Category: Software

MUMBAI: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has announced that YouTube VP of global content partnerships Robert Kyncl will deliver the Entertainment Matters keynote address at the 2012 International CES. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2012 International CES, the consumer technology tradeshow, is scheduled for 10-13 January 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

CEA senior VP, events and conferences Karen Chupka said, “Since its founding in 2005, YouTube has come to define the convergence of entertainment and technology, which has changed the entertainment marketplace as dramatically as the advent of cable television. We are thrilled to have Robert Kyncl deliver the 2012 Entertainment Matters keynote and look forward to hearing his outlook on the future of YouTube and consumer technology.”

Kyncl has been a driving force in bringing even more original entertainment to YouTube‘s existing channel lineup. At the Entertainment Matters keynote, Kyncl and friends will discuss the tremendous opportunity for the web as a distribution vehicle, and how we envision the entertainment ecosystem evolving over time.

Kyncl joins other confirmed 2012 CES keynote speakers including Microsoft‘s Steve Ballmer, Ericsson‘s Hans Vestberg, Daimler‘s Dieter Zetsche, Qualcomm‘s Paul Jacobs, Intel‘s Paul Otellini, Xerox‘s Ursula Burns, Verizon‘s Lowell McAdam and Ford‘s Alan Mulally. Keynotes at the 2012 CES will be held at The Venetian, Level 5, Palazzo Ballroom and the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

The 2012 CES will feature more than 2,700 global technology companies unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services including the latest in audio, automotive electronics, connected home technologies, digital imaging/photography, electronic gaming, entertainment/content etc.

MUMBAI: Vodafone has announced the launch of its Android-based smartphone ‘Vodafone Smart‘ available for Rs 4995.

The 3G enabled phone has Android 2.2.1 OS and is powered by Qualcomm Incorporated‘s Snapdragon S1 processor.

The model has features like a 2.8″ capacitive touch display, 2 mega-pixel camera and video recording, integrated Google services including push mail, maps, speech to text, Gtalk and You Tube and WiFi tethering. Apart from this, it also gives the user access to Android applications.

Vodafone India chief marketing officer Kumar Ramanathan said, “At Vodafone, we understand the pulse of the urban Indian youth who are extremely brand conscious and have shown a great response to smartphones. ‘Vodafone Smart‘ is one such smartphone that is sure to delight our young audience with its stylish looks, smart features, host of exciting apps and 3G connectivity at an exciting, affordable price.”

Qualcomm India and South Asia country manager and VP Sandeep Sibal said, “Globally, smartphones have become a versatile tool for mobile computing, communications and multimedia entertainment. Vodafone Smart fully utilises Vodafone‘s high-speed 3G HSPA network to cater to the increasing demand in India for a compelling ‘Internet on-the-go‘ experience.”

MUMBAI: US entertainment service Epix a JV between Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM has announced the launch of its app as part of Microsoft‘s introduction of the new Xbox live service.

Epix will provide authenticated subscribers streaming access on Xbox 360 to over 3,000 titles including a high definition lineup of new releases like ‘Rango’, ‘Iron Man 2’ and ‘True Grit’, big movie franchises ‘Star Trek’, ‘Saw’ and James Bond along with original music, comedy and sports events. The Epix app utilises the capabilities of Xbox including voice search, gesture and voice commands.

Epix president, CEO Mark Greenberg said, “The combination of Epix premium entertainment and the innovations of the Xbox platform offer a powerful and unparalleled experience. By working with the Microsoft Xbox team and our affiliated cable, satellite and telco partners, we‘re taking another step forward in delivering great programming how, when and where viewers want to see it.”

Xbox Live GM Pete Thompson said, “Our partnership with Epix marks a significant milestone in our vision to bring consumers all their favorite entertainment, shared with the people they care about, made easy. By bringing Epix to the Xbox live service and adding the magic of Kinect, we are transforming the way consumers experience entertainment forever.”
 
The ability to stream full movies and concerts on the Xbox Live service is included as part of the premium subscription service available through cable, satellite and telco distributors, which includes Epix and its multiplex channels, Epix SVOD and EpixHD.com. Epix is working with affiliated partners including Dish Network, Mediacom Communications and Verizon Fios to engage viewers as well as add new subscribers among the large universe of Xbox Live customers.

“As we become available on more popular and leading devices like Xbox, we will be able to build a relationship with a younger audience that will help drive business for our partners,” added Greenberg.
 
Dish senior VP of programming Dave Shull said, “We‘re pleased to partner with Epix in our efforts to increase the number of online movies available to our subscribers. Dish Network is committed to offering the most robust video content while giving our customers the most options for when and where they choose to watch it.”
In addition to Xbox, authenticated subscribers can access Epix content on hundreds of other devices.

MUMBAI: Taking it‘s global ‘For those who Do‘campaign a notch further, Lenovo has launched ‘Do Network‘, an online platform where people who want to make a difference can come together and ideate. It is an effort to extend the brand’s promise of empowering communities with the best tools and technology possible.

Through the Do Network, these people can form teams and develop a project they are passionate about. Apart from this, they can also, through the network, get in touch with people who may help them out or aide their cause in one way or another.

The Do Network comprises of a series of 90 day cycles where different themes and thematic challenges are introduced for each challenge. The first leg of the challenge is based on the theme ‘Innovation through technology’ and the four issues from which the doers can choose are portable education, traffic jam, products and progress or any one cause they are passionate about. The challenge will go on till 7 March 2012. 
 
Lenovo shall then choose the top ten teams on the Do Network and award them the guidance of a mentor and other resources in the form of Lenovo technology. The winners of the challenge will receive a grant worth $25,000 to realise their project. A full blown campaign will be released across India to make the audiences aware of the initiative.

Lenovo India director-marketing Shailendra Katyal said, “Through the Do Network, we want to create not just a platform but a movement that brings Doers together to push the limits on collaboration and creation, and inspire them to unleash their great ideas and turn them into something meaningful and tangible for their communities.”
 
The top ten Doers of the challenge will get a chance to avail the mentorship of people like Rajiv Makhni (managing editor for Technology at NDTV), Rajan Anandan (MD Google India), Mahesh Murthy (managing partner, Seedfund) and Kishore AK (CEO and co-founder at Althea system).

A similar initiative is being launched by Lenovo in Indonesia and Russia simultaneously.
 
 

MUMBAI: SpectrumCo, a JV between US cable major Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks has announced that it has entered into an agreement pursuant to which US telecom major Verizon Wireless will acquire its 122 advanced wireless services spectrum licenses covering 259 million POPs for $3.6 billion.

Comcast owns 63.6 per cent of SpectrumCo and will receive approximately $2.3 billion from the sale. Time Warner Cable owns 31.2 per cent of SpectrumCo and will receive approximately $1.1 billion. Bright House Networks owns 5.3 per cent of SpectrumCo and will receive approximately $189 million.

The agreement comes at a time when consumer demand for wireless services and bandwidth is increasing rapidly. This sale of spectrum is an important step toward ensuring that the needs and desires of consumers for additional mobile services will not be thwarted by the current spectrum shortage. While government action to free more spectrum is expected, this transaction ensures that the spectrum which is already available for mobile services is used effectively to serve customers.
 
The companies also announced that they have entered into several agreements, providing for the sale of various products and services. Through these agreements, the cable companies, on the one hand, and Verizon Wireless, on the other, will become agents to sell one another’s products and, over time, the cable companies will have the option of selling Verizon Wireless’ service on a wholesale basis.

Additionally, the cable companies and Verizon Wireless have formed an innovation technology joint venture for the development of technology to better integrate wireline and wireless products and services.

Comcast Cable president Neil Smit said, “These agreements, together with our Wi-Fi plans, enable us to execute a comprehensive, long-term wireless strategy and expand our focus on providing mobility to our Xfinity services. We’re excited about this partnership with Verizon Wireless and the future innovations we will bring to consumers.”

Verizon Wireless president, CEO Dan Mead said, “Americans deserve excellence from a wireless service provider, and innovative wireless companies plan ahead in order to deliver on that expectation. Spectrum is the raw material on which wireless networks are built, and buying the AWS spectrum now solidifies our network leadership into the future, and will enable us to bring even better 4G LTE products and services to our customers. American businesses and consumers can have confidence that the best wireless network has the foundational resources to deliver on that promise”
 
Time Warner Cable president, COO Rob Marcus said, “We’re excited to be able to offer the nation’s best wireless services to our customers and to have Verizon Wireless as a sales channel for our superb wireline services. We’re also pleased to have obtained an attractive price for the spectrum we’re selling.”
Bright House Networks CEO Steve Miron added, “We are always looking for ways to provide new and exciting product offerings for our customers. We look forward to working with our partners through these agreements toward achieving that end goal to add additional value for our customers.”

MUMBAI: NDS, which offers solutions for the encryption of pay TV, has announced that it is celebrating a decade of business in Korea.

Over the past decade, NDS has played a role in the development of the Korean pay-TV market, with broadcasting technology firsts including the provision of the software for the first high definition set top box to be deployed in the market, the first implementation of an OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) based electronic programme guide (EPG) and the first content protection solution for IPTV in Korea, it said.

The company claims that over 90 pay-TV operators worldwide use NDS solutions to secure and enhance their business, with local Korean pay-TV operator customers including CJ HelloVision, the largest MSO in Korea, and Hyundai HCN. 
 
In the last 10 years, NDS has established a strong presence in Korea with a technology and development centre employing 120 people – harnessing the local expertise of Korean developers to support the development of advanced applications and technologies for some of the world’s leading pay-TV operators. NDS customers worldwide rely on solutions developed in Korea, including in China, Germany, India, Italy, Latin America, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, South-East Asia and the US.

NDS Korea GM John Lee said, “Korea plays an important role in NDS’ global strategy, over the last ten years we have invested heavily in our operations in Korea and are committed to expanding our presence.

“With a well-established development centre, we will continue to provide the local expertise and solutions to enable Korean digital pay TV operators to advance their positions within the market, and to support Korean content owners and consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers with export into respective worldwide markets.”
 
NDS has forged strategic relationships with a number of Korean CE manufacturers including Homecast, Humax, Kaon Media and Samsung Electronics, as a result helping to increase Korean export.

MUMBAI: Digital entertainment curator FilmBuff is partnering with international platforms to bring independent entertainment to global audiences. The platforms include: Nyoo TV (India) You On Demand (China), Voddler (Sweden), BigPond (Australia), FetchTV (Australia) and Rogers On Demand Online (Canada).

With this new set of output deals, FilmBuff expands its international reach, adding to its existing worldwide distribution partners LoveFilm, blinkbox, iTunes UK, iTunes Canada and YouTube Canada. This second international push allows FilmBuff‘s titles to be streamed or rented on four different continents.

Since 2008, FilmBuff has released more than 600 films onto digital platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon VOD, Vudu and Cable Movies On Demand, becoming the leading company in digital distribution.

FilmBuff‘s International Programming Manager Rebecca Sosa said, “We are excited to bring our films to a much larger audience and expand FilmBuff‘s worldwide reach as a curator for independent content”.

Upcoming FilmBuff international releases include Banksy‘s new documentary ‘The Antics Roadshow‘, Harry Shearer‘s documentary, ‘The Big Uneasy‘, the Polish Brothers‘ drama ‘For Lovers Only‘ and the indie film ‘The Green‘.

MUMBAI: FoodFood, the food specialty channel from Malaysia-based Astro and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor‘s Turmeric Vision, is expanding its reach in Karnataka.

In addition to Bangalore, FoodFood will now also be available on networks across the state, the company said.

Kapoor said, “We are delighted to partner with leading cable operators in Karnataka to reach this significant market. This latest deal shows the increasing reach of our channel and is a testament to the brand‘s appeal to viewers across the nation.”

The channel covers Bangalore Digital Cable via Den Amogh, WWIL and Den Infoking. In Karnataka, the digital cable coverage includes Bangalore rural, Hubli Dharwad, Mysore, Hassan, Gadag, Raichur, Davengere, Hospet, Udipi, Bellary, Shimoga, Kolhar, Tumkur, Mandya and Chittradurga.

FoodFood, the brainchild of Kapoor, offers content as a mix of cookery and food based lifestyle shows like Ladies First, Firangi Tadka, Mummy Ka Magic, Sanjeev Kapoor‘s Kitchen, Turban Tadka, Secret Recipe and Tea Time with Rakesh Sethi among others. The channel also completed hosting its first season of cooking reality show Amul FoodFood Mahachallenge.

Kapoor says, “Keeping alive our promise of 360 degree entertainment, we will continue to offer our viewers with new and exciting repertoire of exquisite and mouth watering recipes and fun filled shows to keep the family entertained and engrossed through each delectable episode.”
 

MUMBAI: NDTV Convergence has relaunched its financial and business portal NDTVProfit.com, as a one-stop destination for live market data, research and expert insight and business news.

The new website is focused at the growing community of investors in the country, many of them first-timers, and provides financial tools, easy and intuitive access to detailed and relevant data, tips and know-how to help power personal wealth creation.

It has launched with a new portfolio tool, which is convenient, easy-to-use and secure to track and plan not just an individual‘s wealth, but also that of his entire family, in one place.

Riding on its close, convergent relationship with the TV channel NDTVProfit – the new website also brings to its users the opportunity to interact one-on-one with experts and anchors, get stock recommendations and tips in real-time on the popular program “Buy or Sell”.

Additionally, a new video pod brings all the richness of NDTVProfit‘s programming in hundreds of easy-to-consume videos categorized for quick access. The user can also view all his favourite shows, every episode, at leisure of a click.

NDTVProfit.com also brings to the user real-time coverage of the businesses and economic stories of the day. The website also adds content from New York Times.

The new features are designed with the an aim of bringing the user a clutter-free, non-intimidating experience as he tracks markets live, gets experts‘ views and immediate insight on market dynamics and a great viewing and reading experience.

Geodesic has collaborated on the website with NDTV Convergence as the technical partner.

MUMBAI: US software major Microsoft has announced the launch of an all-new Xbox 360 experience including the first group of new, custom applications from world leading TV and entertainment content providers on Xbox LIVE.

Microsoft president of the Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick said, “A new era in entertainment begins where all your entertainment is together in one place – your games, movies, TV shows, music and sports. With this update, Xbox 360 system owners will experience Kinect voice control integrated with Bing search, making your TV and entertainment experiences more social and personal than ever.”

Forrester Research‘s James McQuivey said, “Microsoft has just built and delivered it: A single box that ties together all the content you want, made easily accessible through a universal, natural, voice-directed search. This is now the benchmark against which all other living room initiatives should be compared. With more than 57 million people worldwide already sitting on a box that‘s about to be upgraded for free, Microsoft has not only built the right experience, it has ensured that it will spread quickly and with devastating effect.”

Microsoft says that for consumers finding entertainment is easier than ever. Last year, Kinect for Xbox 360 revolutionised controller-free entertainment by letting consumers use their body and voice to play games and entertainment, turning them into the controller. Kinect combined with the intelligence of Bing search is turning the consumer‘s voice into the ultimate remote control. With Bing on Xbox, consumers can use their voice to find the games, movies, TV shows and music and discover the best offerings on Xbox Live, by simply saying what one is searching for. Bing on Xbox voice search will initially be available in English in the US, Canada and the UK for Zune video, Xbox Live Marketplace and select content partners. For those who do not have a Kinect for Xbox 360, text search will be available in Xbox LIVE markets.

For the holiday season in addition to offering the best blockbuster and Kinect games, Xbox 360 consoles will deliver live and on-demand TV shows, movies, videos, sports, music and news. TV and movie fans can instantly stream their favorite episodes of current television shows all season long, as well as past favorites and new-release movies.

Xbox 360 is building on its catalogue of movies, sports, television and music available through Hulu Plus, Last.fm, Netflix, Zune music and video and ESPN, as well as on its existing lineup of great TV providers, such as AT&T U-verse TV in the US, Telus in Canada, BSkyB in the UK, Canal+ in France, Vodafone Portugal, VimpelCom in Russia and Foxtel in Australia, by also now rolling out new entertainment partners and apps.