IBM Announces Major Commitment to Advance Apache(R)Spark(TM), Calling it Potentially the Most Significant Open Source Project of the Next Decade
- IBM Joins Spark Community, Plans to Educate More Than 1 Million Data Scientists
ARMONK, N.Y., June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced a major commitment to Apache®Spark(TM), potentially the most important new open source project in a decade that is being defined by data. At the core of this commitment, IBM plans to embed Spark into its industry-leading Analytics and Commerce platforms, and to offer Spark as a service on IBM Cloud. IBM will also put more than 3,500 IBM researchers and developers to work on Spark-related projects at more than a dozen labs worldwide; donate its breakthrough IBM SystemML machine learning technology to the Spark open source ecosystem; and educate more than one million data scientists and data engineers on Spark.
As data and analytics are embedded into the fabric of business and society -from popular apps to the Internet of Things (IoT) -Spark brings essential advances to large-scale data processing. First, it dramatically improves the performance of data dependent apps. Second, it radically simplifies the process of developing intelligent apps, which are fueled by data.
To further accelerate open source innovation for the Spark ecosystem, IBM is taking the following actions:
-- IBM will build Spark into the core of the company's analytics and
commerce platforms.
-- IBM's Watson Health Cloud will leverage Spark as a key underpinning for
its insight platform, helping to deliver faster time to value for
medical providers and researchers as they access new analytics around
population health data.
-- IBM will open source its breakthrough IBM SystemML machine learning
technology and collaborate with Databricks to advance Spark's machine
learning capabilities.
-- IBM will offer Spark as a Cloud service on IBM Bluemix to make it
possible for app developers to quickly load data, model it, and derive
the predictive artifact to use in their app.
-- IBM will commit more than 3,500 researchers and developers to work on
Spark-related projects at more than a dozen labs worldwide, and open a
Spark Technology Center in San Francisco for the Data Science and
Developer community to foster design-led innovation in intelligent
applications.
-- IBM will educate more than 1 million data scientists and data engineers
on Spark through extensive partnerships with AMPLab, DataCamp,
MetiStream, Galvanize and Big Data University MOOC.
"IBM has been a decades long leader in open source innovation. We believe strongly in the power of open source as the basis to build value for clients, and are fully committed to Spark as a foundational technology platform for accelerating innovation and driving analytics across every business in a fundamental way," said Beth Smith, General Manager, Analytics Platform, IBM Analytics. "Our clients will benefit as we help them embrace Spark to advance their own data strategies to drive business transformation and competitive differentiation."
Spark Drives Business Transformation for IBM Clients
Spark has grown quickly in popularity among developers and data scientists as an essential platform for helping organizations more easily integrate Big Data into applications, and is quickly gaining momentum with IBM clients looking to transform business decision-making:
-- Real-time transportation planning software from Optibus is changing the
way public transport is organized. "Spark, together with IBM, provides a
highly scalable platform for Optibus, making it easy for us to expand
our software as a service offering into new markets, and helps us
simplify deployment, maintenance and application development for
transportation companies worldwide," said Amos Haggiag, Optibus CTO and
Co-Founder.
-- Findability Sciences, a global consulting and contextual data technology
solutions company, is using IBM Analytics and Spark to help clients tap
into the power of Big Data. "Apache Spark with IBM BigInsights has given
us tremendous capacity for our implementations for small and medium
businesses, where MapReduce was not efficient. With Spark, the
performance has improved multi fold. We're now able to process streaming
data from IoT devices and offer analytics for data in motion for things
like traffic, commuters and parking,"said Anand Mahurkar, CEO of
Findability Sciences.
-- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is the largest health insurer in the
Philadelphia area, serving more than two million people in the region
and seven million nationwide. It's using Spark to help drive product
innovation and develop new services. "Apache Spark is quickly maturing
into a power tool for development of machine-learning analytic
applications. It allows our IBC researchers and academic partners to
work together more seamlessly, which means we can get new claims and
benefits apps up and out to customers much faster," said Darwin Leung,
Director of Informatics at Independence Blue Cross.
-- IBM, NASA, and the SETI Institute are collaborating to analyze terabytes
of complex deep space radio signals using Spark's machine learning
capabilities in a hunt for patterns that might betray the presence of
intelligent extraterrestrial life. "With Spark as a Service on Bluemix,
we'll be able to work with IBM to develop promising new ways to analyze
signal data as we hunt for evidence of intelligence elsewhere in the
cosmos. This is an exciting example of synergy in the service of
science,"said Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer and Director of the
Center for SETI Research.
IBM is one of four founding members of the UC Berkeley AMPLab, where Spark was first invented in 2009, and as a result participates in multi-day research retreats, provides advice and real-world insight, and interacts closely with AMPLab researchers on projects of mutual interest. "As a sponsor of the AMPLab, IBM contributes to the greater Spark community and provides guidance for the continued evolution and improvement of the Berkeley Data Analytics Stack, the open source platform of which Spark is a key component," said Professor Michael Franklin, Director of the UC Berkeley AMPLab.
Spark is agile, fast and easy to use. And because it is open source, it is improved continuously by a worldwide community. Over the course of the next few months, IBM scientists and engineers will work with the Apache Spark open community to rapidly accelerate access to advanced machine learning capabilities and help drive speed-to-innovation in the development of smart business apps. By contributing SystemML, IBM will help data scientists iterate faster to address the changing needs of business and to enable a growing ecosystem of app developers to apply deep intelligence into every thing.
UTC Aerospace Systems' innovative design approach brings benefits to commercial space customers
PARIS AIR SHOW, Paris, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace Systems is using advanced tools and processes to design and develop environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) for commercial space missions. The company has invested in "ready product" designs and customizable hardware that can be easily tailored to meet various customer requirements. The result is highly-engineered and reliable products that are available to the commercial space market at a lower price point than those designed for a specific application. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
"Using UTC R&D funding, we have been able to design products that, with minor modifications, can meet the requirements of multiple customers," said Jim Kammerer, general manager, crew vehicle solutions. "For example we designed a fan and electronic controller assembly where by simply changing the voltage, speed of the motor, or motor impeller and housing, we are able to meet multiple fan design points for multiple applications."
The ready product design approach brings significant benefits to customers. Cost and schedule savings are quickly realized given the high technology and manufacturing readiness levels of the solutions in the design portfolio at the time of contract award.
The UTC Aerospace Systems team is using this approach for their work on the Boeing CST-100 Commercial Crew Transportation system, where they are responsible for the design, development, qualification and production of components of the ECLSS system. The "ready product" fan is being used for two different applications on the CST-100. The team is also using the "model to metal" process for the fan housing and potentially other CST-100 hardware.
"The commercial space market is changing," said Allen Flynt, general manager, human exploration and launch vehicles, "and our investment in these processes makes our innovative products more affordable and applicable to a broad range of customers and missions."
UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base, with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at http://www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.
SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems
UTC Aerospace Systems
CONTACT: Dan Coulom, +1 860 305 5471, dan.coulom@utas.utc.com
think3D Creates 3D Printed Educational Tools to Help Visually Impaired Students
HYDERABAD, India, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Unlike normal people who can see objects and learn, visually impaired people are
heavily constrained in their learning process as touch is the only medium through which
they can learn. Creating miniature objects to illustrate various concepts like light,
sound is a prohibitively expensive proposition. But with the advent of 3D printing
technology, this is going to change.
think3D, a 3D printing company based out of Hyderabad, India understood the impact 3D
printing can have on learning experience of the blind and launched an initiative to
digitize and 3D print all diagrams and educational images from school textbooks to help
educate visually impaired students. This project is done in collaboration with Devnar
Foundation For The Blind [http://www.devnarfoundationfortheblind.org ], a school attended
by more than 500 visually impaired or blind students.
With a desire to do something for the blind using 3D printing technology, think3D
founders got in touch with Dr. Saibaba Goud, the leading opthamologist and co-founder of
Devnar Foundation for the Blind. "We explained him about 3D printing technology and how it
can be used to create 3D models. He was interested in this concept and assigned a faculty
member to brainstorm and come up with a concrete concept," says Prudhvi Reddy, Co-founder
think3D.
Through their discussions with the faculty and children there, it became very clear
that many struggled to understand certain concepts like light, sound, human body without
access to charts and helpful illustrations. "For normal children, we can easily explain by
drawing a picture on the board. They can see and visualize it. But blind children can
visualize only by touch. We do have few visual aids in the laboratory. Those are bulky,
non-portable and are prone to damage easily. Moreover, creation of such visual aids is an
expensive proposition. So, we are commissioning such models for very important concepts
like blood circulation system. If we can get highly portable and durable models at low
cost, that will be a huge benefit for these students," explained Prof. R. Parameshwaran,
faculty, Devnar Foundation for Blind.
On being convinced that 3D printed parts can definitely help teachers to explain basic
concepts to their visually impaired students, the think3D team spent about 45 days
creating digital and 3D printed versions of various concepts from the physics textbooks,
such as light rays that are small, durable and easy to handle. These models were a huge
success at the Devnar Foundation for the Blind, with students and teachers alike. One
student said it was very helpful to begin to understand basic concepts. "This is a light
ray hitting the lens and reflecting back. I can visualize which ray is coming from right,
which one from left, which one is parallel and which one is perpendicular. This model
helped me visualize it very well," said the student from Devnar Foundation for Blind.
think3D has since decided to digitize and 3D print objects from other subjects as
well. "I was really surprised to see that one guy could touch the human eye anatomy and
could instantly recognize the cornea," added Prudhvi. Overall, it became lot easier for
teachers to teach the concepts and for students to assimilate those concepts. And think3D
is therefore planning to continue this excellent approach to special education.
About think3D:
think3D is a company founded by Raja Sekhar Upputuri, MBA graduate from China Europe
International Business School, Shanghai, China and Prudhvi Reddy, MBA graduate from Indian
Institute of Management, Kolkata, India, in July 2014. The company's vision "3D printing
for all" thrives to introduce the fast-growing tchnology of 3D printing to Indian minds.
think3D has joined the bandwagon last year, and since its inception it has been an active
participant to the global movement, changing lives and shaping dreams. Headquartered at
Hyderabad, India, it has a center for knowledge and providing world-class services to
corporate honchos, educational institutes and also the general public. Visit http://www.think3d.in [http://www.think3d.in ] to find more information.
About Devnar Foundation For Blind:
Devnar Foundation for Blind is the leading school for blind children in India. The
school was started in 1992 with 4 students in rented house. Within a span of 18 years, the
school has grown to the present stature with 400 students, housed in a three-storeyed
building owned by the Foundation. Devnar Foundation for Blind provides all the necessary
tools to bring out the best in the students. Their abilities outshine their disability to
such an extent that the visitors leave the school humbled by the unconquerable spirit,
perseverance and performance of the students. Visit http://www.devnarfoundationfortheblind.org/ [http://www.devnarfoundationfortheblind.org ]
to find more information.
Media Contact:
Raja Sekhar Upputuri
uraja@think3d.in
+91-9502281460
think3D
KeyPoint Technologies Launches Xploree in India Market to Transform Smartphone Experience
HYDERABAD, India, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
- India's First Search & Discovery Platform can Predict and Connect Mobile Users to
Relevant Brands & Services in one tap Across Apps
- Xploree to be Available in 140 Languages by December 2015
KeyPoint Technologies [http://www.keypoint-tech.com ] (KPT), an award-winning global
linguistics innovator enabling intelligent human communication beyond mobile devices,
today announced the launch of 'Xploree'
[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kpt.xploree.app ]. Xploree is industry's
first search and discovery platform that connects mobile users to the most relevant brands
and services across search, messenger and other platforms without exiting the current
conversation app. Leveraging KPT's expertise in multi-lingual capabilities, Xploree, which
is now available in English for Android device users, will support nearly 140 languages
(global and Indic) by December 2015.
Completing an entire cycle of innovation, Xploree has emerged as the only intelligent,
user-initiated and hyper-contextual Search & Discovery platform in the mobile eco-system.
It predicts user needs during chat conversations and guides them through their mobile
journey across apps through relevant content, deals and services discovery.
"Mobile users today are looking for convenient, relevant and on the fly information
while they are in between conversations and e-mails with their friends, family and at
work. With expertise & experience to provide contextual search & brand discovery solutions
to mobile eco-system players from the current one to 140 languages by end of 2015, we are
best positioned to help businesses connect with their customers in real-time," said Sumit
Goswami [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumit20 ], CEO - KeyPoint Technologies. "Built on our
patent pending cross-app search and discovery platform, we are thrilled to launch Xploree
that offers brands an opportunity to provide innovative content & deals to mobile users in
a single hop without quitting their ongoing app conversations. Currently, we are actively
looking at India, South-East Asia and Middle East as our growth markets," he added.
With Xploree, mobile phone users, without exiting the current conversation app, can
instantly explore options for movies, fine dining, shopping etc. Brands through Xploree
can connect with users in real-time to provide relevant services such as discount coupons,
deals, one-hop search and add greater value to the conversation, thus taking consumer
engagement from a contextual to a hyper-contextual realm.
Xploree Key Features:
- Hyper-Contextual - Location, environment, current user intent, past
actions and more - relevant parameters, always in context.
- Immediacy - Information, services and product purchases in your mobile moment
and time of need in real-time.
- Simplicity - Mobile search made simple with one tap - easy to find exactly
what you want.
KeyPoint Technologies, the creator of Xploree and Adaptxt [http://www.adaptxt.com ] is
an award-winning global linguistics innovator that enables intelligent communication
between humans to the connected world-beyond mobile devices. KeyPoint was founded in 2004
in Glasgow Scotland, an epicenter of linguistics. The company has additional offices in
India, Japan, China and the U.S., and is a trusted partner for OEMs, platform providers
and developers.
Adaptxt is a registered trademark of KeyPoint Technologies, Ltd. All other registered
or unregistered trademarks are sole property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Suchitra Anish
KeyPoint Technologies
+91-9980137245
asuchitra@keypoint-tech.com
Syfy And LG Team Up To Deliver A New Interactive TV Experience
- Syfy Sync Brings LG Smart TV Viewers Into Series Experience In Real Time with Compelling Content and Interactive Elements -
NEW YORK, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Syfy and LG Electronics USA today launched a new interactive TV consumer experience. The new "Syfy Sync for LG Smart TV" app allows viewers to go inside their favorite Syfy shows in a whole new way by recognizing the episode viewers are watching and delivering contextual content to their LG Smart TV in real time.*
Syfy Sync for LG Smart TV is launching with the Season 3 premiere of fan favorite DEFIANCE on June 12 at 9/8c on Syfy. Viewers with LG Smart TVs can get behind-the-scenes trivia, participate in interactive polls and learn more about the backstory of the series. The Syfy Sync app responds to what viewers are watching and delivers a whole new level of interaction while they are actively watching their favorite Syfy shows on their LG Smart TV.
The Syfy Sync app for DEFIANCE is available exclusively on LG Smart TVs, delivering an engaging new dimension to home entertainment with fun, interactive features paired with leading LG TV display technology.
The interactive feature will be available beginning June 12 on Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)-enabled LG TVs with Netcast since 2012, and will be available soon on LG Smart TVs featuring LG's award-winning webOS Smart TV platform. LG webOS makes the Smart TV experience fast and simple with an intuitive interface that enables users to spend more time enjoying their home entertainment experience, and less time finding and switching between content options.
LG was selected as the premiere launch partner because of the company's advanced Smart TV innovations with its webOS Smart TV platform, and for its leadership in TV display with its OLED 4K ULTRA HD TVs and 4K ULTRA HD LED TVs.
"From its inception, Syfy Sync has always been seen as a multiplatform play and we're thrilled to be partnering with LG to bring the experience it to a new platform with season 3 of DEFIANCE. The LG Smart TV platform provides an incredible user experience along with an incredible TV picture quality for Syfy's devoted fans to go even deeper into our programming," said Matthew Chiavelli, vice president of digital media and strategy for Syfy.
David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing for LG Electronics USA, said, "Interactive TV with Syfy's DEFIANCE delivers a new, engaging TV experience, leveraging the power and simplicity of LG's webOS Smart TV platform along with our incredible picture quality. Syfy and NBC Universal have been pioneers in real-time interactive TV for second-screen viewing, and LG is enthusiastic to work with them to bring this integrated experience to the big screen."
Syfy engaged Watchwith to power the in-program interactive engagement that appears as a subtle broadcast graphic-style overlay in the upper left portion of the screen. Watchwith's unique in-program interactive audience engagement platform delivers an award-winning Syfy Sync experience right to the living room screen.
LG's recognition and interactive platform is powered by Cognitive Networks, the leading provider of ACR services on Smart TVs. Cognitive's system allows Smart TVs to become contextually aware, enabling the launch of intelligently synchronized HTML5 web applications and the real-time seamless connection of live or time-shifted over-the-air programming with services delivered via broadband.
*Wireless Internet connection required and sold separately. Agreement to smart TV terms and conditions required to use certain smart features. Content and services vary by product and are subject to change without notice.
About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $56 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. LG Electronics, a proud 2015 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions in the United States, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. http://www.lg.com.
About Syfy
Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (http://www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in 96 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. (Syfy. Imagine Greater.)
CONTACT: Katherine Nelson, Syfy Publicity, 212-664-5934, Katherine.nelson@nbcuni.com, or Bronagh Hanley, On behalf of Syfy Publicity, 415-314-7262, Bronagh@bignoisepr.com, or Taryn Brucia, LG Electronics USA, 201-214-3302, Taryn.Brucia@lge.com
In an exclusive licensing agreement, Company Launching its First Kodak-Branded Product to Meet Lingering Consumer Demand for High Quality Printing and Reasonably Priced Ink
LOS ANGELES, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Funai Electric, the worldwide licensee for KODAK Consumer and SOHO Inkjet Printers, announced today it is launching its first Kodak-branded product this month. Funai developed the line of all-in-one inkjet printers to address lingering consumer dissatisfaction with the high cost of ink and cartridges that run out of ink too fast.
Funai has a long history of manufacturing inkjet and laser printers for recognized brands around the world. They have built more than 130 million inkjet printers over the last 16 years. For more than 120 years, the Kodak brand has stood for high quality, ease of use and great value. "The KODAK VERITE 55 is the first in a line of new and innovative printing products coming from Funai and we are happy to be partnering with Kodak to deliver a product that consumers clearly want," said Kiyoshi Chinzei, General Manager, Office Solutions, Funai Electric.
The new printer provides an easy way for people to save up to 50% on their printing costs(1). Consumers get the satisfaction of knowing they can save on ink but also the convenience of having extra large (XL) color and black cartridges - that double the print yield - from the ink included in the box. The XL cartridges will print 360 color pages and 400 black pages. This is equivalent to $50 of value if printed using other leading manufacturer's ink cartridges.(2)
The printer offers exceptional ease of use and wireless connectivity for printing, scanning and copying. Scanning and printing from a smart phone or tablet takes a single touch or flick of the finger from the KODAK VERITE Printer App available for Apple and Android devices. It features wireless direct and local Wi-Fi connectivity to enable wireless printing from mobile devices through the KODAK VERITE Printer App, Apple AirPrint (TM) and Google Cloud Print (TM).
The KODAK VERITE 55 Wireless Printer is available at WalMart for $79.47. Ink cartridges will be available for $9.97 for a standard fill (200 page yield) black cartridge and $17.97 for a standard fill (180 page yield) color cartridge.(1) There will also be XL (high yield) and XXL (extra high yield) cartridges that deliver up to two and three times the page yield respectively.(1)
About Funai
About Funai
Funai Electric Co. Ltd, established in 1961, is headquartered in Osaka, Japan and is listed in the Tokyo Securities and Exchange First Section (6839). In addition to the consumer electronics product brands sold by Funai Corporation in the USA and the products sold by other Funai sales and marketing companies in Japan, Asia, Europe, and South America, Funai Electric Company, Ltd. is a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and supplier for consumer electronics, computer, and computer peripherals worldwide. For more information on the Funai group, please visit http://www.funai.jp/en/
1. Up to 50% or more savings claim is based on the cost per page ("CPP") of
replacement KODAK VERITE 5 XL or VERITE 5 XXL Ink Cartridges as compared
to the CPP of similarly priced branded cartridges for leading
manufacturer's color inkjet printers less than $199 USD, market share
reported by NPD 2014. CPP is based on manufacturer's recommended street
price and page yield as reported by Gap Intelligence Reports. Actual
savings may vary depending on number of pages actually printed per month
and content of pages printed. Ink page yield values for color graphics
and text document obtained by continuous printing in accordance with
ISO/IEC 24711. Actual results may vary.
2. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of included KODAK VERITE 5
XL Black and XL Color Cartridges is $35. A $50 value when compared to the
CPP of other leading manufacturer's ink cartridges for leading color
inkjet printers less than $199 USD, market share reported by NPD 2014.
Manufacturer's recommended street price and page yield as reported by Gap
Intelligence Reports.
The Kodak trademark and trade dress are used under license from Eastman Kodak Company.
Expansion makes new gen games more accessible to mainstream consumers
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Redbox, America's destination for new-release entertainment, today announced plans to expand the availability of new generation games to all kiosks nationwide in 2015.
"We believe that now is the time to make new gen content more accessible to mainstream consumers," said Mark Horak, president of Redbox, "and through our 35,000 kiosk locations, digital network of 90 million touch points, affordable price point and content recommendation engine, we are committed to accelerating the adoption of both new gen hardware and software for the industry."
"Redbox's thousands of retail locations and vast digital network for marketing titles like The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited makes them an invaluable partner," said Ron Seger, vice president of sales for Bethesda Softworks. "By leveraging their reach and rental model to introduce people to our titles, we've been able to recruit new fans to our games and the Bethesda community."
"We look forward to partnering with publishers to execute title-specific marketing plans as we expand new gen nationally," said Bill West, vice president of games at Redbox. "Research tells us that our customers rent titles to help inform game purchase decisions. As our offering expands, we're helping publishers reach their goals of raising awareness and making trial more convenient and affordable for consumers nationwide."
The Redbox Digital Network provides information about title availability, locations and product features to consumers interested in making the transition to new gen. Three ways to join the Redbox Digital Network are to sign up for the Text Club by texting GAMING to 727272,* or to follow Redbox at facebook.com/redbox or instagram.com/redbox. For more information about Redbox Games, visit redbox.com/games.
Games are available to reserve online at redbox.com or by using the Redbox® mobile app.
*Up to 2 msgs/wk. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel, HELP for help. By joining you agree to autodialed texts from Redbox. Opt-in not required to rent/buy from Redbox. PRIVACY POLICY: redbox.com/privacy TEXT CLUB TERMS: redbox.com/textclub
About Redbox
Redbox, an Outerwall Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTR) brand, offers new-release DVD, Blu-ray Disc® and video-game rentals through its network of conveniently located, self-service kiosks. Redbox has rented more than 4 billion discs and is available at nearly 35,000 U.S. locations, including leading grocery, drug and convenience stores, and select Walgreens, Walmart and McDonald's locations. For more information, visit http://www.redbox.com and for more information about Outerwall Inc., visit http://www.outerwall.com.
SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words indicating future events, performance, results and actions, such as "will" and "expect," and variations of such words, and similar expressions, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the availability of new generation games at Redbox kiosks. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from the results expressed or implied in such statements. Differences may result from, among other things, actions taken by Outerwall or Redbox, as well as third parties beyond our control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in the number and timing of anticipated locations, and the termination, non-renewal or renegotiation on materially adverse terms of agreements with publishers or our significant retailers. The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is illustrative, but by no means exhaustive. For more information on factors that may affect future performance, please review "Risk Factors" described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements reflect Outerwall's expectations as of the date hereof. Outerwall undertakes no obligation to update the information provided herein.
Doppler Labs Announces Investments from Live Nation Entertainment, WME and Universal Music Group
Here Active Listening System Uses Two Wireless Buds and an App to Enable Personalized Listening Experiences at Concerts and Live Events
Kickstarter Funding Crosses $375,000 In First Week
NEW YORK, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Doppler Labs today announced that it has received investments from Live Nation Entertainment, Universal Music Group (UMG) and WME to further develop the Here Active Listening System(TM). This announcement follows Doppler Labs' unveiling of the Here Active Listening System, the first in-ear system that uses two wireless buds and an app to let you instantly control and personalize your live audio environment. Celebrated by tech and entertainment critics around the world, Here launched on Kickstarter earlier this month and surpassed its original $250,000 30-day goal in less than 48 hours.
"Support from these music industry leaders helps position the Here Active Listening System to revolutionize live entertainment - especially for concerts and live music," said Noah Kraft, CEO and Co-Founder of Doppler Labs. "The technology we have created with Here has the potential to make every seat in the house the best seat in the house by allowing every listener to personalize their live audio environment based on their own specific listening preferences."
Through volume sliders, EQ and effects that act as "a studio in your ears," the Here Active Listening System allows you to augment real world audio and transform any concert or live music experience to exactly your liking.
While Here has been optimized for live music, it has been designed to adjust any and all real world audio so you can curate the sound around you for a wide range of everyday scenarios: suppress a baby crying, the subway screech or reduce the roar of the crowd and optimize listening for sporting events, air travel, open office environments and even noisy commutes.
Doppler Labs' Kickstarter campaign, which runs through the beginning of July, allows consumers to purchase the Here buds and app at a special $199 price before it is available on the commercial market. Backers can also be a part of developing the Here audio platform and have access to other exclusive Kickstarter rewards.
Learn more about the Here Active Listening System and back the Kickstarter campaign at http://bit.ly/hereplus.
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit http://www.livenationentertainment.com.
About WME
WME is the world's leading entertainment and media agency. One of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, WME represents artists across film, television, music, literature, theater and digital media. In 2014, WME acquired IMG, a global leader in sports, fashion and media. Together, the companies offer an unparalleled client roster; strategic partnerships with sponsors and brands; and marquee assets across sports, entertainment, events, music and fashion.
About Doppler Labs
Founded in 2013 by industry leaders in the creative, tech and business worlds, Doppler Labs is on a mission to create wearable technology that makes computing more immersive and human. In the near-term we are focused on "hearables," wearable technology for the ears. We launched the Here Active Listening System in June 2015 as the first step in sharing our long-term vision with the world.
Axiom Audio Launches Kickstarter for Breakthrough AxiomAir Fidelity and Freedom - Together for the First Time
Built-In Technology Means Better Sound and Total Flexibility for Users
DWIGHT, Canada, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today people want to play their music anywhere at any time. And they would love it to sound amazing. Axiom Audio, maker of high quality audio products for more than 30 years, aims to help listeners break free of their single user, low powered, and low fidelity portable speakers with the introduction of AxiomAir. A groundbreaking portable sound system that delivers unprecedented sound quality across multiple platforms. Today, the company announced a Kickstarter campaign so customers can get in on the ground floor.
"AxiomAir is a fundamental reimagining of the portable wireless speaker," said Ian Colquhoun, Axiom founder and President. "We set out to ensure compatibility with the widest range of devices and systems possible. The problem with many of the wireless solutions people currently use is that they lock listeners into a single system, and that doesn't work in a world where people use many different music libraries and devices - including smartphones, tablets, laptops and servers - to store music files. AxiomAir makes it easy to access your music wherever it is."
Millions of music lovers use Bluetooth® to stream audio to speakers, but it's not an ideal choice since it compresses the sound quality, has limited range, does not allow more than one user at a time, and will not allow you to control multiple speakers in multiple rooms from one interface.
AxiomAir is Wi-Fi based and has a state-of-the-art DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) built in which allows playback of files up to the highest 24/192 resolution. It has three times the range of Bluetooth, allows multiple users to be connected at the same time, and allows multiple speakers all over your home to be controlled from any smartphone, tablet, or computer in your home. AxiomAir was designed to join local Wi-Fi networks or function as its own Wi-Fi hotspot when out of range of the network. Multiple users can join the hotspot at the same time and the optional batteries last up to 18 hours.
With its massive output of 150 watts RMS it delivers 20 times the power of most portable speakers currently being offered; the first truly high-output, high-fidelity portable sound system.
AxiomAir is perfect for a party. Friends and family can play music stored on their smartphones directly on AxiomAir without having to load songs into your library, keeping the party going.
AxiomAir sound systems can be deployed in multiple rooms throughout your home and controlled individually or as groups from any phone, tablet, or computer in your home. Best of all you do not need to move your songs to a dedicated library for this to work.
The Karaoke version is ideal for a Karaoke Party or as a portable meeting room sound system, delivering crystal clear sound with no feedback or distortion.
AxiomAir is future-proof by design. While most portable speaker systems consist of a microprocessor running a dedicated program, AxiomAir has a fully functional Raspberry Pi computer built in. The operating system can be updated with future features from a button on the interface.
AxiomAir also maximizes user design options: there are over 100 finishes available, or customers can specify paint colors or even pictures on the top - all without adding significantly to delivery time because AxiomAir is manufactured in Canada. But what really makes AxiomAir a game-changer is what's on the inside - and how it can bring people together again to share an audio experience: "To me, what makes Axiom Audio speakers really great is that they don't sound like speakers," said Don Tapscott, one of the world's leading authorities on innovation, media and the economic and social impact of technology. "They sound like music."
AxiomAir is a groundbreaking wireless sound system that will enable listeners to break free of their single user portable speakers and share music for the first time. The high performance sound reproduction and design customization are unmatched in the industry. To get in on the ground floor, please visit the Kickstarter page. Learn more about Axiom Audio at http://www.axiomaudio.com.
About Axiom Audio
At Axiom, we have one passion: scientifically proven superior speaker design. We approach audio quality as a science, basing design on careful lab measurements and proven double-blind listening tests conducted in the Axiom listening room with a variety of listeners who do not know the price, brand or model of the speakers they are comparing. This results in speakers of extraordinary musical transparency and realism. Axiom is also committed to innovation, developing new products for a changing technology ecosystem. For more information, visit online at http://www.axiomaudio.com or contact us by phone at 1-888-352-9466.
SOURCE Axiom Audio
Axiom Audio
CONTACT: Jo Marini, 719.339.7722, jmarini@sspr.com
Greyhound Launches New Tool to Help Travelers Track Real-Time Location of Their Bus
BusTracker integrates GPS tracking of more than 1,200 buses for a better travel experience
DALLAS, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Greyhound, the largest provider of intercity bus transportation in North America, today announced the launch of BusTracker-- a new real-time GPS tracking system that allows customers to see where their bus is, and when it will arrive at their destination. Customers can access BusTracker from any device by visiting Greyhound.com and searching by schedule number, departure city or arrival city for updates. For those using a smartphone, BusTracker is now part of the Greyhound mobile app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Automatically updating every one to four minutes, BusTracker pulls data from three tracking systems installed on all of Greyhound's buses to provide the latest schedule status for customers.
The launch of BusTracker is the company's latest enhancement designed to improve and personalize Greyhound customers' experiences following a rollout of several transformational investments, including the completion of the company's fleet upgrade of more than 1,200 buses. All buses now feature modern amenities such as free onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, leather seats, extra legroom and access to OnTouch®, an onboard catalog of destination packages that allows customers to purchase tickets to theatrical events, popular attractions and ground transportation offers. Other features such as guaranteed seating and $1 fares on Greyhound Express routes have also reintroduced the brand as an affordable, modern travel option.
"We are dedicated to making our customers' experience with us as simple and as easy as possible. We are excited to launch a system that takes the uncertainty out of bus travel," said Andy Kaplinsky, chief commercial officer, Greyhound Lines, Inc. "With BusTracker, our customers can relax and enjoy their trip with bus status information at their fingertips."
In celebrating its 100(th) anniversary last year, Greyhound launched a multi-city Centennial Tour to broadly showcase its latest advancements. In order to continue this momentum, Greyhound continues to further develop its technology solutions and make improvements that will result in a better experience for travelers.
Taisys slimduet and StarHub to Target Tourists in Southeast Asia
SINGAPORE, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Having joined the slimduet alliance initiated by Taisys Technologies Co. Ltd., Singapore's second-largest info-communications company StarHub will start offering its mobile pre-paid services via slimduet®, Taisys' soft SIM over-the-air download platform, to Singapore visitors from 15 June 2015. A key business, financial and transport hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore welcomes about 1.2 million visitors monthly from around the world.
slimduet has won the trust of major mobile operators to build a solid foundation in the tourism telecom market. After Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, UK, US, Taiwan and Thailand, Singapore is the latest to have slimduet coverage.
StarHub's Assistant Vice President of Mobile Pre-paid Business, Tian Ung Ping says, "We are happy to announce our foray into the international mobile pre-paid distribution market in alliance with Taisys. Wherever they are in the world, slimduet users can pre-order a virtual StarHub pre-paid package on their phone and easily activate the service upon arrival to get connected on StarHub's advanced nationwide mobile network. This new, unmatched convenience will enhance the overall visitor experience for travellers, who in this digital age require connectivity on their phones for both work and play."
Taisys' Chairman Jason Ho says, "Our partnership with StarHub in Singapore is another significant milestone for soft SIM service deployment in the mobile society. The distribution of slimduet soft SIM strictly complies with government regulations applicable where we provide service. We welcome operators from all regions to join slimduet to offer telecommunications service without boundaries!"
To get started, users have to buy slimduet SIM sticker at http://www.slimduet.net/en/#shop, attach the sticker to existing SIM and purchase pre-paid packages offered by the mobile operators through the slimduet app. The slimduet SIM can be reused for future travel in countries with slimduet coverage.
For Singapore, the USD 14 pre-paid package powered by StarHub will come with SGD 18 credit for local talktime, SMS and data, free 100GB local data for five days and free IDD018 calls to 19 destinations. Activating the service can be done at StarHub authorized dealers in Changi Airport. Users can thereafter dial *123# to manage pre-paid account and buy additional voice and data plans.
Taisys slimduet and StarHub to Target Tourists in Southeast Asia
SINGAPORE, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Having joined the slimduet alliance initiated by Taisys Technologies Co. Ltd., Singapore's second-largest info-communications company StarHub will start offering its mobile pre-paid services via slimduet®, Taisys' soft SIM over-the-air download platform, to Singapore visitors from 15 June 2015. A key business, financial and transport hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore welcomes about 1.2 million visitors monthly from around the world.
slimduet has won the trust of major mobile operators to build a solid foundation in the tourism telecom market. After Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, UK, US, Taiwan and Thailand, Singapore is the latest to have slimduet coverage.
StarHub's Assistant Vice President of Mobile Pre-paid Business, Tian Ung Ping says, "We are happy to announce our foray into the international mobile pre-paid distribution market in alliance with Taisys. Wherever they are in the world, slimduet users can pre-order a virtual StarHub pre-paid package on their phone and easily activate the service upon arrival to get connected on StarHub's advanced nationwide mobile network. This new, unmatched convenience will enhance the overall visitor experience for travellers, who in this digital age require connectivity on their phones for both work and play."
Taisys' Chairman Jason Ho says, "Our partnership with StarHub in Singapore is another significant milestone for soft SIM service deployment in the mobile society. The distribution of slimduet soft SIM strictly complies with government regulations applicable where we provide service. We welcome operators from all regions to join slimduet to offer telecommunications service without boundaries!"
To get started, users have to buy slimduet SIM sticker at http://www.slimduet.net/en/#shop, attach the sticker to existing SIM and purchase pre-paid packages offered by the mobile operators through the slimduet app. The slimduet SIM can be reused for future travel in countries with slimduet coverage.
For Singapore, the USD 14 pre-paid package powered by StarHub will come with SGD 18 credit for local talktime, SMS and data, free 100GB local data for five days and free IDD018 calls to 19 destinations. Activating the service can be done at StarHub authorized dealers in Changi Airport. Users can thereafter dial *123# to manage pre-paid account and buy additional voice and data plans.
Alone in the Dark: Illumination(TM) Available Now on Steam
Horror Fans Can Download the PC Game for 14 Percent off with Launch Discount
NEW YORK, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Atari®, one of the world's most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today announced the launch of Alone in the Dark: Illumination(TM) for PC, available exclusively on Steam. To celebrate the launch, Alone in the Dark: Illumination will be on sale for 14 percent off, and will be priced at $29.99 through June 22, 2015.
When the forces of eldritch darkness take control of the township of Lorwich, Virginia, Ted Carnby and his supernatural investigators must harness the power of llumination to defeat hordes of shadow spawned demons. With a single-player and a multiplayer mode, this third-person action-horror game gives players the option to play with friends or Alone in the Dark®.
For a glimpse of the eldritch horrors plaguing Lorwich, watch the gameplay trailer: https://youtu.be/BhKDsimCHoE
In Alone in the Dark: Illumination, players must work their way through a desolate mining town while battling beasts from beyond madness, including Hell Hounds, Ghouls and Demons. These unnatural foes are only vulnerable when exposed to light sources, so players must strategically manage environmental light sources to defeat enemies. Devious environmental puzzles challenge players to utilize all available light sources and scarce resources as they progress deeper into the darkness.
Four character classes are available, each offering unique weapons and abilities. The heroes include the heavy weapon-wielding Hunter, the lightning-manipulating Witch, the divinely-empowered Priest, and the mechanically-inclined Engineer. Completing campaigns within the single-player mode unlocks additional heroes, which then become playable within both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Alone in the Dark: Illumination is the latest installment of the popular Alone in the Dark franchise, inspired by the writings of H.P. Lovecraft. Paying homage to the original 1992 title widely considered the "Father of the Survival-Horror Genre," two of the heroes in Alone in the Dark: Illumination are direct descendants of the two original playable characters.
"Alone in the Dark: Illumination combines mechanics from the survival, action, and horror genres to put a modern twist on the classic series," said Todd Shallbetter, Chief Operating Officer, Atari. "By adding the elements of illumination, weaponry, and a multiplayer mode, we're taking a completely new approach to the franchise while providing a more complex and engaging gameplay experience."
Steam Achievements and Trading Cards will also be available, as well as additional downloadable content following the launch. The game will be available in five languages including English, French, Italian, German and Spanish.
Alone in the Dark: Illumination is developed by PURE FPS. Fans can keep up with the game, including the latest updates on DLC content by visiting http://www.AITD.com, following Alone in the Dark: Illumination on Twitter at @AITDGame or Facebook at facebook.com/aloneinthedarkgame.
About Atari
Atari (http://www.atari.com) is an interactive entertainment production company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, Test Drive®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®.
About Pure FPS
Pure F.P.S. is a new game development studio whose current projects include Alone in the Dark: Illumination(TM), Nether and Nether: Arena. The team is composed of talent behind hit games such as Dead Island 2, Spec Ops: The line, Bioshock Infinite, Wolfenstein, Homefront, MLB 2K8, Stargate Resistance, Battlefield 2, Battlefield 2142, Forge and Depth as well as some of the founding members of Plastic Piranha.
- Out-of-this-world protection, optimized for Earth -
SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung GALAXY S6 goes further than ever before with out-of-this-world protection from LifeProof. Capture crystal clear memories in rough terrain, crashing waves and harsh conditions with FRE for GALAXY S6, available now.
Whether it's rappelling down a canyon wall, kayaking a rushing river or charging through single-track in the backcountry, LifeProof helps leave worry behind when taking technology along for the adventure. LifeProof FRE cases guard GALAXY S6 against frigid water, coarse sand, sticky mud and rough tumbles.
"You can take GALAXY S6 almost anywhere on earth with our four-proof protection," said LifeProof President and CEO Pete Lindgren. "The slim profile of FRE follows each device curve and works with every feature and function of GALAXY S6, allowing the adventure to continue past the water's edge or the trail's end."
FRE is LifeProof's original all-protective smartphone case. The thin GALAXY S6 waterproof case is equipped with a built-in scratch protector for total touchscreen defense. With GALAXY S6 built to capture every adventurous moment and track heart-racing descents, FRE works flawlessly with all features and functions, including the Fingerprint Sensor and Heart Rate Sensor.
FRE is equipped with an anti-reflective optical-glass lens cover and a Sound Enhancement System. Together, they ensure FRE for GALAXY S6 takes crisp pictures, captures vibrant videos and bumps rocking beats. Plus, this compact, form-fitting case complements the sleek shape of GALAXY S6, yet withstands drops up to 6 feet without compromise.
Make staying connected with GALAXY S6 even easier by pairing FRE with LIFEACTIV accessories. From the dashboard to the handlebars and anywhere in between, LIFEACTIV accessories mount GALAXY S6 where it can be used most on adventures with an easy to use QuickMount system.
FRE for GALAXY S6 is available now for $79.99 on lifeproof.com and at select retailers. Learn more on lifeproof.com.
LifeProof(®) encourages technology users to unleash the remarkable by taking their smartphone and tablet devices on every adventure regardless of dirt, sand, water, rocks and other environmental hazards. LifeProof premium cases boast four-proof protection for smartphone and tablet devices and provide freedom from environmental constraints. LifeProof is the No. 1-selling waterproof case in the U.S. and is committed to inspiring its customers to live an active, no-limits lifestyle.*
*Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service: Cell Phone Device Protection/Units Sold 4/2014 - 03/2015
The LifeProof name and LifeProof trademarks are the property of Treefrog Developments, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Global Fashion Icon Jourdan Dunn Unveils New HTC INK Handset
Supermodel reveals her body art-inspired HTC INK One M9
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC, a global leader in innovation and design, today unveiled its exclusive Limited EditionHTC One M9INK handset, created in collaboration with worldwide fashion icon and supermodel Jourdan Dunn.
Tapping into the fashion world's passion for body art, the HTC One M9 INK is the first of its kind and delivers a body art-inspired one off illustration which is engraved onto the back of the phone. The handset and first-look imagery of Jourdan, taken by leading fashion photographer Matt Irwin (Vogue Russia, Vogue Japan, Vogue UK, Vogue France, Dazed and Confused, i-D), were today revealed at a global launch event in London. A limited number of the handsets are available to buy for customers who register their interest at http://www.htc.com/US/ink.
Taking inspiration from the HTC One M9's brushed metal two tone finishes (gold on gold and silver on gold) the HTC INK design has also been recreated in temporary metallic body art, which Jourdan models in the Matt Irwin images, playing into this year's hottest fashion and beauty trend.
A ground-breaking star of international high fashion runways, advertising campaigns and magazines, with a personal love of body art, Jourdan worked in partnership with leading artist Cally-Jo, who was responsible for Rihanna's henna-style hand inking, to create the first ever HTC INK design. Using the 'language' of body art, the bespoke design is a unique expression of Jourdan's feelings about the new chapter in her career, her excitement over her new upcoming creative design projects, and being able to express her individual style through her partnership with HTC.
On the handset unveiling, Jourdan said: "Body art is an important part of my look and, as I don't go anywhere without my phone, it makes perfect sense to combine the two to create a uniquely personalized accessory. The opportunity to work with a brand that is famous for design and to put my own creative stamp onto a beautiful looking handset was something that really appealed, with the HTC One M9 INK really capturing my personality."
HTC's CEO Cher Wang said: "The way your smartphone looks is just as important to your personal style as your bag, jewelery and even your body art. HTC leads the way in inspiring innovative design to provide the ultimate experience in personalization, so we wanted to be the first brand to bring this level of individuality to our handsets. The HTC One M9 is our most beautiful handset yet and HTC INK reflects our commitment to best in class design by working with inspiringly creative people like Jourdan."
HTC INK is a Limited Edition campaign which sees bespoke celebrity body art designs engraved onto exclusive runs of HTC's family of premium HTC One handsets.
The newest flagship in the globally acclaimed HTC One family, the HTC One M9 is HTC's most personal, beautiful and powerful smartphone yet. A classic yet timeless celebration of beauty and elegance, it combines style, personalization and performance and, with a number of high-end features, is perfectly designed for those who aspire to a brilliant life.
Interpreting Jourdan Dunn's HTC INK design
The open hand and eye symbolise the need for protection and strength, while still being open and approachable in personality and style. The natural leaf-elements and patterns around the outside of each visual reflect the growth in creativity that she is feeling at this time, while the sun and moon together indicate balance and harmony in her character.
Beautifully outspoken, Jourdan's career has always defied the odds. She has fearlessly championed diversity within the fashion industry and recently won herself a British Vogue cover and Burberry contract - to add to her Maybelline contract, her cooking show Well Dunn with Jay Z's Life & Times, the coveted spot on Victoria's Secrets runway, and campaigns with CK, DKNY, Hilfiger, Balmain, YSL Beauty and TopShop. At 19 she had her son Riley. Now aged five, and diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anaemia, Jourdan has become an ambassador of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, lending her voice to raise awareness and funds for research.
About HTC
HTC Corporation aims to bring brilliance to life. As a global innovator in smart mobile devices and virtual reality technology, HTC has produced award-winning products and industry firsts since its inception in 1997, including the critically acclaimed HTC One and HTC Desire lines of smartphones. The pursuit of brilliance is at the heart of everything we do, inspiring best-in-class design and game-changing mobile experiences for consumers around the world. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). http://www.htc.com.
mPower Technologies Offers The Perfect Father's Day Gift. Special Promo Pricing with Free Shipping.
CLIFTON, N.J., Jun. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --mPower Technologies Inc. (http://mpowertech.com/), the consumer products subsidiary of mPhase Technologies, Inc. (XDSL), announced today that the company is promoting a special offer for delivery in time for Father's Day. The mPower Jump and the Mini Jump are available on the website at a special promotional price with free shipping!
It's a great gift idea for dads or a graduation gift for a college bound student. The product offers peace of mind knowing that the student won't be stranded with a dead battery, plus the Mini Jump has extra features to charge cell phones. Jumps and Mini's must be ordered by noon on Tuesday, June 16(th), to receive delivery in time for Father's Day if the product ships within the continental US. This is a limited time offer! Products can be found on the company's website http://www.jumpitnow.com
The mPower Jump, the original jumpstarter from the company, is on sale for $99.95 at checkout. The mPower MiniJump promotional price is $89.95 at checkout. Free shipping and handling for domestic orders.
The mPower Jump delivers an incredibly powerful, compact jumpstarting capability, powerful enough to jump a 12V battery with a 600A peak current. Yet, it's small enough to store in a compartment as small as a glove box.
The mPower Mini Jump is an amazingly powerful and versatile jumpstarter/multi-purpose charger for everyone. It's about the size of a smartphone, but powerful enough to jumpstart ATV's, snowmobiles, motorcycles, jet skis - even 4 and 6 cylinder cars. It will also charge your electronic devices like smartphones, tablets and cameras. The product is great for travelers, campers, boaters, golfers or anyone that needs to have the security of a powerful back-up battery.
Wholesale pricing is available for resellers and distributors. Those inquiries can be directed to dealer@mpowertech.com. To learn more about the full line of mPower products go to the company's website at http://www.jumpitnow.com.
Wherever you go, you're in charge.
About mPower Technologies
mPower Technologies Inc. is the wholly owned consumer products subsidiary of mPhase Technologies, Inc. More information about the company can be found at http://www.mpowertech.com.
About mPhase Technologies, Inc. mPhase Technologies Inc. (XDSL), is a publicly traded company pioneering a revolutionary Smart Surface technology enabled by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, MEMS processing and microfluidics. Our Smart Surface technology has potential applications within drug delivery systems, lab-on-a-chip analytic systems, self-cleaning systems, liquid and chemical sensor systems, and filtration systems. mPhase has pioneered its first Smart Surface enabled product, the mPhase Smart NanoBattery, still in development. More information about the company can be found at http://www.mPhaseTech.com.
Forward-Looking Statements. As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in technology and product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's SEC Filing. mPhase assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
Turtle Beach Corporation Reveals New Gaming Headsets For Electronic Entertainment Expo 2015
Turtle Beach's Market-Leading Lineup of Gaming Headsets Adds Third 100% Fully Wireless Model for Xbox One, a Groundbreaking Multiplatform Headset Featuring the Innovative EAR FORCE SuperAmp(TM) Battery Powered In-Line Amplifier, and an All-New Wireless PC Headset with Superhuman Hearing(TM) and DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound
Company Showcases Groundbreaking HyperSound Clear(TM) Hearing Healthcare Device Designed to Bring Joy Back to Home Entertainment for People with Hearing Loss
SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR), the leading-edge audio technology company and #1 in gaming audio, announced today a selection of new headsets for the latest gaming systems will be showcased at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles at Booth #1347 in the South Hall of the L.A. Convention Center from June 16-18, 2015.
In true Turtle Beach form, the Company's new lineup includes a variety of high-quality headsets that deliver the most immersive and competitive gaming experience, with a range of features and price points catering to gamers' varied desires and budgets. E3 attendees will be among the first to check out the EAR FORCE® Stealth 420X - the Company's third officially licensed 100% fully wireless gaming headset designed for Xbox One, the EAR FORCE PX24 multiplatform gaming headset that comes with Turtle Beach's innovative EAR FORCE SuperAmp(TM) battery powered in-line amplifier, and the EAR FORCE Stealth 450 wireless PC gaming headset with premium features like Superhuman Hearing(TM) and DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound. The Company's E3 lineup also includes new additions to its entry level EAR FORCE Recon series gaming headsets, each featuring a new lightweight and comfortable design and convenient in-line controls.
Additionally, Turtle Beach will be holding select demonstrations of its groundbreaking hearing healthcare device - HyperSound Clear(TM), which uses the Company's patented directional audio technology to deliver rich, 3D sound to the targeted listener to improve sound clarity and speech intelligibility for individuals with hearing loss - for a crisp, clear home entertainment listening experience when watching TV, listening to music and playing video games.
"2015 continues our trajectory of leadership in gaming headsets," said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Late last year we pioneered the category for fully wireless Xbox One gaming headsets with the launch of the Stealth 500X, which continues to be one of this year's best-sellers. We've now followed that up with our most pre-ordered wireless headset - the Elite 800X, and again with today's announcement of the Stealth 420X as our third fully wireless Xbox One headset with a suite of high-quality features for under $200."
Stark continued, "We're also unveiling eight new high-quality gaming headsets with innovative features like the PX24's SuperAmp that delivers powerful sound from any connected device and adds features like surround sound and our amazing Superhuman Hearing capability. And I can't wait for people to experience HyperSound Clear, which we believe will change the way people with hearing loss and their family and friends enjoy the latest home entertainment when it launches later this year. Whether you have or know somebody with hearing loss or simply love to see the latest groundbreaking technology, there's nothing else like it available and you have to hear it to believe it."
Show attendees who stop by Turtle Beach Corporation's E3 booth will be able to get a first look at the Company's new 2015 lineup of gaming headsets, which includes:
-- EAR FORCE Stealth 420X Wireless Xbox One Gaming Headset - The EAR FORCE
Stealth 420X is Turtle Beach's third 100% fully wireless officially
licensed gaming headset designed for Xbox One. The Stealth 420X is
completely wireless for both game and chat audio, meaning no wires to
the controller or Xbox One, and features booming 50mm speakers and an
updated headset design with perforated, synthetic leather-wrapped
ear-cups for added comfort. The Stealth 420X includes an adjustable and
removable high-sensitivity boom mic with Mic Monitoring and separate
game and chat audio volume controls. Additionally, the Stealth 420X
comes with four Turtle Beach audio presets and a rechargeable battery
delivering up to 15 hours of use for those long Xbox One gaming
sessions. The EAR FORCE Stealth 420X is planned to launch July 18, 2015
for a MSRP of $179.95, and will be available for pre-order starting
later today at http://www.turtlebeach.com.
-- EAR FORCE PX24 Amplified Multiplatform Gaming Headset - Built on Turtle
Beach's best-selling X12 and PX22 headset design, the EAR FORCE PX24 is
a multiplatform gaming headset for PlayStation 4, Xbox One(1), PC, Mac
and mobile/tablet devices, and features Turtle Beach's all-new,
innovative EAR FORCE SuperAmp battery powered in-line amplifier that
delivers crisp highs and thundering lows to the PX24's 50mm speakers.
The SuperAmp also includes convenient fingertip controls allowing
listeners to tune the headset to their preferred gaming platform, and
provides audio enhancements like Superhuman Hearing, Variable Bass
Boost, Turtle Beach Virtual Surround Sound and Variable Mic Monitoring.
The PX24 also features an adjustable, high-sensitivity boom mic. The EAR
FORCE PX24 is planned to launch later this year for a MSRP of $79.95.
-- EAR FORCE Stealth 450 Wireless Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset - A 100%
fully wireless PC gaming headset with large 50mm speakers, the EAR FORCE
Stealth 450 features DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound and custom DTS
Surround Sound modes combined with four Turtle Beach audio presets to
further immerse fans in their favorite games, movies and music. The
Stealth 450 also includes Superhuman Hearing, which gives players the
competitive advantage of hearing enemies before they come into view, as
well as Variable Mic Monitoring, an adjustable high-sensitivity boom mic
that can be removed when watching movies and listening to music, and a
rechargeable battery delivering up to 15 hours of use. The EAR FORCE
Stealth 450 is planned to launch later this year for a MSRP of $129.95.
-- EAR FORCE Recon 60P Gaming Headset - An amplified digital stereo headset
for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation®3, the EAR FORCE Recon 60P plugs
directly into an available USB port to deliver amazing sound and Mic
Monitoring, and features 40mm speakers and a brand new over-ear design
for added comfort. The Recon 60P comes with an adjustable and removable
high-sensitivity boom mic, plus convenient in-line Volume and Mic Mute
controls, and is multiplatform compatible(2) for Xbox One(1), PC, Mac
and mobile/tablet devices in addition to the PS4(TM) and PS3(TM). The
EAR FORCE Recon 60P is planned to launch later this year for a MSRP of
$49.95.
-- EAR FORCE Recon 50 / Recon 50X / Recon 50P Gaming Headsets - The EAR
FORCE Recon 50 series gaming headsets are multiplatform compatible for
PC and Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and mobile/tablet devices, and
feature a brand new, lightweight over-ear design with 40mm speakers
built for great sound and extended comfort. The Recon 50/50X/50P comes
with an adjustable and removable high-sensitivity boom mic and
convenient in-line controls for Volume and Mic Muting. The Recon 50 also
includes a PC-Y adapter(3) for universal PC, Mac and mobile/tablet
compatibility. The EAR FORCE Recon 50, EAR FORCE Recon 50X and EAR FORCE
Recon 50P gaming headsets are planned to launch later this year for a
MSRP of $39.95.
-- EAR FORCE Recon 30X Chat Headset - Featuring an original, innovative
slotted ear-cup design, Turtle Beach's EAR FORCE Recon 30X is an
officially licensed chat headset for Xbox One, and also works with
PlayStation 4, PC, Mac and mobile/tablet devices. The Recon 30X comes
with convenient in-line Volume and Mic Mute controls, and features a
single 40mm over-ear speaker with a unique, slotted design enabling
players to hear game audio with both ears for a much better audio
experience. The EAR FORCE Recon 30X is planned to launch later this year
for a MSRP of $24.95.
In addition to its all-new lineup of gaming headsets, Turtle Beach Corporation will also be showing its groundbreaking HyperSound Clear hearing healthcare device. HyperSound technology is a fundamentally new approach to sound delivery that utilizes thin panels to generate an ultrasound beam that carries audio through the air. The panels direct sound in a narrow, controlled beam; much the way a flashlight directs a beam of light. When an individual enters the beam, they hear immersive 3D audio, similar to wearing a surround sound headset. HyperSound Clear speakers have been shown to improve sound clarity and speech intelligibility in individuals with hearing loss. Researchers estimate that one in five Americans, and one in three people over age 65, suffer from hearing loss. Impacting over 48 million Americans, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States. An estimated 360 million people worldwide suffer from some form of hearing loss, and HyperSound Clear is on the verge of offering a new way for people with hearing loss to once again enjoy home entertainment.
For more information on the latest Turtle Beach gaming headsets and accessories, visit http://www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information on HyperSound, please visit http://www.hypersoundhearing.com.
About Turtle Beach Corporation
Turtle Beach Corporation (http://www.turtlebeachcorp.com) designs leading-edge audio products for the consumer, commercial and healthcare markets. Under the Turtle Beach brand (http://www.turtlebeach.com), the Company markets a wide selection of quality gaming headsets catering to a variety of gamers' needs and budgets, for use with video game consoles, including officially-licensed headsets for the Xbox One and PlayStation®4, as well as for personal computers and mobile/tablet devices. Under the HyperSound brand (http://www.hypersound.com), the Company markets pioneering directed audio solutions that have applications in digital signage and kiosks, consumer electronics and healthcare. The company's shares are traded on the NASDAQ Exchange under the symbol: HEAR.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. Forward looking statements are based on management's statements containing the words "may", "could", "would", "should", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "target", "project", "intend" and similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current belief, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management.
While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that its goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company or on its behalf. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the substantial uncertainties inherent in acceptance of existing and future products, the difficulty of commercializing and protecting new technology, the impact of competitive products and pricing, general business and economic conditions, risks associated with the expansion of our business including the implementation of any businesses we acquire, our indebtedness, and other factors discussed in our public filings, including the risk factors included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's other periodic reports. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company any is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this release whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
(1)Compatible out-of-the-box with the new Xbox One controller with the 3.5mm headset jack. Other Xbox One controllers require the EAR FORCE® Headset Audio Controller (sold separately).
(2)EAR FORCE Recon 60P only provides amplified audio and Mic Monitoring when connected to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 via USB. Audio is passive (not amplified) and Mic Monitoring is not available when connected to other devices via 3.5mm jack.
(3)EAR FORCE Recon 50 includes PC-Y Adapter for universal PC, Mac and mobile/tablet compatibility. PC-Y Adapter not included with EAR FORCE Recon 50P and EAR FORCE Recon 50X.
Atari® Celebrates LGBT Pride Month, Debuts Upcoming Mobile and Tablet Game Pridefest(TM) at NYC Pride and Flame Con
Atari Joins Millions of LGBT Community Members and Allies in Support of LGBT Pride Month, Showcases New Pridefest Game to Consumers for the First Time at NYC Pride and Flame Con
NEW YORK, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Atari®, one of the world's most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today joined the greater LGBTQ community and millions of allies in celebrating LGBT Pride Month by supporting two of New York's most vibrant events of the month, NYC Pride and Flame Con. These two events will serve as the platform to debut Pridefest(TM), Atari's upcoming mobile and tablet game that celebrates LGBTQ equality, and showcase the yet-to-be-released game to consumers for the first time. Coming soon to the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and Android devices, Pridefest is a social-sim game that empowers players to design and launch their very own personalized pride parade, connect with friends, create social clubs and more.
"With NYC Pride's more than 30 year history of organizing pride events in New York and Flame Con bringing the first LGBTQ comic convention to Brooklyn, we couldn't have asked for two better events to put our support behind and show our Pridefest game at for the first time," said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari Inc. "We've been working hard to make Pridefest a genuinely fun game for everyone and we look forward to hearing feedback from our fans."
For fans interested in getting a first look at Pridefest, visit the Atari booth at Flame Con and NYC Pride:
Event: Flame Con NYC Pride March
When: Saturday, June 13, 2015 Sunday, June 28, 2015
Time: 12:00-6:00pm ET 12:00pm-6:00pm ET
Location: Grand Prospect Hall Hudson and Abingdon
Square St.
Booth #G12 Booth #A10
Brooklyn, NY New York City, NY
New York City Pride events are hosted by Heritage of Pride, which works toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. They do this by producing LGBT Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate the diverse LGBT community.
"We are proud to partner with an iconic brand like Atari at NYC Pride this year," said Chris Frederick, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of NYC Pride. "Our theme for this year is 'Complete the Dream' and having a company like Atari on board embodies the celebratory, dynamic environment we strive to create at our Pride events in New York which attract 2 million annually."
Flame Con is a one-day comics, arts, and entertainment expo showcasing creators and celebrities from all corners of the LGBT geek fandom, including comics, video games, film, and television.
"Geeks OUT is thrilled to have Atari's support for Flame Con. It's so great to see a legendary gaming company like Atari offering support for the LGBTQ community and picking Flame Con as a space to debut Pridefest," said Joey Stern, President of Geeks OUT. "We've always wanted Flame Con to be a space for members of our community to experience new forms of Queer Art and with this game, Atari is helping us deliver on that goal."
For fans who are unable to attend NYC Pride or Flame Con, be sure to follow @PridefestGame on Twitter, like Pridefest on Facebook at Facebook.com/PridefestGame, and sign up to receive the latest news and updates at PridefestGame.com.
About Atari
Atari (http://www.atari.com) is an interactive entertainment production company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, Test Drive®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®.
Sharp Announces New Premium-Grade And Value-Priced AQUOS BOARD Interactive Display Systems
Sharp's Best-Selling AQUOS BOARD(TM) displays offer effortless communication and collaboration for every budget
MAHWAH, N.J., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), proudly announces the upcoming release of two new AQUOS BOARD(TM) interactive display systems, the premium-grade 80" Class (80" diagonal) PN-L803C and the value-priced 70" Class (69.5" diagonal) PN-C703B.
"Sharp has expanded the best-selling AQUOS BOARD display line to meet the changing needs of education and business environments," said Gary Bailer, director of product management, Information Display Products. "Designed for every budget in mind, Sharp AQUOS BOARD interactive displays foster smooth and effortless collaboration in a wide variety of settings."
A Premium Touchscreen Experience
Sporting a thin, lightweight and stylish design featuring edge-to-edge glass and multi-board functionality, the premium-grade 80" Class PN-L803C display employs Sharp capacitive touch technology--virtually eliminating latency, making the interface so intuitive and responsive that it feels like writing on a conventional whiteboard in real time!
Up to three PN-L803C displays can be connected and used to display sequential pages that can be navigated by swiping side to side. With the Multi Board function, meeting participants are better able to grasp the overall flow of a presentation. It supports installation of a Web camera in any one of seven positions, giving users the flexibility to find the optimal setup to match your room layout and seating arrangements.
Sharp Touch Viewer is a touch-operated onscreen user interface that lets you easily manipulate different types of files, including Microsoft(®) Office applications, videos, and Web pages. Being able to simultaneously open and handle a variety of file types allows you to have more active meetings.
Bundled with two wireless touch pens, the PN-L803C display lets you capture ideas at the moment of creation. Recognizing up to 10 touch points, it allows up to four people to write at the same time with a finger or touch pen. Each pen boasts a thin 3.5 mm tip that makes it easier to add detailed notes that remain legible when printed out.
The 80" Class PN-L803C comes with a limited on-site commercial three-year warranty, and is expected to ship in August.
A Value-Priced Collaboration Platform
Targeting customers with limited budgets and big ideas, the Sharp 70" Class (69.5" diagonal) PN-C703B display provides a flexible and cost-effective platform to boost collaboration and enhance the impact of lessons, meetings or presentations. Even in bright K-12 classrooms, text and images are displayed clearly due to anti-glare coating, allowing for greater engagement during presentations. The open platform architecture of the PN-C703B display enables cross-platform compatibility with third-party applications, allowing students to capitalize on the adoption of Bring Your Own Device strategies.
This large, full-HD, touchscreen monitor lets users display and manipulate a variety of information with ease and precision. Smart and convenient, Sharp Pen Software(TM) opens up new possibilities for brainstorming and sharing information in real time by recognizing up to six touch points and letting two people write on the screen at the same time.
Utilizing Touch Display Link 2.0 technology, the PN-C703B supports effective and multifaceted communication enabling onscreen content to be viewed simultaneously on the AQUOS BOARD display and mobile devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones.
The 70" Class PN-C703B comes with a limited on-site commercial three-year warranty, and is expected to ship in July.
About Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Through U.S. B2B sales channels, Sharp is one of the top selling brands of Large Format Displays (55"+) and is the #1 selling brand of Large Format Commercial Displays integrated with Touch (55"+). Sharp's professional and commercial displays are specially engineered for business applications and are offered in a wide range of sizes. From high-impact displays for digital signage, to our award-winning ultra-thin bezel video walls, to the innovative AQUOS BOARD(TM) interactive display systems, Sharp products help you communicate, collaborate and disseminate information brilliantly.
*According to Monthly Large Format Commercial Displays Report by DisplaySearch (now part of IHS), April 2015.
For more information on Sharp's business products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, 1 Sharp Plaza, Suite 1, Mahwah, N.J., 07495-1163. For online product information, visit our web site at http://siica.sharpusa.com.
Become a fan of SIICA on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.
CONTACT:
Sarah Sanzari
Peppercomm for Sharp
212.931.6175
SSanzari@peppercomm.com
SOURCE Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Photo:https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150610/222277 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130611/NY28638LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Airwheel Set to Release New Intelligent Electric Self-Balancing Scooter Designs on June 18
CHANGZHOU, China, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To promote consciousness of the global environment and to improve government attention to environmental issues, the United Nations established June 5 as World Environment Day. Environmental protection is something that affects us all and, as one of the greenest modes of transport available, Airwheel's intelligent electric self-balancing scooter now highlights the company's commitment to environmental protection.
Airwheel always devotes itself to promoting green transport. The self-balancing electric scooter is small and fashionable, which makes it a convenient mode of transport that can be taken anywhere. On average, the Airwheel self-balancing scooter uses 1kWh of electricity every 100 kilometers, tieing in with the theme of World Environment Day.
Airwheel recently announced that it will release new products on June 18. But what will the new products look like? Single-wheeled, twin-wheeled, two-wheeled or three-wheeled? In order to supply stronger power and more stable range, they must adopt a more advanced and higher-end motor. Meanwhile, the aerospace attitude control theory, fuzzy software algorithm and gyroscope system will still be put to use so as to realize self-balancing. So far, the operation of all Airwheel intelligent self-balancing scooters has been through either leaning the body forward or back.
While the new products may have innovations in these areas, the CPU may be upgraded further, which will monitor data in real time and accurately, safety will also be upgraded and the threefold protections, including speed limit protection, low battery protection and tilting protection, may have more accurate limits.
Besides comprehensive upgrades of performance, style and appearance may be improved too, including a more elaborate decorative design. The latest Airwheel designs will revealed on June 18 and are set to cause a big stir in Changzhou.
Uncompromising reliability, unyielding data protection
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Synology® America Corp. today announced the RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas, high-availability server solution featuring massive scalability, superior performance, and point-in-time data backup for small- and medium-sized businesses seeking enterprise solutions.
"For today's businesses, maintaining server uptime is the key to ensuring maximum productivity and minimized costs. The high-availability cluster design of RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas is the ideal storage solution for enterprises that want nonstop business continuity, scalability, and comprehensive data protection tools," said Michael Wang, Product Manager at Synology Inc.
The RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas are designed to work as a high-availability cluster - requiring two RC18015xs+ and at least one RXD1215sas expansion unit. The units are $3,999.99 and $3,499.99 respectively. With two RC18015xs+ and at least one RXD1215sas expansion unit, the price totals under $12,000. Together, the system delivers state-of-the-art features including:
-- High-availability cluster design: By combining two computing servers and
multiple storage units into a single high-availability cluster,
RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas deliver unyielding reliability and data
availability. With the active/passive structure, services are
automatically switched over to one server if the other unexpectedly goes
offline.
-- Massive scalability up to 180 drives/1PB with RXD1215sas: Up to 15
RXD1215sas can be connected to the dual RC18015xs+ computing nodes,
accommodating massive scalability up to 180 drives and maximum raw
storage beyond 1PB.
-- Snapshot technology brings point-in-time data recovery: RC18015xs+
brings snapshot technology, allowing businesses to automatically capture
point-in-time copies of data as frequently as every five minutes without
occupying system resources. Admin can also customize the retention
policy to save up to 256 hourly, daily, or weekly recovery points.
-- Next generation storage efficiency: By using the Btrfs file system; the
RC18015xs+ brings quota control for: shared folders, user accounts, and
a built-in data integrity check.
In addition to the above features, the RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas offers superior performance of more than 2,270 MB/s throughput; 355,400 IOPS; 8GB ECC RAM (upgradeable up to 32GB); and one PCI Express 3.0 with 8 slots for the installation of a 10GbE network interface card (NIC). Also, redundant hardware mechanisms -- such as SAS modules, SAS connection cables, and power supply units --eliminate single points of failure.
The RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas are backed by Synology's 5-year warranty. RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas are powered by DiskStation Manager (DSM), the most advanced and intuitive web-based operating system for network-attached storage, providing a host of applications to bring better productivity to work. Synology was voted as "PC Mag Business Choice Award winner" and received the highest rating in every element of the survey, including reliability, overall satisfaction, value, and likelihood to recommend. Synology also earned: InfoWorld's Technology of the Year Award, The Computex Best Choice Golden Award, and Tom's Hardware's Best of Computex 2015. For more information, please visit https://www.synology.com/products/RC18015xs+
Availability
Synology RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas are now shipping globally. Please Note: RC18015xs+ and RXD1215sas are designed to work as a high-availability cluster. Two RC18015xs+ and at least one RXD1215sas expansion unit are required to operate normally. The units are $3,999.99 and $3,499.99 respectively.
Synology at a Glance
Synology creates network-attached storage and IP surveillance solutions that transform the way users manage data and conduct surveillance in the cloud era. By taking full advantage of the latest technologies, Synology aims to help users centralize data storage and backup, share files on the go, and implement professional surveillance solutions in reliable and affordable ways. Synology is committed to delivering products with forward-thinking features and the best in class customer services.
Synaptics Reaches Major Milestone with 200 Million Fingerprint Sensors Shipped
Continued Momentum of Natural ID Solutions Demonstrates Clear Leadership in Biometrics Market
SAN JOSE, Calif., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaptics Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNA), the leading developer of human interface solutions, today announced that it has surpassed 200 million units shipped of its industry-leading Natural ID(TM) fingerprint authentication solutions. Driven by increased adoption of biometric technologies for smartphones, tablets, notebooks and PC peripherals, Synaptics' innovative solutions combine unmatched security and authentication technology while delivering the best consumer user experience.
According to industry analysts, the global market for biometric solutions is expected to reach nearly $25 billion by 2020. Over the past year, Synaptics(®) has capitalized on this explosive growth, bringing new fingerprint ID technologies for mobile and emerging applications that require the increased convenience and security of biometrics. As the market share leader today in fingerprint authentication, Synaptics will continue to innovate in new applications and fast growing Asian markets.
Recent Milestones:
-- Company's First Natural ID Area Sensor: Simplifies the fingerprint ID
user experience with a single touch gesture, enabling even more
streamlined authentication.
-- Introduced Slim Slide Fingerprint Sensor: New implementation of
fingerprint ID technology featuring a swipe sensor thin enough to be
implemented on the side of a thin mobile device.
-- SecurePad(TM) Offers New Biometric User Experience for Notebook PCs:
First fingerprint ID solution to be integrated directly into a Synaptics
TouchPad.
-- Industry First Fingerprint ID Solution for Desktop Mouse: Turnkey
solution providing mouse and keyboard peripheral OEMs and ODMs the
ability to integrate biometric technology.
"As a result of the hard work and dedication from each and every member of the Synaptics team, we have been able to innovate and expand our biometrics portfolio to a level that is unmatched, and shipping 200 million units of our fingerprint ID solutions is a testament to our leadership," said Ritu Favre, senior vice president and general manager, Biometric Products Division (BPD), Synaptics. "We look forward to introducing new biometric solutions that will drive increased adoption throughout a highly secure and password-free ecosystem."
About Synaptics
Synaptics is the pioneer and leader of the human interface revolution, bringing innovative and intuitive user experiences to intelligent devices. Synaptics' broad portfolio of touch, display, and biometrics products is built on the company's rich R&D and supply chain capabilities. With solutions designed for mobile, PC and automotive industries, Synaptics combines ease of use, functionality and aesthetics to enable products that help make our digital lives more productive, secure and enjoyable. (NASDAQ: SYNA) http://www.synaptics.com.
Follow Synaptics on Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit synaptics.com.
Synaptics, Natural ID, SmartBar and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
'Summer-Proof' Your Snapshots with Polaroid 18 MP Waterproof Digital Camera
-- Dustproof, Shockproof, Waterproof & Even Foodproof for Fun in the Sun
COVENTRY, England, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Let's face it: no one wants to take a pricey camera to the beach, swimming pool, family picnic, campground or on any other summer outings where water, sand, food, spilled drinks and all manner of other indignities lurk at every turn. Enter the new Polaroid IE090 18 MP waterproof digital camera. At just £55.00 it's not only summer-priced but also summer-proofed against assaults from nature and humans alike.
Drop it in the dirt? In the lake? In a bowl of coleslaw? Get it wet while you're canoeing or caught in the rain? No worries - just wash it off and keep snapping away.
This newest entry in the Polaroid pantheon is shockproof, dustproof and waterproof up to 3 meters. That means you can take pictures of your kids underwater, the coral you're snorkeling by, or yourself clowning around in the pool. It also features:
-- High-resolution 18 MP image capture
-- A 4x digital zoom
-- A 2.7" rear LCD display for framing images and a 1.8" front display for
snapping selfies
-- A built-in flash
-- VGA and QVGA video recording with sound
-- A Micro SD card slot (8 GB Micro SD card included)
Availability
In the UK, the Polaroid IE090 18 MP waterproof digital camera is available at Dixons, Asda, Staples, Argos, QVC and Office Depot. In France, it is sold in Boulanger, FNAC and Darty stores for â¬70.00.
About Sakar International
Sakar International, Inc. is a leading provider of consumer electronics and accessories. With a rich heritage of technology innovation since 1977, Sakar has developed a global presence by consistently evolving alongside technology to develop on-trend, cutting-edge products. Sakar licenses over 40 major entertainment and corporate brands and has maintained a diverse portfolio of product offerings, including digital cameras, video recorders, karaoke machines and small appliances, along with audio, tablet, camera, smartphone and computer accessories. Sakar is also the parent company to Vivitar, a full-spectrum consumer tech company specializing in the production of tablets, cameras, camcorders, mobile accessories, and health and wellness products. Sakar is headquartered in Edison, NJ, with additional offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Hong Kong and China. For more information, visit http://www.sakar.com.
About The Polaroid Brand
Polaroid is one of the world's most trusted, well-respected and recognizable brands. It features a rich, 75-year history that began with Polaroid instant film. Our range of products include instant and digital still cameras, high-definition and mountable sports video cameras, tablets and flat-screen TVs that deliver the fun, instant gratification and value that the brand has long stood for. Today, the Polaroid Classic Border Logo, rooted in our beginnings of instant photo sharing, serves to designate genuine Polaroid-branded products. For more information, visit Polaroid.com.
Polaroid, Polaroid & Pixel, Polaroid Color Spectrum and Polaroid Classic Border Logo are trademarks of PLR IP Holdings, LLC, used under license.
CEVA Unveils Wi-Fi IP Platforms to Enable a Broad Range of Connected Devices
Feature-rich RivieraWaves Wi-Fi IPs seamlessly enable low power 802.11 compliant connectivity in SoC designs targeting smartphones, wearables, consumer electronics, smart home, industrial and automotive applications
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --CEVA, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEVA), the leading licensor of DSP and IP platforms for cellular, multimedia and connectivity, today unveiled its RivieraWaves Wi-Fi IP platforms addressing the growing need to integrate Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac into a new class of System-on-Chips (SoCs) targeting a broad range of connected devices that comprise the Internet of Things (IoT). The RivieraWaves Wi-Fi IP platforms support a host of advanced features, including Beam Forming, Multi-User MIMO (Wave 2), Space-Time Block Code (STBC), Low Density Parity Check (LDPC), Dynamic Bandwidth Management, Wi-Fi Direct and WAPI.
Each of the RivieraWaves Wi-Fi platforms is specifically tailored to address differing market requirements:
-- RivieraWaves Sense - the industry's smallest footprint and lowest power
802.11n (802.11ah on the horizon) Wi-Fi IP targeting wearables, medical,
wireless audio and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Leveraging on
RivieraWaves low power design methodology, RivieraWaves Sense enabled
devices are capable of operating for years on a single AA battery.
-- RivieraWaves Surf - high bandwidth 802.11ac 1x1 and 2x2 Wi-Fi IPs aimed
at a vast array of smart consumer devices including smartphones,
tablets, the smart home, surveillance cameras and more. Leveraging
RivieraWaves Surf, customers can design a complete 802.11ac 1x1 solution
that consumes less power than any Wi-Fi 802.11n solution from
competition.
-- RivieraWaves Stream - highest performance 802.11ac up to 4x4, addressing
the most advanced use cases including access points, media gateways and
Wi-Fi offload in small cells. Enabled by the processing power of the
CEVA-XC DSP, RivieraWaves Stream is scalable to address up to several
hundreds of users and offers a unified platform for co-existence with
LTE/LTE-A cellular networks. RivieraWaves Stream allows customers to
design a complete 802.11ac 4x4 solution that consumes less than 3.5W
peak including RF and PA.
Aviv Malinovitch, vice president and general manager of CEVA's Connectivity business unit, stated: "Our RivieraWaves Wi-Fi IPs substantially reduce the entry barrier for customers requiring leading-edge 802.11 connectivity in their SoC designs. We have already signed up customers for all three platforms, taking advantage of our hardware and software integration and system expertize to develop low power Wi-Fi enabled products, quickly and efficiently."
Each of the RivieraWaves Wi-Fi platforms incorporates the Upper MAC (UMAC), Lower MAC (LMAC) and PHY modem functions. For ease of deployment, the UMAC and LMAC software stacks are processor and operating system agnostic. The modem can be provided either as a hardwired function or as a software defined modem (SDM). The hardwired modem implementation is fully optimized for minimal die area and extremely low power consumption, resulting in a truly cost-effective Wi-Fi solution for any connected device. The software defined modem flavor provides the extra flexibility required in some multi-protocol connected devices and leverages the comprehensive portfolio of CEVA DSP cores and software to create an application-specific solution matched to the customer's requirements.
The RivieraWaves Wi-Fi platforms incorporate a flexible RF interface to accommodate each customer's selected RF solution. In addition, CEVA has partnered with RF IP providers including, Catena, Maxscend and others to offer low power RF solutions that are fully validated with the Wi-Fi platforms. These RF IPs are available in a number of different foundries and process nodes, offering customers a broad choice of RF options for their specific requirements.
For customers also requiring Bluetooth connectivity, RivieraWaves Bluetooth 4.2 IP can be seamlessly integrated, along with a smart co-existence interface which handles Wi-Fi/Bluetooth traffic arbitration to avoid interference, further simplifying the overall system design.
For more information on RivieraWaves Wi-Fi IP platforms, go to launch.ceva-dsp.com/wi-fi
About CEVA, Inc.
CEVA is the leading licensor of cellular, multimedia and connectivity technologies to semiconductor companies and OEMs serving the mobile, consumer, automotive and IoT markets. Our DSP IP portfolio includes comprehensive platforms for multimode 2G/3G/LTE/LTE-A baseband processing in terminals and infrastructure, computer vision and computational photography for any camera-enabled device, audio/voice/speech and ultra-low power always-on/sensing applications for multiple IoT markets. For connectivity, we offer the industry's most widely adopted IPs for Bluetooth (Smart and Smart Ready), Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac up to 4x4) and serial storage (SATA and SAS). One in every three phones sold worldwide is powered by CEVA, from many of the world's leading OEMs including Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Lenovo, HTC, LG, Coolpad, ZTE, Micromax and Meizu. Visit us at http://www.ceva-dsp.com and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Bosch Sensortec: 10 Years of MEMS Sensors Innovation
From start-up to leading global supplier of MEMS sensors for consumer electronics
STUTTGART, Germany, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Innovation enabling new consumer electronics applications
Extending its product offering towards environmental and smart sensor systems
MEMS sensors are a key technology for the connected world
Ten years after its foundation as a start-up, Bosch Sensortec has achieved the
position of the leading global provider of innovative MEMS-based sensors and solutions in
the consumer electronics market. Its products enable new applications and innovative
solutions across consumer electronics, as well as in areas such as wearables and the
Internet of Things (IoT).
Today, three out of four smart phones worldwide use Bosch Sensortec sensors. Bosch
Sensortec is part of the Robert Bosch GmbH, the world-leading supplier of MEMS sensors,
with 20 years of high volume MEMS production and a position at the forefront of MEMS
innovation continuously driving miniaturization, intelligent sensor integration and the
development of new measurands. Thanks to the success of Bosch Sensortec, 75 percent of all
Bosch MEMS sensors are now used in consumer electronics.
Bosch Sensortec a pioneer for the CE market
Bosch Sensortec provides inertial motion sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes,
geomagnetic sensors and integrated combinations of these. In addition, Bosch Sensortec is
the market leader in the environmental consumer sensor space, providing barometric
pressure sensors, humidity sensors and - as announced recently - integrated indoor air
quality sensors.
Bosch Sensortec also extends its product offering towards intelligent sensor system
solutions. In one recent example, Bosch Sensortec has launched two new sensors with an
integrated "Fuser Core" for sensor data fusion in Android smart phones and wearable
devices. These new sensor hubs significantly reduce power consumption for always-on sensor
applications such as fitness tracking, indoor navigation and gesture recognition, helping
OEMs to be more competitive and improving the end user experience. Bosch Sensortec's
highly precise inertial sensors also facilitate upcoming advanced applications like
virtual and augmented reality.
"Bosch's unparalleled experience and skill in MEMS processing enable Bosch Sensortec
to develop innovative products that differentiate us from our competitors," said Dr.
Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO and General Manager, Bosch Sensortec. "Bosch Sensortec is a
pioneer, successfully making the link between Bosch's automotive heritage and the needs of
the fast-moving consumer electronics world."
Since 1995, Bosch has delivered more than 5 billion MEMS sensors, which have enabled
consumers to lead convenient, efficient and secure lives. Currently, more than 4 million
MEMS sensors per day are shipped from Bosch's state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facility
in Reutlingen, Germany.
The Bosch group provides sensors for a wide range of automotive and consumer
electronics applications, as well as MEMS microphones from its Akustica subsidiary. It
holds more than 1,000 patents and patent applications related to MEMS technology.
Statements from industry analysts
"Among the ten biggest MEMS companies, Bosch has become a real titan," said
Jean-Christophe Eloy, President & CEO, Yole Developpement. "It is today the only MEMS
company that is taking full manufacturing, engineering and commercial advantage of its
positioning in dual markets, automotive and consumer. The creation of Bosch Sensortec in
2005 has provided the Bosch group with an incredible competitive advantage and has
propelled the company to first place, with its total MEMS market size worth $1.2 billion,
50% higher than its closest competitor, and an incredible growth momentum."
"In 2005, Bosch created Bosch Sensortec to go after the consumer MEMS market. When
Bosch became the top manufacturer of MEMS sensors and actuators in 2013, and making
history in the process as the first company to reach $1 billion in market revenue, most of
the growth came from Bosch Sensortec," said Jeremie Bouchaud, Senior Director, MEMS &
Sensors at IHS. "Bosch reinforced its leadership in the MEMS industry in 2014, where the
company alone held 12% of the very fragmented MEMS market. It is clear that Bosch's bet on
consumer applications paid off as this segment accounted for a third of Bosch's total MEMS
revenue in 2014."
Bosch Sensortec GmbH is a fully owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, dedicated to
the consumer electronics world offering a complete portfolio of micro-electro mechanical
systems (MEMS) sensors and solutions that enable mobile devices to feel and sense the
world around them. Bosch Sensortec develops and markets a wide portfolio of MEMS sensors
and solutions for smart phones, tablets, wearable devices and IoT (Internet of Things)
applications.
The product portfolio includes 3-axis acceleration, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensors,
integrated 6- and 9-axis as well as environmental sensors and a comprehensive software
portfolio. Since its foundation in 2005 Bosch Sensortec emerged as the technology leader
in the addressed markets. The Bosch Group has been the global market leader for MEMS
sensors since 1998 and has to date sold more than 5 billion MEMS sensors.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs
roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per April 1, 2015). The company generated salesof
49 billion euros in 2014.* Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility
Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.
The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary andregional
companies in some 60 countries. Including its sales and service partners, Bosch is
represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales
network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600
patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to create solutions for a
connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that
are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented
for life."
*The sales figure disclosed for 2014 does not include the former joint ventures BSH
Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH (now BSH Hausgerate GmbH) and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (now
Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH), which have since been taken over completely.
Contact: Tina Horstmann, phone: +49-7121-35-35924
Contact person for press inquiries: Christian Hoenicke, phone: +49-711-811-6285
Entrepreneurs, Developers, Startuppers... Over to You!
PARIS, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
The deployment of the Frogans technology on the Internet continues with the opening on
June 15, 2015 - 12:00 UTC of the priority registration period for entrepreneurs who would
like to build an initiative based on the Frogans technology.
From this date, anyone can register a dedicated Frogans network with a name they
choose (e.g. a generic name, a geographic name, a community name, a brand, etc.) which
they will be able to use later on to operate Frogans sites, a new type of site on the
Internet. The priority registration period for entrepreneurs is expected to last 4 months.
Frogans sites are a new space for universal, secure and open publishing. They
stimulate ideas for new uses for the publishing of content on the Internet.
Comparable to domain names which give access to Web sites, Frogans sites can only be
accessed by
means of a Frogans address. These addresses are simple and easy to recognize. They
consist of a
network name and a site name, always separated by an asterisk ( * ). Indeed, the
asterisk character
can be considered the visual hallmark of the Frogans technology.
Frogans sites and Frogans addresses have been designed to meet the needs expressed by
Internet
users for a technology that is easy-to-use, secure and natively multilingual. And so
it is that Frogans sites are fast to load with impressive graphics capacities. Regardless
of the type of screen connected, Frogans sites display in exactly the same way and offer
exactly the same and secure browsing experience. Finally, Frogans addresses can be written
natively in over 170 languages.
The priority registration period for entrepreneurs will be presented in detail during
the fourth Frogans Technology Conference, focusing on the ecosystem, taking place in Paris
on June 17, 2015 from 4:30 pm (14:30 UTC).
You can participate directly or remotely in this conference, free of charge, by
registering at https://conference.frogans.org
Cloud-based Testing Service "Remote TestKit" Support Quickly Added for New OS Android M
TOKYO, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT Resonant Inc. has added devices with "Android M Developer Preview," the developer preview version of the new OS Android M, to its lineup on the "Remote TestKit" (*1) cloud-based service. With this new solution, we offer immediate support to developers who want to develop apps supporting the latest OS.Additionally, from June 3 to 30, we are offering tickets redeemable for a 30-minute free trial on one of our new Android M devices on "Remote TestKit."
We are offering tickets redeemable for a 30-minute free trial on one of our new Android M devices on "Remote TestKit." More details can be found at the link below:
On "Remote TestKit," we have prepared an environment to experience the next version of Android OS in response to the requests of developers who "want to try the new OS but are hesitant to install it on their corporate or personal devices." Going forward, we will continue to provide and expand developer support services.
Installation Tips:
The installation procedure and tips for installing Android M Developer Preview on Nexus 5,6,and 9 devices can be found at the link below:
"Remote TestKit" is a service that allows developers to test smartphone apps and mobile websites on the cloud. Users can remotely test on more than 300 different models, without purchasing the devices themselves. The service also includes a number of useful features -- including automated tests, which allow a series of test cases to be run automatically -- to make app testing easier on the developer's side.
Features:
- About 300 different models available for remote use, including Android phones, iPhones, and tablets
- Automated testing can run test cases on multiple devices simultaneously
- Smooth video playback and low input lag
Seasun Games to Offer Hands-On Demo with Relics of Gods' Debut at E3 2015
SAN MATEO, Calif., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its premiere at E3 2015, Seasun Games will showcase its first game to launch in North America, Relics of Gods. This 3v3 turn-based strategy PvP mobile game will be on display so attendees can enjoy hands-on demonstrations. The game will officially launch on the Apple App Store this year.
Attendees can meet Xi Liu, producer of Relics of Gods, as well as the game's Chief Designer, Qiang Wang, at the Seasun booth (South Hall Booth 423) and learn more about its development and features. Additionally, players can form groups to participate in a PvP battle for prizes such as physical cloaks, in-game items and other swag.
"We are extremely proud of the work we've put into Relics of Gods over the past three years - we have invested a lot in the development of the game, everything from the 3D modeling to the music production," said Xi Liu, vice president of Seasun and producer of Relics of Gods. "E3 is the ideal stage for us to make our debut to our audience and we are excited to showcase our game to the masses before its official launch in the coming months."
In Relics of Gods, players choose three heroes to lead into a massive PvP and PvE experience from a roster of over 50 gods and champions. The game sends players on an epic quest to recruit heroes to their cause of unlocking the enigma that can destroy Naborbell, a continent ripe with exploration, lore and side quests.
Relics of Gods is designed by Qiang Wang and features beautifully rendered real-time animation of character actions and expressions, along with theme music produced by Mark Griskey, (Marvel Heroes, Star Wars and other Disney titles) and artwork directed by James Zhang (World of Warcraft and Clash of Clans).
Sony's New a7R II Camera Delivers Innovative Imaging Experience with World's First Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-Frame Sensor
Sony's Flagship Mirrorless Camera Features 42.4 MP Back-illuminated CMOS sensor, In-camera 5-axis Image Stabilization, Internal 4K Video Recording, Silent Shooting, Fast Hybrid AF and more
NEW YORK, June 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world's largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced their new flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, the a7R II (model ILCE-7RM2).
The new a7R II interchangeable lens camera features the world's first back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, which realizes high resolution (42.4 MP approx. effective megapixels), high sensitivity (expandable up to ISO 102400) and high speed AF response up to 40% faster than the original a7R thanks to 399 focal plane phase detection AF points.
The camera also includes a 5-axis image stabilization system borrowed from the acclaimed a7 II model and can shoot and record 4K video in multiple formats including Super 35mm (without pixel binning) and full-frame format, a world's first for digital cameras. Additionally, it has a newly refined XGA OLED Tru-Finder with the world's highest (0.78x) viewfinder magnification.
"Sony continues to deliver game-changing imaging products that are changing the way imaging enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals can see and capture the world," said Mike Fasulo, President of Sony Electronics.
Kimio Maki, Senior General Manager of Digital imaging Business Group for Sony Corporation, added "By harmonizing high resolution, sensitivity and speed, we're delivering a high-level full-frame imaging experience unlike anything else in market today, with Sony's newly developed, world's first back-illuminated 35mm full frame CMOS sensor."
High Resolution, High Sensitivity and High-Speed Response
The newly developed 42.4 MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the most advanced, versatile and highest resolution full-frame image sensor that Sony has ever created, allowing the a7R II to reach new levels of quality, sensitivity and response speed. In the past, many photographers have been forced to choose between high-resolution and high-speed or high resolution and high sensitivity when selecting a camera. The new a7R II eliminates that sacrifice thanks to its innovative image sensor.
The 42.4 MP sensor combines gapless on-chip lens design and AR (anti-reflective) coating on the surface of the sensor's glass seal to dramatically improve light collection efficiency, resulting in high sensitivity with low-noise performance and wide dynamic range. This allows the camera to shoot at an impressive ISO range of 100 to 25600 that is expandable to ISO 50 to 102400.
Additionally, the sensor's back-illuminated structure, with an expanded circuit scale and copper wiring design, enables faster transmission speed and ensures content can be captured in high resolution without sacrificing sensitivity. Data can also be output from the sensor at an approximately 3.5x faster rate compared to the original a7R.
An ideal match for Sony's extensive collection of FE lenses (35mm full-frame compatible E-mount lenses), the new a7R II features a high-speed BIONZ X image processing engine that allows images and video from the camera to be captured with supreme details and low noise. There is also no optical low pass filter on the camera, ensuring that scenery and landscapes are captured in the highest possible resolution and clarity.
The a7R II has a new highly durable reduced-vibration shutter that realizes 50% less vibration from shutter movements compared to its predecessor, and has a cycle durability of approximately 500,000 shots. The camera can also be set to Silent Shooting mode in order to shoot images quietly without any sensor vibration or movement.
The new image sensor features 399 focal-plane phase-detection AF points - the world's widest AF coverage on a full-frame sensor - that work together with 25 contrast AF points to achieve focus response that is about 40% faster than the original model. The a7R II utilizes an advanced motion-detection algorithm combined with this Fast Hybrid AF system to achieve up to 5fps continuous shooting with AF tracking.
Additionally, the focal plane phase-detection AF system on the a7R II works well with Sony A-mount lenses when they are mounted on the camera using an LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 mount adapter. This allows users to enjoy the wide AF coverage of 399 focal plane phase-detection AF points, high-speed response and high tracking performance with a wider range of lenses. This marks the first time that the AF system of a mirrorless camera can achieve high performance with lenses originally designed for DSLRs.
5-Axis Image Stabilization Optimized for 42.4 MP
The new flagship a7R II model is equipped with an innovative 5-axis image stabilization system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity. Similar to the system launched on the acclaimed a7 II model, this advanced form of image stabilization corrects camera shake along five axes during shooting, including angular shake (pitch and yaw) that tends to occur with a telephoto lens, shift shake (X and Y axes) which becomes noticeable as magnification increases, and rotational shake (roll) that often affects video recording. This camera shake compensation system is equivalent to shooting at a shutter speed approximately 4.5 steps faster.
Additionally, the 5-axis stabilization works cooperatively with Sony alpha lenses with optical SteadyShot(TM) (OSS) to provide maximum stabilization and clarity, while also performing admirably via a compatible mount adapter with Sony alpha A-mount lenses without on-board stabilization. Effects of the stabilization can be previewed via live-view on the LCD or OLED viewfinder of the camera.
Unrivaled 4K Movie Shooting Performance
The impressive video credentials of Sony's new a7R II camera include the ability to record movies in 4K quality (QFHD 3840x2160) in either Super 35mm crop mode or full-frame mode.
In Super 35mm mode, the camera collects a wealth of information from approximately 1.8x as many pixels as 4K by using full pixel readout without pixel binning and oversamples the information to produce 4K movies with minimal moire and 'jaggies'.
In full-frame mode, the a7R II utilizes the full width of the 35mm sensor for 4K recording, allowing users to utilize the expanded expressive power of the sensor. It is the world's first digital camera to offer this in-camera full-frame format 4K recording capacity.
The camera utilizes the advanced XAVC S codec during video shooting, which records at a high bit rate of 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during full HD shooting.
Additionally, the a7R II model features a variety of functions to support a professional video workflow including Picture Profile, S-Log2 Gamma and S-Gamut, 120fps high frame rate movie shooting in HD (720p), time code, clean HDMI output and more.
Enhanced Design, Operability and Reliability
The new full-frame a7R II has an upgraded XGA OLED Tru-Finder(TM) with a double-sided aspherical lens that delivers the world's highest viewfinder magnification of 0.78x for crystal clear image preview and playback across the entire display area. ZEISS® T* Coating is also utilized to reduce unwanted reflections that interfere with the shooting experience.
The camera has an extremely solid, professional feel in-hand thanks to its light, rigid magnesium alloy design, and has a re-designed grip and shutter button compared to its predecessor. There is also a new mechanism to conveniently lock the mode dial, and an expanded range of customizable functions and buttons to suit the most demanding photographers.
The new a7R II camera is Wi-Fi(®) and NFC compatible and fully functional with Sony's PlayMemories Mobile(TM) application available for Android((TM)) and iOS platforms, as well as Sony's growing range of PlayMemories Camera Apps(TM), which add a range of creative capabilities to the camera. For example, there is more creativity available now for time-lapse photography thanks to a new "Angle Shift add-on" app allows users to easily add pan, tilt and zoom to time-lapse images without any additional shooting equipment or PC software required. Learn more at http://www.sony.net/pmca.
Sony has also introduced a new LCD monitor model CLM-FHD5, an ideal companion to the a7R II for video shooting. A compact 5.0 type Full HD (1920x1080p) LCD monitor, the CLM-FHD5 features enlarging and peaking functionality for precise focusing, false color and video level marker for adjusting exposure and S-Log display assist to assist S-Log shooting.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony a7R II full-frame interchangeable lens camera will be available in August for about $3200 at http://www.store.sony.com and a variety of Sony authorized dealers nationwide.
The a7R II is compatible with Sony's growing lineup of alpha-mount lenses, which now totals 63 different models including 12 native 'FE' full frame lenses. By early 2016, Sony will add an additional 8 new lenses to its FE full frame lineup, bringing the FE total to 20 lenses and the overall alpha-mount assortment to 70 different models.
A variety of exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the flagship a7R II camera and other Sony alpha products can be found at http://www.sony.com/alpha, Sony's new community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of the Sony a brand.
Sony's RX100 IV and RX10 II Cameras Bring Professional Imaging Experience to Acclaimed Cyber-shot RX Series
New Compact RX100 IV and High-Zoom RX10 II Models Boast World's First Stacked 1.0 type CMOS sensor with a DRAM memory chip, 40x Super Slow Motion Capture, 4K Video Shooting, High-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter and more
NEW YORK, June 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony - a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world's largest image sensor manufacturer - has today announced two of the most advanced, versatile Cyber-shot cameras ever to come to market, the compact RX100 IV (model DSC-RX100M4) and high-zoom RX10 II (model DSC-RX10M2) cameras.
The two new models both feature the world's first 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with advanced signal processing and an attached DRAM memory chip. The high speed signal processing and DRAM memory chip work together to enable more than 5x faster readout of image data and are responsible for a variety of standout features that have previously been available in only a select few professional-level video cameras. These impressive capabilities include 40x super slow motion video capture at up to 960 fps, an ultra-fast Anti-Distortion Shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 second, high resolution 4K movie shooting and more.
"Utilizing Sony's decades of expertise in digital imaging, we've made it possible for everyday customers to enjoy a professional imaging experience with the new RX100 IV and RX10 II cameras. With the power of the world's first 1.0-type Stacked CMOS sensor packed into a compact, portable body, these new cameras bring the excitement and creativity of high frame rate shooting, 4K recording and a variety of other pro-quality features to a whole new audience." said Kimio Maki, Senior General Manager of Digital Imaging Business Group for Sony Corporation.
Kelly Davis, Vice President of Digital Imaging for Sony North America, added "The new RX100 IV and RX10 II models make a strong statement for Sony, as they break through all existing boundaries of compact cameras and will allow professionals, hobbyists and enthusiasts to capture images and video that they never before thought were possible."
Up to 40x Super Slow Motion Shooting
A first for Sony consumer cameras, the new RX100 IV and RX10 II both have the ability to record super slow-motion video at up to 40x slower than the standard rate, allowing users to capture and replay fleeting moments of action with incredible detail, resolution and clarity.
Prior to shooting, users will have the ability to choose among 960fps, 480fps and 240 fps frame rates and among 60p, 30p and 24p playback formats to optimize the recording to fit the speed of the moving subject, with the option to use the movie record button as a 'start trigger' to begin recording once button is pressed or 'end trigger' to record footage up until the button is pressed. The 'end trigger' mode lets shooting begin 2 to 4 seconds before the movie button is pressed, enabling shooters to capture the decisive moment with much more consistency and accuracy. For reference, two seconds of movie footage shot at 960 fps and 24p would take about 80 seconds to play back.
High Speed Shutter, High Speed Shooting
The impressive speed and power of the 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with an attached DRAM chip allows the new RX100 IV and RX10 II to perform exceptionally well while capturing fast-moving subjects. Specifically, it's fast processing capability results in continuous speeds at up to 16 fps on the RX100 IV and up to 14 fps on the RX10 II for an extended period of time.
Additionally, the ultra-fast readout of the image sensor is responsible for the high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum speed of 1/32000 second), which allow the new cameras to capture sharp, crystal clear images with a wide open aperture at brightness levels up to EV19. It also minimizes the "rolling shutter" effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects. This allows photographers and videographers to capture beautiful content with sharply focused subjects and defocused backgrounds under some of the most difficult, bright lighting conditions.
High Precision Direct 4K Movie Recording
The new RX100 IV and RX10 II models are the first Cyber-shot cameras to offer the advantages of 4K (QFHD 3840x2160) movie recording. The cameras utilize full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moire and 'jaggies'. These high-quality results are achieved through use of the XAVC S codec, which records video at a high data rate of 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during full HD shooting.
The capacity for shooting 4K differs slightly on each of the two cameras, as the more professionally styled RX10 II can shoot 4K video at extended lengths (up to 29 minutes in the US), while the more casual, pocket-friendly RX100 IV can shoot 4K clips at up to about 5 minutes in length. Additional professional caliber video features on both of the new cameras include Picture Profile, S-Log2/S-Gamut, and more.
Both cameras also have advanced dual video recording functionality, allowing shooters to capture 16.8 MP still images during 4K video recording in any of 11 different composition patterns simply by pressing the shutter button.
Versatility in Design, High Speed AF
The new RX100 IV maintains the compact, pocket-sized design of the RX100 family, and has a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) F1.8-F2.8 lens, while the new RX10 II maintains the same body design as the original RX10 and has a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) F2.8 lens.
Each of the cameras is equipped with a new high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder(TM) with approximately 2.35 million dots of resolution, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The RX100 IV maintains the convenient retractable EVF with ZEISS® T* coating from the RX100 III model that debuted last year.
Both of the two new models feature an upgraded Fast Intelligent AF system that enables high-speed, high-precision contrast detection of a moving subject in as little as 0.09 seconds. Sony's proprietary AF algorithm allows them to recognize and lock-in on a subject with a simple half-press of the shutter button at a much more efficient rate compared to previous models. The new cameras are also Wi-Fi(®) and NFC(TM) compatible and can access Sony's growing range of PlayMemories Camera Applications. Learn more at http://www.sony.net/pmca.
Aesthetically, both of the new models feature a variety of customizable controls and buttons to fit any shooter's style. The RX10 II adds dust and moisture resistance as well.
There is also a new stylish soft carrying case for, model LCS-RXG, that has been introduced. Made of quality natural leather and available in brown and black colors, it is an ideal complement to the sleek designs of all the RX100 series cameras including the new RX100 IV model.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV (model DSC-RX100M4) compact and RX10 II (model DSC-RX10M2) high-zoom camera will be available this July for about $1000 and $1300, respectively. Pre-sales for each model will begin on June 17(th).
The new cameras and all compatible accessories will be sold at a http://www.store.sony.com and variety of Sony authorized dealers nationwide.
A variety of exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new RX cameras and other high-end Sony imaging products can be found at http://www.sony.com/alpha, Sony's new community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of Sony imaging products.