very much looking forward to attending GDC and we're also excited to reveal several interesting surprises to visitors of our booth."
FreeCause is a full service technology and marketing firm that develops and enhances loyalty rewards programs for major brands, airlines, hotels, sports teams and social games. Headquartered in Boston, MA, FreeCause offers a comprehensive portfolio of market-leading technology and expertise that allows organizations to accelerate lasting, profitable relationships with their customers and supporters. With more than 20 million subscribers, the FreeCause advanced loyalty and engagement solutions drive user behavior and strengthen brand loyalty while simultaneously generating new revenue streams for organizations through an extensive network of merchants and partners. FreeCause is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755).
About Rakuten
Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of consumer and business-focused services including e-commerce, travel, banking, securities, credit card, e-money, portal & media, online marketing and professional sports. Rakuten is expanding globally and currently has operations throughout Asia, Western Europe, and the Americas. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit http://global.rakuten.com/group.
SOURCE FreeCause
FreeCause
CONTACT: Tom Guenette, Director of Marketing & Public Relations of FreeCause, +1-617-502-8935, tom.guenette@freecause.com
Relaunch of PointsPhone website proceeding on schedule
BELLEVUE, Wash., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Voip-Pal.Com Inc. ("Voip-Pal") (OTC Pink Sheets: VPLM) is pleased to announce that it has launched a new corporate website for investors at http://www.voip-pal.com.
Voip-Pal's new corporate website has been updated and redesigned to make it user-friendly for investors. Information has been updated compared to the previous website.
"The redesign of our corporate website has made the browsing experience more unique and professional," states Dennis Chang, President of Voip-Pal. "The next step is to relaunch our retail sales site http://www.pointsphone.com. The PointsPhone site will be ready in a matter of days."
To preview Voip-Pal's PointsPhoneGuard(TM) Ad on You Tube, please click on the following link:
Voip-Pal.Com Inc. is a broadband VoIP telecom company offering local and long distance VoIP services to consumers and business owners. The company offers turnkey VoIP communication and reseller solutions for its partners. Voip-Pal.Com Inc. is also a provider of international calls using VoIP technology on the internet, smart cell phones and PC Tablets. Voip-Pal's goal is to provide a quality, high-speed and cost-effective telephone solution for the casual and business international traveler who must rely on their smartphones, laptops or tablets in order to communicate.
All statements contained in this news release, other than those identifying historical facts, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Safe Harbor provisions as contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relating to the Company's future expectations, including but not limited to revenues and earnings, technology efficacy, strategies and plans, are subject to safe harbors protection. Actual Company results and performance may be materially different from any future results, performance, strategies, plans, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by any such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Voip-Pal.Com Inc.
IR inquiries
chanelle@voip-pal.com
info@voip-pal.com
MLSListings Partners with pocketListings to Deliver Agent Branded Mobile and Facebook MLS Search App
Agents can now distribute their own personalized smart phone apps to their clients with official MLS data
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MLSListings, Inc. (MLSListings) today announced the launch of a new agent branded mobile and Facebook application, pocketListings, through its PERKS program.
pocketListings, developed by Netitude Corporation (Netitude), is a mobile real estate search application that agents can distribute to their prospects just like business cards. With pocketListings, consumers can search properties, view property details and pictures, as well as mark their favorites to share via social networks. pocketListings is available only through an agent, and unlike other free apps, has been designed with the agent's business in mind maximizing their return from marketing expense.
"Today's home-buyers demand availability of data 'anytime or anywhere' and use of the pocketListings application can help facilitate collaboration between agents and their clients in a more expedient manner," said Jim Harrison, president and CEO of MLSListings. "No other MLS in Northern California is offering this cutting edge marketing tool to agents and brokers, and we're very excited to make it available to our customers through our partnership with Netitude."
Using pocketListings, MLSListings subscribers can easily set up a branding profile and have their app ready to distribute in just few minutes. In addition they can also add property search to their Facebook business pages giving their clients an option to search properties without leaving their social network.
"MLSListings is a pioneer in providing cutting edge tools not only to its member agents but also to home buyers and sellers in the Bay Area" said Nagendra Shukla, CEO and co-founder of Netitude. "We are pleased to partner with MLSListings for services that enable agents to compete and win in the vibrant housing market in California."
For full product detail or ordering information, please visit MLSListings' PERKS program of business building services at http://portal.mlslistings.com/perks.
About MLSListings, Inc.
MLSListings, Inc. is a not-for-profit, California mutual benefit corporation formed in 2007 by a consortium of eight Northern California REALTOR® associations (Central Valley, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley, San Mateo, Monterey, Pajaro Valley, and San Benito associations of REALTORS®). Currently, MLSListings represents more than 16,000 MLS subscribers, in approximately 6,000 firms, in an area covering 28,000 square miles representing more than $70 billion in annual real estate transactions. For more information, please visit http://www.mlslistings.com.
About Netitude Corporation
Netitude Corporation offers business mobile applications with dynamic branding capability to SMB and Individual services providers. It offers revenue generating applications in "Application-As-Service" model thus eliminating cost to develop, distribute and manage the multi-device, cross platform mobile apps. pocketListings is one such product offered for the real estate market. For more information, call 408-832-8904 or visit http://www.SpreadYourBrand.com. A video of pocketListings agent branded app can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5klA-WyGovM.
About PERKS Program
MLSListings, Inc. provides a suite of business-building products and services called PERKS, designed to improve agent/broker workflows that increase productivity and facilitate real estate transactions. These products and service range from web sites, software, advanced tools, wireless products, listing syndication, and document management products.
SOURCE MLSListings, Inc.
MLSListings, Inc.
CONTACT: Jim Harrison, President & CEO of MLSListings, Inc., +1-408-874-0255, jharrison@mlslistings.com