Spansion Expands Power Management Family with New 3-Channel DC-to-DC PMIC in Single-Chip Solution
Improves Performance, Reduces Power Consumption and BOM for Office Automation and Network Systems with High-End Graphics
SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Spansion Inc. (NYSE: CODE), a global leader in embedded systems, today started shipping samples of the Spansion® S6AP412A series of multi-channel DC-to-DC power management ICs (PMICs).
The S6AP412A series--an expansion of the Spansion MB39C031 family of DC-to-DC buck-converter, programmable PMICs--supplies three channels of power on a single chip to cutting-edge system-on-chip (SoC) products, memory and peripheral products that make up the core of office automation equipment and network devices with advanced image and voice processing functions.
Systems equipped with the latest SoCs require control of a 3-channel power supply sequence when starting up or disconnecting the power supply. The Spansion S6AP412A uses software to enable flexible and precise power supply sequence control. In addition, by enabling 3-channel power supply within a single chip, the BOM for the power supply block can be reduced and the board surface area can be reduced by approximately 30 percent compared to conventional products. The new product also uses the common Inter-Integrated Circuit (I(2)C) communication interface to enable switching to an optimum voltage according to the SoC operation mode and process conditions while maintaining the output, and is thus able to support both Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS) and Advanced Supply Voltage (ASV()) technologies. The S6AP412A series also supports reduced power consumption by systems through precision control of the voltage used by cutting-edge SoCs.
"This new PMIC expands our power management portfolio, providing the freedom to design with software, and delivers high performance and a lower power consumption and BOM than previously required to support high-end graphics and voice functions of large-scale systems in office automation systems," said Tom Sparkman, senior VP and GM, Spansion Analog and Mixed Signal Business. "The multi-channel power supply eliminates the need for dedicated power supply lines to each component and aids in the trend of miniaturization in system design."
Additional Features and Benefits of the Spansion S6AP412A Series
Flexible support: The Spansion S6AP412A series freely supports advanced power supply sequence control, and therefore complex power supply startup and disconnect sequences of systems with various part architectures can also be flexibly supported with software.
Easy preparation of startup and disconnect sequence for the power supply line: The latest systems require optimal control of the 3-channel power supply sequence when starting up and disconnecting, and this product can freely and flexibly control various sequences through software control. In addition, a method to step-up and step-down the voltage is adopted for the channel used for peripheral devices, and a stable output can be achieved even with a single cell lithium-ion battery and a 3.3V input. By adopting this product, systems that require different sequences can be supported while maintaining the same hardware, the need to prepare new hardware when expanding a derived family can be eliminated, additional investments can be reduced, design resources can be effectively utilized, and added value can be easily provided to the user.
Supports DSV and ASV control using an I(2)C interface: High-performance processing is realized by dynamically controlling the power-supply voltage of the latest SoC that use advanced processes, thereby enabling a reduction in system power consumption.
Other features and specifications include:
1. 0.7 to 1.32V for SoCs (with an electric current supply of up to 4Amps);
1.2 to 1.95V for memory and 2.8~3.5V for peripheral devices with a single
chip.
2. Built-in passive components (output voltage setting resistance, phase
assurance circuit) reducing the BOM necessary to configure the
power-supply block and reducing the surface-mount area by approximately
30 percent.
The Spansion S6AP413A series also is available with dual-system output support: A 2-system voltage output option is also available to enable support of systems equipped with dual SoC (with a maximum of 2-Amps output for each system with a supply voltage range of 0.7 to 1.32V). This series can also supply power with a single chip to systems equipped with two CPUs. In addition, a lineup of preset values for output voltages tailored to the main SoC voltages is available.
Availability and Pricing
Spansion S6AP412A series samples are shipping now and production volumes will be available in September starting at $3.60 per unit for minimum volumes of 1,500 units.
Spansion(R), the Spansion logo, and combinations thereof, are trademarks and registered trademarks of Spansion LLC in the United States and other countries. Other names used are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
TechFaith to Launch Mass Market Targeted Android Ruggedized Smartphone
BEIJING, July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- China TechFaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited (NASDAQ: CNTF) ("TechFaith" or the "Company") today announced it will launch its 6(th) generation ruggedized smartphone, the "A6", targeted to the mass market in the fourth quarter of 2014.
TechFaith's ruggedized A6 has a thickness of 12 mm and is certified with IP68 and MIL-810G standards. It features a 5.0 inch high resolution LCD based on 2(nd) Generation Gorilla Glass, is equipped with a 13.0 mega pixel rear camera. The A6 operates on a powerful Quad Core CPU and comes with many useful pre-installed outdoor applications.
Mr. Deyou Dong, President and COO of TechFaith, said, "We are excited about the A6 launch. This is a technically strong smartphone with the high added value of being ruggedized. We have found that demand for our ruggedized phones is consistent in any market we enter due to the unique durable design. By leveraging TechFaith's history of design expertise, we were able to significantly reduce both the weight and thickness of our base model ruggedized offering, while maintaining the quality and durability the phones are known for. The result is what we hope will become a ruggedized phone for the mass market, as the sleeker form factor will make it an ideal option for consumers. Given the differentiated position and potential for the new A6, we are taking an even more aggressive promotion and marketing support strategy. This will include advertising in Mainland China on broadcast TV, in printed magazines, and on various airlines and high speed trains."
About TechFaith
TechFaith (NASDAQ: CNTF) is a leading global mobile solutions provider for the global mobile handsets market (previously called the ODP (Original Developed Product) business)). The Company is a leading developer of specialized mobile phones for differentiated market segments, including the rapidly growing smartphone market targeting wireless mobile phone network operators and end users; the Company also serves sports enthusiasts with a tailored line under the Jungle brand and the teen market under licensed brands. For more information, please visit http://www.techfaithwireless.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "outlook" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and strategic and operational plans of TechFaith and management quotations contain forward-looking statements. TechFaith may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about TechFaith's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those risks outlined in TechFaith's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. TechFaith does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
SOURCE China TechFaith Wireless Technology Limited
China TechFaith Wireless Technology Limited
CONTACT: CONTACTS: In China: Jay Ji, China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited, Tel: +86-10-5822-8390, ir@techfaith.cn; In the U.S.: David Pasquale, Global IR Partners, Tel: +1 914-337-8801, cntf@globalirpartners.com
Hibernum and Amazon Game Studios announce the release of Saber's Edge, the new RPG puzzle game that uses Dynamic Perspective technology exclusive to Amazon's Fire Phone
Amazon's Dynamic Perspective technology has allowed Hibernum to create
an entirely new gameplay experience for Amazon's Fire Phone users. The
players will be able to peek around the beautifully crafted 3D world
maps, battle grounds and puzzle cube to discover and take advantage of
all the elements in the game's universe. In Saber's Edge, players are submersed in a unique universe of steampunk scoundrels and
cloud cities. They must choose their crew, build their ship and
weapons, explore the world, and set sail on an adventure as they battle
against rival factions in their quest to rule the Seven Skies.
Gameloft Announces Modern Combat 5: Blackout to Release Day-One on Windows and Windows Phone
Upcoming mobile titles scheduled to launch on Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 immediately after publication
SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Today Gameloft, a leading global publisher of digital and social games, announced it
will team with Microsoft as one of its official launch-day partners for the release of the
highly anticipated Modern Combat 5: Blackout on July 24, 2014. In addition, all Gameloft
HD titles in the second half of 2014 are scheduled to release immediately on Windows Store
and Windows Phone Store.
Gameloft has seen continued success releasing mobile games with Microsoft since the
launch of Windows Phone 7 in October 2010. Subsequently, Gameloft has become a top
publisher for the platform, offering a larger, more diverse catalog of mobile game titles.
"Working with Microsoft has been beneficial in bringing our games to more and more
players worldwide," said Baudouin Corman, VP of Publishing for the Americas, Gameloft.
"Windows users will be happy to know that in 2014, Gameloft will bring all upcoming HD
titles to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platforms immediately after they launch."
"Windows is supported by a rich app ecosystem that offers a variety of quality games
that take advantage of the platforms' unique features and design," said Todd Brix, general
manager, Windows Apps and Store, Microsoft Corp. "Gameloft is a leader in the gaming
industry and we're thrilled with the company's commitment to the platform, enabling
Windows and Windows Phone users to enjoy the publisher's top games immediately upon
release."
Gameloft offers more games in the top free and best rated categories on Windows Store
and Windows Phone Store, with Asphalt 8: Airborne and Despicable Me: Minion Rush both
reaching five-star ratings from tens of thousands of reviewers. In addition, Asphalt 8:
Airborne was the recipient of Pocket Gamer's "Windows Phone Game of the Year" in 2014.
Gameloft launched 16 games for Windows Phone 8 last year, each rating 4 stars or
higher on Windows Phone Store, and is committed to supporting the platform with even more
games in 2014.
About Gameloft:
A leading global publisher of digital and social games, Gameloft(R) has established
itself as one of the top innovators in its field since 2000. Gameloft creates games for
all digital platforms, including mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (including
Apple(R) iOS, Android(R) and Windows(R) devices), set-top boxes and connected TVs.
Gameloft operates its own established franchises such as Asphalt(R), Order & Chaos, Modern
Combat or Dungeon Hunter and also partners with major rights holders including
Universal(R), Illumination Entertainment(R), Disney(R), Marvel(R), Hasbro(R), FOX Digital
Entertainment, Mattel(R) and Ferrari(R).
Gameloft is present on all continents, distributes its games in over 100 countries and
employs over 5,200 developers.
Gameloft is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris (Euronext: GFT.PA, Bloomberg: GFT FP,
Reuters: GLFT.PA). Gameloft is traded OTC in the US (sponsored Level 1 ADR ticker: GLOFY)
For further Information:
Stephanie Cazaux-Moutou
Tel : +33-01-58-16-21-55
Stephanie.Cazaux-Moutou@gameloft.com
Comcast Launches X1 DVR With Cloud Technology And Live In-Home Streaming In Atlanta
Customers Can Now Enjoy DVR Recordings on iOS and Android Smartphones and Tablets at Home and Download Recorded Programming for Use On-The-Go
ATLANTA, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast announced today that it launched X1 DVR with cloud technology and live in-home streaming across greater Atlanta. New X1 customers in Atlanta will be the first in Comcast's southern region to have access to the new technology.
While in the home, customers will be able to watch their DVR recordings over Comcast's managed IP cable network on their mobile devices and computers; "check-out" DVR recordings by downloading them directly to a mobile device to take on-the-go; and access the X1 interface and live stream practically their entire TV channel lineup, as well as Xfinity On Demand choices, to IP-connected devices.
"We want to provide our customers with the best television viewing experience on every device, both in and out of the home," said Comcast Regional Senior Vice President Doug Guthrie. "This cloud-based technology enables Comcast to deliver on that promise, and gives customers a more personalized viewing experience."
To deliver these new features to Xfinity TV customers, Comcast has launched an Xfinity TV app for iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, and a dedicated portal for viewing on computers. To live stream their TV lineups or watch DVR and On Demand programming while on tablets or smartphones in their homes, customers can simply download the Xfinity TV app from the App Store, open the app and sign-in with their Xfinity TV credentials. Customers can then browse their channel lineup in the "Guide," access thousands of free movies and TV shows via Xfinity On Demand, or scan available recordings for download in the "Saved" menu. On laptops and computers, customers can sign-in through the Xfinity TV site to access their X1 guides and DVR recordings. For more information, customers can visit the Xfinity support page on http://www.comcast.com.
Comcast plans to roll these features out to additional markets throughout the year.
About Comcast Cable:
Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
SOURCE Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable
CONTACT: Media: Alex Horwitz, 770-559-2803, Alex_Horwitz@cable.comcast.com
Chuck E. Cheese's Invites Fans to Download New Skate Universe App
Points earned through game can be redeemed as tickets in-store
DALLAS, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Chuck E. Cheese's fans have a new reason to be stoked about America's favorite mouse! Skate Universe, an app that lets gamers help Chuck E. hop, duck and dodge obstacles at various skate parks, is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. By playing the game, kids can win tickets and redeem them in-store.
"Skate Universe is just one piece of a long-term strategy to bring together the best family entertainment anywhere with the technology today's parents and kids want," said Roger Cardinale, president of CEC Entertainment, Inc. "It's the next example of our dedication to using technology to further enhance our customer's experience and relationship with Chuck E. Cheese's."
Skate Universe features two skate parks, a jungle theme and candy theme, through which users help Chuck E. navigate and avoid obstacles. Along the way, they collect special treasures and multipliers, which enhance Chuck E.'s skate gear and speed, plus points that can earn tickets.
What you win
-- Players can earn up to 50 tickets per skate park and up to 100 tickets
by completing both skate parks
-- Players can win up to 1,000 tickets to redeem in-store
-- Tickets earned can be printed via email coupon to the parent or account
holder and are redeemable at Chuck E. Cheese's locations for tangible
prizes
The app, which can be downloaded for free on the iOS App Store and Google Play, is optimized for iOS and Android mobile devices. For more information about the app, visit chuckecheese.com/skateuniverse.
About CEC Entertainment, Inc.
For more than 35 years, CEC Entertainment has served as the nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment and the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®. As the award-winning number-one, kid-friendly restaurant for millions of families across the world, the company and its franchisees operate a system of more than 575 Chuck E. Cheese's stores located in 47 states and 10 foreign countries or territories. Chuck E. Cheese's goal is to create positive, lifelong memories for families through fun, food and play inside and outside of its stores. Each Chuck E. Cheese's features musical entertainment, games, rides and play areas for kids of all ages, as well as a variety of freshly prepared dining options. Committed to providing a fun, safe environment, Chuck E. Cheese's helps protect families through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check®.
As a strong advocate for its local communities and childhood education, Chuck E. Cheese's has donated more than $10 million to schools through its fundraising programs and is a proud sponsor of like-minded organizations such as PBS KIDS. For more information, visit http://www.chuckecheese.com or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and foursquare.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Teams Up With Iconic Video Game Companies As Classic Characters Come Together In "Pixels"
PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Frogger, Q*bert, Space Invaders and Centipede® Join the Cast
CULVER CITY, Calif., July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today that the studio has brought together an extraordinary number of iconic video game companies, whose classic characters - including PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Centipede®, Galaga, Frogger, Q*bert, and Space Invaders - will be featured in the highly-anticipated action comedy Pixels, starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, and Brian Cox, and directed by Chris Columbus. The film will be released on May 15, 2015.
In Pixels, when intergalactic aliens misinterpret video-feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them, they attack the Earth, using the games as models for their various assaults. President Will Cooper (James) has to call on his childhood best friend, '80s video game champion Sam Brenner (Sandler), now a home theater installer, to lead a team of old-school arcaders (Dinklage and Gad) to defeat the aliens and save the planet. Monaghan plays the team's unique weapons specialist. The action-comedy is directed by Chris Columbus from a story by Tim Herlihy and a screenplay by Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling, based on the original short film of the same name by Patrick Jean. The film is produced by Adam Sandler, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Allen Covert. Executive Producers are Barry Bernardi, Michael Barnathan, Jack Giarraputo, Heather Parry, Tim Herlihy, Steve Koren, Patrick Jean, Benjamin Darras, Johnny Alves, Matias Boucard, Seth Gordon, and Ben Waisbren. The film, a Columbia Pictures presentation in association with LStar Capital, is a Happy Madison / 1492 Films production in association with One More Production.
Companies with classic arcade games that are teaming with Sony Pictures on the film include:
-- Atari® Interactive: (Asteroids®, Breakout®, Centipede® and Missile
Command®)
-- Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Frogger)
-- BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc. (PAC-MAN, Galaga, and Dig Dug)
-- Nintendo (Donkey Kong)
-- Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. (Q*bert)
-- Taito Corporation (Space Invaders)
-- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (Joust, Defender, Robotron and
Wizard of Wor)
Commenting on the announcement, the film's director, Chris Columbus, said, "There would be no way to make the movie without these legendary characters - they are as important to the film as the roles that Adam, Kevin, Michelle, Peter, Josh, and Brian are playing. It was a real thrill to see everything come together exactly as we envisioned it, and we're grateful to have all of these fantastic companies on board."
Producer Allen Covert added, "These classic characters are part of the DNA of the project, so it was critical that we work together to bring them on board. Fortunately, they were all extremely receptive. We approached them with a deep love for their characters and a respect for the elements that make them unique and iconic, and we've worked with the companies to incorporate those elements into the film."
At Comic-Con San Diego, from July 24-27, arcaders 13 years of age and older with Comic-Con badges will have the chance to engage with many of these classic original arcade games and try them out again as the studio features a Pixels Electric Dreams Factory arcade at the Hard Rock Hotel, 209 5th Ave., San Diego.
"There's no better way for the core Comic-Con audience to interact with the movie than to get a hands-on refresher on the games that will be a part of it," said Dwight Caines, president, Theatrical Marketing for Sony Pictures.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment
CONTACT: Jean Guerin, SVP, Media Relations, Sony Pictures Entertainment, 310.244.2923
UOL BoaCompra will help support EA's growth and market penetration in Brazil by giving
gamers access to the most popular local payment methods for purchases in EA SPORTS FIFA
World and on Origin. The Brazilian payments company will also market EA SPORTS FIFA World
through Brazil's largest online content portal, UOL. Brazil represents the largest and
most profitable online game market in the region, making it the 5th largest in the world
for online games.
"In Brazil, soccer is like a religion, and with the country hosting the FIFA World Cup
this summer, this is the perfect time to be able to integrate BoaCompra billing into both
EA SPORTS FIFA World and Origin for Brazilian gamers. We've seen an overwhelming demand
from BoaCompra users for EA SPORTS FIFA World and PC games from Origin and we're excited
to be able to offer both in the market," said Julian Migura, Director of Global Business
Development at UOL BoaCompra.
"EA SPORTS FIFA World is for football lovers who were missing an accessible game to be
played on almost any PC. Partnering with BoaCompra to offer local payment opportunities
for Brazilian gamers enhances that accessibility," said Mike McCabe, Executive Producer,
EA SPORTS FIFA World. "We're also giving Brazilian gamers an easier way to pay for games
in the Origin portfolio, so it's a great time to be a PC gamer in Brazil."
EA SPORTS FIFA World is fully localized in Portuguese and features the award-winning
EA SPORTS FIFA HD console gameplay, FIFA Ultimate Team and Seasons, and over 30 officially
licensed leagues with more than 600 clubs-including 19 officially licensed football clubs
from Brazil. Play as your favorite club or country in Online Seasons or create your own
unique squad to play your style of football in Ultimate Team. EA SPORTS FIFA World is the
authentic FIFA experience, now free-to-play* on PC.
Origin is EA's digital gaming service that lets you buy, download, and play your
favorite games with great features designed to enhance your fun. Origin is a free service
that helps you manage your digital library, connect with your friends, show off your
achievements and stream your play seamlessly. Visit http://www.origin.com for more
information.
* Persistent internet connect and Origin account required to play. Must be 13+ to
create an account.
ABOUT UOL BOACOMPRA
Founded in 2004, UOL BoaCompra specializes in monetizing online games while offering
and servicing more than 3,000 games across multiple platforms in LATAM, Portugal, Spain
and Turkey. As part of Brazil's largest internet company and content portal, UOL
BoaCompra's game portals aggregate more than 1.2 billion page views per month. More than
150 companies including Valve, Electronic Arts, Bigpoint, SmileGate and Aeria Games
partner with UOL BoaCompra to bring their games to emerging markets including Brazil and
most recently, Turkey. For more information, please visit http://www.boacompra.com and
keep up-to-date on the latest news at http://www.boacompra.eu/blog.
EA SPORTS and Origin are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. FIFA is the property of
its respective owner and used with permission.
The Latest Version of NAO, NAO EVOLUTION in the Line up for the RoboCup: the Robots' Version of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil
PARIS, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
From July 21st until July 24th, Aldebaran, the World leader in humanoid robotics, will
be showcasing at the RoboCup in Joao Pessoa (Brazil) its latest generation of NAO, NAO
EVOLUTION, with its NAOqi 2.0(TM) operating system.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
Only a few days after the end of the FIFA World Cup, it is now over to robots to
battle it out!
For the 7th year running, Aldebaran and its NAO will be taking part in the RoboCup:
the international robotics competition founded in 1997 by universities from around the
World. Every year, this event is a highlight in the calendar of programming engineers and
students who take part with a view to rising up to the challenges of robotics on soccer
pitches!
This year, the RoboCup will be attended by 31 teams in the Standard Platform League
where NAO has been the robot of reference since 2008. This is an unprecedented opportunity
to attend football games where the robot's capabilities are pushed to the limits.
For this 2014 edition, the participation of Aldebaran will be three-fold:
- workshop sessions will be held on the Aldebaran's dedicated stand offering
an introduction or a more advanced training in the programming of NAO. To register to
the workshop, please click here [http://aldebarantour.aldebaran.com/events/america ]
;
- technical support will be provided to those teams participating in the
football competition ;
- a competition on Facebook designed for the older and the younger participants
alike will be testing their knowledge about the participation of NAO in the RoboCup.
Please log in here [https://www.facebook.com/nao.therobot ].
Every new version of NAO is a step closer to the ultimate objective: making it
possible for a team of humanoid robots to take on the 2050 FIFA World Cup winners!
The first edition of the RoboCup took place in Nagoya (Japan) in 1997. The RoboCup is
a non-profit making organisation led by academics working on a volunteer basis.
Established in 2005 by Bruno Maisonnier and with offices in France, China, Japan, and
the United States, Aldebaran designs, manufactures and sells autonomous humanoid robots to
contribute to human well-being. More than 5,000 NAOs, our first product, are used today as
a research and education platform in 70 countries around the world. Aldebaran has 500
employees involved in robot development and manufacture. Aldebaran is a SoftBank Group
company, holding 78.5% of its own capital.
FRAMED, the Revolutionary Way to Display Art, Launches on Kickstarter
TOKYO, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
FRAMED hopes to raise $75,000 to bring digital art to a widespread consumer market
Today FRAMED launches on crowd-funding Kickstarter. Starting from $399 for a 24-inch
model, FRAMED is a seamlessly designed Internet enabled display that allows you to
showcase digital artwork in everyday environments.
FRAMED is the world's first canvas for digital art. It displays various works of art
on an elegant screen that is easily installed on your wall. Perfect for home and office
use, in shops, galleries and at events, FRAMED transforms your space with cutting-edge
digital artwork on its stunning HD screen. This innovative display allows you to collect
and display artwork from all over the world, meaning the power of expression is yours.
Available in 24-inch and 40-inch models, each frame displays 16.7 million colors from
a 180degree(s) viewing angle. A classic design with a wooden finish, plus additional
options for custom colors, means FRAMED fits perfectly into any environment. You can
interact with the device using simple hand gestures, a fluid system that allows for an
effortless user experience. A free smartphone app also connects the device to your mobile
and allows you to browse images on the web, sending them to your device with the swipe of
a finger. This immersive and interactive experience brings digital art into everyday life.
The wealth of artwork on the Internet means FRAMED can be enjoyed by art novices and
more experienced visual artists alike. The device supports most media types including GIF
animation, video, graphics, openFrameworks, Flash and Processing. Aspiring artists are
encouraged to share their own creations, curate a selection of their favorite artists and
get their ideas framed on walls around the world. FRM has worked with a number of prolific
artists including Aaron Koblin and Universal Everything to bring you digital artwork
specifically designed for FRAMED. The diversity of art available means FRAMED works for
every occasion.
FRM Co-Founder and Creative Director Yugo Nakamura explains 'As designers ourselves,
we couldn't be more excited to create a marketplace where artists can freely publish and
sell their work. The evolution of technology and the accessibility of the Internet has
brought out a wonderful range of digital art, and now we have an innovative way of sharing
that art, and presenting it in way that pays respect to the artists that created them.
We're very excited to be sharing this idea with the Kickstarter community and gaining
their feedback, as well as opening digital art to the every day consumer.'
FRAMED Features
- Supports unlimited media types: photography, graphics and illustration,
GIF animation, video, Flash, Processing, and openFrameworks
- Powered with the same graphics libraries supported in modern-day web browsers:
OpenGL, WebGL, DirextX, Java 3D, and Three.js
- Create interactive works using motion, sound, gestures and various data inputs
from third-party applications or services
- Instantly display artworks from anywhere in the room, directly from your
iPhone or Android smartphone
- Online marketplace for artists to publish and sell their artwork on FRAMED
Specifications
- Dimensions: 24-inch (553 Height x 321 Width x 18 Depth)
- Dimensions: 40-inch (976 Height x 550 Width x 29 Depth)
- Weight: 5lbs (2.3kg), 22lbs (10kg)
- Full-HD 1080p IPS display
- 16.7 million colors
- Quad-core CPU up to 2.4 GHz
For more information, please visit the FRAMED website at http://frm.fm.
FRM was founded in 2011 by Yugo Nakamura and William Lai. They have collectively
worked together for five years developing for FRAMED, and individually in spaces directly
relevant to the web, interactive media, and consumer electronics. Yugo was trained as an
architect and designer, and has spent the last decade working on creative solutions for
such clients as UNIQLO, MUJI, NHK, and Espace Louis Vuitton, and is considered a leader in
his field. William has spent the last six years implementing challenging ideas, and is
proudest to have such progressive brands as Mercedes-Benz, Issey Miyake, SLS Hotels, and
Intel as FRAMED customers. They are counting on their past experience to provide both
solid logistical planning and readiness to solve problems as they occur.
Sensor-Based, Cloud Delivered Personal Safety & Security Product yrConnected(TM) Introduced by Pontimax Technologies
yrConnected(TM) system eliminates the need for loved ones to wear safety monitoring devices with its revolutionary approach to care support
DANBURY, Conn., July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Pontimax Technologies LLC announced its revolutionary new personal safety and security product, yrConnected(TM).
Ray Keating, Managing Member of Pontimax Technologies LLC, said: "Finally there's a service that actually positively detects when there's a need to check on the welfare of a loved one". "yrConnected can detect when the person is immobile and alert caregivers to check on them". He contrasted the new service with pendant-based services that require the user to wear a pendant or bracelet. "With yrConnected, there's no requirement to wear anything so the user doesn't have to remember to put on anything - it just works. Perhaps even more importantly, yrConnected eliminates the requirement for the user to push a button to signal that they need help. Its sensors, in combination with its intelligent monitoring software, will detect immobility no matter the state of the user."
Mr. Keating noted that multiple studies have shown that pendants are not reliably worn, with one study disclosing that only 8% of users wear them at all times and other studies reporting that between 18% and 30% of pendant-based subscribers never wear them- they're completely unprotected. Of the individuals who wear them during the day, almost two-thirds of those take them off at night, when statistically the majority of accidents occur.
Not only can it reliably detect immobility, there are options for being alerted for the user wandering outside of the residence and anti-victimization for detection of the presence of additional individuals. You can also have yrConnected monitor for scheduled care support visits and let you know if the visit has occurred as it should (or not). yrConnected uses the power of the Web to keep the concerned caregivers connected via a private Google "Docs" web page so that they can electronically look-in on their loved ones welfare, at any time, no matter where they are. "Cloud computing" resources in fact support the entire service delivery platform to provide highly reliable service delivery.
About Pontimax Technologies LLC
Founded in 1999, Pontimax Technologies provides expert consulting services in telecommunications service delivery and technology development, particularly in applying artificial intelligence technologies to delivery of next generation sensor-based information services. We develop products and services for client companies as well as those offered directly from us. We've also assisted the Eugene Research Institute, Eugene OR, through technology contributions, in its performance of a series of grants focused on Independent Living for the Developmentally Disabled, from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
Wurl and ARRIS bring unified OTT + linear experience to set-tops
SUWANEE, Ga. and PALO ALTO, Calif., July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ARRIS Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRS) and Wurl, Inc. today announced the launch of ARRIS Market--a new open platform for cable operators combining over-the-top (OTT) content with traditional programming services on ARRIS set-tops.
The platform is standards-based and features an HTML5 interface that integrates thousands of OTT content choices into a single, seamless experience. ARRIS Market gives operators unprecedented flexibility in branding the look and feel of the environment with the ability to customize the organization of the content.
ARRIS's 2014 Consumer Entertainment Index found that consumers watch an average of 11 hours of broadcast TV, 11 hours of subscription TV, and 7 hours of streaming Internet TV, every week. ARRIS Market addresses how operators deliver this astonishing amount of linear and streaming content and simplifies the discovery process for consumers.
"The Wurl platform enables cable operators using the ARRIS Whole Home Solution to give their subscribers access to a broad selection of popular streaming services without the complex setup of additional third-party devices or 'smart TV' technology," said Sean Doherty, CEO of Wurl, Inc. "This new capacity to select and discover both traditional and OTT content from one remote control has exciting implications for the future of set-top functionality."
"We view the launch of the ARRIS Market as a cornerstone in developing and deploying tomorrow's interactive video services," said Debbie Stackis, SVP and GM, Consumer Solutions at ARRIS. "We continue to advance our roadmap and focus on the principles of quality, flexibility, and efficiency to foster our leadership position in content delivery."
The ARRIS Market will be demonstrated at the upcoming NCTC Independent Show in Kansas City, MO (July 27- 30, 2014) - ARRIS Booths # 309 and 311
About Wurl, Inc.
Since 2010, Wurl has provided online video programming, metadata and cloud-based services to video service providers. Using Wurl's APIs and hosted apps, pay TV operators provide their subscribers with unified linear + OTT programming services delivered through traditional set-top boxes and other connected devices. For more information, visit wurl.com.
About ARRIS
ARRIS is a global innovator in IP, video and broadband technology. We have continually worked with our customers to transform the experience of entertainment and communications for millions of people across the world. The people of ARRIS are dedicated to the success of our customers, bringing a passion for invention that has fueled our 60-year history: We created digital TV, delivered the first wireless broadband gateway and are pioneering the standards and pathways for tomorrow's personalized, Ultra HD, multiscreen, and cloud services. We are dedicated to meeting today's challenges and preparing for the tasks the future holds. Collaborating with our customers, ARRIS will continue to solve the most pressing challenges of 21st century communications. Together, we are inventing the future. For more information: http://www.arrisi.com.
Trend Micro Announces Comprehensive Capabilities for Microsoft Office 365 Customers
New features help protect against targeted attacks and data loss as organizations migrate to the cloud
OTTAWA, July 21, 2014 /CNW/ - As more organizations transition to the cloud for increased efficiencies and streamlined management of IT infrastructure, Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global leader(1 )in cloud security, today announced upcoming new and enhanced capabilities for Microsoft Office 365 customers. These expanded services demonstrate Trend Micro's commitment to delivering solutions that help secure cloud architectures combined with centralized management, and comprehensive protection controls to help guard against data loss and advanced malware within Microsoft Corp.'s existing infrastructure.
"Our history with Microsoft runs deep, and our approach to providing customers with sound security-enhanced options will help users achieve the full benefits and ROI the cloud has to offer," said Partha Panda, vice president, global channels and strategic alliances, Trend Micro. "This complementary approach to security will help enable Microsoft partners to address their customers' concerns so they can more effectively close deals. As the largest, pure-play security software provider, we are deeply committed to being innovators in cloud protection as adoption surges across global industries."
Trend Micro helps enhance Microsoft environments with multi-layered threat and data protection that encompasses endpoints, Web and email. To better support channel partners' ability to sell Trend Micro's additional solutions for Microsoft Office 365, these centrally managed solutions will be available as part of the Trend Micro Smart Protection Complete suite. This interconnected set of security offerings delivers protection at endpoint, application and network levels to protect users with the broadest range of anti-malware capabilities available to thwart attacks such as Citadel, Luuuk, SpyEye and ZeuS. The suite enables organizations to tailor their defense based on their unique business requirements with flexible on-premise, cloud and hybrid deployment models that fit dynamic IT environments as they transition to the cloud.
"The cloud lets businesses stay focused on their customers and profits, rather than worrying about the limitations of lengthy deployment processes or outdated technology," said Kim Akers, general manager, Microsoft. "Companies like Trend Micro have a breadth of knowledge about data security that help secure cloud applications, and complement our solutions."
Trend Micro(TM) Cloud App Security
This new offering works directly with Office 365 using a Microsoft API for Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. By providing data at rest encryption with customer-managed keys, customers will have added control of their data while preserving Office 365 functionality.
It also helps reduce risk with advanced malware scanning through sandbox analysis and simplifies compliance with data loss prevention.
Trend Micro(TM) Hosted Email Security
Currently, Trend Micro Hosted Email Security provides top performing spam(2) and malware filtering for Office 365, helping protect users by scanning emails for malicious attachments and URLs, spam and graymail, and phishing attacks. The coming update includes enhanced spear phishing protection and hidden malware detection.
"Working with both Microsoft and Trend Micro allows us to offer powerful solutions that will help our customers' businesses grow by providing user-friendly technology that drives productivity and profitability," said Mike Hogan, Microsoft General Manager, En Pointe Technologies. "We are excited to learn that Trend Micro is continuing to invest in its Microsoft relationship. Microsoft's cloud services meet the needs of a wide variety of our customers, and the inclusion of Trend Micro gives us the ability to create an even stronger selling point."
Trend Micro offers a comprehensive range of security-enhanced solutions for Microsoft environments, including Deep Security(TM), SecureCloud(TM) and PortalProtect(TM) in support of Azure, SharePoint and Agent Extension. Additionally, Trend Micro solutions now support Exchange, SharePoint and Lync servers, on-premises or in the cloud. Trend Micro is also a member of Microsoft Active Protections Program to help protect against zero-day vulnerabilities announced in Microsoft Security Advisories.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in security software, strives to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Built on 25 years of experience, our solutions for consumers, businesses and governments provide layered data security to protect information on mobile devices, endpoints, gateways, servers and the cloud. Trend Micro enables the smart protection of information, with innovative security technology that is simple to deploy and manage, and fits an evolving ecosystem. All of our solutions are powered by cloud-based global threat intelligence, the Trend Micro(TM) Smart Protection Network(TM) infrastructure, and are supported by over 1,200 threat experts around the globe. For more information, visit TrendMicro.com.
All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
Socket Mobile Unveils World's Smallest, Lightest 2d Attachable Barcode Scanner
Integrated Support for Apple® and Android® Phones and Tablets
NEWARK, Calif., July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Socket Mobile, Inc. (OTC: SCKT), an innovative provider of mobile productivity solutions, today announced its new model 8Qi 2D Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS). The new 8Qi can scan both 1D "liner" barcodes and 2D QR codes making the 8Qi an ideal choice in Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) applications where 1D UPC Barcodes, 2D Mobile Coupons or Loyalty Cards need to be scanned.
Approximately the same size as a credit card measuring less than one half inch (1.27cm) thick and weighing less than two ounces (48g), the CHS 8Qi is the smallest and lightest 2D barcode scanner available in the market today. It can be attached to most smartphones including the Apple iPhone®, iPod touch® and Samsung® S4 devices in a "sled type" configuration solution. The 8Qi slips neatly into your pocket and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand when attached to a smartphone. You can add a lanyard or belt clip for a wearable solution making the 8Qi accessible at any time.
The CHS 8Qi (White- SKU# CX3344-1578) (Black- SKU# CX3343-1577) is the second model in the progression of the CHS Series 8 cordless barcode scanners which are attachable to most smartphones enabling one-handed professional barcode scanning. The 8Qi is also suited for Mobile Ticketing and high-end retail environments where 2D barcodes are gaining popularity for security and data capacity. The 8Qi will have a MSRP of $476 in the USA and will be available through Socket Mobile worldwide distribution partners at the end of Q3, 2014.
The CHS 8Qi is also supported in Socket Mobile's developer Software Developers' Kit (SDK), allowing developers to embed support for the CHS 8Qi into their applications. Developers can obtain an SDK at: http://socketmobile.com/developer/. SocketScan Keyboard Wedge and SocketCare support is also available.
About Socket Mobile Founded in 1992, Socket Mobile is a leading innovator of mobile devices and productivity tools for retail point of sale, field service, healthcare, and other mobile markets. Our portfolio includes wireless handheld and hands-free barcode scanners for tablets and smartphones; durable handheld computers and accessories; and OEM solutions for the mobile device market. Socket Mobile is headquartered in Newark, Calif. and can be reached at +1-510-933-3000 or http://www.socketmobile.com. Follow Socket Mobile on Facebook, Twitter @socketmobile or subscribe to sockettalk.socketmobile.com, the company's official blog.
Media Contacts: Beta Program Contact:
Dave Dunlap Vincent Coli
Chief Financial Officer Product Manager
510-933-3035 510-933-3060
dave@socketmobile.com vince@socketmobile.com
Socket and the Socket logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Socket Mobile, Inc. Apple, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners.
Whirlpool Corporation Introduces New Hybrid Heat Pump Dryer Technology, HybridCare(TM)
Whirlpool® Duet® Dryer further grows its operational and energy-saving efficiencies
BENTON HARBOR, Mich., July 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent introduction of the first ever ENERGY STAR® certified electric dryer(1), Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is proud to announce the next step in its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency with its newest innovation in dryer technology. The new Whirlpool® HybridCare(TM) clothes dryer WED99HED with Hybrid Heat Pump technology is designed to regenerate energy during the drying cycle to reduce energy consumption while providing dryer speed and performance flexibility.
Compared to typical dryers that use large amounts of energy in the form of venting hot, moist air, the Whirlpool brand HybridCare(TM) dryer is a ventless heat pump dryer that uses a refrigeration system to dry and recycle the same air.
HybridCare(TM) technology uses advanced sensors tuned to manage energy consumption and temperature to deliver drying performance and energy savings. The three available modes allow flexibility while providing great drying results:
-- Speed mode - used when consumer focus is on managing time
-- Eco mode - used when optimizing energy is the priority
-- Balanced mode - blends the performance of Speed and Eco
"Whirlpool Corporation is at the forefront of residential energy efficiency gains in clothes dryers," said Chris Ball, General Manager of the Laundry category for Whirlpool North America. "Our progress in developing new technologies that combine to create highly energy-efficient drying cycles, while offering better fabric care, demonstrates our commitment to offering consumers the most innovative and effective products for their home."
Whirlpool Corporation is collaborating with organizations including the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), an alliance of more than 140 Northwest utilities and energy efficiency organizations, in support of its efforts to mobilize the market toward energy efficiency. Through this relationship, Whirlpool and NEEA work to make the greatest long-term impact on the marketplace through the adoption of energy-efficient products, like the HybridCare(TM) dryer.
HybridCare(TM) technology has the capability to use less heat than vented dryers. The ventless dryer technology will allow consumers in North America to reduce their carbon footprint and the estimated $4B in wasted energy attributed to dryers (2).
As a ventless technology, HybridCare(TM) does not require an outside vent, allowing the consumer to install it in more locations throughout the home. The HybridCare(TM) technology dryer will also match select front load washers of the currently available Duet series, making it a logical choice for consumers desiring greater levels of energy savings.
Whirlpool will begin shipping units to select U.S. markets in Q4 2014. It will expand to other U.S. markets and Canada in early 2015, generating excitement among some major utilities. "Whirlpool Corporation has been a great partner with us as we work together to advance dryer energy efficiency. Dryers are the next frontier for significant energy savings in the home, and innovations like the heat pump dryer are a key technology to unlocking these savings," said Jeff Harris, Director, Technology and Market Strategy, NEEA.
Whirlpool Corporation's full sustainability strategy engages nearly every aspect of its business, from materials and processes, to product technologies and end-of-life recycling, all aimed at a more sustainable future. Whirlpool Corporation believes in improving lives, one home, one family at a time through innovative, world-class products and services. When it comes to sustainability, Whirlpool works to satisfy its consumers, protect the environment, nurture its communities and embed sustainability into its products and processes while driving extraordinary value and enhancing reputation.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2013, 69,000 employees, and 59 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names. We earn the trust of consumers in nearly every country by focusing on what matters most. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
[1] Whirlpool.com, "Whirlpool Corporation receives first Energy Star ® certification for clothes dryers", June 16, 2014
[2] USA Today, "Report: Dryers Waste $4B yearly in energy Cost," June 12, 2014
Heads in the Sand: Small Businesses Convinced a Cyber-attack Will Never Happen to Them
LONDON, July 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
One in three micro-firms helpless in the face of cybercrime
Small businesses in the UK are woefully unprepared for an IT security breach despite
relying increasingly on mobile devices and storing critical information on computers,
according to new study by Kaspersky Lab. A third (31 per cent) says they would not know
what to do if they had an IT security breach tomorrow, four in ten say they would struggle
to recover all data lost and a quarter admit they would be unable to recover any. Most
small firms are convinced a cyber-attack would simply never happen to them.
The study[i], of micro firms from hairdressers and builders to doctors' surgeries and
legal firms, found that two-thirds (68 per cent) have internet-connected laptops and half
allow IT-enabled mobile and remote working. Vital business data including confidential
customer, supplier and financial records as well as IP is stored and processed on
computers.
An overwhelming 82 per cent say they are not a target for attack because they're too
small or don't have anything worth stealing. However, the threat to smaller firms is
significant and real. According to the Federation of Small Business[ii], 41 per cent of
small firms were hit by cybercrime in 2013, with one in ten the victim of online fraud and
one in five affected by a computer virus.
"While it is encouraging to see the extent to which micro firms are embracing the
latest technologies, this must go hand in hand with a strong approach to internet
security," said Kirill Slavin, UK MD at Kaspersky Lab. "One in ten of those surveyed
admitted that an IT security breach would probably cost them their business. This must be
addressed, and quickly. Micro firms don't have to become IT security experts. Most of the
time it's the IT equivalent of remembering to lock all the doors and windows when you go
out, make sure you have some additional protection and not to leave valuables where others
can easily see and get to them."
"Cyber-fraud affects one in eight small businesses every year with fraud losses to
SMEs estimated at nearly GBP20bn. Criminals try to steal goods and the business identity
through letters, a phone call, or via email. Increasingly, cybercrime is a principal
priority risk for businesses. Typical scams include opportunities to acquire new customers
who you supply but never receive payment from, or to purchase items from new suppliers
that never deliver after having been paid. Fraud can happen to any type of business in
many different ways, impacting their revenue, reputation and the long-term health of the
business, with no business being too small to be targeted. The most important investment a
business can make is to take the time to identify where they may be at risk from fraud and
reduce those risks where possible to stay in control," commented Alex Grant, Barclays,
Managing Director of Fraud Prevention.
Kaspersky Lab and Barclays Bank have drafted the following guidance for micro-firms:
Your business security five-a-day
Spend just five minutes a day checking the following five things to help keep your
business safe
1) Passwords - Check that all internet-enabled devices and computers that
carry your business data are protected by strong passwords, regardless of whether the
equipment is company or employee-owned.
2) Attachment Awareness - Understand the dangers that can lurk in emails,
web-links USB sticks, CDs etc. and consider introducing extra software that will
filter out or contain suspicious-looking items.
3) Educate all employees - Make sure everyone knows on how to stay safe online;
including how to use strong passwords, spot suspect emails or sites, and protect
company information.
4) Back-up - Every day make sure the information you store on computers is
backed-up and secure. Imagine how your business would cope if you had to get through
the day without it.
5) Security systems - Take full advantage of any user-friendly internet security
software that that has been specially created for small firms such as your own to
secure devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, computers, WiFi and networks.
Don't forget about physical security as well - keep things out of sight and the site
locked up.
To respond to the very latest online threats and keep small firms safe Kaspersky Lab
has upgraded and enhanced its popular Kaspersky Small Office Security solution. For more
information, visit http://www.kaspersky.co.uk.
i. Opinion Matters for Kaspersky Lab, questioned 250 UK businesses with up to 10
employees in following sectors: professional services, arts & culture, IT & telecoms,
retail, catering and leisure, healthcare, manufacturing & utilities, architecture &
engineering, sales & media, marketing & creative, finance, travel & transport, education
and other, in November 2013.
ii. 2013 survey of small businesses by the Federation of Small Businesses, the Home
Office and the Department for Innovation and Skills.
About Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab is the world's largest privately held vendor of endpoint protection
solutions. The company is ranked among the world's top four vendors of security solutions
for endpoint users*. Throughout its more than 15-year history Kaspersky Lab has remained
an innovator in IT security and provides effective digital security solutions for large
enterprises, SMBs and consumers. Kaspersky Lab, with its holding company registered in the
United Kingdom, currently operates in almost 200 countries and territories across the
globe, providing protection for over 300 million users worldwide. Learn more at http://www.kaspersky.co.uk.
* The company was rated fourth in the IDC rating Worldwide Endpoint Security Revenue
by Vendor, 2011. The rating was published in the IDC report "Worldwide Endpoint Security
2012-2016 Forecast and 2011 Vendor Shares" (IDC #235930, July 2012). The report ranked
software vendors according to earnings from sales of endpoint security solutions in 2011.
DAU-UP's new solution for mobile game developers delivers the right players to the right games
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
After providing game developers with a proprietary solution for acquiring players for
games via Facebook media, DAU-UP is officially launching the company's Mobile Gamer
Acquisition Solution.
Since DAU-UP's launch in 2011, the company has focused exclusively on providing
leading mobile and social game developers, including Playtika, Social Point and Plarium,
with a solution for promoting games via Facebook. Through direct access to Facebook's API
and utilizing the company's proprietary database of games and methodology, DAU-UP
optimizes campaigns to deliver the best players to each game.
Now, based on the company's experience delivering profitable players to mobile and
social games and after a six month beta test, DAU-UP is formally launching its
comprehensive Mobile Gamer Acquisition Solution for all mobile game developers supporting
every mobile media channel.
DAU-UP's full-service Mobile Gamer Acquisition Solution provides mobile game
developers with:
KPI-based results: Beyond CPI and scale, DAU-UP marketing campaigns are optimized
according to each game developer's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). DAU-UP enables
developers to acquire the right players focused on engagement and monetization in order to
ultimately maximize ROI.
A technology-driven solution: From the comprehensive games database which provides the
knowledge to understand how to match players for any game, to the company's proprietary
algorithms, DAU-UP can test, optimize and then scale any gamer acquisition campaign.
Game-focused experience and methodology: Years of experience focused exclusively on
gamer acquisition has enabled DAU-UP to understand every game genre, to know which players
to target for each and which media and creative to use. With this unique methodology, the
company helps any game developer - whether they're launching a new casual game or looking
to increase revenue on a five-year-old role playing game - to achieve profitability for
their mobile games.
"Many solutions promise installs, but only DAU-UP has delivered quality players which
are helping us reach profitability," said Adam Jaffe, VP Marketing, Social Point. "With
the growing importance of mobile, DAU-UP is able to provide us with players from a broad
range of mobile media channels who monetize our games and enable us to achieve our ROI
targets."
With mobile game revenue growing more than twice as fast as total gaming revenue,
DAU-UP's Mobile Gamer Acquisition Solution launch is well-timed. According to research
from Newzoo
[http://www.newzoo.com/insights/global-games-market-will-reach-102-9-billion-2017-2 ],
mobile games are expected to account for 34% of total games revenue in 2017 up from 23% in
2013.
"With so many companies focused on mobile user acquisition, DAU-UP is unique in our
single-minded focus on game developers coupled with our extensive experience and
internally-developed technology and methodology, which enable us to deliver the right
users to the right game," said Idan Nizri, CEO & Founder, DAU-UP. "The proof of
performance has been our growth over the last year: doubling our head count and customer
base and tripling the number of games we're promoting."
About DAU-UP
DAU-UP is a company with a single-minded focus: providing game developers with a
solution for acquiring profitable players. Since 2011, the company has used its
proprietary technology, experience and methodology to deliver gamers to mobile and social
games via Facebook media and mobile media channels. For more about DAU-UP, please visit: http://www.dauup.com.
$48,000 Funding Goal to Bring Product to Market and Help Save Lives
GERMANTOWN, Md., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Silent Beacon Inc., an innovator in personal protection, announced its $48,000 Indiegogo crowd funding campaign to bring its wearable lifesaving device to consumers. Designed to provide immediate aid to those in need, the Bluetooth device allows users to instantly locate, track and communicate with loved ones who require emergency assistance.
The Silent Beacon will sell for $59.99, making it the most affordable device of its kind. The devices - which have a pending patent application - are being presold through http://www.silentbeacon.com and their Indiegogo.com campaign.
"It is frightening to imagine ourselves or loved ones being physically assaulted or injured, but violent crimes occur every 26 seconds in the U.S. A device like this is vital, and potentially lifesaving," said Kenneth Kelley, CEO and Founder of Silent Beacon Inc. "Silent Beacon was created for the public to protect themselves, and with our Indiegogo campaign's success we hope to generate more technologies that help our seniors, children, and others in emergencies."
Kelley developed Silent Beacon after being involved in a car accident, which rendered his phone screen useless and made it impossible for him to contact family members. At that moment, he realized how desperately people needed a fast and more reliable method to get help in emergencies.
The Silent Beacon will be indispensable for people of all ages: victims of violent attacks, people with life-threatening medical conditions, and teens - who are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions than other age groups.
The Indiegogo campaign is intended to generate support for a product whose purpose is to protect community members and enable people to buy it at a low cost.
"I was offered eight figures for the rights to Silent Beacon, but declined, realizing the company wanted to sell it at a higher price; my goal is to save lives and give families peace of mind ... not exploit crime. We believe Silent Beacon will become a low-cost crime deterrent that puts criminals on notice," Kelley stated. "We believe our products will drastically decrease the national crime rate, making America much safer."
About Silent Beacon (http://www.silentbeacon.com): Silent Beacon is a Germantown, Maryland-based company established in 2013, created to provide fast, reliable emergency assistance to those in need.
Cadence Announces Protium Rapid Prototyping Platform and Expands System Development Suite Low-Power Verification
Highlights
- Protium rapid prototyping platform features flow compatibility with Palladium platform, shortening bring-up time by up to 70 percent versus competitive solutions
- New Protium rapid prototyping platform increases capacity by 4X over the previous generation
- Palladium XP II verification computing platform now features IEEE 1801 support for improved low-power verification
SAN JOSE, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS), a leader in global electronic design innovation, today announced an expansion of its System Development Suite with the addition of the new Cadence® Protium(TM) rapid prototyping platform for improved software development productivity, and IEEE 1801 low power standard support in Cadence Palladium(®) XP II verification computing platform. These expansions to the Cadence System Development Suite enable system and semiconductor companies in the mobile, consumer, networking and storage segments to efficiently address important design challenges such as early software bring-up and reduced power consumption.
Built using Xilinx® Virtex(®)-7 2000T FPGAs, the Protium platform is Cadence's second-generation FPGA prototyping platform for software development. It improves productivity by reducing prototype bring-up time by up to 70 percent versus competitive solutions, shortening the process from months to weeks. Featuring Palladium flow compatibility, a 4X increase in capacity versus the previous generation, and support for up to 100 million gates, the Protium platform enables software development and throughput regressions supported by a fully automatic flow and the capability to execute user-driven performance optimizations. The Protium platform also provides automated memory compilation, external bulk memory support, and RTL name preservation throughout the flow, which minimizes the tedious and error-prone manual FPGA bring-up steps, thereby speeding up time to market.
"The ability to use the same bring-up flow for Palladium emulation and Protium rapid prototyping, allows our design teams to switch seamlessly between the two execution engines, which reduces the prototype bring-up time from months to weeks compared to traditional FPGA-based prototyping approaches," said Hideya Sato, deputy executive general manager, Global MONOZUKURI Division, Information & Telecommunication Systems Company, Hitachi, LTD. "Additionally we expect to improve overall development productivity by extending the use of Protium rapid prototyping platform to the area of hardware/software co-verification."
"The growing need for software and hardware verification continues to drive the use of FPGA-based ASIC prototyping, from emulation and prototyping to mass production applications," said Arun Iyengar, vice president, A&D, ISM and TM&E markets for Xilinx. "Cadence's approach to unify hardware verification using Palladium emulation and software development using Protium prototyping will further streamline the customer's time to market while improving product quality."
Low-power analysis and verification is a key part of system and system-on-chip (SoC) signoff criteria. Addressing this, Cadence has expanded the Dynamic Power Analysis in the Palladium XP II platform beyond Common Power Format (CPF) support, adding verification and debug support for the IEEE 1801 standard. The Cadence System Development Suite now offers an integrated and consistent low-power flow for engineers using either of the power standards across the Incisive® formal and simulation and Palladium platforms, with common power plan and metrics, and integrated debug analysis.
For more information about the Protium rapid prototyping platform, low power support in the Palladium XP II platform, and the Cadence System Development Suite, visit http://www.cadence.com/news/protium.
About Cadence
Cadence enables global electronic design innovation and plays an essential role in the creation of today's integrated circuits and electronics. Customers use Cadence software, hardware, IP, and services to design and verify advanced semiconductors, consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, and computer systems. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with sales offices, design centers, and research facilities around the world to serve the global electronics industry. More information about the company, its products, and services is available here.
OwnPhones Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Build World's First Wireless 3D Printed Custom-Fit Earbuds
Perfectly Fitted to a User's Ear Shape, Sound Needs, Style and Activity, OwnPhones Earbuds Are Available in Limited Quantities at 50% Off During the Campaign
Four Models Available as Early Bird Specials: "Fit," "Designer Fit," "Smart Fit" and "Jewelry Collection"
SAN DIEGO, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- OwnPhones (#ownphones) today went LIVE with a Kickstarter (#kickstarter) campaign (http://bit.ly/ownphones) to help complete the development of its revolutionary product - the world's first wireless 3D printed, personalized smart earbuds (#earbuds) and an accompanying mobile app for iOS (Android to follow). The campaign, which has a funding goal of $250,000USD, features limited Early Bird specials of 50% off all sets of earbuds (regular retail prices range from $299USD to $449USD).
Designed to fit perfectly and built exclusively for each individual ear, OwnPhones earbuds represent a combination of the very latest in 3D printing, Bluetooth technology and personal audio. Along with being custom 3D printed according to the user's personality and choice of activities, they're also completely wireless, cancel noise around the user and can even be made to fit their lifestyle with an ergonomic custom fit. And with thousands of combinations of features and four different models ("Fit," "Designer Fit," "Smart Fit" and "Jewelry Collection) to choose from, OwnPhones earbuds can be personalized for each user.
"Ears are like fingerprints - each one is unique, so it is time that consumers were able to get earbuds that actually fit their ears properly," said Itamar Jobani, CEO and founder, OwnPhones.
OwnPhones Personalization Technology
-- A Custom FitThe OwnPhones mobile app turns a phone's camera into a 3D
scanner. By following a few simple steps, users create a short video
orbiting the phone around their ears. The OwnPhones servers will then
convert the video into a 3D model of their ears. This creates a custom
ergonomic fit so every time the user wears them, they'll fit perfectly
and won't jiggle when they run or jostle when they dance!
-- 3D PrintedEach pair of OwnPhones earbuds offers a precise fit down to
the millimeter. The printer can assemble 3D objects out of many
different materials. This allows OwnPhones to match the cartilage in
the user's ear and can build any set of OwnPhones earbuds,
one-at-a-time.
-- True-WirelessThe earbuds are integrated with Bluetooth 4.0 technology,
so there's no cord to get tangled and no plugs to fumble with.
OwnPhones gives users the freedom they need without the restrictions of
a cord and will be the world's first 3D printed wireless earbuds.
-- SoundScapingSince OwnPhones are perfectly fitted to each ear, they can
be used to block out noise. But not all noises. A built-in digital
signal processor can filter ambient noises (Soundscaping) and the user
can use the OwnPhones mobile app to let through requested sounds - from
a beeping alarm to a friend's voice (OwnPhones calls this "Real World
Notifications").
-- Own StatusUsing red, yellow and green LED lights, the OwnStatus feature
can let OwnPhones communicate for the user. A red light tells people,
"Leave me alone," a yellow light says "I'm busy" and a green light says
"Let's chat."
-- Versatile AdvantageSince users have two separate earbuds, they can push
music to one side and let the world in through the other. Now, there's
no need to buy another headset to make and receive calls in the car...
users can use their OwnPhones both as earbuds and as a headset.
YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/Wv05p-ueHEI
Kickstarter Details and Availability
OwnPhone's Kickstarter offering is now available at: http://bit.ly/ownphones. OwnPhones is seeking support to complete the development of its revolutionary wireless 3D printed, personalized smart earbuds and an accompanying mobile app for iOS (Android to follow). Early Bird Specials include: for a $149USD pledge, users can get the "OwnPhones Fit" model. For a $175USD pledge, users can get the "OwnPhones Designer Fit" model. For a $199USD pledge, users can get the "OwnPhones Smart Fit" model. Additional rewards include: for a $799USD pledge, users can design (in their own brand look and style) their own custom branded earbuds. As part of this reward, contributors can sell their branded earbuds on the OwnPhones online store. Another rewards option includes a pledge for $9,999USD, which will see OwnPhones commissioning a local artist who will meet with the contributor to custom design a Gold & Diamond studded fashion earbud.
About OwnPhones
San Diego, CA-based OwnPhones is an exciting tech startup developing custom-fit, highly personalized 3D printed earbuds. The brainchild of founder Itamar Jobani, a former NY-based sculpture/installation artist who has exhibited across the US and Europe, OwnPhones was founded after Jobani experienced frustration when running and having his earbuds constantly fall out. The company's flagship earbuds feature Mobile App Scanning using Photogrammetry, Multi-Material 3D Printing, a huge selection of styles, colors and materials, OwnErgonomics built to the user's Activity Profile, SmartTech for Soundscaping and Environmental Sounds integration, Real World Notifications and an OwnStatus LED Indicator Light. For more information, visit http://www.ownphones.com.
Big Fish Launches "Cascade®" on Mobile Smartphones and Tablets
Free to Play, Cascade is A Brand New Spin on Match-3
SEATTLE, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Are you ready to try the game that's making everyone finally quit crushing candies? Cascade(®) from Big Fish is available today for free on mobile devices. With 140 handcrafted puzzles to solve, Cascade combines a Match-3 game with a Slot Machine in an entirely new, patent-pending game mechanic. This combination results in a game that is both familiar and entirely unique, requiring both strategy and luck.
The story of Cascade has you journeying alongside Jasper, a mole participating in the Great Cascade Gem Rush. Accompany Jasper through 10 hand-painted lands and meet his wildlife friends: bears, arctic foxes, and one otter who loves kayaking. You can also compete with your real-world friends for high scores, or you can ignore them entirely and Cascade will never make you spam them. There are no "friend gates", or "pay walls", or anything stopping you from playing through the game.
If 140 puzzles aren't enough, don't worry! Cascade also features a daily challenge puzzle and there will be regular updates with new lands, characters, obstacles, and gems. If you do get stuck on a puzzle, there are a variety of boosts that you can use to make things a little simpler, and a daily spin wheel that awards free boosts. If you like puzzles, animals, or shiny objects of any kind, Cascade will keep you coming back for one more spin.
Resources:
-- Cascade
-- Big Fish
-- Cascade Official Trailer
-- Funkitron
About Big Fish
Founded in 2002, Big Fish is the world¹s largest producer and distributor of casual games, delivering fun to millions of people around the world through its mobile distribution and e-commerce game platforms. As a consistent top 10 top-grossing worldwide iOS publisher and the #1 casual PC/Mac game producer, Big Fish has distributed more than 2.5 billion games to customers in 150 countries from a growing catalogue of 450+ unique mobile games and 3,500+ unique PC games. Successfully transitioning the company from PC-centric to mobile-centric, the company's mobile revenues were almost 50% of its overall gross revenue in just under 3 years. Big Fish Casino leads the way and was the only casino game to be named on both of Apple's 2013 top-grossing iPad and iPhone charts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, WA, with regional offices in Oakland, CA, and Luxembourg.
About Funkitron
Funkitron, Inc. is a top-quality game developer founded by casual game industry veteran David Walls in 2001. Funkitron is known for creating very fun and addictive games such as their latest funky hit "Cascade" and the #1 iPhone casino game "Slingo Supreme." Funkitron has also designed and developed other super fun games such as "SCRABBLE Blast", "Slingo Quest", "Boggle Supreme", "Poker Superstars", "Solitaire Kingdom" and "Word Bird Supreme".
Casio Showcases Four New Sampling Keyboards At Summer NAMM 2014
Part of the Sound eFX series the new keyboards Include Sampling Capabilities and Built-In Microphones
DOVER, N.J., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc., is hitting the stage with the launch of four new keyboards within their new line called Sound eFX - the CTK-2400, LK-170, LK-175 and LK-260. If you are a beginner with a burning passion for music, these new additions to the Casio portfolio offer a variety of sampling features that can capture audio which then can be played back from the keyboards. The result can be fun, amusing, and perhaps even inspiring. The latest digital keyboard introductions will be on display in Casio's Booth # 910 at Summer NAMM 2014, July 17-19, 2014 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.
"After more than 25 years since the introduction of its first mini sampling keyboard, Casio has taken sampling keyboards to a whole new level with the launch of the Sound eFX series," said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio's Electronic Musical Instruments Division. "Casio is providing consumers with all the necessary features to create custom tracks including built-in microphones, various sampling modes and exceptional sound layering. It gives them a taste of what it's like to be a musician producing their own songs."
The sampling function in the CTK-2400, LK-170, LK-175 and LK-260 offers fun entertainment by enabling users to take various bits and pieces of music and create a sample. Long Sampling mode can create one sound up to two seconds and the Short Sampling mode can create up to five short sounds and tones; both modes offer ten different effects to choose from. With a built-in sampling microphone, users can also use their voice to record samples, which can be integrated into the rhythm.
All equipped with Casio's Step-Up Lesson system, these new keyboards have built-in songs that teach users phase-by-phase so they can learn at their own individual pace. With the LCD display, beginners can also learn both music notation and correct hand positioning, while Casio's innovative system evaluates performance so users can track their progress. Also, Casio's LK-170, LK-175 and LK-260 are all lighted keyboards which allow users to practice their song playing skills with the help of the lighted 61-Key Piano Style Touch-Response keyboard.
Other features include 400 built-in tones, 150 built-in rhythms (including 20 for piano play and 55 world rhythms), 110 songs, and USB capabilities. Each model also comes with a music stand and song book. The CTK-2400 for $169.99, LK-175 for $199.99 and LK-260 for $259.99 will be available at select retailer's nationwide beginning in September. The LK-170 for $199.99 will be available exclusively at Costco beginning in September. To learn more about Casio's portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit http://www.CasioMusicGear.com.
About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit http://www.casiousa.com.
SOURCE Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc.
CONTACT: Christine Azzolino/Amanda Pecora, Coyne PR, (973) 588-2000, cazzolino@coynepr.com, apecora@coynepr.com; or S. Vander Schans, CASIO AMERICA, INC., (973) 361-5400, svanderschans@casio.com
Maclocks is First to Launch a Surface Enclosure and Secure Display Solution for Microsoft Surface Pro 3!
AUSTIN, Texas, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Tablets and notebooks are both great, but wouldn't it be amazing if the two could merge. That is what Microsoft had in mind when they created the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, the newest sibling to join the surface series. The Pro tablet has not only gotten better, but also physically bigger. And just like always, Maclocks is the first to design and offer a Surface kiosk for the new Surface Pro.
Maclocks Surface Kiosk provides a ton of new ways to make the most of your Surface; as a display stand, an information kiosk, or even a full force workstation. Attach the enclosure to any swing arm or wall mount, grab the Type Cover keyboard and you have a mini work station. Place it next to your desk to float the Surface next to your computer as a second screen.
The surface security lock is a keyed lock, which makes it easy to access when tablet maintenance is required.
The Surface Pro 3 Enclosure is accommodating to the tablet's updated features, including the newer version of the attachable Type Cover keypad. Maclocks enclosure will fully secure and lock it in all together, so neither the device nor the keyboard can be swiped. This all-encompassing Surface Enclosure Kiosk solution will leave you worry free as your device and keyboard sit safely protected.
This quality hardware is constructed out of high grade aluminum, includes padding for the Surface, and it can accommodate our security cable lock. It is the ideal Surface Tablet security solution for all display settings. For optimal viewing, it can be used with the Swan Surface Tablet Kiosk in any environment that requires a level of elegance, such as hotel lobbies or spas. Retail and point of sale situations would take the most advantage of the Surface enclosure if used as a wall mount. We recommend the enclosure with a floor stand for those using the Surface Pro 3 in the healthcare or corporate world.
New KODAK PIXPRO SMART LENS Camera Now Available Through National Strategic Partnership With RadioShack® Corporation
Latest SMART LENS Cameras for Android® and iOS® Smart Devices Available Now at RadioShack Stores and RadioShack.com
LOS ANGELES and FORT WORTH, Texas, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- JK Imaging Ltd., the worldwide licensee for KODAK PIXPRO Digital Cameras and Devices, announced today that its new SMART LENS SL10 Camera is now available at select RadioShack stores and RadioShack.com. As one of the largest national retail partners to offer consumers the camera in more than 1,600 stores by fall 2014 and on Radioshack.com, RadioShack is a pivotal partner in the U.S. launch of the new SMART LENS Camera.
Designed to work in tandem with smartphones for better quality photos, the SMART LENS Devices are highly portable and easily clip onto most Android and iOS smartphones, connecting wirelessly to bridge the benefits of advanced camera technology with the portability and convenience of users' existing phones.
The SMART LENS Cameras use the phone's screen as the camera display. Users have the freedom to control the camera via the phone's screen or use the SMART LENS Device's buttons to toggle, zoom and capture photos or 1080p HD videos. For even more flexibility, the SMART LENS Camera can be operated independently and up to 30 feet away from the smartphone, giving more freedom to take large group shots with the wide-angle lens while controlling the SMART LENS Camera via the phone as the interface.
"RadioShack is proud to be the first retailer to carry the KODAK PIXPRO SMART LENS Camera in-store. It's a game changing piece of technology, and is a perfect example of how we are evolving our customer experience by adding amazing new products and innovative solutions to our assortment every day," said Paul Rutenis, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer, RadioShack. "We're focused on delivering the kind of products that empower our customers to get the most out of technology, and the SMART LENS Device brings the power of an advanced camera lens literally to the palm of the consumers' hands."
The SL10 ($229.99 MSRP) includes 10x optical zoom, 1080p video and free Android/iOS apps for download, as does the 25x SL25 ($299 MSRP) optical zoom version. Both models are available in black and white. The SL25 will be available at RadioShack.com and in stores this fall.
"The SL10 is our first new product that does not look like a traditional camera and enhances where smartphone cameras sometimes fall short," said Mike Hackett, executive vice president, JK Imaging, Ltd. "With the growing trend of consumers capturing more photos than ever from their smartphones, the SMART LENS Cameras' powerful zoom capabilities ensure they aren't missing out on taking better quality photos."
For more information and for product availability, please visit: kodakpixpro.com.
About JK Imaging, Ltd.
JK Imaging, Ltd. is a privately held company headquartered in Los Angeles, California with additional sales offices worldwide. The executive team is comprised of experienced sales and marketing officers with extensive backgrounds in digital imaging and global distribution. JK Imaging, Ltd. services North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For more information, visit kodakpixpro.com
RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) is a leading retailer with more than 27,000 knowledgeable associates focused on connecting consumers with personalized solutions and discovering what's possible through the latest in consumer electronics. The company's updated product assortment incorporates national brands, industry-leading private brand products, mobile devices and wireless carriers. Customers can shop leading brands in headphones and speakers, wearable technology, smart toys and DIY supplies, connected home, power accessories and home entertainment at http://www.radioshack.com, or at one of the more than 5,000 locations in 26 countries. Find RadioShack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
CONTACT: April Deocariza, Emanate PR, April.deocariza@emanatepr.com, 405-455-6074; or RadioShack, Andrea.McCauley@RadioShack.com, 817.415.3644; or Media.Relations@radioshack.com, Media Hotline: 817-415-3300
Edico Genome Raises $10 Million in Series A Financing to Commercialize DRAGEN Chip to Overcome Sequencing Data Analysis Bottleneck
Led by Qualcomm, Gregory Lucier Makes First Investment after Leading Life Technologies
SAN DIEGO, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Edico Genome announced today that it has raised $10 million in a Series A financing to commercialize its DRAGEN(TM) Bio-IT Processor, the world's first next-generation sequencing bioinformatics application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The financing was led by Qualcomm Incorporated, through its venture investment group, Qualcomm Ventures, and included Axon Ventures and Greg Lucier, who made his first investment following his role as chairman and chief executive officer of Life Technologies. Concurrent with the financing, Mr. Lucier was appointed to the Edico Genome board of directors. Advisory board members include Eric Topol, M.D., professor of genomics, The Scripps Research Institute, Charles Cantor, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, Sequenom, and Nils Homer, Ph.D., genomics informatics leader, Broad Institute. The financing will be used for commercialization of DRAGEN, which is expected to broadly launch at the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting in October.
"Advancing and expanding the use of genomics in the clinic can only be achieved if researchers and physicians can quickly, efficiently and accurately process the immense amount of data generated from a human genome sequence," said Mr. Lucier. "Edico Genome's solution to speed data analysis and lower costs has the potential to have a large impact on many areas of medicine, particularly in oncology and non-invasive prenatal testing."
Jack Young, director, Qualcomm Ventures, added, "As sequencing volume increases, accelerated by the rapid decrease in cost exemplified by the arrival of the $1,000 genome, the opportunities for companies to enter the space and address the evolving needs for the industry grow significantly. We see the bottleneck shifting now to the analysis and transfer of the huge amounts of raw data generated by next-generation sequencers."
Edico Genome's DRAGEN Bio-IT Processor reduces the computational time required for analyzing a whole human genome from 24 hours down to 18 minutes. The company has demonstrated how one DRAGEN accelerator card can be used to analyze the data generated by a full HiSeq X Ten system producing 18,000 whole human genomes per year, which otherwise would take over 50 high-end computer servers. It is estimated this can result in a savings of approximately $6 million over four years.
This approach also reduces the need for clusters of large servers to process the data, reducing costs related to storage space and IT infrastructure. Edico Genome is completing validation studies with alpha customers that include clinical labs and sequencing centers and plans to submit this data for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Interested parties may apply for early access to the technology here.
"Adding more and more servers to manage sequencing data cannot be sustained. Edico Genome's solution is the world's first next-generation sequencing bioinformatics chip, an integrated solution that has the speed and accuracy to enable genomic medicine," said Pieter van Rooyen, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Edico Genome. "With Qualcomm Ventures, Mr. Lucier, and our other exceptional advisors onboard, plus Edico Genome's deep engineering expertise, we've recruited a formidable team to capitalize on the opportunity ahead of us."
The DRAGEN Bio-IT Processor is embedded on a PCIe form factor card and is provided with accompanying software as a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) platform that can be integrated into sequencing machines and next-generation sequencing bioinformatics servers. The processor is loaded with highly optimized algorithms for mapping, alignment, sorting and variant calling.
Edico Genome was founded in 2013 by Dr. van Rooyen, Robert McMillen, Ph.D., vice president of engineering, and Michael Reuhle, director of system architecture. The company became a member of EvoNexus, San Diego's only community-supported, fully pro-bono technology incubator, in May of the same year. For more information, visit http://www.EdicoGenome.com, or click here to view a video of Drs. Topol and van Rooyen discussing how to accelerate genomic medicine into the clinic.
CONTACT: Gavin Stone, Director of Marketing, Edico Genome, (858) 699-1212, gavins@edicogenome.com and Monica May, Canale Communications, (619) 849-5383, monica@canalecomm.com
Summer 2014 Issue of Xcell Journal Examines How Zynq All Programmable SoC-based Platforms Provide Effective Alternatives to ASICs and ASSPs
SAN JOSE, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ: XLNX) today announced immediate availability of the summer 2014 edition of its award-winning user magazine, Xcell Journal. Issue 88's cover story takes a look at silicon finances, showing how the Zynq®-7000 All Programmable SoC is far better suited than ASICs and ASSPs for building platforms, enabling enterprises to maximize profitability. The issue also includes a variety of fantastic methodology and how-to articles for Xilinx users of all skill levels. Xcell Journal is available as a one-click pdf download or in iPad/iPod-compatible ISSUU electronic magazine format.
Xcell Journal issue 88 includes numerous informative how-to articles for every technical skill level and features an article on how Xilinx's 20nm UltraScale(TM) All Programmable device architecture enables customers to create terabit systems. The issue also includes a fascinating feature on how scientists are using Xilinx® FPGAs in the South Pole to study the afterglow of the Big Bang and origins of the universe. Articles in this issue include:
-- Products, Profits Proliferate on Zynq SoC Platforms
-- The Search for Gravity Waves and Dark Energy Gets Help from FPGAs
-- Virtex UltraScale FPGA Enables Terabit Systems
-- Goodbye DDR, Hello Serial Memory
-- Design Reliability: MTBF Is Just the Beginning
-- Protocol-Processing Systems Thrive with Vivado HLS
-- In FPGA Design, Timing Is Everything
-- NI System-on-Module Brings Innovative Products to Market Fast
Additionally, be sure to visit Xilinx's new Xcell Daily, in which editor Steve Leibson highlights the daily happenings at Xilinx and the many remarkable innovations Xilinx users are bringing to market with All Programmable devices.
About Xcell Journal
Xcell Journal is an award-winning quarterly magazine that provides electronic designers of programmable digital systems with in-depth technical information regarding the latest advances in hardware and software technologies, systems, applications, services and support. This digital magazine is available free and is accessible on any standard Internet browser, requiring no software downloads and allowing readers to browse, search, make notes, email authors and click through to advertiser websites. For additional information, or to download individual Xcell Journal articles in PDF format, go to Xcell Online. To subscribe now, go to http://www.xilinx.performark.com/subscriptions/.
About Xilinx
Xilinx is the world's leading provider of All Programmable FPGAs, SoCs and 3D ICs. These industry-leading devices are coupled with a next-generation design environment and IP to serve a broad range of customer needs, from programmable logic to programmable systems integration. For more information, visit http://www.xilinx.com.
NI System-on-Module (SOM) Technology to Play a Critical Role in Shaping the Future of Embedded Design
SINGAPORE, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- National Instruments, the provider of solutions that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world's greatest engineering challenges, has introduced theNI SOM <http://www.ni.com/som>. The first global product launched fromIndia, with NI introducing a major transformation in embedded technology for the world, the NI SOM combines the Xilinx Zynq All Programmable system on a chip (SoC) with supporting components such as memory on a small PCB and features a complete middleware solution and ready-to-go Linux-based real-time operating system (RTOS) already integrated. The NI SOM gives design teams the customizability of a SOM without the increased time and risk of developing custom software.
Joel Shapiro, Leader for Marketing, Emerging Markets Region, NI said, "The NI System on Module (SOM), combined with powerful LabVIEW libraries, enables engineers to transform their ideas into embedded products faster than any other tool available on the market. Healthcare devices, smart machines, and other applications that require embedded technology will benefit as the NI SOM not only speeds up, but also bridges design, prototyping, and deployment with a single platform."
The NI SOM enables design teams to deploy reliable, complex embedded systems faster because it is based on and has the same rigorous design standards as the LabVIEW reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture. This architecture has already been used in high-reliability applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles and cataract surgery machines. NI, with this technology, aims to create a world of fresh possibilities for engineers, scientists and innovators -- across life sciences, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and energy sectors.
We have evaluated several SOMs and embedded SBCs, and there is no comparison to the software integration offered by NI," saidSebastien Boria, R&D mechatronics technology leader at Airbus. "We estimate that our development costs with the NI SOM are a tenth of the costs of alternative approaches because of the productivity gains of NI's approach to system design, in particular to NI Linux Real-Time and LabVIEW FPGA."
Key Benefits
* Complete Middleware Solution: The NI SOM is shipped with a complete middleware solution out of the box to remove the time and risk associated with developing an embedded OS, custom software drivers and other common software components. * LabVIEW FPGA Integration: LabVIEW FPGA eliminates a design team's need for hardware description language expertise, making powerful FPGA technology more accessible than ever before. * NI Linux Real-Time: The NI SOM offers a robust Linux-based RTOS, which gives design teams access to an extensive community of applications and IP. * Shorter Prototyping Phase With CompactRIO: Design teams can use CompactRIO to quickly prototype their applications and then deploy them with the same code used for prototyping, which saves significant time and effort. For more information about the NI SOM, visithttp://www.ni.com/som <http://www.ni.com/som>.
Editorial Contact: Jessie Lee, +65-6226-5886
About NI
Since 1976, NI (http://www.ni.com <http://www.ni.com/>) has made it possible for engineers and scientists to solve the world's greatest engineering challenges with powerful, flexible technology solutions that accelerate productivity and drive rapid innovation. Customers from a wide variety of industries -- from healthcare to automotive and from consumer electronics to particle physics -- use NI's integrated hardware and software platform to improve the world we live in.
CompactRIO, LabVIEW, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. The registered trademark Linux® is used pursuant to a sublicense from LMI, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a worldwide basis. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.Â
Curvature Empowers CIOs to Challenge Status Quo with Game-Changing Approach to Managing IT Infrastructure & Operations
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Curvature, an innovative IT infrastructure services provider, today announced its approach for transforming the delivery of multi-vendor, global technical support services. Formerly known as Network Hardware Resale, the company has unveiled a new name to better identify its evolution in becoming a global provider of independent IT infrastructure services.
Since its founding in 1986, NHR has become a strategic partner to more than 10,000 customers worldwide, spanning Global 1000 enterprises, small and mid-sized businesses, telecommunications service providers, financial institutions, government entities, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. In the last 28 years, the company has partnered with clients to consistently offer the best IT solutions to meet business needs, this has resulted in the transformation from a basic reseller of pre-owned Cisco equipment-to a leading, independent supplier of vendor-agnostic IT infrastructure and operations services. Curvature is uniquely positioned to help CIOs regain control of how they procure, maintain and upgrade multi-vendor IT infrastructure.
According to Mike Sheldon, President and CEO of Curvature, the new name reinforces a long-standing commitment to offering customers choices and solutions that allow them to excel in meeting ever-increasing business and technology demands. "We firmly believe that our customers need to be in charge of their own IT destiny and not feel forced to depend solely on OEMs to guide crucial lifecycle management decisions. We chose the name Curvature because it represents a change in direction from the norm. The cornerstone of our approach has always been in allowing our customers to dictate their own terms in their IT purchases. However, in doing so, our value and services offering had long surpassed our former name-Network Hardware Resale."
Debunking the Five-Year Equipment Refresh Myth
Curvature's approach to services and equipment offerings is an essential proof point in debunking the myth that customers should upgrade their equipment every three-to-five years. With Curvature's NetSure services, the company gives customers an opportunity to extract more value from their IT infrastructures by extending timelines for equipment upgrades and IT refreshes.
In a recent commissioned Forrester Consulting study, entitled "Challenging the Status Quo on Maintenance Contracts and Refresh Cycles to Lower Costs,"[1]Â research revealed that businesses miss an opportunity for significant cost savings when they buy into accelerated refresh cycles guided by OEMs.
Key findings of this survey include:
* Up to 79 percent of those polled reported refreshing their wired networking infrastructure every five years, based on industry averages guided by OEMs; * 81 percent of the respondents bought maintenance from their OEM, yet cited little value; responses around the biggest challenges with their existing services were motivated by misrepresentation of cost savings, new fees and inflexible pricing schedules; and * 80 percent of survey respondents would look to third-party maintenance options. Delivering Greater Value with Hybrid Support Services
According to Forrester, the total economic impact of acquiring new network hardware, pre-owned network hardware, and maintenance contracts from Curvature can yield hardware, maintenance and warranty cost savings; improve service efficiency; reduce network downtime and provide asset recovery revenue.[2]Â Curvature's NetSure customers can deploy hybrid network services to augment and/or replace OEM maintenance at up to 50-to-90 percent cost savings.
In "Challenging the Status Quo on Maintenance Contracts and Refresh Cycles" Forrester Consulting indicated, "In today's economic conditions, businesses highly prioritize expense management, placing continual pressure on departments to maintain or reduce operating budgetsâ¦.After surveying 304 IT decision makers, Forrester found that even though IT budgets are under constant scrutiny, businesses have defaulted to vendor influence, which has blinded them to the rewards of extending hardware life cycles and third-party maintenance solutions."
For a leading financial services firm, maintaining aggressive support with stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs), hot spares, and field support in remote locations are key to ensuring the highest levels of network redundancy. In order to safeguard equipment that is no longer covered under SMARTnet as well as support gear slated for removal or upgrade during its contracted maintenance period, the company added Curvature's NetSure⢠<https://www.curvature.com/Maintenance> technical services to complement their existing SMARTnet support. The resulting hybrid services model has produced a multitude of benefits, thanks to Curvature's responsive customer service, investment in quality processes, speed of equipment delivery and cost-effective field support.
Barracuda NG Firewall Now Available in Azure Virtual Machines Gallery as part of Microsoft Azure Certified
Barracuda NG Firewall version 5.4.3 Extends Support for Microsoft Centric Deployments
CAMPBELL, Calif., July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Barracuda Networks, Inc. (NYSE: CUDA), a leading provider of cloud-connected security and storage solutions, today announced the availability of the Barracuda NG Firewall Vx in the Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines Gallery as part of the new Microsoft Azure Certified program. The newest version - Barracuda NG Firewall version 5.4.3 - extends support for Microsoft deployments in the areas of Windows Remote Desktop Services, virtualization and public cloud, enabling customers to further capitalize on their Microsoft investments. Barracuda is presenting its Azure Certified solutions at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference this week in Washington, DC.
"Microsoft is excited to have Barracuda's security solutions available in the Azure Gallery as part of our Azure Certified program," said Garth Fort, general manager, Cloud and Enterprise Partner Marketing, Microsoft. "We've worked closely with Barracuda engineering, solutions architects and sales teams to create a great customer experience and make it easy for customers to leverage the Barracuda NG Firewall and Barracuda Web Application Firewall to move their applications into the Azure cloud securely."
The Barracuda NG Firewall includes capabilities such as:
-- Extended support for Microsoft Azure - delivers next-generation
firewalling capabilities and high-speed (>1 Gbps) site-to-site secure
remote access from on-premises networks to Microsoft Azure or Vnets
within Microsoft Azure, and enables organizations to deploy securely
interconnected multi-zone network architectures.
-- Full user awareness for Windows Remote Desktop Services - provides user
awareness even when multiple users on a Remote Desktop Server are behind
a single IP address.
-- Support for Hyper-V virtualization - supports Microsoft Hyper-V
deployments in addition to VMware.
Both the Barracuda NG Firewall and the Barracuda Web Application Firewall are available in the Azure Gallery as part of the new Microsoft Azure Certified program announced this week at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. Barracuda is keynoting the session Transformation to the Cloud: Security Risks, Challenges & Best Practices on Wednesday, July 16, at 4pm ET, in Room 103B of Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Resources:
Visit the Barracuda / Microsoft Azure Certified landing page to learn more about all Barracuda solutions - including the Barracuda Web Application Firewall and the Barracuda NG Firewall - in the Azure Gallery
Blog Post: Barracuda NG Firewall and Barracuda Web Application Firewall Now Microsoft Azure Certified
Blog Post: Barracuda at Microsoft World Partner Conference
Pricing and Availability
The Barracuda NG Firewall Vx is a virtual appliance that runs on Hyper-V and VMware environments and is sized based on target numbers of users. Pricing for virtual appliances starts at U.S. list price $1799 USD.
The Barracuda NG Firewall for Microsoft Azure is available today in the Azure Gallery as part of the new Microsoft Azure Certified program.
International pricing and availability vary based on region.
About Barracuda Networks, Inc. (NYSE: CUDA)
Barracuda provides cloud-connected security and storage solutions that simplify IT. These powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions are trusted by more than 150,000 organizations worldwide and are delivered in appliance, virtual appliance, cloud and hybrid deployments. Barracuda's customer-centric business model focuses on delivering high-value, subscription-based IT solutions that provide end-to-end network and data security. For additional information, please visit http://www.barracuda.com.
Forward-Looking Statements.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the functionality and performance of Barracuda NG Firewall products and compatibility with Microsoft Azure. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could materially affect the Company's business and financial are set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update the forward-looking information to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date of this press release.
Barracuda Networks, Barracuda and the Barracuda Networks logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Barracuda Networks, Inc. in the US and other countries.
Contacts:
Nick Gonzalez
Barracuda (NYSE: CUDA)
408-342-6482
ngonzalez@barracuda.com
SOURCE Barracuda Networks, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131113/SF16521LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Barracuda Networks, Inc.
PLANO, Texas, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- KingsIsle Entertainment donned a pair of waders, packed a virtual tackle box and went fishing today--with an all new, magical fishing sport in Wizard101.
"Ever since we created Wizard101, we knew we wanted to bring the magic of fishing to The Spiral," said Josef Hall, vice president and creative director at KingsIsle Entertainment. "After six years of sustained success, we've now stocked the lakes and streams from Wizard City to MooShu with all kinds of fish and have given players a cool way to catch them."
Fishing in Wizard101 involves casting magical orbs into bodies of water to act as both a lure and a float, drawing nearby fish to it and bobbing up and down when they bite. All your big whoppers and small fry fish are available to sell for a profit, to use in crafting recipes or to show off in your characters' houses.
"We've taken an everyday pastime and turned it into a magical, rewarding and funny experience with a deep collection system," said Hall. "Players will love showing off their new tanks full of 'Codfather,' 'Brain Sturgeon,' and 'Sharkspeare' fish they'll now be catching."
Log on to Wizard101 today at http://www.Wizard101.com and be on the lookout in the Wizard City Commons for Lucky Hookline, the Fishing Trainer, who is happy to train players in the fine arts of angling as a Wizard.
KingsIsle Entertainment is a developer and publisher that specializes in creating high-quality online games which provide entertainment for the entire family. KingsIsle games have received numerous honors, including the Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal and recognition by the National Parenting Publications Awards. KingsIsle's first game, Wizard101, was named Best MMO of 2010 by Beckett Massive Online Gamer Magazine, Best Family MMO of the Decade by Massively.com and the #1 Best Family Game of 2009 by MMORPG.com. KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. Information about the company's games, which include core titles Wizard101 and Pirate101, can be found at http://www.kingsisle.com/corporate/products.
KingsIsle, Wizard101 and Pirate101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
SOURCE KingsIsle Entertainment
KingsIsle Entertainment
CONTACT: Tom Purdue, 1-512-681-4303, tpurdue@kingsisle.com