Category: Technology

MUMBAI: Mobile advertising network InMobi has appointed Monisha Tambay to the post of VP global people operations.

The post has been newly created to develop a strategic approach to talent management at InMobi and the team will focus on fostering new talent and provide continued support and development for its employees as the company continues to expand rapidly.

Tambay will be based out of Bengaluru.

Tambay has previously served at senior roles at Hewitt Associates, StorageTek, Genpact and Subex Limited. During the course of her career, she has been awarded “The Women Super Achiever Award” at the Asia Pacific HRMCongress Awards in September 2011 and “The Women at Work Leadership Award” at the Rasbic Awards during the World HRD Congress in February 2012, for her work as global head and VP human resources at Subex.

InMobi founder and CEO Naveen Tewari said, “This is an exciting time for InMobi as it continues its rapid expansion. With over 700 employees, attracting the best talent, and developing our staff is fundamental to the success of our business. Monisha‘s previous experience in hiring and retaining top-notch talent will play a significant role in the development and growth of InMobi.”

NEW DELHI: ZengaTV, India’s leading mobile TV service provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with Turner Broadcasting System which will allow its users to access channels like CNN, Pogo and Cartoon Network free on their mobile phones.

The channels will provide the content to almost all mobile phones, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Nokia and Blackberry and viewers.

Commenting on the partnership, ZengaTV CEO Shabir Momiin said, “In line with our expansion strategy, we are absolutely delighted to partner with Turner Broadcasting System. As a premier broadcaster of CNN, Pogo and Cartoon Network, Turner Broadcasting can take full advantage of Zenga mobile TV network to deliver audiences the most comprehensive catalogue of cartoon channels and international news on mobile devices. With Tuner’s content going live on ZengaTV, I am sure we will reach out to larger audiences including children.”

India has over 900 million mobile subscribers and 13.7 million broadband subscribers. “We are rapidly becoming a digitally connected nation. Mobile TV is an exciting way to leverage technology and create an additional touch point, bringing kids and families closer to the universally popular stories in one of the largest and fastest growing mobile markets in the world,” Momiin added.

MUMBAI: Sony‘s Internet Player powered by the Google TV platform will be available at retailers nationwide in August priced at $199.99.

Pre-order for the new set-top device that allows television viewers to stream online video content through their home theatre systems began Wednesday at Sony‘s website.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with Google and be the first manufacturer in Canada to introduce a product powered by the Google TV platform,” said Sony Canada Senior Director of Marketing, Home Network Products Hideki Ito. “Through the introduction of the Sony Internet Player with Google TV, we are expanding the reach and connectivity of the powerful Android platform which includes Sony‘s smartphones, tablet and renowned Audio & Video products.”

In addition to the NSZ-GS7 Internet Player, Sony‘s newest Internet Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV, the NSZ-GP9, will be available at retailers in time for the holiday season, priced at $329.99 The NSZ-GP9 player features Full HD with remarkable Blu-ray Disc technology and a built-in microphone for easy and convenient voice search.

In 2010, Sony pioneered the Internet-TV convergence as one of the first manufacturers to launch products powered by Google TV. With the new Internet Player with Google TV, Sony will also be the first manufacturer to launch Google TV products outside of the United States, initially starting with the United Kingdom in July, followed later by Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, and Mexico.

This next step into the future of home entertainment convergence evolves the hardware to complement the continually updating Google TV.

The Google TV difference starts with cross-search functionality and the Internet to deliver customized video results on demand.

Both new devices come complete with a redesigned remote control equipped with a backlit QWERTY keyboard, a touch pad for easy operation and a three-axis motion sensor to enjoy games. Additionally, the bluetooth remote control can also be utilized as a universal remote to control connected devices such as TV,set- top-box and A/V receivers — the NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray Disc player even incorporates voice search capabilities.

MUMBAI: Gaming company UTV Indiagames has launched a java mobile game for Disney Pixar‘s new animated movie Brave.

This game is set against the landscape of the Scottish Highlands and is based on the movie‘s lead-Merida. It requires the user to use their archery skills to unfold the mystery and save Merida‘s family. The games has features that allow users to freeze opponents, shoot ropes, set fire with precise archery attacks and solve the mysteries of the magical land through the game‘s five levels.

Disney UTV MD – digital Samir Bangara said, “Disney Pixar‘s Brave has an excellent storyline which has all the elements – adventure, mystery, action – that lend itself into an engaging game, deepening the fantastical movie experience. With this Java game we want to reach out to 60% of India‘s mobile phone population.”

MUMBAI: AMC/Sundance Channel Global has announced the launch of Sundance Channel on the DTH platform n in Poland.

Sundance Channel launched to n‘s subscribers in high definition as part of the Film Hits package. Through a combined programming offer with n, Orange subscribers on the Film Hits tier will also become subscribers to Sundance Channel.

This news follows the announcement of several new European and Asian carriage deals for Sundance Channel over the past few months, including countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Hungary and Taiwan.

Sundance Channel was established by Robert Redford and offers audiences independent films, documentaries and original programmes.

AMC/Sundance Channel Global president Bruce Tuchman said, “Poland continues to be a priority market for the expansion of Sundance Channel across Central and Eastern Europe and we are thrilled that this launch will greatly increase our footprint in the country. This exciting partnership with n reflects the growing demand for Sundance Channel in Poland and will offer audiences high quality, globally renowned film and TV programming and VOD offerings in high definition.”

Sundance Channel is currently available on cable systems across Poland including UPC Polska which first launched the channel.

MUMBAI: AMC/Sundance Channel Global has announced the launch of Sundance Channel on the DTH platform n in Poland.

Sundance Channel launched to n‘s subscribers in high definition as part of the Film Hits package. Through a combined programming offer with n, Orange subscribers on the Film Hits tier will also become subscribers to Sundance Channel.

This news follows the announcement of several new European and Asian carriage deals for Sundance Channel over the past few months, including countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Hungary and Taiwan.

Sundance Channel was established by Robert Redford and offers audiences independent films, documentaries and original programmes.

AMC/Sundance Channel Global president Bruce Tuchman said, “Poland continues to be a priority market for the expansion of Sundance Channel across Central and Eastern Europe and we are thrilled that this launch will greatly increase our footprint in the country. This exciting partnership with n reflects the growing demand for Sundance Channel in Poland and will offer audiences high quality, globally renowned film and TV programming and VOD offerings in high definition.”

Sundance Channel is currently available on cable systems across Poland including UPC Polska which first launched the channel.

MUMBAI: JadooTV, a leading distributor of internet based South Asian television content, has partnered with Pearl Media Group, a content aggregation and dissemination company, to launch the JadooPlus premium entertainment service on JadooTV‘s set-top box streaming platform.

The service featuring high quality licensed content from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan will be available to customers of the JadooTV set-top boxes.

“We are thrilled with the partnership with PMG as this relationship is pivotal to our mandate of being the premier South Asian platform for Internet-based content. Our loyal JadooBox owners will now get to enjoy an even more diverse selection of Live TV and On-Demand Videos from their homelands,” said JadooTV CEO Sajid Sohail.

“We‘re excited about partnering with JadooTV as the first platform to launch JadooPlus our OTT entertainment service, enabling us to reach the largest base of South Asian IPTV customers worldwide. We believe customers will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this relationship with an enhanced content selection and access to their favorite content on multiple screens whenever they desire,” said Pearl Media Group co-founder and CEO Faisal Aftab.

The service comprises an extensive offering of South Asian channels including: UTV Movies, UTV Stars, UTV Bindaas, Manoranjan, Dhamaal, Mastiii, Big Magic, E24 Bollywood, News 24 Online, Aaj Tak, Headlines Today, Dilli Aaj Tak, Tez, Dunya News, Express News, Express Entertainment, Aaj TV, Aaj Entertainment, Play TV, Samaa TV, Waqt TV, Indus Vision, Indus Music, Oxygene, Kohenoor, City 42, Sindh TV News, Awaz, ABC TV Nepal, Nepal TV, NTV Plus and Vision Nepal and Nooor TV.

In addition, JadooPlus will include a large selection of On-Demand TV shows, videos, and movies.

MUMBAI: Thomson Reuters, a financial news provider, has acquired Zawya Limited, a regional provider of business intelligence and unique tools for financial professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

This investment marks Thomson Reuters‘ second acquisition in 2012 across the MENA region and further underscores the organisation‘s commitment to connecting and enabling the local financial community with leading edge information and tools.

Zawya, a privately owned company, is a leading online business intelligence platform. The firm enables professionals to find and connect to the right business and investment opportunities in the MENA region.

The firm‘s wide range of specialised content and tools include detailed profiles on the top companies in the MENA region, live news, comprehensive industry and asset class research, as well as an exclusive online network for professionals focusing on the region.

“Zawya has built a strong brand and impressive offering in MENA, and this acquisition builds on our commitment to this region which dates back to 1856 starting with news and expanding to comprehensive news and data coverage. We offer deep and broad coverage of MENA markets across a wide spectrum of content sets and data types,” Thomson Reuters Middle East, Africa and Russia MD Basil Moftah said.

“By joining forces, Thomson Reuters, Zawya‘s clients, and the market will benefit from a unique offering. This synergy will result in an improved and diversified line of services across the MENA markets for a broader group of users.”

MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games has announced that Top Gear: Stunt School Revolution is now available for free download on iOS and coming soon on Android systems.

A follow up to ‘Top Gear: Stunt School‘, the entirely new game delivers fans more over-the-top tracks, stunts and cars to customise and race in true Top Gear fashion. Players will need to use their skills to jump higher, cut tighter turns and withstand destruction as they explore iconic locations all over the world including the Grand Canyon, Alcatraz, Sydney Harbour Bridge and New York City.
 
Developed by BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games and Supersonic, Top Gear: Stunt School Revolution lets players customise cars to the extreme with jet engines, bulldozer shovels, snow ploughs and more. Tapped into the classic Top Gear culture, the game features experimental vehicles from the show, starting with the home-built “Hammerhead” at launch. New content will be added to the game weekly which will include more challenges, stunts and cars.
 
BBC Worldwide executive VP digital entertainment and games Robert Nashak said, “Top Gear: Stunt School Revolution brings all the irreverence and humour of Top Gear to mobile and tablet gaming. Players should brace themselves for a tonne of stunts and a ridiculous amount of car customisation.”

MUMBAI: Shine America has announced a deal with EMJAG Digital Productions and New Regency to create and distribute digital content.

Development and production under the agreement will be led by New Regency executive VP and EMJAG digital principal and CEO Alexandra Milchan, along with EMJAG president Jamie Boscardin Martin.

Following a previous joint venture which concluded in 2011, Milchan and Martin will transition their digital content partnership to Shine America. New Regency will co-produce and co-finance select digital projects along with Shine America through a first-look deal.
 
Under the agreement, Shine America and New Regency will provide production financing opportunities rarely seen in the digital space, while utilising their respective global distribution networks to maximise the reach and scale of new digital projects.

Milchan and Martin will tailor the distribution model for each individual digital project, working to bring the creative concepts to life across a variety of platforms, including webisodes and VOD, with the possibility of domestic and international television and theatrical release as well.

Shine America senior VP, head of digital David Anderson said, “This partnership seeks to leverage the changing nature of how content is created and produced, by fashioning innovative financing and distribution models tailored to help each project realise its full potential. Shine Group is always seeking to partner with great content creators, whether in scripted or unscripted television, the digital space and now supporting projects that might otherwise compete in the
feature film world.”