New site will feature Wacoal's international collections from fashion capitals in Japan, the United States, and other parts of Asia
NEW YORK, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wacoal, a leading intimate apparel brand, is about to launch a new online store featuring fresh and exotic collections from across the globe, which are specially designed for petite and slender-framed women. Wacoal World (http://www.wacoalworld.com) will offer an array of styles that shoppers will not be able to find on any other website or in any store in the United States. The styles found on Wacoal World are created by designers who work at the Wacoal headquarters in Japan and in fashion capitals in the United States and other parts of Asia.
In Asia, most women recognize the name Wacoal and many of them enjoy wearing the beautiful lingerie found in the collections designed with their cultures and physiques in mind. Wacoal believes that petite and slender-framed women in the United States will love how the bras, panties, shapewear, and other intimate apparel found in these international collections fit and feel, which is why they are going to be available exclusively in the company's new online store. Wacoal World will debut with key pieces from Japan, such as the unique Ribbon Bra embellished with delicate bows and lace. Collections from other parts of the world will be added starting in fall 2011.
"Launching Wacoal World is another milestone for the brand bringing intimate apparel from across the globe to the U.S. consumer's front door," said Bob Vitale, executive vice president of marketing and sales for Wacoal America." We are excited to share Wacoal's international collections and continue our promise of offering women intimate apparel with superior quality, comfort, and fit."
To further serve loyal customers, especially those with petite and slender frames, Wacoal World will carry items from the United States Petite Collection, such as the best-selling, sleek Embrace Lace Push Up Bra.
Styles available on Wacoal World will range in price from $22.00 MSRP to $65.00 MSRP, and ship anywhere in the United States.
About Wacoal
Internationally celebrated for its exceptional fit, quality and absolute comfort, women of all shapes and sizes have come to depend on Wacoal. Offering a combination of the finest fabrics, technologically-advanced construction and designs that range from luxurious and romantic to elegantly structured, Wacoal offers the modern woman gorgeous style to enhance every look and comfortably fit every body, with sizes ranging from 30AA to 44G. Through their ongoing Fit for the Cure® program, Wacoal continues to strengthen their commitment to breast cancer research and has donated more than $2.5 million to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Technology Goes Waterproof to Protect Beach-going Gadget Heads
LONDON, July 19, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Waterproof mobile phones, MP3 players, cameras and Bluetooth headsets
are appearing at beaches all over the country this summer after technology
retailer Expansys [http://www.expansys.com ] launched its Expansys Summer
Essentials range [http://www.expansys.com/summer-essentials-2011 ].
While the gadget market has exploded in recent years with the launch of
popular devices such as smartphones, sophisticated MP3 players and tablet
computers, users have often run into difficulties in summer time when trying
to use their new toys by the beach, at the poolside or at music festivals
and in parks.
Water damage has claimed the lives of many an expensive gadget in the
past, but a new selection of waterproof devices launched by UK retailer
Expansys promises to make drowning gadgets a thing of the past.
Anthony Catterson from Expansys said: "Our new Summer Essentials range
answers the call from the many thousands of gadget lovers who want to be
able to relax with their favourite gadgets in the outdoors this summer,
without the worry of water, sand or weather damage. Many people in the UK
own technology that has become an indispensable part of their lives, so why
should they have to stop using it when summer rolls around?
"The new range includes a number of waterproof gadgets that will survive
being dropped in the pool, soaked by a spilt cocktail and even thrown into
the sea!"
Leading the range is the Lavod AquaCube LFA-296s waterproof MP3 player
[http://www.expansys.com/lavod-aquacube-waterproof-mp3-player-4gb-204177 ],
which is fully functional in up to three metres of water, making it the ideal
music player to take with you when you go for a swim in the pool or head out
for a surf. Both player and accompanying headphones are fully waterproof up
to three metres and, with 4GB of memory, there's room for your entire music
collection on there.
Amongst the most popular items in the new Expansys range is the
Waterproof Smartphone Case
[http://www.expansys.com/expansys-waterproof-case-black-205900 ]. With
smartphones playing such a fundamental role in the organisation and enjoyment
of day-to-day life for so many people, the risk of water damage on a summer
holiday simply isn't worth the risk. The Expansys Waterproof Case protects
smartphones in up to six metres of water, as well as protecting against dirt
and dust, and comes in black, pink and yellow designs with 16 individual
sealing points.
Waterproof camera cases and Bluetooth headsets are also available, as
well as a full range of ultra-portable versions of popular household
gadgets, such as computer hard drives, video cameras, wireless routers and
battery packs.
Mr Catterson added: "We've got everything that a British holidaymaker
needs for the summer, from satellite navigation systems for car journeys and
travelling on foot, to portable hard drives, flip cameras, and even mobile
cinema systems."
D-Link® Home Networking Solutions Now Offer Leading Parental Controls Straight from the Router with OpenDNS® Technology
D-Link Integrates OpenDNS on Select Routers to Offer Cloud-Based Parental Controls on Network-Connected Devices
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link today announced the integration of OpenDNS technology into select D-Link® routers, enabling households to block unsafe and inappropriate Web content such as adult and phishing websites - all right at the source of the home network - the router.With OpenDNS technology, D-Link routers offer consumers Web content filtering and security services, ensuring that all connected devices in the household, from laptops to gaming consoles, are guarded from unsuitable online content via the built-in and fully customizable OpenDNS parental control solution.
"As more children gain access to the Internet through computers, mobile devices and gaming consoles, parents are in need of an easy security solution to protect against unwanted Internet content and threats," says Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. "D-Link routers featuring OpenDNS offer easy-to-use parental controls for all your network-connected devices right at the router - delivering comprehensive, family-safe network security and performance without the need for setting controls on each device."
Featuring D-Link's superior connectivity performance, the company's routers with OpenDNS technology offer an easy way to filter unsafe or inappropriate materials with faster and more reliable access to the Internet, making Web pages load faster and ridding households of annoying intermittent Internet outages. OpenDNS parental controls divide websites neatly into more than 50 categories, allowing parents to choose their desired filtering level from "high" to "minimal." Households can further customize Web filtering to include certain categories of websites like "social networking" or "gambling" and even block specific sites that they view as a threat to online safety. In addition, OpenDNS parental controls are constantly updated to keep up with the growing amount of new websites, ensuring continued protection against offensive Internet content 24 hours a day.
With OpenDNS, D-Link now delivers the same favorite and trusted security solution used by one in three schools nationwide, and in millions of households. The integration of OpenDNS on D-Link routers makes it easier than ever before for D-Link customers to use OpenDNS and keep their families safe online.
"Integrating OpenDNS on D-Link consumer routers is a win for households everywhere as it makes securing your home Internet from any content you deem unsafe extremely fast and easy. Just enable OpenDNS when you install your router and every Internet-connected device in your household is instantly protected," said OpenDNS CEO David Ulevitch. "D-Link is a world-class brand and we're proud to partner and help bring OpenDNS technology to millions more people."
More information about OpenDNS-ready D-Link devices is available online at http://www.dlink.com.
Availability
D-Link routers featuring OpenDNS parental controls are available throughout D-Link's vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America and at the company's online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com. Additional products will be available in the coming months. Detailed availability and MSRP pricing is as follows:
-- HD Media Router 1000 (DIR-657) - available now for $149.99
-- Whole Home Router 1000 (DIR-645) - available in August for $119.99
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 environment, 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).
First Half Revenues Soar 185% as Clients top 1,200 for Search-Expansion
Advertising Platform
Criteo [http://www.criteo.com ], a pioneer in the development of search
technologies for the display market, boosted revenues by 185% in the six
months ended June 30, 2011, vaulting the company over the $200 million
threshold in just three years. During the period, Criteo increased its
renewal rate to 98%--meaning 98 out of 100 marketers that try Criteo now
convert to its system-and attracted key managers to lead a global expansion
starting with 10 countries. Overall, Criteo now employs more than 350 people
in 20 countries across America, Europe and Asia.
Criteo's growth indicates a shift in online marketing-namely, the
emergence of a new category of search expansion. Mainstream e-commerce
companies are using the Criteo platform to extend their search efforts using
display ads that beckon shoppers back, with offers for products they
recently looked at but didn't buy. Consumers get a more productive online
shopping experience; merchants get higher conversion rates, sales and
profits.
Criteo delivered its first click to an advertiser in May 2008. Today,
the company generates millions of leads every day. Merchants buy these leads
on a cost-per-click basis the way they buy search, bidding by category on
Criteo's real-time system or via their own search engine marketing (SEM)
systems. Criteo leads convert into sales at the same rate as SEM, so the
company is measured on a pure performance basis. Nearly 50% of Criteo
clients now give the company an unlimited budget to bring shoppers back with
relevant ads.
"Many performance advertisers have saturated their existing SEM
campaigns," said JB Rudelle, CEO and co-founder of Criteo. "They know
they're missing sales, but they can't get more from traditional search.
We're giving them a supplemental channel with the same level of post-click
performance. They get a huge boost to the bottom line that pays for itself."
Simon Dupuy, Head of Online Advertising at Expedia, put it this way:
"Criteo has proven to be a valuable way for Expedia to deliver targeted
travel information which brings value for our customers and further enhances
their trips. Ensuring that we are engaging our customers in a relevant
manner is key for Expedia and the response we have seen from customers over
the last year shows that Criteo shares our commitment."
Criteo clients are increasing profitable sales significantly because the
company improves several key components of performance marketing:
- Real-Time CPC Bidding self-service platform - Advertisers
can set and modify CPC online 24/7 to immediately affect campaign
performance, providing total campaign control.
- CPC Bidding by Category - CPC can be adjusted for each
customised product category, allowing advertisers to optimise
cost-of-sales by category.
- Turnkey banner production and real-time creative
optimisation. Criteo creates and serves relevant ads dynamically,
incorporating a multitude of factors and offers.
- Compatible with major SEM software - Advertisers and
agencies can access Criteo through designated tools, such as Marin
Software or Kenshoo.
- Full API access - SEM agencies can integrate Criteo into
their own bidding and tracking platform to perform complete funnel
management and attribution.
This spring, Criteo attracted two advertising heavyweights to lead its
worldwide expansion, beginning with 10 new markets throughout Asia,
Australia, Europe and the Americas. In February, Max Ueno, former President
and CEO of both DoubleClick Japan and Overture Japan, joined as managing
director of the Asia-Pacific region. In April, the company tapped Greg
Coleman, former Huffington Post President and Yahoo! EVP, for the new post
of Global President, overseeing global business strategy.
Meanwhile, Criteo continued its investment in technology, recruiting
more than 100 new engineers for its dedicated R&D center, CriteoLabs. The
company plans on hiring another 200 people globally, across functions, in
the second half of 2011.
About Criteo
Criteo expands the search budgets of the largest ecommerce advertisers
across 20 countries. Every day Criteo generates millions of high-quality
leads by serving relevant ads to people who have left clients' websites
without completing transactions. Criteo is measured purely on its post-click
performance. Criteo offers a turnkey pay-per-click model including extensive
real-time bidding tools, keyword level optimisation and even an in-house
creative studio. For more information, please visit http://www.criteo.com.
New FlowWorks Calculation Engine Delivers a Higher Order of Flow Data Analysis
SEATTLE, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowWorks, Inc. announces the release of an important new analysis tool as part of the FlowWorks web platform updates for 2011. The new FlowWorks Advanced Calculation Engine (FACE), is a quantifiable improvement in time-series data analysis and manipulation tools for water utilities, municipalities and industrial clients. With FACE, users have an unprecedented array of data gathering, analysis and management options available from a single source.
"The FlowWorks Advanced Calculation Engine is more than an evolution of our data platform," says Timothy Hicks, FlowWorks President. "It is a quantum leap forward in data monitoring, collection and manipulation. With FACE, our users now have ultimate control over their data: how, where and when it's collected, how it's collated and processed, and unlimited options for analysis and reporting. It is the most advanced, convenient flow data management resource available for implementation at the user level."
The FACE is a set of real-time data manipulation tools, allowing users to create and define new data channels from incoming channels using advanced math, statistics and logic equations. For the first time, users can create, edit, delete and combine data channels with powerful mathematical functions for sophisticated real-time analysis, all via the internet.
According to Operations Manager Craig Kipkie, "With the introduction of our 2011 update and the FlowWorks Advanced Calculation Engine, we have greatly improved the functionality we provide utility managers. Users have access to a rich new feature set that allows endless data manipulation scenarios, and delivers a comprehensive picture of facility function, all from a convenient, one-stop resource. And we've accomplished that without any increase in cost to our users."
Highlights of the new features available to users include:
-- sophisticated time-function data control, including time-weighted
averages of irregularly-spaced data
-- creating continuous datasets of 5-minute, hourly, daily, or any
user-defined interval
-- moving data forward or backward in time and compare it with previously
collected datasets
-- and advanced rainfall conversion functions for any data type
(cumulative, event-based, time-interval) with the same time-function
control.
FACE also delivers the hallmark FlowWorks advantages: accurate reporting of operational status in real time, event analysis and response data, and seamless communication with all users via an intuitive suite of graphical reporting tools.
FlowWorks data management service is a secure, internet-based platform for gathering, analyzing and managing water, sewer, rainfall and other remote data. It is hardware-neutral, accepting data from any flow meter or manufacturer's data system, as well as SCADA, historic and manual data. The FlowWorks suite contains a powerful graphing engine, storage for all forms of meta data, event alarms and analysis capabilities including I&I, CSOs and rainfall IDF.
FlowWorks Inc. is the leader in secure, web-based delivery of remote data to utilities, municipalities and industrial clients. The FlowWorks platform has been up and serving client data continuously since 2005, and has achieved an uptime score well in excess of 99% during that time. FlowWorks is also the developer and distributor of the new FlowWorks Advanced Calculation Engine (FACE), a game-changing tool for water utilities, municipalities and industrial clients. FlowWorks is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and operates data servers in the United States, Canada, and soon in the United Kingdom.
4G Smartphones, Modems and Hotspots Arrive on the Expanded Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network in Los Angeles and San Diego on July 21
IRVINE, Calif., July 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Starting Thursday, more Verizon Wireless customers in the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless' 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The network launches on July 21 and will be available to customers in the following cities and towns:
-- In the Los Angeles area, 4G LTE will expand from Pomona to Ontario,
north to Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, and stretch south to Corona.
-- Within San Diego county, new 4G LTE coverage will range north from Del
Mar to Solana Beach, and north from Poway to Escondido.
"We are proud to help lead Southern California into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community," said Luis Cruz, regional president of Verizon Wireless. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
Residents in more locations across greater Los Angeles and San Diego can now choose from an array of devices that have already launched to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
-- The Revolution(TM) from LG is the first Android(TM) smartphone that
gives Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows through
a pre-loaded Netflix app. Customers can capture and share HD images or
videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and take advantage of other
features including a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and
LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD
video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and SmartShare
capability for sharing multimedia content with HDMI capable displays and
Mobile Hotspot capability that allows customers to share 4G LTE with up
to 8 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to 5 devices.
Available for $249.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus
display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and
front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting,
Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser
and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE
connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with
up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts
with a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC smartphone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has
an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording,
1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities,
newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot
capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to
eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with
a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G
LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet
connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. Each
available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Pantech's UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree
rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year
customer agreement.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers in the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas can enjoy the fast speeds of the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013.
In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless' core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. To date, 10 rural carriers have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.1 million people in rural communities and nearly 72,000 square miles.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops, tablets and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps; rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more; work on-the-go with fast file sharing; and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans, Promotions and Local Store Information
With the Revolution by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan, beginning at $39.99 for monthly access, and a 4G LTE data package. New Verizon Wireless customers will have the option of smartphone plans starting at $30 for 2 GB of data.
For the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 now available for pre-order, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon 4G LTE data package starting at $30 for 2 GB of data. Other data plans available for smartphones and tablets include $50 for 5 GB data and $80 for 10 GB of data.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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: Ken Muche, Verizon Wireless, +1-949-286-8193, Ken.Muche@verizonwireless.com
Google Acquires G.CO to Launch Official Shortcut for Google Products and Services; 500 Startups to Rebrand Web Address from 500Startups.com to 500.CO
MOUNTAINVIEW, California, July 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
Today .CO Internet S.A.S. announced that Google has acquired the domain
name G.CO and will use the URL to more easily connect, communicate and
engage with customers by launching an official shortcut for Google's
products and services. The Registry also announced that well-known Silicon
Valley Seed Fund and Incubator, 500 Startups, will be rebranding its web
address from 500Startups.com to 500.CO.
Just days ahead of the one year anniversary of the public launch of the
.CO domain, on July 20th, 2011, momentum continues to be strong as
world-leading companies and entrepreneurs increasingly embrace the .CO
platform. Since it launched, the .CO domain has attracted more than one
million registrations by individuals, organizations and businesses in more
than 200 countries worldwide, including major brands like Twitter, Amazon
and Overstock - and hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs around the globe.
In an announcement on the official Google Blog
[http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/gco-official-url-shortcut-for-google.html ]
today, Gary Briggs, Google's VP of Consumer Marketing, announced that
G.CO would soon be the "official URL shortcut for Google websites." Only
Google will be able to create G.CO shortcuts, says Briggs; that means "you
can visit a G.CO shortcut confident you will always end up at a page for a
Google product or service."
Increasingly considered to be a strategic digital asset by brands
seeking to attract and engage consumers online, Briggs noted that "[i]n the
world of URLs, bigger is not always better," and that "the shorter a URL,
the easier it is to share and remember."
"We are thrilled to have Google join the select group of premium
Internet brands that are using the .CO domain to innovate online," said Juan
Diego Calle, CEO of .CO Internet SAS. "By featuring G.CO in its product and
service marketing efforts worldwide, we are confident that Google will help
to drive massive awareness and adoption of the .CO domain extension in the
years ahead."
On a related note, Silicon Valley seed fund and incubator, 500 Startups,
also announced today [http://blog.500startups.com/2011/07/18/we-are-500 ]
that it will be rebranding its web address from 500Startups.com to 500.CO
this Fall. Founded by Internet entrepreneur, Dave McClure, 500 Startups has
become one of the most prolific forces in today's startup ecosystem,
currently operating over 150 companies spanning five continents.
".CO is quickly becoming the hot new geek TLD in Silicon Valley," said
McClure, in a blog post today on the 500 Startups blog. "At 500 Startups we
focus on doing things faster, making cycle time shorter, and simplifying
brand - we know no one will care about your product if it's not fast,
easy-to-use, and memorable. We want to OWN the brand 500, and 500.CO helps
us get there."
"From the very beginning, .CO was built by entrepreneurs, for
entrepreneurs," said Lori Anne Wardi, Vice President of .CO Internet SAS.
"By making 500.CO its online brand, 500 Startups will role model to
entrepreneurs in every corner of the world that .CO is the premium domain of
choice to build the next generation of great companies online."
"With .CO, startups can launch businesses and brands on a short, cool,
credible domain name -- without having to shell out a million bucks to do
it," says McClure. "That's why we recommend .CO to companies in our
portfolio, and why 500startups.com is moving to 500.CO."
About .CO Internet S.A.S.
.CO Internet S.A.S. is the Registry Operator for the .CO top-level
domain. The .CO domain offers individuals, organizations and businesses a
truly global, recognizable and credible web address for branding their
online presence. Thanks to leading-edge technology, enhanced security and
unprecedented rights protections, the .CO domain is poised to become the
world's next premier web address. For more information about the .CO
Registry, please visit http://www.Opportunity.co -- or follow us on Twitter
@dotCO.
Source: .CO Internet S.A.S
Andrew Robertson / t: +44(0)20-3047-2302 | m: +44(0)7811-341-945
ARLINGTON, Va., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The town of CyberVille is asking you to help defend its vital infrastructure against evil viruses and attacks!
The Air Force Association's CyberPatriot Program Office recently launched a Facebook game, CyberVille, with a theme based on cyber defense. Sponsored by Northrop Grumman, this new game provides players insight on how vulnerable cyber systems are and the importance of practicing cyber security.
Game players use strategy and swiftness to repel waves of cyber attackers who try to hack cell phone systems, bank accounts and local companies. Success is measured by how well a player defends his or her town against malicious viruses and cyber attacks, and on how far he or she progresses.
"Our purpose in fielding our first phase of CyberVille is to provide awareness of how pervasive cyber security is. We want to present in a fun and recreational way that cyber systems are everywhere--at the bank, at the fire department, and even in the local fast food restaurant," said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot Commissioner. "CyberVille won't make someone a cyber security expert, but we do hope, through a fun and engaging game, to draw players to AFA's CyberPatriot, the national high school cyber defense competition, which can put them on that path."
Any Facebook user can access CyberVille by simply logging onto Facebook and browsing through the "Apps" section.
CyberPatriot is the nation's largest and fastest growing high school cyber defense competition. It provides students hands-on learning about technology, emphasizing teamwork and leadership, and exercising critical-thinking skills. Competitors get to control computer networks, learning to defend and protect computer systems from cyber threats and potential hackers.
Registration for CyberPatriot IV will remain open until October 8, 2011. Visit http://www.uscyberpatriot.org for more information.
The AFA is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has over 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 120,000 members. Visit http://www.afa.org.
MEMC and its SunEdison Subsidiary Join Flextronics to Celebrate Creation of Approximately 400 New Jobs Supporting Solar Module Production
NEWMARKET, Ontario and ST. PETERS, Mo., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR), and SunEdison, its solar energy subsidiary, along with manufacturing partner Flextronics (NASDAQ: FLEX), today announced the creation of approximately 400 jobs to ramp production of MEMC solar panels being manufactured at Flextronics' facility in Newmarket, Ontario. This announcement was made during a dedication ceremony of the new line, which produces MEMC photovoltaic (PV) modules that will be used by SunEdison and its channel partners for solar PV projects.
The companies welcomed the Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade, to Flextronics' manufacturing facilities to see the modules being built and to speak with the employees who are benefiting from the new green economy.
"Companies such as MEMC, their SunEdison subsidiary and Flextronics are creating real green jobs in local communities such as Newmarket, and are helping to build a renewable industry in the province through their investment in solar manufacturing," explained Minister Pupatello. "With each investment, Ontario is building toward an energy economy that will contribute to cleaner air and sustainable jobs for today and tomorrow."
At the event, Minister Pupatello was joined on a guided tour of the Flextronics manufacturing plant by the Mayor of Newmarket Tony Van Bynen, representatives from the Ontario Power Authority and delegates from the Town of Newmarket (York region). Executives from Flextronics and MEMC were also in attendance, along with more than 350 solar industry employees and stakeholders.
"The new jobs created through this investment make a significant impact on the prosperity and sustainability of our community," said Mayor Van Bynen. "As a leader in environmental sustainability, we are thrilled to be a part of a growing renewable industry that brings real jobs to our community through companies like MEMC."
The job creation is a direct result of the 60 percent domestic content requirement of Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program. MEMC and Flextronics' panel manufacturing facility signals a long-term investment in the region to help facilitate a sustainable green economy for the foreseeable future.
In addition to job creation through investments in solar panel and racking manufacturing, SunEdison's Toronto office has grown from two full-time employees in November 2009 to more than 50 employees engaged in the delivery of both ground-mount and rooftop solar projects across the province.
"On behalf of MEMC and our SunEdison subsidiary, we are pleased to invest in this green solar production opportunity that benefits the local economy, creates long-term job opportunities and is good for our environment," said Ken Hannah, Executive Vice President of MEMC.
"We are very pleased to be expanding the number of green jobs in the Town of Newmarket through the partnership with global leaders in renewable energy such as MEMC and SunEdison," said E.C. Sykes, President, Industrial and Emerging Industries at Flextronics. "We are committed to providing clean tech manufacturing solutions and we look forward to contributing to the growth of the Cleantech industry here in Ontario."
About SunEdison
SunEdison is a global provider of solar-energy services. The company develops, finances, installs and operates distributed power plants using proven photovoltaic technologies, delivering fully managed solar energy services for its commercial, government and utility customers. In 2010 SunEdison deployed more than 160 megawatts of solar throughout the world. For more information about SunEdison, please visit http://www.sunedison.com.
About MEMC
MEMC is a global leader in semiconductor and solar technology. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of silicon wafer technologies for more than 50 years. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high-performance semiconductor devices and solar cells. Through its SunEdison subsidiary, MEMC is also a developer of solar power projects and a worldwide leader in solar energy services. MEMC's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFR" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information about MEMC, please visit http://www.memc.com.
About Flextronics
Headquartered in Singapore, Flextronics is a leading Fortune Global 500 Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider focused on delivering complete design, engineering and manufacturing services to automotive, computing, consumer, digital, industrial, infrastructure, medical and mobile OEMs. We design, build, ship and service electronics products for our customers through a network of facilities in 30 countries on four continents. We provide after-market and field services to support customer end-to-end supply chain requirements. By combining design and engineering solutions with core electronics manufacturing and logistics services, vertically integrated with components technologies, we optimize our customers' operations, lower their costs and reduce time to market. For more information, please visit http://www.flextronics.com.
SOURCE MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
CONTACT: Miranda Gulland, SunEdison, sunedisonpr@hillandknowlton.ca, +1-416-413-4730; or Renee Brotherton, Flextronics, Vice President, Corporate Communications, +1-408-576-7189, renee.brotherton@flextronics.com; or Bill Michalek, Director, Corporate Communications, +1-636-474-5443
4G Smartphones, Modems and Hotspots Arrive on the Verizon Wireless Network on Oahu on July 21
HONOLULU, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting Thursday, Verizon Wireless customers on Oahu will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless' 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The network launches on July 21 and will be available to customers in the following cities and towns:
-- Aiea
-- Ewa Beach
-- Haleiwa
-- Hawaii Kai
-- Honolulu
-- Kailua
-- Kaneohe
-- Kapolei
-- Mililani
-- Pearl City
-- Waialua
-- Waikiki
-- Waipahu
-- Waipio
"We are proud to help lead Oahu into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
Residents on Oahu can choose from an array of devices that have been introduced to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
-- The Revolution(TM) by LG is the first Android(TM) smartphone that gives
Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows through a
pre-loaded Netflix app. Customers can capture and share HD images or
videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and take advantage of other
features including a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and
LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD
video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and SmartShare
capability for sharing multimedia content with HDMI capable displays and
Mobile Hotspot capability that allows customers to share 4G LTE with up
to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to five
devices. Available for $199.99 after discounts with a new 2-year
customer agreement.
-- The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus
display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and
front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting,
Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser
and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE
connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with
up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts
with a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC smartphone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has
an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording,
1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities,
newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot
capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to
eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with
a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for
Google(TM) Mobile Services, including Gmail(TM), YouTube(TM) and more; a
10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280x800 resolution HD screen; 1 GHz
dual core application processor; a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a
3-megapixel rear-facing camera; and Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an
enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich
websites. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of
uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools,
including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents,
spreadsheets and presentations. Available to pre-order for $529.99 for
the 16 GB model and $629.99 for the 32 GB model after discounts with a
new 2-year customer agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G
LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet
connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. The
MiFi 4510L is $49.99 with new 2-year agreement and the Samsung mobile
hotspot is $99.99 with a new 2-year agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes equipped with a fold-out
USB connector, a four color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Pantech's UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree
rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and a internal
antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- The LG VL600 4G LTE modem comes equipped with a fixed USB connector, an
LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers from Sunset Beach to Waikiki can enjoy the fast speeds of the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. In addition to expanding eight markets, the company is adding 28 new markets this week, for a total of 102 areas covered. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013.
In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless' core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. To date, 10 rural carriers have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.1 million people in rural communities and nearly 72,000 square miles.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops, tablets and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps; rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more; work on-the-go with fast file sharing; and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans, Promotions and Local Store Information
With the Revolution by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan, beginning at $39.99 monthly access, and a 4G LTE data package. New Verizon Wireless customers will have the option of smartphone data packages starting at $30 for 2 GB of data, while existing Verizon Wireless smartphone customers with unlimited data plans upgrading their smartphones can keep their current data plans.
For the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon 4G LTE data package starting at $30 for 2 GB of data. Other data plans available for smartphones and tablets include $50 for 5 GB data and $80 for 10 GB of data.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L, LG VL600 4G LTE modem and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
4G Smartphones, Modems and Hotspots Arrive on the Verizon Wireless Network in Toledo on July 21
TOLEDO, Ohio, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Starting Thursday, Verizon Wireless customers in Toledo will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless' 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The network launches on July 21 and will be available to customers in the following areas:
-- Toledo, within the Interstate 75/475 beltway and north to the Michigan
state line;
-- Bowling Green;
-- Oregon, and;
-- Waterville.
"We are proud to help lead Toledo into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community," said Mark Frazier, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
Residents of Toledo can choose from an array of devices that have already launched to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
-- The Revolution(TM) by LG is the first Android(TM) smartphone that gives
Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows through a
pre-loaded Netflix app. Customers can capture and share HD images or
videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and take advantage of other
features including a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and
LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD
video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and SmartShare
capability for sharing multimedia content with HDMI capable displays and
Mobile Hotspot capability that allows customers to share 4G LTE with up
to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to five
devices. Available for $199.99 after discounts with a new 2-year
customer agreement.
-- The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus
display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and
front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting,
Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser
and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE
connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with
up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts
with a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC smartphone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has
an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording,
1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities,
newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot
capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to
eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with
a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for
Google(TM) Mobile Services, including Gmail(TM), YouTube(TM) and more; a
10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280x800 resolution HD screen; 1 GHz
dual core application processor; a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a
3-megapixel rear-facing camera; and Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an
enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich
websites. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of
uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools,
including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents,
spreadsheets and presentations. Available to pre-order for $529.99 for
the 16 GB model and $629.99 for the 32 GB model after discounts with a
new 2-year customer agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G
LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet
connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. The
MiFi 4510L is $49.99 with new 2-year agreement and the Samsung mobile
hotspot is $99.99 with a new 2-year agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes equipped with a fold-out
USB connector, a four color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Pantech's UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree
rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- The LG VL600 4G LTE modem comes equipped with a fixed USB connector, an
LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers in the area can enjoy the fast speeds of the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013.
In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless' core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. To date, 10 rural carriers have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.1 million people in rural communities and nearly 72,000 square miles.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops, tablets and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps; rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more; work on-the-go with fast file sharing; and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans
With the Revolution by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan, beginning at $39.99 monthly access, and a 4G LTE data package. New Verizon Wireless customers will have the option of smartphone data packages starting at $30 for 2 GB of data, while existing Verizon Wireless smartphone customers with unlimited data plans upgrading their smartphones can keep their current data plans.
For the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon 4G LTE data package starting at $30 for 2 GB of data. Other data plans available for smartphones and tablets include $50 for 5 GB data and $80 for 10 GB of data.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L, LG VL600 4G LTE modem and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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: Laura Merritt, Verizon Wireless, +1-614-345-3210, laura.merritt@verizonwireless.com, http://twitter.com/VZWlaura; Jennifer Riegert, for Verizon Wireless, +1-513-271-7222 ext. 22, jriegert@wordsworthweb.com
4G Smartphones, Modems and Hotspots Arrive on the Verizon Wireless Network on the Big Island of Hawaii on July 21
HONOLULU, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Starting Thursday, Verizon Wireless customers on the Big Island of Hawaii will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless' 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The network launches on July 21 and will be available to customers in the following cities and towns:
-- Hilo
-- Keaau
-- Mountain View
-- Pahoa
"We are proud to help lead the Big Island into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
Residents on the Big Island can choose from an array of devices that have been introduced to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
-- The Revolution(TM) by LG is the first Android(TM) smartphone that gives
Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows through a
pre-loaded Netflix app. Customers can capture and share HD images or
videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and take advantage of other
features including a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and
LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD
video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and SmartShare
capability for sharing multimedia content with HDMI capable displays and
Mobile Hotspot capability that allows customers to share 4G LTE with up
to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to five
devices. Available for $199.99 after discounts with a new 2-year
customer agreement.
-- The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus
display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and
front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting,
Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser
and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE
connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with
up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts
with a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC smartphone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has
an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording,
1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities,
newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot
capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to
eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with
a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for
Google(TM) Mobile Services, including Gmail(TM), YouTube(TM) and more; a
10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280x800 resolution HD screen; 1 GHz
dual core application processor; a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a
3-megapixel rear-facing camera; and Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an
enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich
websites. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of
uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools,
including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents,
spreadsheets and presentations. Available to pre-order for $529.99 for
the 16 GB model and $629.99 for the 32 GB model after discounts with a
new 2-year customer agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G
LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet
connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. The
MiFi 4510L is $49.99 with new 2-year agreement and the Samsung mobile
hotspot is $99.99 with a new 2-year agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes equipped with a fold-out
USB connector, a four color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Pantech's UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree
rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and a internal
antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- The LG VL600 4G LTE modem comes equipped with a fixed USB connector, an
LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers from Hilo to Pahoa can enjoy the fast speeds of the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. In addition to expanding eight markets, the company is adding 28 new markets this week, for a total of 102 areas covered. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013.
In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless' core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. To date, 10 rural carriers have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.1 million people in rural communities and nearly 72,000 square miles.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops, tablets and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps; rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more; work on-the-go with fast file sharing; and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans, Promotions and Local Store Information
With the Revolution by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan, beginning at $39.99 monthly access, and a 4G LTE data package. New Verizon Wireless customers will have the option of smartphone data packages starting at $30 for 2 GB of data, while existing Verizon Wireless smartphone customers with unlimited data plans upgrading their smartphones can keep their current data plans.
For the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon 4G LTE data package starting at $30 for 2 GB of data. Other data plans available for smartphones and tablets include $50 for 5 GB data and $80 for 10 GB of data.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L, LG VL600 4G LTE modem and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless , +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
4G Smartphones, Modems and Hotspots Arrive on the Verizon Wireless Network on Maui on July 21
HONOLULU, July 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Starting Thursday, Verizon Wireless customers on Maui will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless' 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The network launches on July 21 and will be available to customers in the following cities and towns:
"We are proud to help lead Maui into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
Residents on Maui can choose from an array of devices that have been introduced to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
-- The Revolution(TM) by LG is the first Android(TM) smartphone that gives
Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows through a
pre-loaded Netflix app. Customers can capture and share HD images or
videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and take advantage of other
features including a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and
LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD
video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and SmartShare
capability for sharing multimedia content with HDMI capable displays and
Mobile Hotspot capability that allows customers to share 4G LTE with up
to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to five
devices. Available for $199.99 after discounts with a new 2-year
customer agreement.
-- The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus
display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and
front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting,
Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser
and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE
connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with
up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts
with a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC smartphone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has
an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording,
1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities,
newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot
capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to
eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with
a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for
Google(TM) Mobile Services, including Gmail(TM), YouTube(TM) and more; a
10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280x800 resolution HD screen; 1 GHz
dual core application processor; a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a
3-megapixel rear-facing camera; and Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an
enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich
websites. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of
uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools,
including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents,
spreadsheets and presentations. Available to pre-order for $529.99 for
the 16 GB model and $629.99 for the 32 GB model after discounts with a
new 2-year customer agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G
LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet
connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. The
MiFi 4510L is $49.99 with new 2-year agreement and the Samsung mobile
hotspot is $99.99 with a new 2-year agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes equipped with a fold-out
USB connector, a four color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Pantech's UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree
rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and a internal
antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- The LG VL600 4G LTE modem comes equipped with a fixed USB connector, an
LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers from Napili to Wailea can enjoy the fast speeds of the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. In addition to expanding eight markets, the company is adding 28 new markets this week, for a total of 102 areas covered. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013.
In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless' core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. To date, 10 rural carriers have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.1 million people in rural communities and nearly 72,000 square miles.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops, tablets and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps; rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more; work on-the-go with fast file sharing; and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans, Promotions and Local Store Information
With the Revolution by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan, beginning at $39.99 monthly access, and a 4G LTE data package. New Verizon Wireless customers will have the option of smartphone data packages starting at $30 for 2 GB of data, while existing Verizon Wireless smartphone customers with unlimited data plans upgrading their smartphones can keep their current data plans.
For the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon 4G LTE data package starting at $30 for 2 GB of data. Other data plans available for smartphones and tablets include $50 for 5 GB data and $80 for 10 GB of data.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L, LG VL600 4G LTE modem and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545, Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com
Alyson Hannigan Works With Head & Shoulders® to Fight Head-Scratching Behavior
Actress Joins Iconic Brand to Talk Beautiful Looking Hair & How to Be a Good Girlfriend
CINCINNATI, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Head & Shoulders® announced today that Alyson Hannigan, star of CBS' How I Met Your Mother and American Pie, will be the brand's official female ambassador. Alyson, who joins Head & Shoulders® hair legends including two time Super Bowl champion, Troy Polamalu, and Minnesota Twins All-Star catcher, Joe Mauer, will appear in a fully integrated campaign targeting female consumers beginning this July.
"Strip away the cameras and red carpets and Alyson is just like us, a working mom juggling a hectic work schedule and busy family life who needs five minutes of me time and the right beauty products to help kick start her day," says April Anslinger, Brand Manager of Head & Shoulders® at Procter & Gamble. "We're excited to share that same relatable lifestyle along with her trademark humor, quirky personality and of course, her beautiful hair, with our female consumers."
"I'm so thrilled to partner with such an iconic beauty brand," says Alyson. "My hair goes through a lot on-set, but I've relied on Head & Shoulders for years to keep my hair and scalp healthy. Whether I'm picking up my daughter from a play group or I'm at a photo shoot, Head & Shoulders keeps my hair looking great so I can focus on more important things."
This summer, beyond giving women advice on how to get great looking hair, Alyson is helping girlfriends everywhere fight head-scratching behavior. Together with Head & Shoulders®, they'll team up with consumers to create The Good Girlfriend Guide, an e-manual of positive girlfriend to girlfriend advice that tackles everything from beauty faux pas to relationship blunders.
To rally consumers behind their mission, Alyson is urging women across the country to visit the Head & Shoulders for Women Facebook Fan page where they can offer up their own advice on a series of topics ranging from parenting to fashion. Fifty consumers will have their advice published in The Good Girlfriend Guide and five lucky women will be chosen to attend an exclusive, all access VIP e-book launch with Alyson in Los Angeles this November.
Celebrating 50 years of proven technology, Head & Shoulders is leading a new charge to help women with heading scratching behaviors by offering easy solutions for beautiful looking hair. To learn more, visit the Head & Shoulders for Women Facebook Fan page.
About P&G Beauty & Grooming
P&G Beauty & Grooming products help make beauty dreams real for women and help men look, feel and be their best everyday. With 8 billion dollar brands and products available in nearly 130 countries, P&G's beauty and grooming products delivered sales of over $27 billion in fiscal year 2009/10, making it one of the world's largest beauty and grooming companies. P&G Beauty & Grooming offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs, including Pantene®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Max Factor®, Cover Girl®, DDF®, Frederic Fekkai®, Wellaflex®, Rejoice®, Sebastian Professional®, Herbal Essences®, Koleston®, Clairol Professional®, Nice 'n Easy®, Venus®, Gillette®, SK-II®, Wella Professionals®, Braun® and a leading Prestige Fragrance division that spans from point of market entry consumers to high end luxury with global brands such as Hugo Boss®, Lacoste®, and Christina Aguilera®. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G (NYSE: PG) and its brands.
SOURCE Head & Shoulders
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110718/MM36429 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Video:http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/headandshoulders/51101
Head & Shoulders
1. Business: Growing Your Firm Through Core Values
2. Business: Mexican Businesses Expanding Despite Drug Wars
3. Business: Netflix Pricing Mistake?
4. Finance: U.S. Debt-Ceiling Debate
5. Real Estate: How to Save in a Buyer's Market
6. Technology: Federal Agencies Re-Examine Website Strategies
7. Workplace: Are Personality Tests Legal?
8. Workplace: When Does Dress-Code Enforcement Become Discrimination?
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
1. Tips for On-Camera Appearances
2. Top 10 Business Media Websites
3. Business Journalists' Social Media Use
4. Tips for Better Writing
********************
EXPERT ALERTS:
Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please see the contact info at the end of the alert. You can also find Expert Alerts online on ProfNet Connect at http://bit.ly/pncalerts
**1. BUSINESS: GROWING YOUR FIRM THROUGH CORE VALUES. Douglas Wolford, president of the investment advisory firm Convergent Wealth Advisors, can discuss the importance of an organization's core values and how they can help create a culture of growth and innovation: "Core values should be at the foundation of every business. It's essential to understand how to get employees to embrace them and integrate them into a company's daily operations." Wolford can provide sample core values, as well as ways to implement a firm-wide campaign. He is located in Washington, D.C. News Contact: Danielle DiPirro, Danielle.DiPirro@ConvergentWealth.com Phone: +1-301-284-1144
**2. BUSINESS: MEXICAN BUSINESSES EXPANDING DESPITE DRUG WARS. Manuel Rajunov of the Dallas office of Thompson & Knight: "Despite the continual threat of drug cartel violence, jobs in Northern Mexico's manufacturing sector continue to rise, fueled in part by growth in the auto, aviation and electronics industries. Even in cities such as Monterrey, which saw a sudden escalation in violent crime in the last few years, facilities have expanded or announced plans to open. Across Mexico, we're seeing companies adapt with new security measures and restart production, even with limited foreign investment. Given how central the American economy is to its welfare, Mexico could suffer if the recovery in the United States does not pick up speed. While trade with the United States hit a record last year of nearly $395 billion, much of the job and economic growth in Mexico appears to be coming from existing businesses expanding or restarting production lines that had been waylaid by local security concerns or the global recession." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534
**3. BUSINESS: NETFLIX PRICING MISTAKE? Mark Stiving, Ph.D., author of "Impact Pricing" (September 2011), is a respected price strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping companies implement value-based pricing strategies to increase profits. He has worked with esteemed companies such as Cisco and Procter & Gamble: "Only time will tell if yesterday's Netflix price hike is a mistake or not, but this is certainly a great learning experience. From what I've read, it seems that Netflix's goal is to get more people to move to streaming only. However, the complaints with content and quality make it unlikely that they will replace DVDs completely. They created a plan to force customers to choose quickly. I believe Netflix will be pretty badly hurt by their decision and predict Netflix will change this policy soon." Stiving can speak to price increases, bundling, segmentation and costs. He is located in San Jose, Calif. News Contact: Jillian McTigue, jmctigue@entrepreneur.com Phone +1-949-622-5274 Website: http://pragmaticpricing.com
**4. FINANCE: U.S. DEBT-CEILING DEBATE: Scott Laue, financial advisor at Savant Capital Management, can discuss the Treasury Department's concern that the debt limit must be raised by Aug. 2 or they will run out of cash to pay the government's bills: "The current debt limit is $14.3 trillion, but Congress does not want to increase the debt limit without an agreed-upon plan to reduce the $1.6 trillion annual deficit. The longer the political impasse continues, the more investors will worry and markets will get riled. Rating agencies are putting warnings out, other countries may take action and even the Fed is concerned. Everyone agrees that doing nothing about the debt ceiling is a very bad thing, and that a default should be avoided. The fact that everyone agrees, which does not happen very often, means that most likely both sides will come to their senses and get a deal done." Savant Capital Management is a fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Rockford, Ill., that works with clients nationally. Laue is available for media interviews. News Contact: Michelle Polivka, mpolivka@pretc.net Phone: +1-815-489-3955
**5. REAL ESTATE: HOW TO SAVE IN A BUYER'S MARKET. Kelly O'Ryan, office manager of Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Mass.: "Save money with supply and demand. This buyer's market means that with a lot of comparables on the market, negotiating with the seller can be more fruitful for buyers. It's important to research all comps within a given neighborhood to be sure you are getting the fairest price. It also isn't out of the question for you to ask for pieces of furniture and appliances, within your offer. An experienced real estate agent can guide you through these negotiations, so you don't risk losing the house of your dreams during this stressful part of the process." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869
**6. TECHNOLOGY: FOUR KEY ISSUES AS FEDERAL AGENCIES RE-EXAMINE WEBSITE STRATEGIES AS PART OF OBAMA'S WASTE-CUTTING INITIATIVE. Joe Wykes, president of Percussion Software, a Web content-management-software provider, has deep experience working with federal agencies; including Health and Human Services, General Services Administration, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: "President Obama kicked off a federal waste-cutting initiative in June that included taking a hard look at federal-government websites as an area to target. Last week, CIO Vivek Kundra revealed there are over 24,000 '.gov' sites in existence. Reducing the overall number of sites will improve public access to government sites and services, enable more efficient management of the various data assets and cut costs of federal spending on maintaining these sites." Wykes can discuss the four key technology issues government agencies must consider as they re-examine their Web strategies. Wykes is based in Boston. News Contact: Kathy Wilson, kwilson@tieronepr.com Phone: +1-781-652-0499
**7. WORKPLACE: ARE PERSONALITY TESTS LEGAL? Gavin Appleby is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management. More than 80 percent of midsize and large companies use personality assessments as a pre-employment, promotion or new-employee tool. Many employers, however, do not consider whether the tests they use are legally defensible. Appleby is available to speak about this topic and provide insight about what to look for when choosing these tests: "Employers use personality tests for a number of reasons. Problematically, many employers use tests that may be considered medical examinations under the Americans with Disabilities Act; these tests are not properly validated. It is important to know what one should look for when choosing these tests, so employers are sure to avoid any legal pitfalls." News Contact: Aimee Nicholls, Nicholls@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321
**8. WORKPLACE: WHEN DOES DRESS-CODE ENFORCEMENT BECOME DISCRIMINATION? Margaret Hart Edwards is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management. Employers have the right to implement dress-code policies and standards, but there are limits to the grooming requirements they can enforce in the name of upholding a company's image. Managers should generally be prepared to make some accommodations with respect to clothing based upon religion or disability. Adjustments must be reasonable and not impose an undue hardship on the employer. Edwards is available to speak about the legal implications employers may face if they do not correctly implement dress-code policies: "Although creating and maintaining a dress code is a common employer practice, it is vital that businesses are knowledgeable of how to legally implement such rules to reduce claims of discrimination. Protocol should stress the concepts of professionalism and appropriateness to the specific business environment. This allows some latitude for discussion and the exercise of discretion by the employer." News Contact: Aimee Nicholls, Nicholls@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com
**1. DEAR GRACIE: TIPS FOR HOW TO APPEAR ON CAMERA: Six communications experts share tips on making TV appearances: http://bit.ly/oZYSEl
**2. BTOB SELECTS 10 GREAT BIZ MEDIA WEBSITES: BtoB Executive Editor Sean Callahan presents the Top 10 business-related websites: http://bit.ly/nRRInD
**3. SABEW: SOCIAL MEDIA USE GROWS AMONG BIZ JOURNALISTS: SABEW Research Director Chris Roush discusses social media use in business reporting: http://bit.ly/nahRSe
**4. SEVEN TIPS FOR BETTER WRITING: ProfNet Director Maria Perez presents writing tips on Ragan's PR Daily: http://bit.ly/pCqiI9
PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit a request for experts: http://budurl.com/profnetquery To consult the ProfNet Experts Database: http://profnet.prnewswire.com To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com
Expedia Says Have Your Cake and Eat it Too: Cruises are the Most Luxurious, Budget-Friendly, Hassle-Free Mode of Travel to Europe
European cruises offering unprecedented deals; Earn up to 10,000 Expedia Rewards points on cruise bookings
BELLEVUE, Wash.,July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedia.com®, the world's largest online travel agency, announced today that travelers looking to book vacations to Europe should seriously consider a cruise. Cruising delivers substantial value and terrific benefits, from saving on hotel bookings to world-class onboard entertainment options to the ease of booking offshore excursions. Cruising through Europe effectively removes much of the stress inherent to international travel. In addition, for a limited time, travelers participating in the Expedia Rewards(TM) program who book a cruise on Expedia can earn up to 10,000 Expedia Reward Points.
"There is tremendous value for travelers booking cruises to Europe right now. We have seen increased interest in European cruises this year," said Koreen McNutt, director of cruise, Expedia.com. "Cruise transactions to Europe continue to become more popular, and for good reason. With airlines cutting capacity to Europe and with fewer travelers able to afford the increasing costs, cruise lines are cutting rates without cutting amenities."
Expedia recently compared the price for a representative seven-night cruise departing this fall versus a comparable and representative seven-night Mediterranean trip during the same time, including hotel, food and transportation. Overall, two adults taking a seven-night, self-guided trip through Spain and Italy staying in 4-star accommodations paid 68% more than those taking a seven-night cruise in an inside cabin with a leading cruise line. Even a cruise in a balcony cabin offers 33% savings in comparison to the same self-guided trip.
"Cruises offer four-star hotel accommodations featuring luxury pools and spas and world class entertainment at rates as low as $72 per night," added McNutt. "When you compare that to a four-star property in Spain or Italy the savings are enormous, not to mention the added value of having great restaurants, casinos and nightclubs right outside your cabin door. And travelers aren't missing out on the land excursions either; shore excursions to the Parthenon in Athens, the Colosseum in Rome, casinos in Monte Carlo and Dubrovnik are simple to purchase onboard so travelers can enjoy land and sea at once."
Current examples of current deals offered by Expedia® include:
-- Royal Caribbean 7 night Mediterranean round-trip Venice cruise on the
Voyager of the Seas from $499 per person
-- Norwegian 7 night Mediterranean round-trip Barcelona cruise on the new
Norwegian Epic from $679 per person plus a $50 spa credit and up to a
$400 onboard credit
-- Costa 7 night Civitavecchia Mediterranean round-trip Rome cruise on the
Costa Magica from $499 per person
To be eligible for Expedia Reward points, travelers must spend a minimum of $500 on any of the participating cruise lines. To earn points, travel must be booked by 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on August 12, 2011 and completed by December 31, 2011. Travelers must provide their 12-digit Expedia Rewards ID at the time booking. Travelers can also enroll in Expedia Rewards for free at http://www.expedia.com/rewards.
For more information on booking a cruise to Europe or the Expedia Rewards promotion please visit cruise.expedia.com.
About Expedia.com
Expedia.com is the world's leading online travel site, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (http://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, and services. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com customers can get the best rates available online for all types of travel.
CONTACT: Adam Anderson of Expedia.com, +1-425-679-7760, adaanderson@expedia.com; or Dave McNamee of HL Group, +1-646-674-3635, dmcnamee@hlgrp.com, for Expedia
4G Smartphones, Modems and Hotspots Arrive on the Verizon Wireless Network in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre July 21
- Coverage area includes Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, portions of Luzerne, Lackawanna counties and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre International Airport
- Mobile broadband network delivers speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G networks
- Free Verizon Wireless 4G LTE "Tech Tour" coming to Wilkes-Barre July 21
- Part of company's $1.5 billion overall network investment in region since 2000
SCRANTON, Pa., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting Thursday, Verizon Wireless customers here will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless' 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. Residents in Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre and portions of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties with 4G LTE smartphones, laptop modems and hotspots will be able to take advantage of speeds up to 10 times faster than the company's 3G network. Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre International Airport will also be covered by the 4G LTE service. To mark the launch of 4G LTE, Verizon Wireless will host a free 4G LTE "Tech Tour" public event on Thursday at The Woodlands Inn, Wilkes-Barre from 10 a.m. - Noon. The event will feature live demos, interaction with data experts and technology presentations.
"We are proud to help lead the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community," Mario Turco, Verizon Wireless regional president, said. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
An array of devices have already launched to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
-- The Revolution(TM) from LG is the first Android(TM) smartphone that
gives Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows through
a pre-loaded Netflix app. Customers can capture and share HD images or
videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and take advantage of other
features including a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and
LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD
video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and SmartShare
capability for sharing multimedia content with HDMI capable displays and
Mobile Hotspot capability that allows customers to share 4G LTE with up
to 8 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to 5 devices.
Available for $249.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED(TM) Plus
display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and
front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting,
Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser
and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE
connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with
up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts
with a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- ThunderBolt(TM) by HTC smartphone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has
an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording,
1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities,
newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot
capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to
eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with
a new 2-year customer agreement.
-- The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for
Google(TM) Mobile Services, including Gmail(TM), YouTube(TM) and more; a
10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280x800 resolution HD screen; 1 GHz
dual core application processor; a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a
3-megapixel rear-facing camera; and Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an
enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich
websites. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of
uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools,
including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents,
spreadsheets and presentations. Available for $529.99 for the 16 GB
model and $629.99 for the 32 GB model after discounts with a new 2-year
customer agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G
LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet
connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. Each
available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes equipped with a fold-out
USB connector, a four color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal
antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
-- Pantech's UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree
rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and a internal
antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer
agreement.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers can enjoy the fast speeds of the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013.
In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless' core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. To date, 10 rural carriers have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.1 million people in rural communities and nearly 72,000 square miles.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops, tablets and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps; rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more; work on-the-go with fast file sharing; and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans, Promotions and Local Store Information
With the Revolution by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan, beginning at $39.99 monthly access, and a 4G LTE data package. New Verizon Wireless customers will have the option of smartphone data packages starting at $30 for 2 GB of data, while existing Verizon Wireless smartphone customers with unlimited data plans upgrading their smartphones can keep their current data plans.
For the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon 4G LTE data package starting at $30 for 2 GB of data. Other data plans available for smartphones and tablets include $50 for 5 GB data and $80 for 10 GB of data.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L, LG VL600 4G LTE modem and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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.
Oce Premiere Collection of Media Expanded for Oce ColorWave 600 Large Format Printer
TRUMBULL, Conn., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Oce, a Canon Group Company and an international leader in digital document management, today announced the availability of three new substrates for use in the Oce ColorWave® 600 printer. They join an ever-broadening selection of media in the Oce Premiere Collection designed for robust performance and longevity.
Oce 6008 Outdoor Polypropylene Film is designed for indoor or short-term outdoor use. This 8-mil film is weather resistant and virtually waterproof. It can be used outdoors without lamination. Available in 24- and 36-inch widths; rolls are 100-feet long on a 3-inch core.
Oce 6046 Presentation Paper is an economical, heavyweight paper with an extreme whiteness and a 97 brightness rating. This 7.8-mil substrate is ideal for posters, information boards, display graphics signage and presentations. Available in 24- and 36-inch widths; rolls are 100-feet long on a 3-inch core.
Oce PHPPR Satin Photo Paper is an 8-mil resin-coated photo paper with a satin finish for producing photo-realistic prints. It is intended for indoor display graphics applications, or short-term outdoor use when laminated. Available in 24-, 36- and 42-inch widths; rolls are 100-feet long on a 3-inch core.
Oce ColorWave 600 printer with Oce CrystalPoint® color technology
The Oce ColorWave 600 printer is the world's first wide format color printer based on Oce CrystalPoint technology. This unique technology combines the best of toner and inkjet in one clean and sustainable system. With print speeds of up to 1334 square feet per hour, the Oce ColorWave 600 printer delivers high quality color prints on plain and recycled media. Prints are robust and water-fast for outdoor use making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
The Oce ColorWave 600 printer with this new media can be used to produce short-term display graphics applications such as point-of-purchase displays, event posters, retail signage, courtroom graphics and architectural project presentations.
Availability
All media is available for order now. To order, customers should contact their authorized Oce Imaging Supplies dealer or call 1.888.503.2235.
About Oce
Oce is one of the leading providers of document management and printing for professionals. The Oce offering includes office printing and copying systems, high speed digital production printers and wide format printing systems for both technical documentation and color display graphics. Oce is also a foremost supplier of document management outsourcing. Many of the Fortune Global 500 companies and leading commercial printers are Oce customers. The company was founded in 1877. With headquarters in Venlo, The Netherlands, Oce is active in over 100 countries and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. Total revenues in financial 2010 amounted to approximately euro 2.7 billion. Oce is listed on Euronext in Amsterdam. For more information visit http://www.oce.com.
Oce North America is headquartered in Trumbull, CT, with additional business units in Chicago, IL and Boca Raton, FL. North America represents 34% of Oce's worldwide revenues, and employment is over 8,000. For more information about Oce North America, visit http://www.oceusa.com. Outside the U.S., consult http://global.oce.com.
Oce and Canon: Stronger together
In 2010 Oce joined the Canon Group of companies with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, to create the global leader in the printing industry. Canon develops, manufactures and markets a growing line-up of copying machines, printers, cameras, optical and other products that meet a diverse range of customer needs. The Canon Group comprises over 197,000 people worldwide. Global net sales in 2010 were more than US $45 billion. For more information visit http://www.canon.com.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010+, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei - "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" - Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives.
Columbia Pictures Teams Up With foursquare for "30 Minutes or Less" Badge
Earn the Badge, Get Discounts, and Enter to Win a Cash PrizeToward a Year's Worth of Pizza
CULVER CITY, Calif., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the nationwide release of Columbia Pictures' action-comedy 30 Minutes or Less, the studio has partnered with the social media site foursquare to create an innovative program that encourages users to interact with the film online and in the real world. 30 Minutes or Less will be released in theaters nationwide on August 12, 2011.
In the most expansive foursquare badge program tied to a motion picture, users can follow 30 Minutes or Less, then check in to movie-themed places. The check-ins include pizza parlors and banks, as well as food trucks, screenings, Comic-Con®, and movie theaters on opening weekend, to unlock the 30 Minutes or Less badge.
In the action-comedy 30 Minutes or Less, Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) is a small town pizza delivery guy whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wannabe criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The lowlifes kidnap Nick and strap a time bomb to him - with the promise that they'll blow him up unless he robs a bank. With only a few hours to pull off the impossible task, Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Aziz Ansari). As the clock ticks, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, flamethrowers, and their own tumultuous relationship. The film is directed by Ruben Fleischer. The screenplay is by Michael Diliberti from story by Michael Diliberti & Matthew Sullivan. Produced by Stuart Cornfeld, Jeremy Kramer, and Ben Stiller.
Once users have unlocked the 30 Minutes or Less badge, select movie theaters may offer them promotional items when they see 30 Minutes or Less opening weekend. In addition, beginning today, foursquare users in the US who have unlocked the 30 Minutes orLess badge will be entered to win the 30 Minutes or Less foursquare Sweepstakes. The grand prize is $3,000 (that can go towards a whole lot of pizza... ).
The promotion will take place worldwide. Domestically, the badge will be featured with a call to action on 30 Minutes or Less print materials, including in-theater standees, bus shelters, and outdoor advertising. Additionally the badge will be mentioned in radio spots.
Commenting on the announcement, Dwight Caines, president, Worldwide Digital Marketing, said, "In 30 Minutes or Less, our characters are in a race against time of sorts, racing from place to place in their town, so we took the real-world types of locations they visit and extended them into the digital space with foursquare. The movie experience is integrated in a way that feels natural and organic to how people use foursquare - as users check into real-world locations, they get rewarded with badges that become conversation pieces about the movie."
Jonathan Crowley, Director of Business Development for foursquare Media Partnerships, added, "30 Minutes or Less is breaking new ground in reaching its target audience, engaging them directly in social media while they're out in the real world using foursquare. By connecting with them when they're doing the things they normally do - for example, presenting them with a hilarious tip while they're eating a slice of pizza - the studio is creating a relevant connection and drive awareness of the film."
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
About foursquare
Foursquare helps you explore the world around you. Meet up with friends, discover new places, and save money using your phone. Whether you're setting off on a trip around the world, coordinating a night out with friends, or trying to pick the best dish at your local restaurant, foursquare is the perfect companion. For more information, visit http://foursquare.com.
SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment
CONTACT: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations, of Sony Pictures Entertainment, +1-310-244-7142, steve_elzer@spe.sony.com
Microsoft Research Releases Details About "Daytona" at Faculty Summit
Designed to help access and manipulate large data sets, this toolkit brings the cloud to scientists' fingertips.
REDMOND, Wash., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --At the 12th annual Microsoft Research Faculty Summit today, Microsoft Corp. unveiled details about a new platform that will expand the toolset for scientists in need of large-scale data computation capabilities. Currently code-named "Daytona," this tool kit is designed to run a wide class of analytics and machine-learning algorithms on Windows Azure to allow scientists to analyze their largest data collections.
"'Daytona' gives scientists more ways to use the cloud without being tied to one computer or needing detailed knowledge of cloud programming--ultimately letting scientists be scientists," said Dan Reed, corporate vice president of the Technology Policy Group at Microsoft. "We're very excited to empower the research community with this enhanced tool kit that will hopefully lead to greater scientific insights as a result of large-scale data analytics capabilities."
The Microsoft Research Faculty Summit 2011 is a three-day event where leading computer scientists, academics, educators and government officials gather with Microsoft researchers to discuss computing challenges and trends. This year's event, themed "Future World," brings together more than 300 thought leaders who will explore topics such as Natural User Interface, cloud computing initiatives and machine learning.
Tony Hey, corporate vice president of Microsoft Research Connections at Microsoft, said executives chose this year's theme based on their commitment to forward-looking technology.
"This event lays the groundwork for Microsoft's future collaboration with universities, industry and government," Hey said. "It is our goal to advance research, inspire technological innovation and cultivate the next generation of thought leaders."
Microsoft Research Awards $1.4 Million in Funding to Next Generation of Scientists
During the Faculty Summit, officials are also announcing the recipients of the 2011 Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowship grants, which are awarded to eight promising young researchers around the world for a total grant distribution of $1.4 million. Now in its seventh year, the Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowship Program rewards innovative new faculty members who are exploring breakthrough, high-impact research that has the potential to help solve some of today's most challenging societal problems. The eight Microsoft Research Faculty Fellows for 2011 and their areas of interest can be found at http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/awards/msrff_all.aspx.
Project Hawaii
The Faculty Summit will also serve as a venue to showcase student work from an ongoing Microsoft initiative called Project Hawaii. Launched in 2010, Project Hawaii is an experimental program that provides students with tools, services and equipment to create their own, cloud-enabled mobile applications using Windows Azure and Windows Phone 7.
Students from more than 20 universities participated last year. For example, this spring a group of computer science students at Stanford University created myscience. Computer science lecturer Jay Borenstein oversaw the project and said Project Hawaii gave him and his class valuable resources. "The tools made it possible for a team of students to create a full-featured application serving two audiences --scientists and ordinary citizens with Windows phones --in less than five months," Borenstein said.
The Project Hawaii team is working on expanding the program and will use the Faculty Summit to preview upcoming services for the next school year. Examples of student work from previous semesters can be found here.
About Microsoft Research
Founded in 1991, Microsoft Research is dedicated to conducting both basic and applied research in computer science and software engineering. More than 850 Ph.D. researchers focus on more than 55 areas of computing and openly collaborate with leading academic, government, and industry researchers to advance the state of the art of computing, help fuel the long-term growth of Microsoft and its products, and solve some of the world's toughest problems through technological innovation. Microsoft Research has expanded over the years to six countries worldwide and brings together the best minds in computer science to advance a research agenda based on an array of unique talents and interests. Microsoft Research operates in Redmond; Cambridge, Mass.; Mountain View, Calif.; Cambridge, U.K.; Beijing; and Bangalore, India; and also conducts research at the Cairo Microsoft Innovation Center in Egypt; the European Microsoft Innovation Center in Aachen, Germany; FUSE Labs in Redmond and Cambridge, U.K.; and Microsoft Research Connections and the eXtreme Computing Group in Redmond. More information can be found at http://research.microsoft.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Dyle Brand Positioned To Help Consumers Identify Mobile TV Enabled Devices
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mobile Content Venture (MCV) today unveiled its consumer brand - Dyle(TM) - logo and website (http://www.dyle.tv). MCV is a joint venture dedicated to facilitating, on behalf of 12 major broadcast groups, a national mobile content service that delivers live television to mobile devices.
Dyle mobile TV represents a fun and entertaining brand personality - it's not only memorable but also a 'wink' to retro. MCV will use the Dyle brand to certify that a device is capable of receiving and decrypting live mobile broadcast TV signals. The name and logo are a significant part of MCV's strategy to drive awareness of and educate consumers about live mobile TV.
"When a consumer sees the Dyle logo on a box, they will know that the device has the technology required for live mobile TV, on-the-go, wherever they are. TV station owners can be confident that a Dyle-enabled device offers users the best possible live mobile TV experience," said Salil Dalvi and Erik Moreno, co-GMs of MCV.
In April, MCV announced it expects to have member stations up and running in 32 markets covering 50% of the U.S. population. Markets include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Tampa, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando, Portland, Cincinnati, Greenville, West Palm Beach, Birmingham, Knoxville, Miami, Las Vegas, Denver, St. Louis, Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle, Raleigh, Kansas City, Columbus, Tulsa and Montgomery. Participating station groups include Gannett, Media General, Bahakel, Belo, Raycom, Scripps, Post Newsweek, Meredith, Hearst, Cox, FOX, NBC, ION and Telemundo.
Dyle(TM), the Dyle logo and Dyle.tv are trademarks and copyright of Mobile Content Venture LLC. Please visit http://www.dyle.tv.
About Mobile Content Venture
Mobile Content Venture (MCV) is a joint-venture comprising 12 major broadcast groups, including Belo Corp., Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps Co., Gannett Broadcasting, Hearst Television Inc., Media General Inc., Meredith Corp., Post-Newsweek Stations Inc. and Raycom Media, all of which are part of the standalone entity known as Pearl Mobile DTV, LLC, as well as Fox, ION Television, and NBC. MCV aims to facilitate the development of a new national mobile digital television service by utilizing existing broadcast spectrum to enable member companies to deliver content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming.
SOURCE Mobile Content Venture
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110718/NY36798LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Mobile Content Venture
CONTACT: News Corporation, Dan Berger, +1-310-369-1274, dberger@newscorp.com; or NBCUniversal, Christine Reisner, +1-201-735-3637, Christine.Reisner@nbcuni.com; or Pearl Mobile DTV, LLC, Nancy Zakhary, +1-212-986-6667, nancy@braincomm.com
Drew Brees Partners with Fantapper to Launch #ifiwereaQB Social Media Contest
Fans Can Transform into a Quarterback, Win Prizes, and Gain an Exclusive Look at Drew's Life
IRVINE, Calif., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Football star Drew Brees, MVP of Super Bowl XLIV and quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has launched a new social media campaign that lets fans imagine themselves as QBs while earning a shot at a signed jersey and an iPad 2. Brees has invited fans to submit photos to drew@fantapper.com for a special enhancement which they can share with their friends online through his free, interactive Fantapper service. Two winners will be determined based on the number of views that each photo receives.
The #ifiwereaQB social media campaign is one of many ways Drew is connecting with his fans through Fantapper. Drew has already been posting exclusive content including videos and pictures to his Fantapper service, providing his fans with a closer connection to the Super Bowl MVP. Check out Drew's Fantapper page at http://www.fantapper.com/celebs/drew_brees.
"Fantapper allows me and other celebrities and athletes to engage with fans in a meaningful way by giving them access to exclusive content, media, and applications they can't find anywhere else," said Brees. "I hope the contest will encourage people to check it out, and I can't wait to share pics of the 'QB squad' that we assemble."
Fantapper combines all the latest news, content, and social media posts about fans' favorite celebrities and athletes into a single online offering. Also available as a free desktop plug-in, Fantapper provides fans with a 24/7 connection to their favorite celebrities and athletes, dynamically enhancing photos and text wherever they surf the web.
The #ifiwereaQB campaign is currently live and will run through Sunday, July 24; details are available at: http://www.ifiwereaQB.net.
About Brand Affinity Technologies, Inc. (BAT)
Founded in 2007, BAT (http://brandaffinity.net) unlocks the marketing power of celebrity through research, endorsements, and interactive experiences. Advertisers such as AT&T, Comcast, IHG, Intuit, Ford, Samsung and Sony use BAT's Endorsement Platform, which provides daily analysis of more than 45,000 celebrities and athletes, along with the ability to identify, license, and activate talent for cross-media advertising campaigns. BAT has exclusive representation agreements with more than 4,000 athletes and celebrities. BAT also leverages its research and technology engine to engage consumers directly through Fantapper (http://www.fantapper.com), which brings interactive apps to celebrity content across the web. Connect with BAT on Twitter:@BAT and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrandAffinityTech.
About Fantapper by Brand Affinity Technologies
Fantapper (http://www.fantapper.com) helps actors, musicians, athletes and other personalities influence, control and monetize their social media content and the skyrocketing amount of online content in which they are featured. When a consumer clicks on a photo or text reference of any celebrity, Fantapper automatically populates an expanded media window with dynamic apps, including original pictures and videos, games, popularity metrics, YouTube videos, Twitter and Facebook feeds - all specific to the featured celebrity. Fantapper is available as a free desktop plug-in, runs on select news, entertainment and sports sites, and can also be accessed via popular mobile devices. Celebrities and athletes with custom Fantapper apps include Drew Brees, Nick Cannon, Peter Facinelli, Ashlee Simpson and Pete Yorn. Connect with Fantapper on Twitter: @Fantapper and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Fantapper.
SOURCE Brand Affinity Technologies, Inc.
Brand Affinity Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: Warschawski for BAT, Dana Dorsheimer, +1-410-367-2700 ext 19, dana.dorsheimer@warschawski.com, or Tricia McKenna, +1-617-553-8020, tricia.mckenna@warschawksi.com
Pre-orders for 'blue button' safety, security mirror accepted nationwide
DETROIT and MINNEAPOLIS, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --OnStar FMV, the first out-of-the-box application of OnStar's "blue button" automotive safety and security services that can work on 90 million older vehicles, goes on sale July 24 and can be preordered at Best Buy stores nationwide.
Packing OnStar's industry leading technology into a rearview mirror, OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle) sells for $299.99, plus $75 for installation. Service plans for OnStar FMV start at $18.95 a month, or $199 a year.
"The wait is over," said OnStar President Linda Marshall. "Since we announced OnStar FMV at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, thousands of people have signed up to be notified when this innovative product is ready to buy. Now, through Best Buy, they can enhance their Fords, Toyotas, Chryslers and other brands with the power of OnStar."
As OnStar's strategic retail partner for OnStar FMV, Best Buy offers on-site installation through its network of more than 1,000 auto bays nationwide staffed by more than 1,400 Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals at Best Buy, including nearly half of the 194 MECP Master installers in the world. More than 90 percent of surveyed Best Buy customers said their auto installation was "done right the first time."
"Best Buy is always looking for ways to help consumers stay connected through technology in their everyday lives. This includes in their cars," said Lisa Farrell, senior vice president and general manager of portable electronics at Best Buy. "We are proud to be the first to bring the OnStar FMV product to consumers nationwide and serve as a one-stop destination for purchase and installation."
OnStar FMV provides the same core features as the OnStar service built into new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles from General Motors:
-- Automatic Crash Response, triggered by an accelerometer in the unit,
connects the vehicle to a trained OnStar emergency advisor in the event
of a crash. The advisor can provide the exact location of the crash to
emergency responders using the mirror's GPS location, even if the
vehicle's occupants are unable to respond.
-- Turn-by-Turn Navigation, OnStar's most-popular service with 1.9 million
requests a month is accessible with a press of the blue button. The
driver asks the advisor for directions for a specific address or
location, such as a gas station or restaurant. Directions are downloaded
to OnStar FMV, which provides spoken turn-by-turn instructions to the
destination.
-- Hands-Free Calling is available through the OnStar service itself or
through a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone. An external
microphone, which is tucked neatly into the roofline or above the
overhead console, gives the best-possible voice quality while drivers
keeps their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
-- Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses OnStar FMV's global positioning
satellite system to provide a stolen vehicle's location to law
enforcement officials.
-- Emergency Services, summoned by pushing the red button, bring specially
trained emergency advisors on the line immediately to help in a crisis,
such as witnessing a collision or a crime in progress.
-- Roadside Assistance for non-emergency situations, such as a mechanical
breakdown or a flat tire, is a blue-button push away.
Other retailers now offering or soon to offer OnStar FMV include Car Toys, Crutchfield, Fry's Electronics, Al & Ed's Autosound and P.C. Richard & Son.
Customers can find out if OnStar FMV is compatible with their vehicle through an online Vehicle Selector. More information is available through Best Buy or OnStar.com.
About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors (NYSE: GM), is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. The OnStar Mobile App is a recipient of the 2011 Edison Award for Best New Product in the Remote Driving Aids segment and OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the Technology segment. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. More information about OnStar can be found at http://www.onstar.com.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and Mexico, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $50 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, Best Buy Mobile, The Carphone Warehouse, Five Star, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Magnolia Audio Video, Napster, Pacific Sales, and The Phone House. Approximately 180,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way Best Buy does business. In fiscal 2011, the company donated approximately $25 million to improve the vitality of the communities where its employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit http://www.bby.com.
SOURCE General Motors
General Motors
CONTACT: Vijay Iyer, +1-313-665-5751, vijay.iyer@onstar.com, Adam Denison, adam.denison@onstar.com, +1-313-665-5127, both of OnStar Communications; Carolyn Aberman, Best Buy, +1-612-291-2786, carolyn.aberman@bestbuy.com
New Music Discovery Mobile Application MusicPound Finds Your Friend's Beats
MusicPound Your Friends For Your Ultimate Playlist
MORRISVILLE, N.J., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "MusicPound your friends" with Eye2i Inc.'s new music discovery mobile application, MusicPound. The music discovery application is designed to uncover new songs and reveal your inner DJ by comparing two users' music libraries on their iPod Touch, iPhones, or iPads. Once the two devices do the comparison, or "MusicPound," the application examines everything about the users' song collections to help discover mobile melodies that are hidden on your friends' playlist and also determine which tunes and what artists form the foundation of your musical friendship. Imagine bonding over your secret love for Billy Idol or Barbra Streisand!
MusicPound's Compatibility Meter feature flashes your music compatibility rating to determine if you are "Pop-Rock Besties" or "Musical Strangers," and also reveals elements of your personality based on your mobile tunes. MusicPound will also calculate how you stack-up musically against the masses. Are you a "Groupie," "Music Producer," or a "Music Mogul?"
"MusicPound is the first application of its kind that allows music lovers everywhere to compile their ultimate playlist through comparing music with their friends," comments Sherif Fahmy, creator of MusicPound. "Friends will enjoy comparing musical tastes and learning something new and fun about each other they thought they already knew!"
MusicPound lets you build your wish list and gives you the option to instantly purchase music, view lyrics and keep track of all past "MusicPounds" with your acquaintances. From your most played songs to the most skipped ones, the MusicPound Detail Report will help you navigate through your library to locate your jam quickly for review.
MusicPound is a complimentary mobile application available in the App Store and since it uses Bluetooth to transfer comparison results, MusicPound does not use any of the user's data time. After three comparisons, users will be able to purchase unlimited use of MusicPound features for $1.99. MusicPound allows users to share their libraries and purchase music through iTunes. For more information please visit http://www.musicpound.com.
About MusicPound: MusicPound, Eye2i Inc.'s free-download mobile application, examines and rates the musical friendship of two users by comparing their iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad music libraries. Once the two compare, or "MusicPound," the application examines everything about the users' song collections to reveal elements of their personality and to see how they match up musically. Users can discover, analyze and purchase new music through iTunes. MusicPound requires iOS4 or later, running on an iPhone 3, 3GS, or 4, or an iPod touch (3rd or 4th generation). Bluetooth must be enabled for comparisons to be performed. For more information please visit http://www.musicpound.com.
Combination Will Create One of the Largest Networks of Social Gaming Applications on the Web
SAN FRANCISCO, July 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Lolapps, a top five social games company, and 6waves Inc., a leading international publisher of gaming applications, today announced that they have signed a definitive merger agreement creating one of the largest networks of social gaming applications on the web.
The two companies attract more than 35M MAU globally. Additionally, the move expands the combined companies internationally, extending the global footprint and focus of each, with offices in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.
"The coming together of two of the social gaming industry's leaders made a lot of sense given our complementary strengths and aligned vision," said Arjun Sethi, CEO of Lolapps. "6waves is a leading international publisher of social games and Lolapps is a top social games developer. Both companies have a very strong user base and share the pledge of delivering to them the best possible social gaming experience."
Each company's users will find exciting improvements in thanks to this strategic alliance. Users will have access to a larger catalogue of games, more engaged content, and more opportunity for interaction with other users. 6waves and Lolapps are both committed to delivering quality products, and this alignment will allow customers to consume the highest quality content available on Facebook and other popular social networks.
Developers within the network will also benefit from the combined entity. Publishing partners will have access to an expanded base of users who already love to play games, as well as access to new platform services and capabilities. Partners of 6waves will now also be able to utilize the Fliso Engine, the industry-acknowledged highest performance engine for running isometric Flash games.
"The combination of Lolapps and 6waves creates instant value for our users and will be especially attractive to development partners within our network," said Rex Ng, CEO of 6waves. "Through this merger we are able to closely understand the needs of game developers - who will also have access to the technology that will be distributed through our relationship - which will further improve our publishing platform."
Mr. Ng will serve as the new CEO with Mr. Sethi reporting to him. The newly constructed six-member executive team will include three members of 6waves, including Mr. Ng, and three members of Lolapps, including Mr. Sethi. Following today's merger agreement, the combined company will be branded as 6waves Lolapps and will retain offices in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK. 6waves and Lolapps, which have both been profitable to date, will continue to function independently to focus on game publishing and game development, respectively.
About 6waves
6waves, a venture-backed company is the leading international publisher and developer of gaming applications on social network platforms including Facebook and Yabage (Japan). It aims to publish the next generation of social games to cover every genre, language, and platform. 6waves aims to scour the Earth, and bring the most fun and exciting games to your local social network in the language you speak. For more information, please visit http://www.6waves.com
About Lolapps
Founded in 2008, Lolapps is a social games and technology company venture backed by Polaris Venture Partners and Ron Conway. Creator of the hugely successful Ravenwood Fair, Lolapps has over 25 million monthly active users across multiple social networks, including Facebook. The Lolapps Fliso Engine, recently acquired from Sean Cooper Games, is the industry-acknowledged highest performance engine for running isometric Flash games. Available for licensing, the engine is already being utilized by four out of the top five social games developers. Everything Lolapps does is geared towards bringing consumers the highest quality social gaming experience. For more information, please visit http://www.lolapps.com and http://www.lolapps.com/fliso
SOURCE Lolapps
Lolapps
CONTACT: Niko Felix of Sparkpr, +1-415-321-1885, niko@sparkpr.com, for Lolapps
SQUARE ENIX to Augment and Infest San Diego Comic-Con
DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION and DEAD ISLAND Panels Headline this Year's Event for Square Enix
LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, has announced its lineup for San Diego Comic-Con, set to take place July 21-24.
Comic-Con attendees will be able to preview and play the following Square Enix titles:
-- DEAD ISLAND(TM) - In Deep Silver's hotly anticipated action title, the
lush island paradise of Banoi truly is a holiday destination with
everything - including a lethal zombie outbreak.
-- DEUS EX®: HUMAN REVOLUTION® - Eidos-Montreal brings back one of the
most critically acclaimed franchises of all time with one of 2011's most
highly anticipated games. Due out August 23, attendees can experience
the multi-path, action RPG gameplay at the Square Enix booth.
-- FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2 - Serah and Noel are desperately seeking
Lightning in the next installment from Square Enix's all-star production
team.
-- WAKFU® - The latest role playing game from Ankama Studios (DOFUS)
turned heads at this year's E3 show - now Comic-Con attendees get their
chance to experience the world of WAKFU.
In addition to being able to get hands-on with the games, Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to gain a new perspective on both DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION and DEAD ISLAND. Two one-hour panels devoted to the games are available to attendees:
-- Thursday July 21, 11:00 am: The World of 2027 in DEUS EX: HUMAN
REVOLUTION: Join Eidos-Montreal community manager Kyle Stallock as he
moderates a discussion between Mary DeMarle (lead writer,
Eidos-Montreal) and Will Rossellini (CEO, MicroTransponder). The two
will discuss the vision and moral landscape of transhumanism in DEUS EX:
HUMAN REVOLUTION and compare it to current scientific advances in the
field of bio-mechanical augmentation. Extended footage from the game
will make its world debut at this can't-miss session in room 5A. There
will be a Q&A session following immediately after the panel.
-- Friday July 22, 7:30 pm: Find out what makes DEAD ISLAND's zombies tick
as GamePro's science editor, Andrew Groen, joins Dead Island writer
Haris Orkin, Harvard psychiatrist and author of The Zombie Autopsies,
Dr. Steven C. Schlozman, author of The Zombie Survival Guide Max Brooks,
and UC Berkeley's neuroscience expert Brad Voytek to explore the
misunderstood monsters in a panel that will be anything but dead simple.
Shuffle to Room 8 to pick their brains.
"We're thrilled to be previewing some of the hottest upcoming Square Enix titles at this year's San Diego Comic-con," said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing, Square Enix, Inc. "The Square Enix team is looking forward to engaging with some of our most informed and enthusiastic fans along with meeting some new ones."
San Diego Comic-Con will also mark the debut a total of five new DISSIDIA® and METAL GEAR SOLID® PEACE WALKER(TM) Play Arts -Kai- figurines - pricing and product details below.
Visit booth 3829 of the San Diego Convention Center for the full lineup of the latest Square Enix products.
Product Details:
----------------
DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY PLAY ARTS -KAI-
CLOUD STRIFE / SQUALL LEONHART / JUDGE MAGISTER GABRANTH
MSRP: $49.99 each
Release: Summer 2011
METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER PLAY ARTS -KAI-
SNAKE (Battle Dress Ver.) / KAZUHIRA MILLER
MSRP: $49.99 each
Release: Summer 2011
About DEAD ISLAND:
------------------
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Deep Silver
Platform: Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from
Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 system, Windows PC
Genre: Zombie Action RPG
Players: 1-4 online cooperative
ESRB: M (Mature)
Ship Date: 2011 (NA)
*North America Distribution Only
About DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION:
--------------------------------
Developer: Eidos-Montreal
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360(R), PlayStation(R)3 system, Windows PC, Steam(R),
OnLive(R)
Genre: Action RPG
ESRB: M (Mature)
Ship Date: August 23, 2011 (NA)
About FINAL FANTASY XIII-2:
---------------------------
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360(R), PlayStation(R)3 system
Genre: RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: January 2012 (NA)
About WAKFU:
------------
Developer: Ankama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Linux
Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
ESRB Rating: Not Rated by the ESRB
Ship Date: Open Beta Starting Summer 2011 (NA)
*North America Distribution Only
About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
CONTACT: Emily Shoji, Square Enix, Inc., +1-310-846-0400, na.pr@square-enix.com; or Justin Kranzl, Ogilvy Public Relations, +1-310-280-2459, justin.kranzl@ogilvypr.com, for Square Enix, Inc.
AT&T U-verse Customers Benefit From On-the-Go, Handy Support With New Smartphone App
DALLAS, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Even if you're a tech-savvy consumer, you may run into occasional questions about your communications and entertainment services. And when you do, you want helpful information where you need it, in a way that's easy to use and navigate -- on your smartphone.
AT&T* today launched the AT&T U-verse® Service & Support Tool app, which gives AT&T U-verse customers convenient access to self-support information and tools for their U-verse TV, U-verse High Speed Internet, U-verse Voice and email services directly from their smartphone.
The U-verse Service & Support Tool app is one of the first integrated self-support smartphone apps offered by a TV provider -- another way AT&T is delivering a better experience to U-verse customers. The app:
-- Provides you with an up-to-date status of your U-verse services with a
U-verse Service Check.
-- Delivers notifications on known service issues in your area, and sends
you an email or text with updates on service resolution.
-- Offers more than 30 step-by-step guides to address common questions,
including images and tips.
-- Lets you restart your U-verse TV receiver and residential gateway
directly from your smartphone, even if you're away from home.
-- And gives you the ability to chat online directly with an agent.
"You can see it when using our interactive apps, managing your DVR remotely, or watching recorded TV shows on any TV in the home - AT&T U-verse is about making the entire experience simple and convenient, and that includes the customer service experience," said Jeff Weber, vice president of video services for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "With self-support apps on TV, online, and now on smartphones, we're a leader in delivering support tools and information in an innovative and seamless way for our subscribers."
The U-verse Service & Support Tool app is available to U-verse customers at no extra charge. For smartphone availability and instructions on how to download the app, click here.
The U-verse Service & Support Tool app is just the latest example of how AT&T continues to give customers more convenient ways to manage their AT&T services - in the way our customers want to interact with us. Last month, AT&T launched the Troubleshoot & Resolve app, which gives customers access to self-support info and tools for their U-verse services directly from their TV screen. And with the U-verse TV Account Manager app, launched in August 2010, U-verse customers can quickly and easily make U-verse TV package upgrades, compare TV packages, view channel lineups, view their account summary, view product overviews and ordering information on U-verse High Speed Internet and U-verse Voice, and more with a click of their remote. U-verse TV customers can set parental controls to manage what their family orders through the Account Manager app.
AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and feature-rich services available today. Now AT&T U-verse TV ranks "Highest in Customer Satisfaction in the North Central, South and West Regions," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies(SM). For additional information on AT&T U-verse -- or to find out if it's available in your area -- visit AT&T U-verse.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to http://www.att.com/uverse to see if you qualify.
AT&T U-verse TV: Residential customers only. Prices, programming, features and offers subject to change without notice. A one-time TV service activation fee of $36 applies.
AT&T U-verse received the highest numerical score among television service providers in the North Central, South and West regions in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Residential Television Service Satisfaction Study(SM). Study based on 28,489 total responses from measuring 12 providers in the North Central region (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI), 13 providers in the South (AL, AR, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX), and 10 providers in the West (AZ, CA, CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY) and measures consumer satisfaction with television service. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in Nov. 2009 and Jan. 2010, April 2010 and July 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Jill Rountree of AT&T Corporate Communications, +1-512-495-7186, jrountree@attnews.us
AT&T U-verse Mobile App Expands to Make Mobile TV Viewing Easy on More Android, Windows Phone Devices
U-verse Mobile Now Offers U-verse TV Customers a Library of More Than 700 Shows On More Than 20 Devices
DALLAS, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* makes it possible for consumers to watch the hit TV shows they love, when and where they want with the AT&T U-verse Mobile app, and today AT&T U-verse® Mobile has expanded to several Android devices, including the LG Thrive, LG Phoenix and Samsung Infuse(TM) 4G, and the Windows Phone HTC HD7S(TM).
U-verse Mobile is now available on more than 20 devices and four major operating systems, and the U-verse Mobile library has grown to include more than 100 TV series and more than 700 TV shows from a variety of genres.
U-verse Mobile lets U-verse TV subscribers browse the U-verse TV program guide, schedule and manage their DVR recordings, and for subscribers with qualifying TV plans, watch hit TV shows on their qualifying smartphone. Mobile video viewing has become increasingly important to consumers. According to the Nielsen Cross-Platform Report, mobile viewing has increased 41 percent over the last year and more than 100 percent since 2009. In August 2010, AT&T was the first TV provider to offer an integrated mobile app that allows you to both manage your DVR and download and watch select shows. U-verse Mobile has continued to expand to more devices and to offer more television shows.
"As you're heading out for your summer road trip or vacation, U-verse Mobile is a great app to keep the family entertained, and at no extra cost," said Jeff Weber, vice president of video services, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Our U-verse TV customers can get popular shows on our most popular smartphones and watch from anywhere, and we'll continue to expand the choices and availability."
AT&T continues to expand TV watching to the devices that matter most to you, with hit TV shows available on U-verse TV, U-verse Online, U-verse TV on Xbox 360, and U-verse Mobile. U-verse Mobile lets U-verse TV customers schedule and manage DVR recordings at no extra cost. The ability to download or stream and watch TV shows is available at no extra charge for customers that subscribe to the U200 package or higher.
U-verse TV customers with Android devices can find the app on Android Market(TM) and U-verse Mobile is preloaded on AT&T Windows Phone devices. U-verse TV customers can also watch TV shows, schedule DVR recordings and see which of their recorded shows are also available to watch online with U-verse Online. Any online user can watch more than 160,000 titles of TV shows, movies and video clips on your PC from the entertainment website.
AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and feature-rich services available today. Now AT&T U-verse TV ranks "Highest in Residential Television Service Satisfaction in the North Central, South and West Regions," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Study(SM). For additional information on AT&T U-verse -- or to find out if it's available in your area -- visit AT&T U-verse.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE :T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to http://www.att.com/uverse to see if you qualify.
AT&T U-verse TV: Residential customers only. Prices, programming and offers subject to change without notice. A one-time TV Service Activation Fee of $36 applies. U-verse Mobile: Access to select content requires compatible device, qualifying U-verse TV plan or monthly subscription fee, and WiFi connection and/or cellular data connection. Available content may vary by device and/or U-verse TV subscription and is subject to change. Data charges may apply.
AT&T U-verse received the highest numerical score among television service providers in the North Central, South and West regions in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Residential Television Service Satisfaction Study(SM). Study based on 28,489 total responses from measuring 12 providers in the North Central region (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI), 13 providers in the South (AL, AR, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX), and 10 providers in the West (AZ, CA, CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY) and measures consumer satisfaction with television service. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in Nov. 2009 and Jan. 2010, April 2010 and July 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Jill Rountree of AT&T Corporate Communications, +1-512-495-7186, jrountree@attnews.us
Scholastic Media Launches New I SPY(TM) Game on Nintendo DS(TM)
The Third I SPY Title For Nintendo DS, I SPY Castle, Is Released In Celebration of I SPY 20th Anniversary Year
NEW YORK, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Media, a division of Scholastic Inc., the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced a new addition to its award-winning and best-selling I SPY(TM) interactive franchise with the release of I SPY(TM) Castle for the Nintendo DS(TM). I SPY(TM) Castle will take gamers on a riddle-, puzzle- and brainteaser-filled exploration through a legendary castle. It will be available at retail this fall for $19.99.
"In its 20th anniversary year, I SPY continues to attract new fans based on its brilliant approach to seek and find," said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc. "We are excited to once again bring I SPY to the Nintendo DS to ensure fans can 'play' I SPY on a dynamic platform."
In I SPY Castle, fans uncover the fantastical story of an intriguing castle while playing 36 I SPY riddles set against 12 photo realistic and visually stunning castle scenes. 12 mini-games are hidden among the riddles and three logic puzzles unlock additional new rooms of the castle. Players can collect objects to solve puzzles, unlock rooms and complete riddles, and hint features assist players in finding the most challenging objects. The game is being distributed by Cokem International.
Since the first I SPY book, written by Jean Marzollo with photographs from Walter Wick, was published by Scholastic in 1991, the program has expanded to include 42 million books in print. Scholastic Media has developed the property into a best-selling global franchise -- including an Emmy Award-winning television series that airs on HBO Family in the U.S. and has been sold in 31 countries worldwide. In addition to Nintendo DS(TM), the best-selling I SPY interactive franchise includes product offerings on other platforms including Wii(TM), Leapster, Leapster2, Leapster Explorer DS(TM), and LeapFrog's Tag Learning System, as well as apps for iPod touch®, iPhone® and iPad®.
For more information on I SPY please visit http://www.scholastic.com/ispy. For more information about Scholastic, please visit the media room at mediaroom.scholastic.com.
CONTACT: Meghan Newton, +1-212-576-2700 x 245, mnewton@goodmanmedia.com, or John Michael Kennedy, +1-212-576-2700 x 243, jmkennedy@goodmanmedia.com, both of Goodman Media International
TI's new development kit helps engineers quickly and easily design Bluetooth® technology-enabled applications based on Stellaris® microcontrollers
Kit merges Stellaris ARM® Cortex(TM)-M3 MCU performance with TI's seventh-generation CC2560 Bluetooth solution to enable streaming audio, data transfers and other advanced capabilities
DALLAS, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced the Stellaris® 2.4 GHz CC2560 Bluetooth® Wireless Kit (DK-EM2-2560B), aimed at jumpstarting Bluetooth®-enabled designs. The kit includes the high-throughput, power-efficient CC2560 Bluetooth solution and proven Bluetooth stack within StellarisWare® software. The performance and integration of Stellaris MCUs pair with TI's leading Bluetooth solution to help developers address the demand for more streaming audio, remote control and data transfer in industrial and consumer applications. For complete details, visit http://www.ti.com/bt-kit-2560b-pr-tf. For a video demonstration, visit http://www.ti.com/bt-kt-pr-v.
With this offering, TI further expands its broad portfolio of complete microcontroller and wireless technology solutions, which includes 16- and 32-bit MCUs backed by ZigBee®, low-power wireless, RFID, and Bluetooth hardware and software. The Stellaris 2.4 GHz CC2560 Bluetooth Wireless Kit is modular and can be combined with the same Stellaris DK-LM3S9B96 Development Kit that serves as a baseboard for other Stellaris wireless solutions. When coupled with the DK- LM3S9B96 development board, the kit includes all hardware and software needed to jumpstart development. It also speeds the design process, as engineers are able to evaluate the working Bluetooth solution within 10 minutes or less using the included quick-start application.
What's included in the Stellaris 2.4 GHz CC2560 Bluetooth Wireless Kit
Software
-- StellarisWare® software, including peripheral driver library and
example source code
-- Bluetopia® Bluetooth stack - developed by Stonestreet One and licensed,
delivered and supported by TI - which includes the Serial Port Profile
(SPP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote
Control Profile (AVRCP) with sample applications
Hardware
-- Stellaris DK-LM3S9B96-EM2 Expansion Board
-- PAN1323 Bluetooth v2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) Module
-- TI eZ430 USB emulator with Bluetooth target board and plastic cover
-- Battery board
-- Two AAA batteries
-- Earbud headphones
-- StellarisWare® CD
Features and benefits of the Stellaris 2.4 GHz CC2560 Bluetooth Wireless Kit
Features Benefits
Best-in-class Bluetooth RF
performance for robust, high-
throughput wireless connection,
Bluetooth 2.1 technology + EDR extended range and better power
support efficiency
Complete, validated, certified,
production-ready module Lower manufacturing and operating
(PAN1323 used for evaluation, costs, save board space, ease
PAN1315 or PAN1325 used for certification, minimize RF expertise
production) required
------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Sample applications for the
Stellaris LM3S9000 series, Simplifies and reduces hardware and
with demos showing API usage software development, allowing
provided in source code faster time-to-market
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
TI's broad portfolio of MCUs, connectivity solutions and more
From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430(TM) MCUs, to Stellaris ARM Cortex-M 32-bit MCUs and high performance, real-time control C2000(TM) MCUs, TI offers the broadest range of microcontroller solutions. Designers can accelerate time to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.
TI provides the industry's broadest portfolio of mature, low-power wireless connectivity solutions. With expertise in more than a dozen technologies, TI ensures customers the best-suited wireless connectivity for every type of application. TI's product portfolio is complemented with the support and tools that customers and developers need to quickly and easily bring wirelessly connected designs to market. Visit the company's Wireless Connectivity Portal for an overview of TI-supported technologies, the full product portfolio, and example use cases.
Find out more about TI's MCU and wireless connectivity solutions
Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at http://www.ti.com.
Trademarks
Stellaris and StellarisWare are registered trademarks, and MSP430, C2000 and Code Composer Studio are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated. ARM is a registered trademark, and Cortex is a trademark of ARM Ltd. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.
CONTACT: Heather Ailara of Texas Instruments, +1-214-567-4373, hailara@ti.com; or Melissa Haddad of GolinHarris, +1-972-341-2543, mhaddad@golinharris.com for Texas Instruments Incorporated; (Please do not publish these numbers or e-mail addresses.)