D-Link Expands Amplifi(TM) Family of Premium Home Networking Solutions
HD Media Router 2000 and PowerLine AV 500 Kit Offer Today's Homes the Latest in Uninterrupted High-Performance Network Connectivity
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link today announced the latest products to join its Amplifi(TM) family of high-performance home networking solutions, the HD Media Router 2000 (DIR-827) and the PowerLine AV 500 Gigabit Switch Kit (DHP-541). Designed to optimize a home's Wi-Fi signal and provide increased and continuous Internet strength, the HD Media Router 2000 offers advanced wireless connectivity and HD Fuel® for automatic bandwidth prioritization, enabling seamless high-quality HD streaming, gaming without lag time and uninterrupted VoIP calling. The PowerLine AV 500 Gigabit Switch Kit delivers additional bandwidth through existing electrical wiring and outlets, enabling consumers to connect an entertainment system to the network from any room in the house with speeds of up to 500Mbps.
"With the increased usage of wirelessly-connected devices in homes, there is a huge demand for stronger and more reliable network connections," says Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. "D-Link's new Amplifi products address this demand by providing consumers top-shelf, high-performance products - whether you're looking for increased signal strength and uninterrupted streaming of your favorite HD videos and music across the home network, or extra bandwidth for secure, fast connectivity to otherwise hard-to-reach places."
Featuring data transfer rates of up to 600Mbps and HD Fuel®, the HD Media Router 2000 offers simultaneous N600 Dual Band (300Mbps + 300Mbps) for streaming HD videos and surfing the web at the same time. HD Fuel enables the built-in Quality of Service (QoS) engine to automatically prioritize high bandwidth activities for uninterrupted HD video streaming, gaming and VoIP calling. Unlike conventional routers, it is specifically designed to automatically provide extra bandwidth to certain activities, enhancing online entertainment and eliminating glitches or lags. The high-performance HD Media Router 2000 also allows users to stream online media content to multiple devices anywhere in the home, for the ultimate online entertainment experience. In addition, the new home network router features USB SharePort(TM) Plus with a USB 3.0 port for sharing virtually any USB-enabled device, such as a printer or storage device, across the home network at faster transfer rates. It also includes an SD Card slot for sharing media files with anyone on the home network, whether it's a photo or movie file.
The PowerLine AV 500 Gigabit Switch Kit (DHP-541) features D-Link's PowerLine AV 500 four-port Gigabit Switch (DHP-540) and one PowerLine AV 500 Adapter (DHP-502AV) for simple, secure, fast connectivity to hard-to-reach places in the home, such as a basement or attic. Using a home's existingelectrical wiring, consumers can easily plug, play and transform any conventional power outlet into a fully-functioning Ethernet port. Ideal for home entertainment systems, PowerLine technology allows consumers to connect to the network from any room in the house with a fast 500Mbps transfer rate. And with the ability to support multiple streams of HD content and prioritize Internet traffic with a built-in QoS engine, these PowerLine HomePlug AV products deliver glitch-free movies, gaming, web surfing, and downloading simultaneously.
For more information and detailed specs on the HD Media Router 2000 (DIR-827), the PowerLine AV 500 Gigabit Switch Kit (DHP-541) or other D-Link Amplifi products, visit amplifi.dlink.com.
Availability and Pricing
The HD Media Router 2000 will be available in late-September with a retail price of $149.99 throughout D-Link's network of U.S. e-tail and retail outlets, including Fry's and Micro Center, and at the company's online store (http://www.dlinkshop.com). The PowerLine AV 500 Gigabit Switch Kit will be available for a retail price of $159.99 in October.
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 http://www.dlink.com or connect with D-Link on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/dlink).
Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range. Wireless range and speed rates are D-Link RELATIVE performance measurements based on the wireless range and speed rates of a standard Wireless G product from D-Link. Maximum throughput based on D-Link's 802.11n devices.
CONTACT: Denise Keddy of D-Link Systems, Inc., +1-714-885-6318, denise.keddy@dlink.com; or Sara Lee of Walt & Company, +1-408-369-7200, ext. 2980, slee@walt.com
Asvathaa Launches Facebook Social Game Karma Kingdom
Allows Players to "Create Their Better World"
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Asvathaa Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based game development company has recently launched Karma Kingdom, an exciting quest driven online island game that can be played on Facebook. The tagline of the game, "Create Your Better World", best encapsulates the game on many levels. From an innovative non-linear user layout, an intrinsic positive message, to the opportunities afforded users to give to charities; the game is designed to lay new ground and direction for social games.
Asvathaa's intention is to bring to the market a new generation of original games based on the mythologies and stories from Asian cultures.
Speaking of the game, Ashok Desai, Founder and CEO of Asvathaa, said, "Karma Kingdom is a social game that utilizes Indian Mythology, which the wider Indian Diaspora will find familiar but at the same time one that the global audience won't get lost in. It took us a year to develop this game as we wanted to provide for a fun and entertaining medium for a broad global audience across a wide demographic and came up with layout and design that will appeal to all."
The game combines contemporary lessons with Indian mythology characters. Interestingly, the game also provides a unique connection between the virtual world and the real world, in a way it helps in improving the real world as you go about playing the game. Asvathaa has also dedicated a portion of their income to be donated to non-profit charities around the world. About this, Ashok says, "We want to offer a personal CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) platform for every individual as the desire to give back exists in each one of us."
We are currently also setting up a development center in New Delhi, India. We want to bring to market a wave of social games that will encourage a brand new demographic to play these games.
Asvathaa Pte. Ltd. has chosen a multi-shore approach to developing the games and has offices in the USA, Singapore and India.
HUDSON, Fla., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ASEOHosting, a web hosting company owned by Ahosting, Inc., has announced the debut of a new set of SEO hosting services. This unique set of web hosting offerings is intended to assist SEO professionals in achieving better search engine rankings through a hosting platform specially designed for SEO purposes.
At the forefront of ASEOHosting's SEO hosting services is the ability to choose IP addresses in multiple class C subnets. This is intended to help webmasters keep an "arms reach" relationship between web sites that they may happen to maintain, stay free of passing potentially undue webspam penalties on certain web sites, and achieve better rankings where geo-location is at play by a particular search query (for example, a web site hosted in Sweden is proven to rank better for Swedish users, as well as many search queries that involve the phrase 'Sweden' or 'Swedish').
"We've seen an overwhelmingly positive response towards our SEO hosting services," commented Matthew Jacobsen, VP of Customer Relations for ASEOHosting. "Very few web hosting companies can supply IP addresses from 550+ class C's in cities located all over the world. We're very happy to be meeting a long-running need of SEO professionals."
ASEOHosting's SEO hosting services are available in plans as small as 5 unique class C IP addresses in a shared hosting package, ranging all the way up to dedicated servers with an entire /24 IP provision or larger where justified. ASEOHosting's clients are also given the option of choosing where their IP's are located, in places such as the United States, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Germany for international SEO.
ASEOHosting is a Hudson, Florida-based web hosting company owned and operated by Ahosting, Inc. ASEOHosting provides multiple IP web hosting services in an environment considered to be ideal for SEO professionals. Clients of ASEOHosting can subscribe to SEO hosting services across 400+ U.S. and 150+ European IP Class C's, and rest assured that their provider is paying relentless attention towards other server-side factors that contribute directly to the success of their SEO campaigns. For more information, visit http://www.aseohosting.com.
Hyperoptic Bring First 1 Gig Residential Product to UK
LONDON, September 14, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- Revolutionary Broadband Prices Announced to Take on the Big Players
Hyperoptic [http://www.hyperoptic.com ], the speed-breaking full fibre
provider, is launching today, bringing UK consumers 1 Gigabit download and
upload speeds for the first time. Hyperoptic's aim is to revolutionise
broadband in the UK by bringing fibre directly into the premises resulting
in a lightning fast connection - currently 140 times the speed of the UK
average. (OFCOM)
This will allow residents to work from home at speeds normally only
available to the select few in the workplace, increasing productivity and
reducing commuting. Gamers and families where there are multiple Internet
users are also set to benefit.
Hyperoptic will initially roll out its Gig services to large residential
and commercial properties in London, moving to other UK cities in 2012.
Hyperoptic's residential pricing will start at a comparatively low
GBP12.50 per month for broadband (based on taking phone service with a
GBP12.50 line rental, including free UK evening and weekend calls). Their
packages will include:
Hyperoptic's specially designed fibre-rich network will deliver end-user
speeds at the actual speed advertised. This contrasts with copper based
services, where the distance you live from the exchange and the number of
other customers using the service determines your usable speed.
Dana Tobak, Managing Director of Hyperoptic explains, "There is a
preconception that fibreoptic is expensive and therefore, can not be made
available to consumers. At the same time, the UK is effectively lagging in
our rate of fibre broadband adoption. Our pricing shows that the power of
tomorrow can be delivered at a competitive and affordable rate.
"Going live today, we really feel we are at the start of an exciting
journey in terms of taking broadband to the next level in the UK."
Hyperoptic delivers full fibre services with speeds of 1 gigabit that
jump start the UK into the 'real' fibre revolution. Hyperoptic was founded
in 2011 by Boris Ivanovic, Chairman and Dana Tobak, Managing Director. The
same team previously co-founded the UK's breakthrough 24meg ISP Be
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BE_Broadband ] in 2005, which was sold to O2
one and a half years later. Be's market-leading customer service enabled
them to win a number of awards including Which? ISP and PC Advisor's Best
Buy.
Universal Business Listing to Add 2D Barcodes to Business Profiles, Enhancing Customer Engagement
Barcodes allow businesses to promote and measure customer interactions via mobile
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Business Listing (http://www.UBL.org) today announced its customers will be able to create and distribute advanced 2D barcodes, also referred to as QR codes, as part of its business profile syndication service, available directly through UBL's retail channel. 2D barcodes are digital or printed images that can be scanned by a mobile device which then directs a consumer to a webpage, video, message, call, promotion or any type of online experience the business chooses to display.
By using Neustar's barcode registry service, UBL's customers have the ability to make real-time changes to content, destination or application associated with these 2D codes at any time. Most barcodes today have the URL or content hard-coded directly into the barcode image. This is a significant risk and limitation for businesses that want to easily change promotional web pages or advertising campaigns or change the agencies and vendors running those campaigns. Barcodes are a digital asset companies need to manage; working with a trusted service provider like Neustar, assures these assets are not only more flexible, but also more secure.
In addition, UBL has reached agreement with Infogroup to include these 2D barcodes in the data feeds it provides to leading search engines, yellow pages directories and other publishers, which helps to broaden the audience for UBL customers' marketing campaigns.
"2-D Barcodes are an important tool in location-based promotion and business identity" said UBL CEO Doyal Bryant. "By incorporating them into our business profile syndication service we're able to give our users an advantage in mobile reach, promotions and analytics about their customers' mobile interactions."
"Neustar is excited UBL is incorporating 2D barcodes into their Business Profiles, bringing the power of this new mobile medium to every enterprise who participates", says Diane Strahan, senior vice president of Mobile and Registry Services at Neustar. "2D barcodes allow consumers to interact with the e-businesses they are interested in by allowing them to take the information with them while they are on the go."
UBL customers will be able to update their barcode any time via the UBL user dashboard, as well as view the informational data associated with each barcode and its use. Over time, additional metrics, analytics and deeper intelligence will be added.
About Universal Business Listing
Universal Business Listing, based in Charlotte, NC, is a service of Name Dynamics Inc (NDIX.pk). UBL provides the most effective way for SEO providers, advertising agencies and interactive marketers to help their customers distribute their business details across search engines, online Yellow Pages directories, 411 directory assistance, social networks and mobile devices. The company also offers reputation monitoring tools and a variety of premium submission services. For more information, visit http://www.ubl.org.
About Neustar, Inc.
Neustar, Inc. provides market-leading, innovative solutions and directory services that enable trusted communication across networks, applications, and enterprises around the world. Visit Neustar online at http://www.neustar.biz.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are indicated by words such as "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "believes" and similar expressions. Our ability to achieve the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements is subject to risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, our ability to successfully centralize and consolidate various support functions, in addition to general economic conditions, operating results, market acceptance of our solutions and other risks detailed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made in accordance with "safe harbor" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and no assurance can be given that the future results that are the subject of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
SOURCE Name Dynamics Inc
Name Dynamics Inc
CONTACT: Chris Travers of Universal Business Listing, +1-212-933-9865, info@ubl.org, or Susan Wade of Neustar, +1-571-434-5307, Susan.Wade@neustar.biz
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.
HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TellMyGov.com has released a FREE iPhone app ( click here to download the app from iTunes). The iPhone app has all the features available on the website, including chat, forums, messages, and a wall. Let your voice be heard even when you are on the go.
The new iPhone app allows you to upload videos and pictures. Attend functions and share with your group or in the forums. Chat with other members, see what your friends are doing on your wall, and voice your outrage or support of the news you heard while you were out of the house.
In addition to being able to chat, the new iPhone app also alerts you when you have new notifications so you never miss a comment, a call to action, or a new headline that your friends felt were important enough to share.
TellMyGov.com went live on July 4, 2011 and consists of members of every political party. It is a political social network site designed for the American voter and includes chat rooms, forums, friends, and information on current bills among other features for members. It does not support one particular party but gives a platform for members of any party to voice their opinions as well as post information, videos, and start groups with likeminded individuals.
For more information please go to TellMyGov.com or email Boris Ackerman at info@TellMyGov.com 832-541-3499.
SizeUp Launches Free Business Intelligence Tool at TechCrunch Disrupt
Website helps entrepreneurs and small businesses increase profits, reduce failure
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SizeUp (http://www.sizeup.com), a free business intelligence tool designed to help all businesses grow, debuted today at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco. SizeUp is one of only 30 finalists presenting at the Disrupt Battlefield competition, out of over 1,200 applicants worldwide.
SizeUp shows businesses how to make more money, outperform their competition, and find the best places to advertise. SizeUp provides many of the same demographic, industry, geographic, business, transportation, and cost-of-business data that large corporations use, but provides it at no cost, using powerful analytic search tools to enable all businesses to make smarter decisions.
"Small businesses are already at a competitive disadvantage because they don't have access to the same quality of business intelligence and competitor analysis that big businesses have," said SizeUp's CEO, Anatalio Ubalde. "We are leading a movement to level the business information playing field, help entrepreneurs to grow their companies, and reduce small business failure."
SizeUp provides three core features that enable business owners to make more intelligent decisions:
1. Map of the competition: Executives can map where competitors, customers,
and suppliers are located, and can use the map to isolate areas with many
potential customers but little competition.
2. Benchmark a specific business: Entrepreneurs can see how their business
"sizes up" by comparing its performance to all competitors in the
industry. This tool enables businesses to isolate areas for improvement
and find ways to save money.
3. Find the best places to advertise: Business owners can identify areas
with the highest total or average revenue for an industry, the most
underserved markets, and they can create custom demographic and business
reports.
"SizeUp is unique among business intelligence tools in that it provides competitive information with spatial analysis and mapping capabilities," said Ubalde. "Only SizeUp empowers its users in this hyper-local way, allowing businesses to see other industry players, customers and suppliers on an interactive map. And unlike expensive traditional research tools, our business intelligence is free."
SizeUp (http://www.sizeup.com) is a service of GIS Planning, the world leader in online economic development solutions. Over 13,000 U.S. cities in 42 states are served by GIS Planning's Geographic Information System (GIS) Software, which provides real estate, demographic and industry data to help site selection professionals. GIS Planning is the creator of ZoomProspector.com, a free website that enables companies to identify the best locations to start-up, expand, or relocate.
About TechCrunch Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt (http://disrupt.techcrunch.com), Sept 12-14 2011, at San Francisco Design Center Concourse, 635 8th Street (at Brannan), is TechCrunch's marquee conference in San Francisco attracting over 2,000 leading technology innovators and investors and over 150 new startups. TechCrunch (http://www.techcrunch.com) is a leading technology media network, dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies. Founded in 2005, TechCrunch and its network of websites reach over 8 million unique visitors and more than 25 million page views per month.
SOURCE SizeUp
SizeUp
CONTACT: April Nichols, +1-646-554-4295, anichols@sizeup.com
Slacker Radio Launches Official Austin City Limits Music Festival 2011 Station
Customizable Festival Station to be Updated Live with Exclusive Content
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Slacker, Inc. today launched Austin City Limits 2011, the official personal radio station of the Austin City Limits Music Festival featuring the bands and artists in the 2011 lineup. Thisstation is now available for free in the Slacker Festivals/Events section within Slacker Radio online, on leading smartphones and the iPad.
Slacker's Festivals/Events section is a special category that can be found on any Slacker Radio application and includes festival stations unique to Slacker Radio, featuring exclusive interview content. The Austin City Limits 2011 station can also be accessed directly at: http://www.Slacker.com/ACL.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival, named after the PBS concert series, runs September 16 - 18, 2011 in Austin, Texas' Zilker Park with a lineup of 130 artists playing on eight stages. Slacker's Austin City Limits 2011 station plays music from the festival's wide range of bands and artists, including Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Kanye West, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Santigold and Sara Bareilles.
The Austin City Limits 2011 station will be available for listening before, during and after the festival, and it can be fully customized to the listener's personal music tastes. Slacker Radio will also be updating this station live from the ACL Festival with exclusive artist interviews conducted by Slacker DJs.
"The Austin City Limits 2011 station is a great way for music fans to experience the ACL Festival, whether they are attending or not," said Scott Riggs, Director of Radio at Slacker. "Listeners can enjoy music by the artists they already love, discover new favorites and, because the station is hosted by Slacker, personalize the station to cater to their own musical tastes."
The Austin City Limits 2011 station can be accessed anywhere Slacker is available, whether listeners are on the web, webOS smartphones, BlackBerry smartphones, iPhone and iPod touch, Android-powered smartphones or a Slacker-enabled Sony TV or Blu-ray player. Listeners have instant access to music from bands and artists in the 2011 Austin City Limits lineup along with artist profiles, album reviews and album cover art providing the ultimate music discovery experience.
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/about.
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
Performance Starts Hear(TM): Polk Audio Introduces UltraFit(TM) Sport Headphones for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
BALTIMORE, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Polk Audio, the award-winning designer and manufacturer of high performance audio products, has brought its sonic expertise to the world of sports and fitness by introducing the audio industry's first line of performance headphones designed specifically for athletes of every stripe - from elite professionals to weekend warriors.
Now shipping to major e-retailers and retailers nationwide, Polk Audio's Performance Line-Up of UltraFit(TM) headphones are perfect for individuals looking for superior audio quality, durability and style in the headphones they use while training, practicing or generally engaged in an active lifestyle.
"We are changing the sonic landscape for an entire generation of athletes and active headphone users," says Ben Newhall, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our engineers have used the same breakthrough technology we apply to our award-winning speaker design to create a series of headphones that are comfortable, rugged in durability, aggressively muscular in style and all with Polk's world-class commitment to superior sound quality."
The Polk Audio UltraFit(TM) headphones are featured in a national magazine and digital advertising campaign - Performance Starts Hear(TM) - featuring professional basketball star Rudy Gay. They will be introduced to the media tonight at a launch event in New York City with ESPN sports anchor Linda Cohn, Rudy Gay, professional basketball star Thad Young, Boston Cannons midfielder and 2009 Major League Lacrosse MVP Paul Rabil and Atlanta Beat defender, two-time Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Soccer team member Heather Mitts.
The Polk Audio Performance Line-Up features four UltraFit(TM) sports headphones in a variety of colors that include in-ear, on-ear and in-ear canal models. The headphones stand apart from other brands with Polk Audio's acclaimed audio quality and unique attention to detail, including: water resistant designs, tangle-free contrast-colored cables for instant left/right recognition, Kevlar-reinforced hinge points to eliminate the number one product failure in many headphones, and comfortable, non-slip materials where the headphone engages the ear. Three models include in-line or on-ear 3-button remote control and microphone for use with iPhone®, iPod® and iPad®. The UltraFit(TM) headphones range from $49.95 to $99.95.
"Athletes often complain about poor sound quality and earpiece slippage once the workout gets going and the sweat begins to pour," said Newhall. "We've designed the UltraFit(TM) headphones to address those specific issues and provide a superior audio experience for those working out."
Polk Performance Line-Up: UltraFit(TM) Headphones:
UltraFit 500, In-Ear Headphone ($49.95): High performance digital sound; Securefit(TM) support; two ultra-flexible tangle-free, planar audio cables; Strainguard(TM); moisture shield; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red, black/gold, white/orange and white/gray. Zippered, vented protective case; 41-inch cable; 14-inch cable; three pair StayFit(TM) silicone tips.
UltraFit 1000, In-Ear Headphone ($69.95): High performance digital sound; in-line 3-button remote control and microphone; Securefit(TM) support; two ultra-flexible, tangle-free planar audio cables; Strainguard(TM); moisture shield; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red and white/gray. Zippered, vented protective case; 41-inch cable; 14-inch cable; three pair StayFit(TM) silicone tips.
UltraFit 2000, On-Ear Headphone ($69.95): High performance digital sound; built-in 3-button remote control and microphone; Securefit(TM) support; ultra-flexible, tangle-free planar audio cable; Strainguard(TM); moisture shield; airframe design; reflective wraparound headband; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red and white/orange. Zippered protective case; one pair silicone ear pads; two pair foam ear pads; one pair cold-weather shearling ear pads.
UltraFit 3000, In-Ear Canal Headphone ($99.95): Ultra high performance digital sound: in-line 3-button remote control and microphone; Securefit(TM) support; two ultra-flexible, tangle-free planar audio cables; Strainguard(TM); moisture shield; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red, white/gray and white/orange. Zippered, vented protective case; 41-inch cable with in-line Apple® control, 14" cable, three pair StayFit(TM) silicone tips; two pair StayFit(TM) 3-flange silicone tips, three pair memory foam tips.
Polk Audio (http://www.polkaudio.com) is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high performance audio products and the largest audio brand of DEI Holdings, Inc. Founded in 1972, Polk's products include loudspeakers and electronic components for home, auto and marine applications, the market leading SurroundBar single speaker surround systems, the world's first audiophile-grade active IP-addressable loudspeaker, the world's only wireless single-speaker rear surround solution, the F/X Wireless Surround speaker, and the audio industry's first line of performance headphones for serious athletics and active individuals.
Media Contacts:
CE & Lifestyle Media Sports/Fitness Media
Adam Sohmer Brent Burkhardt / Madeline LaFave
Sohmer Associates, LLC TBC, Inc.
(347) 497-4965 (410) 986-1303 / (410) 986-1275
adam@sohmerassoc.com bburkhardt@tbc.us / mlafave@tbc.us
Wacom's Advanced Multi-Touch Controller to Provide Premium Touch Experience for Windows Users
Wacom works with Microsoft to enhance touch input for PC platforms
TOKYO and VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wacom® Company Limited announced this week that its G8 multi-touch controller technology is helping to support the next Windows touch experience thanks to the collaborative efforts of the two companies and their dedication to providing intuitive computer input.
"The popularity of touch-centric devices such as smartphones, tablets and even larger surface displays like all-in one desktops, suggests that touch, specifically multi-touch, is becoming the primary user interface," said Masahiko Yamada, President of Wacom Company Limited. "By working towards a common goal, Wacom and Microsoft are able to create a touch experience that is natural, responsive and intuitive. As a result, users will be able to expand their horizons with new levels of computer interaction."
Wacom's G8 controller brings numerous features and benefits to OEM and ODM entities seeking multi-touch capabilities for Windows-based PCs. The G8's outstanding capabilities provide manufacturers with state-of-the-art, cost-effective system options geared toward moving the PC industry forward. For more information on G8 and other initiatives by Wacom's Components Group, please consult: http://www.wacom-components.com
About Wacom
Founded in 1983, Wacom's vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom's intuitive input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashions and designs around the world and provide business and home users with the ability to explore digital content creation in a comfortable, natural way.
For more information, please contact:
Douglas A. Little
Sr. Public Relations Manager
Wacom Technology Corp.
360-896-9833 x174
douglas.little@wacom.com
Gazelle Leaps reCommerce(TM) Industry Forward with Customer Pledge
"Gazelle's reCommerce(TM) Pledge" Sets the Standard for Industry Practices
BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gazelle (gazelle.com), the nation's leading consumer electronics reCommerce(TM) service, today announced a comprehensive promise to Customers. The promise is titled, "Gazelle's reCommerce(TM) Pledge," and details what Customers should expect when trading in used electronic devices and what they can expect when trading in with Gazelle.
"With so many people likely to upgrade when Apple announces its expected new iPhone this fall, we wanted to give the public documented peace of mind about trading in their gadgets," said Israel Ganot, co-founder and CEO of Gazelle. "Providing a premier Customer experience is part of our DNA here at Gazelle, and with this Pledge we are committing to have the right technology and processes to hold ourselves accountable to our Customer promises."
The declaration is as follows:
Each and every time you trade in an electronic with Gazelle, we believe you deserve an honest, fair, and friendly experience. Gazelle's reCommerce Pledge shows what you can expect in every transaction with Gazelle and our commitment to you when, on occasion, a transaction doesn't go as planned.
Fair payment: Gazelle commits to continued investment in
patent-pending technology and its in-house team to ensure
competitive payouts for Customers across all of its
I. categories and 250,000+ searchable products in its catalog.
30-day Gazelle Offer guarantee: Once you lock in your Gazelle
II. Offer online, you will have 30 days to send in your items.
Free shipping: Gazelle will provide free shipping on every
III. transaction valued at least $1.
Offer protection: If we determine that the value of your item
is higher on the day we inspect it than the day you locked it
IV. in online, we will give you the higher offer.
Secure data destruction: Gazelle promises to invest in best
practices and technology for data destruction and to make
reasonable efforts to fully and properly destroy all personal
V. data on items we receive.
Honest communication: Gazelle will update you along the way,
including when we've received your items, when they've been
checked out, when any issues arise, and ultimately when your
VI. payment has been sent.
True value: When we check out your items, sometimes we find
them to be in better condition than described and sometimes
lesser condition. When either of these happen, we promise
VII. that:
If your item is deemed by us to be better than described,
we promise to raise your offer and pay you the true,
a. higher value.
If your item is deemed by us to be of lesser value than
described, we promise to give you the choice to accept a
reduced offer or to have your item returned free of
b. charge.
Free recycling: Gazelle will accept and responsibly recycle
items of no value in all categories we support at no cost to
VIII. Customers.
Responsible recycling: Gazelle is committed to zero landfill,
zero export recycling practices and will take reasonable
steps to ensure that all recyclables traded in are recycled
IX. through domestic BAN e-steward certified partners.
We're here to help: Gazelle will be available to help with
friendly service. Whether Customers choose to chat with us
online, communicate by email or reach out to us through
social media. We will proactively solve problems and answer
X. any questions Customers may have.
ABOUT GAZELLE
Gazelle (http://www.gazelle.com), a service of Second Rotation, Inc., provides an easy, fast, and fair way for consumers to get cash for their unwanted electronic devices. Gazelle takes the risk and effort out of selling electronic gadgets online and provides its users with benefits such as free shipping and packaging and comprehensive identity/data removal. To date, Gazelle has helped more than 200,000 consumers reCommerce their used gadgets to de-clutter their lives, earn quick cash and generally lead a greener lifestyle. Based in Boston, Gazelle is backed by premier venture capital firms Craton Equity Partners, Physic Ventures, Venrock Associates and RockPort Capital Partners.
SOURCE Gazelle
Gazelle
CONTACT: Michael Schneider, RF|Binder Partners, +1-212-994-7546, gazelle@rfbinder.com
Atmel Industry-Leading maXTouch Controllers Support Windows 8
Atmel maXTouch mXT1386 controller is first to provide users with faster response, higher performance, lower power and overall better touch interface for touch tablets, PCs and notebooks on Windows 8
MSFT BUILD, ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the BUILD conference, Atmel® Corporation (NASDAQ: ATML), a leader in microcontroller and touch solutions, announced that the Atmel maXTouch® mXT1386 is the first touch controller toenable touch performancewith Microsoft® Corp.'s new touch-centric operating system, Windows® 8. The mXT1386 controller is used in the Samsung® Windows Developer Preview PC.Leveraging Atmel's proven maXTouch technology, the mXT1386 is the first device in Atmel's maXTouch family that will support Windows 8 for touchscreens in a variety of sizes.
Touch interfaces have had explosive growth and are now widely adopted in a variety of devices ranging from smartphones to tablets. According to market research firm IHS iSuppli, global shipments for tablets alone are estimated to be 275.3 million units by 2015. With Windows 8, touch interfaces can be added to not only tablets but notebook PCs and all-in-one PCs.
The Atmel maXTouch mXT1386 controller for Windows 8 provides users all the same benefits of the maXTouch family including better noise immunity for noisy environments, lower power, superior touch performance and stylus support. The product also offers improved noise performance to allow the use of shieldless sensor substrates for thinner, sleeker touchscreen designs. In addition, the maXTouch controller includes a signal-to-noise ratio of 80:1, offering more sensitivity to even the lightest touches. A high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enables the device to work well with a fingertip touch or a stylus as small as 1mm. The mXT1386 maXTouch controller offers one of the industry's fastest touch frame rates of 180Hz, for a responsive touch interface to ensure a smooth user experience.
"Atmel is clearly the touch leader for mobile devices and tablets. We want to expand this seamless touch experience to notebook PCs and all-in-one PCs with our maXTouch technology," said Jon Kiachian, sr. director of touch marketing, Atmel Corporation. "Our collaboration with Microsoft will help make this a reality. We are excited to be selected as one of a few co-engineering partners to enable Windows 8 with our maXTouch controllers. This selection is further proof of our leadership in the market."
The Atmel mXT1386 controller offers a first touch latency of as low as 20ms with enhanced edge detection to enable fast execution of Windows 8 touch gestures. The mXT1386 is fully compatible with Windows 8 human interface devices (HID) that are 'plug n' play' ready and do not require drivers. All these features provide users an excellent touch interface and experience.
Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, capacitive touch solutions, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on industrial, consumer, communications, computing and automotive markets.
Qualcomm Powers Next Generation of Windows 8-Based Prototype PCs Previewed at Microsoft BUILD Conference
-- Qualcomm Will Enable Windows 8 Through Extensive Product Portfolio of Snapdragon Next Generation Processors and Gobi Wireless Connectivity Solutions --
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 13, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that Qualcomm and Microsoft are collaborating to enable Qualcomm's Snapdragon(TM) next generation family of mobile processors to power the first generation of upcoming Windows 8-based PCs, becoming one of the only silicon providers to date positioned to support both Windows smartphones and PCs. In addition, Qualcomm's Gobi(TM) mobile Internet connectivity solutions will provide Windows 8-based PCs with wireless 3G/4G connectivity to deliver an always-connected experience. Microsoft Corp. demonstrated an early developer preview of Windows 8-based prototype PCs powered by Snapdragon processors and Gobi connectivity during the keynote address at BUILD earlier today.
"We are excited to be at BUILD to show the Windows ecosystem and how we are working together towards commercialization of apps and hardware that will run Windows 8," said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of product management, computing and consumer products at Qualcomm. "It is a priority for Qualcomm to work with the developer community to optimize the Snapdragon and Gobi-powered platform for Windows 8 to provide an unparalleled mobile user experience."
As one of the largest providers of wireless chipset and software technology in the industry, Qualcomm has one of the most diverse chipset and software product portfolios spanning multiple device classes. The next generation of Snapdragon processors is a family of all-in-one chipsets with the option for integrated multimode 3G/4G, differing numbers of CPU cores and the ability to support a range of device types.
Shown for the first time, Qualcomm's Gobi solution provided the 3G/4G LTE connectivity of a Windows 8-based prototype PC. Qualcomm's Gobi mobile Internet connectivity solution is a pre-certified multi-mode 3G/4G LTE module that makes it easy for OEMs to certify the connectivity of any Windows 8-based PC. By integrating a Gobi-based module into Windows 8-based PCs, Qualcomm will provide a fast, easy-to-use global connectivity solution for an untethered, productive user experience.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon family of mobile processors also delivers dual-band Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth and FM radio connectivity through Qualcomm Atheros' WCN3660 combo chip. The WCN3660 is an integrated solution optimized to work with a broad range of mobile operating systems and will be the first in a series of 802.11n wireless LAN solutions to fully support Windows 8.
"Collaborating with Qualcomm to deliver Windows 8-based PCs will help deliver a high-performance and differentiated experience for customers," said Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president of Windows planning, hardware and PC ecosystem, Microsoft. "Working closely with Qualcomm allows us to maximize performance while maintaining a high level of energy efficiency."
To see the developer preview Windows 8 demonstrations powered by Snapdragon processors and Gobi, please visit booth number six at the BUILD conference on September 13-16 in Anaheim, Calif. or visit http://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is the world leader in 3G and next-generation mobile technologies. For 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of wireless communications, connecting people more closely to information, entertainment and each other. Today, Qualcomm technologies are powering the convergence of mobile communications and consumer electronics, making wireless devices and services more personal, affordable and accessible to people everywhere. For more information, visit Qualcomm around the Web:
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of mobile processors and 3G/4G LTE components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which 3G and 4G LTE are deployed, the extent of the successful commercialization of Windows 8 tablets and notebooks, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 2010, and most recent Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to update, or continue to provide information with respect to, any forward-looking statement or risk factor, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon and Gobi are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Qualcomm Contacts:
Tina Asmar, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: corpcomm@qualcomm.com
Eurotech Updates Everyware(TM) Software Framework to Further Simplify Embedded Development
New ESF 1.4 Release includes Connectivity Management Graphical User Interface Enabling Developers to Easily Build, Manage and Deploy Software Applications
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- (Intel Developer Forum) - Eurotech, a leading supplier of embedded technologies, products and systems, announces today they have launched Release 1.4 of the Everyware(TM) Software Framework to offer developers more options to get their products to market faster with an integrated hardware and software infrastructure. ESF 1.4 provides a new WEB GUI configuration application that manages the networking interfaces such as cellular or Wi-Fi offering the connectivity and security required for machine-to-machine and embedded solutions. Along with the configuration capabilities, the ability to run ESF on different hardware systems means developers who write applications on the ESF framework can do so as quickly as possible, while future-proofing their development.
"ESF puts a layer between the operating system and the customer application, simplifying the entire development process and adding quality, reliability and robustness to the software," said Arlen Nipper, President and CTO, Eurotech in North America. "The latest release incorporates additional industry standard interfaces to shorten custom development time and simplify coding, debugging and even connecting to a network. OEMs and enterprises have more options in hardware running ESF so they can easily port their application to new and next generation platforms, ensuring a long lifecycle for their software."
Other new features included in ESF 1.4 include:
-- Interactive web server tools
-- New plug-ins for M2M applications
-- Oracle Java SE 1.6 Java Virtual Machine support
With these expanded features, developers effectively future-proof their applications to ensure new product specifications or ramped up production will be easy to manage by seamlessly porting an ESF-based application to new hardware.
With Eurotech ESF installed, the new Intel® M2M wireless gateway reference design is one of the many Intel Atom(TM)-based hardware platforms OEMs and enterprises can choose from to significantly shorten development cycles for machine-to-machine services. Eurotech offers wireless solutions along with device cloud data delivery and management to enable M2M communications quickly and efficiently across a full portfolio of hardware options.
Eurotech's Arlen Nipper will present "Accelerating Machine-to-Machine Through Embedded Software Development" with Wind River's Brian Vezza at the Intel Developer Forum on Wednesday, September 14th in Room 2006.
About Eurotech
Eurotech is a listed global company (ETH.MI) that integrates hardware, software, services and expertise to deliver embedded computing platforms and sub-systems to leading OEMs, system integrators and enterprise customers for successful and efficient deployment of their products and services. Drawing on concepts of minimalist computing, Eurotech lowers power draw, minimizes physical size and reduces coding complexity to bring sensors, embedded platforms, sub-systems, ready-to-use devices and high performance computers to market, specializing in defense, transportation, industrial and medical segments. By combining domain expertise in wireless connectivity as well as communications protocols, Eurotech architects platforms that simplify data capture, processing and transfer over unified communications networks. Our customers rely on us to simplify their access to state-of-art embedded technologies so they can focus on their core competencies. Learn more about Eurotech at http://www.eurotech.com.
Intel and Intel Atom are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Paradigm Shift Launches Powered Speaker and Three New Earbuds
Built from 30 years of award-winning sound innovation, Paradigm Shift(TM) announces a versatile powered speaker and three earbuds
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pepcom Holiday Spectacular -- Paradigm Shift(TM), the new brand launched by Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, announces its first ever products; the Active Atom (A2) powered speaker and three new earbuds (E1, E2m and E3m), all engineered in the company's Canadian factory.
A2 is a powered bookshelf/tabletop speaker designed to be used alone, as a left/right audio system or in stereo pairs with devices such as iPods and other music players, desktop computers, home DJ decks, videogame consoles, guitars, keyboards, TVs and so much more. The A2 can be used with any devices that have a 3.5-mm mini-jack or RCA outputs. Wireless streaming is available using Apple AirPlay from iTunes-enabled computers or devices via a convenient rear panel AirPort Express interface (AirPort Express not included).
Designed for portable personal audio, PC and gaming, the E1, E2m and E3m earbuds were built for comfort without sacrificing performance. All three are available in black and white finishes and feature an air tight seal for superb noise isolation, three sizes of tips for ears of all sizes, a tangle-resistant 1.2 meter cord and a travel case/pouch. The E2m and E3m models also feature an in-line remote and microphone that allows users to pause and play music as well as answer and disconnect telephone calls with one click.
Paradigm has 30 years of audio science supporting it along with an R&D facility housing a 36,000-cubic-foot anechoic chamber and multiple double blind listening rooms to test every Paradigm Shift product.
Light Reading & TeleSemana Announce Online & Research Partnership to Serve Latin American Telecom Industry
TeleSemana to offer new Spanish-language Light Reading Channel and co-branded research and webinars with Pyramid Research
SAO PAULO, Brazil, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com), the leading worldwide telecom website and TeleSemana (http://www.telesemana.com), the leading Spanish language telecom web portal, announced a partnership to help both companies better serve the Latin American telecom industry.
TeleSemana will be creating a Spanish-language Light Reading Channel on its site, where its editors will translate important news analysis, research and opinions about telecom business and technology issues that directly affect the Latin American market. The Light Reading Channel is scheduled to be available starting Oct. 10. Featured on this channel will be content from Pyramid Research, which is part of the Light Reading Communications Network and covers Latin America with Spanish-speaking analysts who are experts on telecom market growth analysis and service provider best practices in emerging markets. In addition, Pyramid Research and Heavy Reading will conduct joint research programs with TeleSemana over its audience that will result in reports on hot technology topics and webinars that are produced by TeleSemana with presentations by Pyramid analysts.
"We're extremely happy to be partnering with TeleSemana, which is a leading voice in the Latin American telecom media landscape," said Joseph Braue, EVP/Group Director for the LRCN. "TeleSemana's Spanish-speaking telecom audience will now be able to access the minds of our Latin America Pyramid Research analyst team on the TeleSemana site and via the webinars."
"This new partnership with Light Reading, the leading worldwide telecom website, will result in a broader and diverse content offering for TeleSemana readers. In a globalized telecom environment, media websites need to be able to balance local insight and international trends," said Juan Gimenez, Marketing Director for TeleSemana.com. "The foundation of our relationship lies in the complementary nature of our market intelligence."
Press contact:
Jennifer Baker
Director of Marketing
Light Reading Communications Network
jbaker@lightreading.com
The Light Reading Communications Network (http://www.lrcn.com) combines the most trusted telecom research brands with award-winning online communities and a rich events portfolio to deliver the only integrated business information platform serving the global communications industry. With the power of this platform, leaders who build, deploy, finance and regulate next-generation telecom networks are able to make more informed decisions on emerging market and service opportunities. The Light Reading Communications Network is a division of UBM TechWeb (http://www.ubmtechweb.com), the global leader in technology media and business information.
TeleSemana (http://www.telesemana.com) is the leading media web portal covering the telecommunications industry for Latin American service providers. Unlike other publications that cover the region, TeleSemana provides strategic insight and analysis about new technological developments and how they apply to Latin American operators. TeleSemana brings its audience the latest market trends, both regionally as well as globally in a variety of formats, such as, but not limited to, audio and video. TeleSemana is a division of Tele-Medios, the leading telecommunications B2B media specialist in Latin America.
Boots Worn by J.K. Rowling During the Writing of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to Cross the Block on Proxibid
OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Harry Potter fans from across the globe will have the chance to own a rare piece of memorabilia when the boots worn by author J.K. Rowling as she penned the first book of her best-selling series cross the auction block in October. The boots will be available for online bidding in a timed auction beginning Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 30 on Proxibid (http://www.proxibid.com), the world's largest real auction marketplace. Bidders can log on and preview the boots beginning Tuesday, September 13 by visiting http://www.proxibid.com/boots.
The boots were acquired by an elementary school student in December 1999 as part of a school project. The student sent a questionnaire entitled "A Shoe Questionnaire," which asked about the "life" of a famous pair of shoes to Scholastic Press, the United States publisher of the Harry Potter series. This questionnaire was then forwarded to J.K. Rowling. Upon receipt, Ms. Rowling completed the questionnaire and in a remarkable gesture forwarded the boots along with her response back to the student. After 12 years in the student's possession, she has decided to share the boots with Harry Potter enthusiasts from across the globe via this online auction.
"J.K. Rowling has served as an inspiration to parents and teachers everywhere, encouraging a generation of children to read in an age where video games take center court," said auctioneer Andrew Liakos of Blue Earth Benefit Auctions, who represents the consignor. "We are thrilled to offer memorabilia from such an iconic figure to the millions of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter fans across the globe. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won't want to miss."
The boots have been encased in a protective glass enclosure, made specifically for them, since December 1999. They show signs of wear, as Ms. Rowling wore them quite often before sending them to the student. According to the questionnaire, "My owner was wearing me when she wrote several chapters of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," and I liked that because it gave me a rest. She also wore me when she was a teacher, and one boy made fun of me, which I didn't appreciate."
The boots and completed questionnaire, which includes J.K. Rowling's signature, will be available for online bidding beginning October 21 through October 30. Create a Proxibid account and bid on the boots online by visiting http://www.proxibid.com/boots.
Omaha-based Proxibid brings auctioneers and bidders together for a world-class online auction experience. Since 2002, the Company has worked with more than 2,500 auctioneers to bring more than 35,000 auctions to a global, online audience. With registered bidders from more than 190 countries, no other provider in the industry connects more buyers and sellers than Proxibid. The Company's proprietary live Internet bidding service and Web site were developed by auctioneers and industry-leading professionals to provide our bidders with the most user-friendly and comprehensive online auction experience possible.
Proxibid's customer service and support is unmatched in the industry. The company's toll-free support center is open before, during and after every live auction, and is staffed with bi-lingual auction specialists who assist both bidders and auctioneers. For more information about Proxibid, please visit us online at http://www.proxibid.com.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company announced today the launch of Pass It On!(SM), an online game of chance that distills the concept and value of life insurance into a series of choices. Pass It On! players create avatars and guide their virtual families to a better financial future by saving game currency, managing expenses, and making important decisions about life insurance. Players also have the chance to win $25,000 or $15,000 cash prizes as part of the Pass It On! Sweepstakes.
Participants can also help AXA Equitable help others by voting for one of three great charities - the American Red Cross, CARE, and Scholarship America - during game play. Each organization will receive a grant from the AXA Foundation based on the number of votes received by Pass It On! players.
Why a Game?
"Life insurance is an important financial planning tool," says David O'Leary, executive vice president and head of Financial Protection at AXA Equitable. "It is, however, an inherently uncomfortable topic and many people find shopping for it easy to put off. According to LIMRA, life insurance sales are at a fifty year low. Some 11 million U.S. households with children younger than 18 have no life insurance. Many of these children would face immediate financial trouble if a parent died."
O'Leary continued, "With Pass It On!, AXA Equitable created a simple, casual and hopefully entertaining game to help bridge the education gap about life insurance and reverse these disturbing statistics."
At game start, Pass It On! players select beneficiaries. Gold is the game currency, which allows players to buy silver or gold shields, representing term or permanent life insurance. As the game of chance progresses, players face risks, vulnerabilities and critical choices that impact their families.
"Games aren't just child's play. They have the potential to be effective educational tools," says Connie O'Brien, senior vice president of Internet Strategy and Design for AXA Equitable. "According to techcrunch.com, 100 million people played casual social online games last year, 60% of whom were women, with an average age of 43. AXA Equitable invites these women and all gamers, many of whom are parents, to get serious about exploring real life financial security decisions and their consequences through the playful creation of their Pass It On! avatars."
Let the Games Begin
Pass It On! can be accessed at http://www.axa-equitablepassiton.com/
The game and sweepstakes run till December 31, 2011. A mobile version of the Pass It On! game will be released later this month.
This interactive game is not intended as a recommendation of any particular life insurance product or product type. You should discuss your individual circumstances with a licensed insurance professional to determine which life insurance policy may be suitable and appropriate for you.
About AXA Equitable
In business since 1859, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (NY, NY) is a leading financial protection company and one of the nation's premier providers of life insurance, annuity, and financial products and services. The company's products and services are distributed to individuals and business owners through its retail distribution channel, AXA Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) and to the financial services market through its wholesale distribution channel, AXA Distributors, LLC. Find AXA Equitable on Facebook and Twitter or visit the company's multi-media newsroom The Source @ AXA Equitable.
AXA Equitable, a subsidiary of AXA Financial Inc., is part of the global AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection strategies and wealth management. "AXA Group" refers to AXA, a French holding company for an international group of insurance and financial services companies together with its direct and indirect consolidated subsidiaries. For more information, visit http://www.axa-equitable.com.
SOURCE AXA Equitable
AXA Equitable
CONTACT: Discretion Winter, +1-212-314-2968, discretion.winter@axa-equitable.com, or Chris Winans, +1-212-314-5519, chris.winans@axa-equitable.com
Verizon and Chomp Team Up to Deliver App Search on Android(TM) Smartphones via Verizon Apps Store
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., SAN FRANCISCO and LAS VEGAS, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and Chomp today announced that Chomp's search technology will provide an integrated search function for apps in the newly redesigned Verizon Apps, enabling customers to discover and purchase the apps they want on Verizon Wireless Android(TM) smartphones. Chomp's app search engine will power all Verizon Android app searches within Verizon Apps.
Verizon Apps customers will be able to search for apps not just by the name of the app, but based on what the app does. Chomp's search technology makes it possible to search for "kid's games," "expense trackers" or any description and instantly see the best apps for that search term. Verizon Wireless is previewing its redesigned mobile app storefront, Verizon Apps, at the Verizon Developer Community (VDC) Conference taking place Sept. 13 -14 in Las Vegas.
"As the number of apps has exploded, app discovery can be a challenge for mobile users. Customers who use Verizon Apps store want to find the apps they want easily and quickly, and by integrating Chomp's search engine, we're enhancing that experience," said Todd Murphy, director, Consumer Solutions Group at Verizon Wireless.
Chomp's leading app search engine is based on a proprietary algorithm which learns the function of each app, allowing users to search for apps based on what they want to do, rather than what an app is called. Unlike other app or Web search engines, the Chomp algorithm learns things associated with that app from the information available on various app marketplaces, as well as data from Twitter(TM), Facebook®, various blogs and websites. The company has filed for 11 patents based on its app search technologies and user experience.
Chomp's app search engine will power all searches in Verizon Apps beginning on Android smartphones being released later this fall. The team at Verizon's Application Innovation Center researched app search provider alternatives and found that Chomp app search delivered the results that were right for Verizon Apps.
"Verizon undertook a rigorous app search evaluation process," said Ben Keighran, co-founder and chief executive officer of Chomp. "Like us, they realize that app search is completely different from Web search. It's an incredibly difficult problem to solve, but Chomp has addressed it through years of development and millions of downloads. Our approach to app search perfectly matches Verizon's demands for an industry-best app store experience."
In May 2011, the two companies announced the first step in helping app discovery for Verizon Wireless customers when the Chomp app was made available in V CAST Apps, allowing Verizon Wireless customers to search for apps across V CAST Apps and Android Market(TM) at the same time.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Chomp
Founded in 2009 by Ben Keighran and Cathy Edwards, Chomp, Inc. is the only company to enable app search based on what an app actually does. One billion apps are being downloaded every month. As the number of apps explodes, it's become difficult for users to find the perfect app for what they want to do. Chomp's patent-pending algorithm is able to understand what an app does and what a user wants and then makes the best match. Chomp also allows developers to effectively integrate app search into their content. Chomp powers search for a wide range of partners including Verizon, Carphone Warehouse, Blekko, 148Apps.com and @aplusk. The company is funded by leading Silicon Valley investors, including Ron Conway, BlueRun Ventures as well as a number of ex-Google angel investors. The company is based in San Francisco, CA and can be found at http://www.chomp.com.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Debra Lewis, Verizon Wireless, +1-917-848-0035 (mobile), Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com, or Julie Karbo, K/F Communications for Chomp, +1-415-255-6505, julie@kfcomm.com
D&D Gets Even Smarter with the Implementation of QR Codes into Their Product Support Materials
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- D&D Technologies is excited to announce the implementation of QR Codes® into their marketing materials. "Our customers want direct, instant access to the information they are seeking," said Jim Paterson, D&D Senior VP Sales & Marketing. "QR Codes are simply a way for our customers to connect immediately with the information they need using their smart phone."
"With QR Codes, we have the ability to turn print ads or printed literature into an interactive marketing campaign which provides a significant convenience and educational factor to our customers and a measurable return on investment (ROI) for our partners," states Paterson. "From the printed piece, readers can scan the code, watch a YouTube video to help determine which product to buy or how to install or maintain product, view product specs or provide their contact information for further follow up. Ads and literature come to life on the individual's mobile device," Paterson says.
D&D Technologies has been using this technology to provide potential and current customers with access to more information about select products and services, as well as to improve communications. With the D&D's advanced engineering, the technology behind the products make QR Codes an ideal support solution for these innovative product lines.
A QR-Code (short for Quick Response) is a two-dimensional bar code, readable by a smart phone's camera. QR Codes can be used to display text to the user, to add a vCard contact to the user's device, to open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) or to compose an email or text message.
QR Code readers
There are dozens of QR Code readers available online. Check your smartphone's app store to download preference.
About D&D Technologies:
D&D Technologies designs and manufactures safety and general-purpose gateware for all your gate hardware needs, including MagnaLatch magnetic self-latching pool and safety gate latches, TruClose adjustable, self-closing gate hinges, and LokkLatch pedestrian and privacy gate latches. Products such as the LokkLatch PRO, providing additional security for privacy gates, and a revolutionary new Drop Bolt design. MagnaLatch and TruClose hinges exceed all relevant safety barrier codes, and products are rust free, with no jamming, sagging or staining. For more information on the complete D&D product line, call (800) 716-0888, email info@ddtechusa.com, or visit http://www.ddtechglobal.com
QR Code ®( )is registered trademarks of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in JAPAN and other countries.
Verizon Wireless Reveals New Service: Private Applications Store for Business
Hosted Service to Enable Enterprises to Manage and Distribute Mobile Apps and Content in a Secure Environment
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and LAS VEGAS, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the Verizon Developer Community Conference, the company revealed a new initiative set to launch later this year: the Verizon Wireless Private Applications Store for Business, a customizable, controllable, highly flexible enterprise-wide service that helps businesses realize the benefits of the mobile marketplace while driving cost efficiencies and enhancing productivity.
Enterprises face a myriad of technology challenges, including the increasing number of apps and diverse content available across various operating systems and devices. The Private Applications Store will enable Verizon Wireless enterprise customers to define and manage their own mobile application storefront so they can safely and securely distribute mobile apps - either created by the company or by a third-party - to their employees (B2E) and business partners (B2B) whether inside or outside the company's firewall regardless of OS, devices or carrier.
"We are committed to giving our app developers a solid opportunity to extend their business value and brand to the enterprise, and increase the distribution of their apps in a secure environment," said Janet Schijns, vice president, Business Solutions Group, Verizon Wireless. "It is our vision that Verizon Wireless' Private Applications Store will be a go-to resource for the enterprise to manage and distribute a library of apps to streamline the workflow."
Additional details on the Verizon Wireless Private Applications Store for Business will be available in the coming weeks.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Paul Macchia, Verizon Wireless, +1-201-230-6948 (mobile), Paul.Macchia@verizonwireless.com
China's Largest Bottled Water Producer Joins Growing Number of SAP Customers Achieving Dramatic Results on SAP HANA(TM) Platform
Nongfu Spring Deploys SAP HANA(TM) to Optimize Business With Real-Time Big Data Processing
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Nongfu Spring Co., Ltd., the largest producer of bottled water in China, has deployed the SAP HANA(TM) platform to solve its big data challenges. On August 20, 2011, Nongfu Spring successfully went live on the largest customer implementation of SAP HANA in China. The company joins the growing list of customers that have recently purchased or are in the process of implementing SAP HANA. The announcement was made at SAP® TechEd 2011, being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 12-16, where attendees can hear more about successful customer use cases with SAP in-memory computing technology.
As the largest subsidiary of Yangshengtang Company, which has assets of about CNY10 billion, Nongfu Spring has seven production bases and dozens of factories. Achieving real-time visibility into data was critical for the company to grow and to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, due to the large data volume produced, it took more than a day for Nongfu Spring to work with its point-of-sales and channel sales data to display business insights and take action. Executives realized that they would gain significant advantages from having a real-time view into the business, so they looked for a solution that would reduce data latency and improve data query and business logic processing speed.
"SAP HANA is a comprehensive and sophisticated in-memory database platform that outperformed on our existing data mart solution based on Oracle," said Patrick Hoo, CIO, Nongfu Spring. "We were able to replace our data mart based on Oracle 11g database with SAP HANA and achieved three goals: fast data display, highly efficient business logic operations and real-time data synchronization. For example, we found that the same script in the SAP HANA studio was returning results 200 to 300 times faster than the same script in PL/SQL in Oracle, and this query performance improvement was consistent across our 150 reports. We are seeing smooth operations, accurate data and fast performance in our production environment."
For Nongfu Spring, freight calculation procedures and functions that previously took 24 hours to execute were completed in SAP HANA in as little as 37 seconds, which enabled the company to reduce its account reconciliation process by one day. Additionally, the platform enabled NongFu Spring to bypass the traditional IT maintenance and data latency issues by synchronizing data from SAP and other heterogeneous data sources instantly into SAP HANA.
Largest Application Case of Enterprise Mobile Business Platform Across China
Nongfu Spring will continue rolling out SAP HANA across the enterprise. The company currently represents the largest application case of the enterprise mobile business platform across China, and has an army of representatives -- more than 8,000 -- visiting more than 1 million customers to send data from the mobile business platform. Nongfu Spring plans to introduce a mobile business solution that leverages SAP HANA at the end of October 2011.
"We continue to see strong interest from customers in adopting SAP HANA and transforming their companies into real-time businesses," said Dr. Christoph Kollatz, executive vice president, SAP HANA, SAP AG. "The results achieved by Nongfu Spring are just one great example of the potential the SAP HANA platform offers our customers. Now with the launch of the Experience SAP HANA community, everyone can engage with the platform and connect with others in the community to learn firsthand what it can do for their organization."
For more information, watch a video, "SAP HANA Live at Nongfu Spring," on the Experience SAP HANA community, launched today at SAP TechEd Las Vegas. The community enables participants to learn, try and implement SAP HANA, and to share knowledge and insights. Participants have access to demos, training videos, test-drives and implementation guidelines and can connect with experts and others to understand firsthand how SAP HANA can bring value to their organizations.
Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPInMemory.
For announcements, blog posts, videos and other coverage during the event series, visit the SAP TechEd newsroom.
SAP® TechEd 2011 in Las Vegas, Bangalore, Madrid, and Beijing
More than 19,000 SAP customers, partners and technical experts are expected to convene at SAP® TechEd 2011, the company's largest ecosystem education event series. The conference brings IT managers, software developers, administrators, and business process experts together for a look under the hood of today's business motors: the latest advances in in-memory and mobile technologies, and in on-premise, on-demand and on-device applications from SAP and more. In its 15(th) year, SAP TechEd will be held in four locations around the globe: Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 12-16; Bangalore, India, from October 19-21; Madrid, Spain, from November 8-10; and Beijing, China, from November 15-17. Follow SAP TechEd on Twitter at @SAPTechEd and join the conversation at #SAPTechEd.
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device - SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 172,000 customers (includes customers from the acquisition of Sybase) to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit http://www.sap.com.
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
SAP, R/3, mySAP, mySAP.com, xApps, xApp, SAP NetWeaver and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Data contained in this document serve informational purposes only. National product specifications may vary.
Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.
For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:
Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24
United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)
For more information, press only:
Samantha Finnegan, +1 (650) 276-9350, samantha.finnegan@sap.com, PDT
SAP Press Office, +49 (6227) 7-46315, CET; +1 (610) 661-3200, EDT; press@sap.com
To speak with press contacts on site during SAP TechEd 2011 Las Vegas (from September 13 to 15), please dial the SAP press room at +1 (610) 661-0469.
New Application from Thomson Reuters Lets Researchers Analyze the Healthcare Treatment of Millions of Patients in Minutes
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters today announced the introduction of MarketScan® Treatment Pathways, a secure Web-based analytical tool that researchers can use to quickly understand medical care, outcomes, and costs for discrete populations of patients.
Treatment Pathways allows researchers to access the MarketScan Research Databases or other large datasets to conduct cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses including descriptive reporting without the need for data intake, software or custom programming. The tool allows users to build a visual pathway of patient treatment over time for a particular disease or condition and analyze patient cohorts at any point in the pathway.
"Now, with the speed and collaboration features of Treatment Pathways, healthcare researchers can work faster and smarter," said Bill Marder, PhD, senior vice president for research services at Thomson Reuters. "This tool will transform how studies are conducted, because it significantly improves efficiency andprovides fast answers to critical research questions.
"Thomson Reuters has extensive experience creating analytically-ready databases. Now, we are leading the way in developing innovative tools and processes to improve research using large datasets," Marder said. "Treatment Pathways provides broader and faster access to data than ever before."
The MarketScan Research Databases contain de-identified healthcare claims data reflecting the real-world clinical care of more than 148 million patients -- the largest proprietary dataset of its kind. Academic, industry, and government researchers have used this information for decades to analyze the efficacy of medical treatments, the cost of care, prescription drug utilization patterns, and other important healthcare issues. MarketScan Treatment Pathways enables researchers to explore patterns in these rich databases in new ways.
For more information, please e-mail healthcare.pharma@thomsonreuters.com.
About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to http://www.thomsonreuters.com.
Microsoft Reimagines Windows, Presents Windows 8 Developer Preview
BUILD Conference attendees and developers get first access to new operating system.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at its developer-focused BUILD conference, Microsoft Corp. showcased a detailed preview of the next major release of Windows, code-named "Windows 8." The company also detailed new tools for developers to help write applications for more than 1 billion people around the world who use Windows every day.
"We reimagined Windows," said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, in his keynote address to the thousands of developers in attendance. "From the chipset to the user experience, Windows 8 brings a new range of capabilities without compromise."
The company also highlighted a variety of new features in Windows 8, including the following:
Touch-First User Interface
-- Metro style. Windows 8 introduces a new Metro style interface built for
touch, which shows information important to you, embodies simplicity and
gives you control. The Metro style UI is equally at home with a mouse
and keyboard as well.
-- Touch-first browsing, not just browsing on a touch device. Providing a
fast and fluid touch-browsing experience, Internet Explorer 10 puts
sites at the center on new Windows 8 devices.
More Ways to Engage With Powerful, Connected Apps
-- Powered by apps. Metro style apps built for Windows 8 are the focal
point of your experience, filling your entire screen so there are no
distractions.
-- Apps can work together. Apps communicate with each other in Windows 8.
For example, you can easily select and email photos from different
places, such as Facebook, Flickr or on your hard drive.
-- Your experience syncs across your devices. Live roams all the content
from the cloud services you use most -- photos, email, calendar and
contacts -- keeping them up-to-date on your devices. With SkyDrive, you
can access your files, photos and documents from virtually anywhere with
any browser or with Metro style apps in Windows 8.
Enhanced Fundamentals
-- The best of Windows 7, only better. Windows 8 is built on the rock-solid
foundation of Windows 7, delivering improvements in performance,
security, privacy and system reliability. Windows 8 reduces the memory
footprint needed -- even on the lowest-end hardware -- leaving more room
for your apps.
-- Preserving power-user favorites and making them better. For those who
push the limits of their PC, Windows 8 features an enhanced Task Manager
and Windows Explorer and new, flexible options for multimonitor setups.
New Developer Opportunities
-- Windows Store. The Windows Store will allow developers to sell their
apps anywhere Windows is sold worldwide, whether they're creating new
games or familiar productivity tools.
-- Build using more languages. Windows 8 lets you leverage your existing
skills and code assets to create great experiences using the programming
language you prefer.
-- Rich hardware integration leads to richer experiences -- particularly
for games. DirectX 11 gaming power underlies Windows 8, allowing the
easy creation of full-screen games with smooth, flicker-free action.
New Generation of Hardware
-- One Windows -- many shapes and sizes. Support for ARM-based chipsets,
x86- (as well as x32 and x64) devices, touch and sensors means Windows
8 works beautifully across a spectrum of devices, from 10-inch tablets
and laptops to all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition screens.
-- Always connected. With Windows 8, new ultrathin PCs and tablets turn on
instantly, run all day on a single charge and stay connected to the
Internet so your PC is ready when you are. Next-generation system on a
chip (SoC) support will also enable greatly extended standby and
low-power states.
-- Tap the full power of your PC. Windows 8 runs on PCs and is compatible
with the devices and programs you use today on Windows 7, without
compromise, to deliver the performance you expect of a PC.
Developers will be able to download the Windows Developer Preview via the new Windows Dev Center later this week. Webcasts of sessions will be posted on the BUILD site as well.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it's commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.
National gaming event features new games and major publisher showcase
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 20 independent video games will be on display at this year's Fantastic Arcade, the second annual showcase of independent games from the organizers of Alamo Drafthouse's Fantastic Fest, the world's largest genre film festival. Taking place on September 22-25, 2011, Fantastic Arcade is presented by PlayStation(R)Network. As the Presenting Sponsor of the Arcade and the exclusive console partner of the event, PlayStation(R)Network will present special sessions and activities throughout the Arcade event.
Video game industry luminaries Brandon Boyer, Mike Plante and Eddo Stern curated the 2011 Fantastic Arcade. Panel discussions, developer talks and game tournaments will be held each day of the festival. All games and game related events in Fantastic Arcade will be free and open to the general public at Austin, TX's Highball Lounge on South Lamar Blvd. Each day will have a happy hour at the Highball and a tournament on a different independent game, including Bit Pilot, Faraway, Super Crate Box and Vikings on Trampolines.
"Fantastic Arcade is a direct bridge between the worlds of independent gaming and genre filmmaking," said Mike Plante, Arcade Artistic Director. "Gaming and film both use genre and artistic style to tell stories and create memorable experiences that excite audiences around the world. These two mediums embody what the Fantastic Fest and Arcade are all about."
Special events include:
-- Developer Commentary - Hear direct from the creators as they play their
games live on the screen at the Highball. Games include Bit Pilot, Dyad,
Faraway, Fez, Jesus Vs. Dinosaurs, Lost Mars, Octodad, Owlboy, Skulls of
the Shogun, They Bleed Pixels and Vikings on Trampolines.
-- PlayStation(R)Network Opening Day Happy Hour - Join us from 5-7pm on
Thursday, September 22nd for a Happy Hour presented by PlayStation
Network. Get a taste of upcoming PlayStation Network releases, as well
as Starhawk (from Austin's Lightbox Interactive), which will be playable
in a tournament, with prizes provided by PlayStation.
-- PlayStation(R)Network Developer Panel - Game creators speak about
working in and out of the gaming industry. Panelists include Queasy
Games (Sound Shapes), thatgamecompany (Journey, Flower, flOw, Cloud),
and Q-Games (Pixel Junk), to name a few.
-- Storytelling and Development in Videogames & Film - Feature film writers
and writers of the game Starhawk will discuss storytelling and
development in videogames and crossing over with film.
-- Yearbook Nerd Photo Contest - Local contestants share their old high
school awkward photos - nerds are winners in our eyes.
The following eight games will be showcased during Fantastic Arcade as part of the Arcade's main competition:
-- Capsized (Alientrap) - As an intrepid space traveler, your ship has
crash-landed on a mysterious alien planet. You must navigate through the
perilous environment and fight off blood-thirsty creatures to save your
crewmates and escape with your lives!
-- Faraway (Little--Eyes) - One button travels and constellation creations
in infinite procedural outer space.
-- Fez (Polytron) - Gomez is a 2D man on a voyage of discovery into the
mysterious 3rd dimension. Change your perspective and look at the world
in a different way.
-- FRACT (Phosfiend Systems) - An atmospheric adventure game set in an
abstract forgotten world of analog sounds, samples and glitches.
-- Jesus VS. Dinosaurs (Martin Jonasson, Petri Purho) - God travels back in
time to kill all dinosaurs, they're not in the bible and people keep
digging them up to make him look bad. Darwin gets wind of this and
travels back in time to stop God. They both build cars and have the
ultimate chicken race in prehistory.
-- Octodad (Team Octodad) - Loving husband. Caring father. Secret octopus.
-- Radical Fishing (Vlambeer) - An accurate simulation of traditional
fishing as gramps always described it.
-- Skulls of the Shogun (Haunted Temple Studios) - Washing up on the shores
of the afterlife, players meet and join forces with vibrant
ghost-samurai warriors, magical animal-monks, and mustachioed samurai
generals in an invigorating cocktail of 1960 s flavored sorcery and
strategy.
In addition to the aforementioned games, Fantastic Arcade will also feature the following games throughout the four days of the festival:
-- Banker's Dozen (David Mershon) - Based on the forgotten occult writings
of a Nobel prize winning economist, Banker's Dozen is a game about time
traveling financiers.
-- Bit Pilot (Zach Gage) - A fast paced asteroid dodging game with an
innovative control scheme.
-- Deep Sea (Robin Arnott) - A creepy audio-only game where players don a
sense-depriving gas mask to face off against hidden sea monsters.
-- Dyad (][ Games) - Rather than having the traditional mechanics of break
and accelerate, you must navigate an infinite tube by interacting with
enemies for speed.
-- Hohokum (Honeyslug, Richard Hogg) - Nokia Snake meets Schindler's List.
-- Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet (Shadow Planet Productions) - Rescue your
sun and homeworld from the malevolent shadow virus in this eye-popping
animated side-scroller adventure.
-- Lost Mars (Tiger Style) - An action-gardening adventure where you
cultivate an alien ecosystem and research mysterious lifeforms.
-- Murder Dog IV: Trial of the Murder Dog (thecatamites) - Help a
horrendous dog evade proper retribution for his deeds.
-- Owlboy (D-Pad Studio) - You play Otus, a young owl who sets out on an
adventure when his village is attacked by sky pirates.
-- Salome (increpare) - Get to the exit to finish a level.
-- Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP (Superbrothers Inc. + Jim Guthrie +
Capy) - Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle, evoke
sorcery to solve mystical musical mysteries and help a wandering warrior
monk complete her woeful errand.
-- They Bleed Pixels (Spooky Squid Games Inc.) - A fast-paced, gothic
lo-fi, platforming beat 'em up that drips, gushes and flows.
-- Ute (Lea Schonfelder, Stefan Lind) - Ute has to have sex as much as she
can before getting married.
Check out Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest Fantastic Arcade news and happenings.
For the latest developments visit the Fantastic Fest Facebook & Twitter.
For press inquiries and free media registration for Fantastic Arcade please email Andrea Schneider at DefinitionPR@gmail.com.
For more details regarding Fantastic Fest, contact festival publicist Brandy Fons, at brandy@fonspr.com. For more information, visit http://www.fantasticfest.com.
About Fantastic Arcade
Fantastic Arcade fuses the world of independent film and independent gaming. We bring together artists and professionals who are telling stories and creating experiences in film, games and online entertainment simultaneously. At Fantastic Arcade, we showcase a curated selection of brand new independent games as well as a larger sampling of important groundbreaking independent games from the last couple of years.
Attendees are invited to play the games as well as interact with the game developers via panels and nightly parties and happy hours. We also feature both panels with independent filmmakers side by side with game developers and intimate demo sessions by independent game developers. Lastly, we feel that video games rightfully belong side by side with shorts and feature films at Fantastic Fest. The artistic merit of these games will be honored with both audience awards and a juried competition.
About Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and just plain fantastic movies from all around the world. In years past the festival has been home to world premieres of THERE WILL BE BLOOD, APOCALYPTO, ZOMBIELAND and RED while the guest roster has included such talent as Mel Gibson, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Ryan Reynolds, Karl Urban, Josh Hartnett, The RZA, Dolph Lundgren, Jemaine Clement, Paul Rudd, Bill Pullman, Paul Thomas Anderson, Kevin Smith, Jon Favreau, George Romero, Darren Aronofsky and Mike Judge. Fantastic Fest also features world, national and regional premieres of new, up-and-coming genre films. The festival has launched and propelled the buzz for international genre hits like THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE, MONSTERS, TIMECRIMES and TROLLHUNTER. Fantastic Fest is held each year at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar in Austin, Texas. The Alamo Drafthouse was named the best cinema in America by Entertainment Weekly and features food and drink served to your seat without any disruption of the movie experience.
During his Keynote Address at the International film Festival Summit in Las Vegas, Variety president and publisher Charlie Koones listed Fantastic Fest in a list of "10 Film Festivals We Love," a list which included industry heavy-hitters such as Cannes, Toronto and Telluride. We've also been named as one of the "25 coolest film festivals" and the "25 film festivals worth the entry fee" by Moviemaker Magazine.
Our Partners
Fantastic Arcade sponsors include Presenting Sponsor PlayStation(R) Network, Austin game developers Lightbox Interactive (Title Sponsor) and Devolver Digital (Premier Sponsor), as well as Midas Green Tech (Supporting Sponsor).
Returning Presenting Sponsors for Fantastic Fest and Arcade include Austin-based Ambhar Tequila, as well as AMD, Alienware, and FEARnet.
New Presenting Sponsors include Texas' own Shiner Beer, whose family of products will be featured throughout the festival. Joining them are Plano-based Well Go USA Entertainment, PlayStation(R) Network, and Fandango. Fandango is the exclusive video sponsor as well as ticketing partner of Fantastic Fest 2011. Daily tickets can be purchased at http://www.fantasticfest.com or http://www.fandango.com. A full list of this year's sponsors can be found at http://www.fantasticfest.com/sponsors
CONTACT: Andrea Schneider
PHONE: 917.769.6060
E-MAIL: definitionpr@gmail.com
BestStreak.com Officially Announces Website Launch and iPhone App
The hottest sports based social network site to hit the scene launches in time for NFL 2011 Season with its unique Streak competition
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BestStreak.com launches its eagerly awaited social sports website aimed at attracting and bringing together sports fans in a fun, fresh new way. BestStreak.com's core is its unique Streak competition, in which users pick what they think will be the winning outcome from a wide variety of scheduled NFL, MLB, NBA, and NCAA games. The first user to pick ten correct teams in a row wins $100. The game resets each time someone wins, so it is fast paced, fun, and there can be multiple winners each day. The best part? The site is completely free!
BestStreak.com is also proud to announce with the site launch a free iPhone App designed at making the BestStreak experience even better on an iPhone or iPod Touch. The App lets you quickly and easily log in, make picks, and check out the leaderboard in a fast and attractive way on your iOS device. The App is available immediately for download on the iTunes App Store.
BestStreak.com is not only about our unique Streak competition. It is a full blown social sports website, complete with user profiles, message boards, and live sports feeds on all Major League and NCAA games. The site also offers a simulated sports betting system, in which users can make bets against each other using our virtual BestStreak Dollar currency, which can be redeemed for some really cool prizes.
"We have been incredibly pleased with bringing our vision of a totally new and unique sports based website to life," says John Stefanopoulos, Co-Founder of BestStreak.com. "BestStreak.com offers millions of sports fans a real chance at winning cash prizes, by participating in a totally new streaking competition with each other. Similar contests give out a huge sum to a couple people; here at BestStreak.com we want to give thousands of players a chance to win."
Sign up for free today at BestStreak.com, or download the BestStreak app on iTunes using the link below.
BestStreak.com puts your sports knowledge to the ultimate test.
Start winning bets to collect BestStreak Dollars and Experience Points for bragging rights and to win some really cool prizes. The best part? it's totally free; and to top it off, BestStreak.com is giving away hundreds of dollars every day to the BestStreak Streaking winners! BestStreak.com is a sports community dedicated to streaking, social betting, and blogging.
Think you know sports? Join BestStreak.com today and GET YOUR STREAK ON!(TM)
Portable Talking Companion for the Visually Impaired: infovox 3 Adds 8 new Voices to its Repertoire
MONS, Belgium, September 13, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
infovox3, the all-in-one solution for the visually impaired, which
provides seamless access to written information, is now available in version
3.1.
Using Acapela speech synthesis, infovox 3 speech empowers any PC with
pleasant voices, transforming any written text into speech, in real time. No
matter where the user is - at home, in the office or on the move using
different computers.
8 new voices:
The new version (3.1) includes 8 new pleasant, natural voices meaning
that infovox 3 now offers a portfolio of 24 languages and 58 voices. End
users can choose up to 5 voices from this wide repertoire - with different
genders and voice personas - so they feel fully comfortable with the voices
that become their daily companions. The choice between languages provides
access to information in foreign languages as well as language learning.
Localized versions: lnfovox 3 is now entirely available with an Italian
interface, and an Arabic interface is available for the control panel
application.
New features: the NVDA screenreader included in infovox3 has been
updated and can also be installed locally on any PC.
About Acapela Group - http://www.acapela-group.com
Acapela Group, the leading voice expert, invents text to speech solutions to
give your content a voice in up to 30 languages and helps its customers to
build their 'Voice strategy', to add audible value to their services and
applications through the spoken word. Acapela speech solutions enable any
written text to be turned into natural speech files, using any of the 60
High Quality standard voices or an organization's/company's own synthesized
voice talent - produced through Acapela Voice Factory - for improved market
recognition and audio-brand visibility. Over 1000 companies around the world
have already adopted Acapela high quality voices to voice-empower their
products and services, in very different markets. Check out http://www.acapela.tv, Acapela Group's sparkling laboratory with over 75
million talking cards created and shared
MX.com Announces Collaboration With Johns Hopkins Medicine
Agreement Gives Hospitals Access to Evidence-Based Solutions Developed by Leading Academic Medical Center
BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MX.com today announced that Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Health System (together known as Johns Hopkins Medicine) will offer on an ongoing basis healthcare solutions and intellectual property pioneered at their medical center on the MX.com website, allowing hospitals throughout the world to adopt evidence-based programs shown to positively affect standards of care.
As part of the collaboration, Johns Hopkins Medicine also will hold equity in MX.com.
"Johns Hopkins Medicine has a tradition of translating research into clinical applications and then applying them to our patients and patients throughout the world," says Mark Shaver, senior director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances for Johns Hopkins Medicine. "MX.com provides a platform for us to be able to make these successful programs available to hospital systems worldwide."
MX.com is an online marketplace for turnkey protocols, toolkits, guidelines and other types of intellectual property developed at leading medical institutions to streamline operations, improve patient care and enhance hospital performance. A growing inventory of free and licensed hospital solutions is available on MX.com's peer-to-peer e-commerce platform, which launched in July.
In the coming months, Johns Hopkins Medicine plans to offer solutions related to patient safety improvements, palliative care protocols and strategies to manage end stage renal disease.
"Johns Hopkins Medicine is demonstrating their commitment to improving global healthcare resources by sharing programs created at their own institution," said Joseph Davis, PhD, MX.com founder. "This is a tangible example of how hospitals can help other hospitals raise the quality of patient care, regardless of location or resources."
Other leading hospitals that offer intellectual property on MX.com include Adventist Health System, Partners HealthCare, Benefis Health System, Eastern Maine Health System and several others.
ABOUT MX.COM
MX.com (http://www.mx.com) by Medimetrix Solutions EXchange is the first online marketplace for free or licensed healthcare management Solutions that enable hospitals to help hospitals improve performance and standards of care. Established in 2010, MX.com is a privately held company founded by Joseph Davis, chairman of the Medimetrix Group and Spirit of Women Health Network. Owners include Medimetrix Group, Inc and its affiliates, private investors and interested health systems.
arcplan to Provide Analysis, Planning, Reporting Capabilities, and Real-Time Mobile Analytics for Teradata Data Warehouse Customers
BERWYN, Illinois, September 13, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
arcplan, a global Business Intelligence (BI) software innovator today
announced a global partnership with Teradata Corporation (NYSE: TDC
[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c!5054&p=irol-irhome ]), the
world's leading analytic data solutions company focused on Integrated Data
Warehousing [http://www.teradata.com/enterprise-data-warehousing ], Big Data
Analytics [http://www.teradata.com/business-needs/Big-Data-Analytics ], and
Business Applications, [http://www.aprimo.com. ] to provide customers with
analysis, planning, reporting capabilities, and real-time mobile analytics
for BI. The partnership will provide customers with a unique value
proposition by leveraging Teradata's expertise in integrated data
warehousing and arcplan's strengths in analytical BI and planning solutions.
By integrating arcplan's suite of products, Teradata's customers will be
able to seamlessly access data within their existing IT infrastructure to
integrate BI reports instantly while minimizing total cost of ownership.
arcplan connects to the core Teradata database and provides full
integration via the new "arcplan OLAP Connector for Teradata" which allows
users to answer multidimensional analytical questions by slicing and dicing
corporate data stored within the Teradata data warehouse. With this added
capability, large data volumes are now accessible for fast analysis over the
Web or on any mobile device, including ad-hoc reports for financial analysts
as well as intuitive and interactive dashboards for executives and business
users.
The suite of arcplan products that Teradata customers will be able to
access includes arcplan Enterprise, a lightweight, flexible engine for
Web-based reporting and analytics; arcplan Edge, a budgeting, planning, and
forecasting (BP&F) solution that comes out-of-the-box with report templates
and a workflow engine that allows organizations to streamline the planning
process; and arcplan Mobile, which provides real-time access to decision
critical data on any mobile device.
arcplan's partnership allows Teradata customers to benefit from BI and
planning applications that are rapidly deployed and built without
programming.