Thursday, July 31, 2014

OT PEARL eSE Equips the New nubia Z7 to Enable China UnionPay Mobile Payment Service

COLOMBES, France. - Wednesday, July 30th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Oberthur Technologies (OT), a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space, today announced that PEARL, its embedded Secure Element has been selected by nubia, the premium brand of ZTE, to enable China UnionPay’s (CUP) mobile payment service in its newly released smartphone, nubia Z7.

Secure and convenient mobile payment is one of the most significant features of nubia’s new smartphone nubia Z7. Users do not need to change or add any hardware; they can directly download their CUP banking card Over-The-Air onto OT’s embedded Secure Element resident in the nubia Z7. Users can then pay with their smartphone, simply by waving it above any of the 3 million contactless payment terminals in China. It is secure, fast and very convenient.

China UnionPay is an organization regrouping 175 banks and financial institutions in China and nubia is a major manufacturer of smartphones with 60 Mu planned to be delivered in 2014.

“We are delighted to announce that PEARL by OT®, our embedded Secure Element is selected to enable mobile payment in nubia Z7,” said Cédric Collomb, Managing Director of the Telecom Business Unit at OT. “We are pleased to offer to OEM the largest multi-scheme certified eSE on the market including Over-The-Air banking activation capabilities. PEARL turns the state-of-the-art nubia’s Z7 handset into the payment device of the future.”

“Our nubia Z7 is the first smartphone with eSE for China UnionPay mobile payment service and we are happy to work with OT, an expert in contactless technologies and digital security,” said Ni Fei, CEO of nubia brand. “OT’s PEARL was the most suitable embedded Secure Element to meet our needs in order to offer to our customers a mobile payment solution which is robust, well-proven and efficient.”

ABOUT OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES

OT is a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space. OT has always been at the heart of mobility, from the first smart cards to the latest contactless payment technologies which equip millions of smartphones. Present in the Payment, Telecommunications and Identity markets, OT offers end-to-end solutions in the Smart Transactions, Mobile Financial Services, Machine-to-Machine, Digital Identity and Transport & Access Control fields. OT employs over 6 000 employees worldwide, including close to 700 R&D people. With more than 50 sales offices across 5 continents and 10 facilities, OT’s international network serves clients in 140 countries. For more information: www.oberthur.com

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ABOUT NUBIA

nubia is the premium brand of ZTE smartphone. It was launched in October 2012. nubia brand is independently managed and differentiated by a separate team from the ZTE brand. It mainly focuses on high-end open markets, with development around the world. nubia is favored by consumers through differentiation on concept, design, price, advertisement and service.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140730005709/en/

Contacts
Oberthur Technologies
Audrey Besnardeau, +33 1 78 14 76 75
a.besnardeau@oberthur.com



FTI Consulting Strategic Communication
Guillaume Granier/Eric Fohlen-Weill, +33 1 47 03 68 10
oberthur@fticonsulting.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11758/en

Panasonic and Tesla Sign Agreement for the Gigafactory

OSAKA, Japan & PALO ALTO, Calif. - Thursday, July 31st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Panasonic Corporation and Tesla Motors, Inc. have signed an agreement that lays out their cooperation on the construction of a large-scale battery manufacturing plant in the United States, known as the Gigafactory.

According to the agreement, Tesla will prepare, provide and manage the land, buildings and utilities. Panasonic will manufacture and supply cylindrical lithium-ion cells and invest in the associated equipment, machinery, and other manufacturing tools based on their mutual approval. A network of supplier partners is planned to produce the required precursor materials. Tesla will take the cells and other components to assemble battery modules and packs. To meet the projected demand for cells, Tesla will continue to purchase battery cells produced in Panasonic’s factories in Japan. Tesla and Panasonic will continue to discuss the details of implementation including sales, operations and investment.

The Gigafactory is being created to enable a continuous reduction in the cost of long range battery packs in parallel with manufacturing at the volumes required to enable Tesla to meet its goal of advancing mass market electric vehicles. The Gigafactory will be managed by Tesla with Panasonic joining as the principle partner responsible for lithium-ion battery cells and occupying approximately half of the planned manufacturing space; key suppliers combined with Tesla’s module and pack assembly will comprise the other half of this fully integrated industrial complex.

JB Straubel, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of Tesla Motors, said: “The Gigafactory represents a fundamental change in the way large scale battery production can be realized. Not only does the Gigafactory enable capacity needed for the Model 3 but it sets the path for a dramatic reduction in the cost of energy storage across a broad range of applications.”

Yoshihiko Yamada, Executive Vice President of Panasonic, added, “We have already engaged in various collaborative projects with Tesla toward the popularization of electric vehicles. Panasonic’s lithium-ion battery cells combine the required features for electric vehicles such as high capacity, durability and cost performance. And I believe that once we are able to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells at the Gigafactory, we will be able to accelerate the expansion of the electric vehicle market.”

Cost reductions will be achieved through optimized manufacturing processes driven by economies of scale previously unobtainable in battery cell and pack production. Further price reductions are achieved by manufacturing cells that have been optimized for electric vehicle design, both in size and function, by co-locating suppliers on-site to eliminate packaging, transportation & duty costs and inventory carrying costs, and by manufacturing at a location with lower utility and operating expenses.

The Gigafactory will produce cells, modules and packs for Tesla’s electric vehicles and for the stationary storage market. The Gigafactory is planned to produce 35GWh of cells and 50GWh of packs per year by 2020. Tesla projects that the Gigafactory will employ about 6,500 people by 2020.

Panasonic http://panasonic.net/

Tesla Motors http://www.teslamotors.com/blog-and-press-releases

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the Tesla Gigafactory and its development plans, production capacity, cost savings, timeline and expansion of the electric vehicle market, are “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including potential difficulties in finding and finalizing details for the first Tesla Gigafactory site, obtaining required permits, negotiating terms with technology and other partners for Gigafactory, maintaining implementation schedules, output and costs estimates, as well as the risks and uncertainties identified under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations” in Tesla’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2014. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation

Tel:+81-(0)3-3574-5664/Fax:+81-(0)3-3574-5669

Tesla Motors

press@teslamotors.com

+1 650-833 8456









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11765/en

AvaTrade Acquires Customer Book of Australian Broker

DUBLIN. - Wednesday, July 30th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Leading online FX & CFD broker AvaTrade has confirmed that it has acquired the Australian customer book of Sydney-based broker YouTradeFX.

This marks another milestone in AvaTrade’s continued expansion in APAC markets.

Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, AvaTrade’s Australian subsidiary, pursued the deal with youtradeFX over several months after concluding that the firm’s client database would synergise well with its own clientele in Australia.

AvaTrade has already completed the process of migrating customers to its platform, where they will find a number of distinct advantages.

These include a wider choice of desktop and mobile trading platforms, more CFD instruments, as well as FX options and binary options offerings.

Former youtradeFX clients will also get access to AvaTrade’s range of educational tools, including exclusive videos from HushTrade and daily analysis from FX Insights.

AvaTrade Chief Commercial Officer Keith Goldson said: “We are delighted to announce this agreement which is another step in achieving AvaTrade’s goal of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific market.”

“YoutradeFX has a dedicated client base of serious traders who will benefit enormously from the move to AvaTrade. They will find more opportunities in the markets, top notch educational materials, and the best customer support in the business.”

Find out more about AvaTrade at www.avatrade.com

About Ava

    Founded in 2006
    Fully regulated in the EU, Japan and Australia
    Offers trading on 200+ financial instruments
    Segregated client accounts for your security
    Personal Account Manager and 24-hour live customer support
    AvaTrader Mobile – Sign-up and demo trade directly from our new and improved smartphone app – then deposit funds via the website and trade for real.

Contacts

AvaTrade

Etoile Vizman

09 962 7000 ext. 2106









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11757/en

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. Receives ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Corporate Appreciation Award

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Recognizes Structural Integrity Associates, Inc.’s Leadership to Development of Pressure Technology in Energy Industry

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Thursday, July 31st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Structural Integrity Associates, Inc., a leading engineering consulting company to the Energy and Power Industry, was presented the Corporate Appreciation Award by J. Robert Sims, Jr., the President of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), at the annual ASME PVP Conference on July 23, 2014. The ASME selected Structural Integrity due to their significant leadership in the ASME and industry since their founding in 1983.

Structural Integrity supported approximately 40 ASME Codes and Standards Committees, and been an active supporter of the Pressure Vessels and Piping Division (PVP) by authoring or co-authoring over 55 papers in the past five years in addition to three tutorials, developed sessions related to high pressure technology, materials and fabrication, design analysis, and fatigue, and participated in Software and NDE Forums. Their industry expertise is recognized by the organization and industry through the leadership as Technical Committee Chairs, Conference Chairs, and in 2011, Laney Bisbee, the company CEO, was a plenary speaker.

Sam Y. Zamrik, ASME’s previous President, recognized Structural Integrity’s contributions at the conference. “Structural Integrity’s long-standing support is critical to ASME and PVP achieving its long-term mission and goals. We appreciate that support to the organization and the Energy Industry.”

“We recognize the importance of the ASME to the industry and want to support the on-going knowledge and efforts of their mission,” commented Laney Bisbee, President and CEO of Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. “I'm pleased we can continue to be contributors in our various technical communities.”

About Structural Integrity Associates, Inc.

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. (SI) is an internationally recognized leader in the prevention and control of structural and mechanical failures using the most advanced engineering and assessment techniques available. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Structural Integrity serves clients worldwide with a dozen branch offices throughout the United States and Canada, as well as affiliates in China, Japan, Korea and Spain. Structural Integrity has extensive experience and leadership in the Energy Industry related to nondestructive examination, Nuclear Plant Services, Fossil Plant Services and integrity management of pipelines.

About American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.

Contacts
Structural Integrity Associates, Inc.
Vicki Douglass, 877-474-7693
info@structint.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11763/en

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

JM Re-Aligning Engineered Products Business to Drive Growth

New structure enhances customer experience while strengthening innovation, agility, and manufacturing capabilities

ME NewsWire/Business Wire

DENVER - Wednesday, July 30th 2014

Johns Manville (JM) today announced they would merge their American, European and Asian activities for Engineered Products into one global business unit. JM’s Engineered Products business manufactures and markets premium-quality glass and polyester nonwoven products for the building and construction industry, filtration and battery separation media, reinforcement glass fibers for composites and specialty industrial glass products.

The reorganization enhances the organization’s ability to serve increasingly global needs in the composites, filtration and energy storage markets.

“Transitioning to one Engineered Products organization furthers our global reach, while maintaining the regional support our customers require,” said JM President and CEO Mary Rhinehart. “The new structure allows us to build on what we already do well in different regions. It will expedite our growth and help us deliver an even more powerful JM Experience to our customers and our employees.”

Previously, JM operated two Engineered Products business units: one for the Americas and one for Europe and Asia. The realignment keeps some of the regional components, mostly within the nonwovens business, while the composites, filtration and energy storage businesses will be managed more globally.

Enno Henze, who is responsible for JM’s nonwovens, fibers and glass textiles businesses in Europe, as well as its nonwovens business in China, will lead the newly created Engineered Products business as Senior Vice President and General Manager. Henze will relocate to JM’s global headquarters in Denver from Germany to lead the Engineered Products business.

Henze said the new organization is designed to support JM’s Engineered Products customers worldwide.

“There are increasing needs for the global supply of products and services, and this change will allow us to support that,” said Henze. “At the same time, the new structure gives us the opportunity to take innovation and customer service to the next level.”

About Johns Manville

Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing, and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial and residential applications. JM serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. JM employs approximately 7,000 people and operates 45 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.

Contacts

Johns Manville

Holly Leiker, 303-978-2042

Holly.Leiker@jm.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11751/en

Heritage Global Partners and Tekmart International to Manage Upcoming Sale of Late Model Smartphone Technology Manufacturing Assets in Masan, Korea Due to Nokia’s Global Infrastructure Reorganization

1000+ SMT and Test Equipment Surplus Lots Will be Auctioned via Multi-Day Global Online Sale Beginning August 19

MASAN, South Korea & SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Wednesday, July 30th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Heritage Global Partners (“HGP”), a global leader in asset advisory and auction services, today announced that it is joining forces with Tekmart International, a leading global supplier of quality secondhand SMT and Test equipment to the worldwide electronic manufacturing industry, to oversee a global auction sale (August 19-22) of late model smartphone technology assets that are surplus to Nokia’s Masan, South Korea manufacturing facility.

“We are very much looking forward to conducting this event. There has not been a significant offering of late model smartphone SMT production and test equipment in the secondary marketplace. We are confident these high-quality assets will appeal to buyers globally,” stated Nick Jimenez, Heritage Global Partners Executive Vice President. “Our August auction promises to be a unique, not-to-be-missed event for any worldwide organization seeking a wide range of state-of-the-industry mobile technology manufacturing and test assets, including six Fuji NXT SMT Lines.”

Global Smartphone Technology Manufacturing Asset Auction Highlights: Sale Begins August 19, 2014 (4:00 am KST) with lots closing August 21-22 beginning 11:00 am KST

Key Assets:

    Six fully functional and turnkey Fuji NXT SMT Lines

Other Assets Include:

    Fuji NXT M3 and M3S Modules
    Koh Young KY-3030 Series Solder Paste Inspection Systems
    Dage XD7600 X-ray System
    Asymtek Axiom X-1020
    Rhode & Schwarz CMW 500 Wideband Radio Communication Testers
    DEK Galaxy Screen Printers
    Cencorp 1000BR Routers
    Keithley 2015 6.5 Digit THD Multimeters
    ERSA Hotflow Reflow Ovens
    Fuji NXT Feeders (hundreds available: 8mm up to 56mm)
    Fuji NXT Spare Heads available (H12HS, H12S, H08, H04, H01)
    Agilent AOI SJ50 Series III’s
    Agilent E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generators
    Aeroflex PXI 3025 Signal Generator Modules
    Plus much more – consult www.hgpauction.com for updated list of sale items/photos

Heritage Global Partners is one of the leading worldwide asset advisory and auction services firms and a subsidiary of publicly traded Heritage Global Inc. (OTCQB: HGBL and CSE: HGP).

Contacts

Heritage Global Partners

Nick Jimenez, (+1) 203-733-7191

njimenez@hgpauction.com



JCIR

Rob Rinderman, 212-835-8500

HGP@jcir.com,







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11752/en

Seiko Instruments Releases the Innovative S-19500/19501 Series LDO Voltage Regulator with Watchdog Timer and Reset Function for Automotive Applications

The S-19500/19501 series features easy on/off control for the watchdog timer simplifying software -

CHIBA, Japan - Tuesday, July 29th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) announced the release of the S-19500/19501 series LDO voltage regulator with an easily-controlled watchdog timer and reset function that simplifies implementation. The new regulators are optimized for use in constant-voltage power supply for automotive electric components and microcontroller monitoring.

Traditionally, external monitoring has been required for microcontroller safety, and it has complicated circuit designs and increased the number of components when designing circuits with single-function ICs. The new S-19500/19501 series is capable of not only meeting the requirements by integrating a LDO regulator, reset IC, and watchdog timer into one chip, but also simplifies the software interface making the watchdog timer control easier. Load current from the internal LDO regulator automatically turns on/off the watchdog timer, preventing unnecessary monitoring during the microcontroller's sleep mode. In addition, a WEN pin can forcibly turn on/off the watchdog timer until the system is stabilized during the microcontroller startup or during software update without using external circuits. This innovative design by SII allows customers to simplify design and software, reduce component count, and save space.

SII’s unique laser-trimming technology has achieved output voltage accuracy of +/-2.0% and detection voltage accuracy of +/-100mV over temperature. Also, a single capacitor is needed for adjusting both the reset release delay time and the watchdog timer monitoring time. The reduced number of pins has made a small 8-pin HSOP-8A package (5.02×6.0×1.68 mm) a reality. Customers can select the S-19501 series that has a reset output pin separate from the watchdog output pin. The output voltage is selectable from 3.0 V to 5.3 V in 0.1 V steps. The operating temperature range is -40 to +125 degree C and the maximum rating is 45V. AEC-Q100 (Automotive Electronics Council reliability stress test) and PPAP (Automotive Production Parts Approval Process) qualification are currently in process.

Detailed information: http://datasheet.sii-ic.com/en/voltage_regulator/S19500_19501_E.pdf

Please visit: English: http://www.sii-ic.com/en/

About Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII): http://www.sii.co.jp/en/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50907859&lang=en

Contacts
Seiko Instruments Inc.
Yasuko Arai, +81-43-211-1111 (Japanese inquiry only)
Corporate Communications Dept.
pr@sii.co.jp
Online Inquiry: https://krs.bz/sii/m/sii_inquiry_en









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11747/en

Edwards’ GXS Industrial Vacuum Pump Wins Product Innovation Award

Edwards and Intech announce GXS success in Moscow

CRAWLEY, England. - Monday, July 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Edwards, together with its distributor in Russia, Intech Analytics JSC is proud to announce that the GXS dry screw vacuum pump won the Product Innovation Award at Vacuum TechExpo 2014 in Moscow.

Franck Merieux, Market Sector Manager at Edwards, commented, “We are extremely proud to receive this award together with our partners in Russia, Intech, for our innovative GXS vacuum pump. This award reflects not only on Edwards’ technology leadership, but it also highlights all the hard work carried out by Intech in introducing our GXS pump to the Russian market, a key growth area for Edwards.”

The GXS range, with its unique screw technology, enables users to optimise their processes with a low cost of ownership and a reduced footprint. The GXS provides robust and reliable operation even in harsh industrial applications, and has an on-board controller enabling extensive communication and automated control capabilities. The GXS has a long pump service life and is virtually maintenance free for up to five years, which together with reduced gas and power consumption make it the most economical vacuum pump for industrial applications.

“Existing customers of the GXS vacuum pump give very positive feedback about the many benefits they get from using this technology,” commented Dmitry Lovtsyus, Deputy Director at Intech. “We are thrilled that the GXS met the stringent criteria for this award and that the specialist judging panel at Vacuum TechExpo decided to give the Innovation Award to Edwards’ GXS.”

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, abatement systems and related value-added services. These are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells; are used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications, steel and other metallurgy, pharmaceutical and chemical; and for both scientific instruments and a wide range of R&D applications.

Edwards has over 3,200 full-time employees and 500 temporary workers operating in approximately 20 countries worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment.

About Intech

Intech Analytics JSC is Edwards’ distributor in Russia and is also an authorised service provider. They have offices in Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Novosibirsk and Kiev. The large distances involved in Russia mean servicing can be a challenge, so their local presence is a significant benefit to customers.

Further information about Edwards can be found at www.edwardsvacuum.com.

Further information about Intech can be found at www.intech-group.ru

Contacts

Edwards

Rebecca Walder

+44 (0) 1293 603103

Rebecca.Walder@edwardsvacuum.com





MIRAGE by mobli: A Whole New Way to Communicate in Just a Tap

TEL AVIV, - Tuesday, July 29th 2014 [ME NewsWire]
Powered by a one-tap UI, MIRAGE by mobli gives users a super-streamlined way to communicate By sending photo and video messages, MIRAGE imitates real-life conversations that are unrecorded and disappear after just a few seconds. Once you’re in, all your phone contacts are added so you’re immediately ready to go.
(BUSINESS WIRE) mobli (www.mobli.com), the leading social platform for sharing photos, videos and live broadcasting, announced today the release of MIRAGE, a brand new stand-alone camera messaging app that gives users the easiest way to message each other through photos and videos that last for just a moment.
With simplicity in mind MIRAGE is based on a one-tap principle, where the main functions can be accessed with a single tap or press. Like in real-life where people have one time conversations that are unrecorded, so are the instant messages in the app, lasting only a few seconds.
Download links:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mirage-camera-messaging/id899589483?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobli.mirage
Users’ contacts are automatically added to the app from their phone contact list so they can send a photo, video, text or voice message to their friends immediately regardless of whether they have installed the app or not.
The UI of MIRAGE is incredibly simple, free of unnecessary clutter and options. Taking and sending a photo is accomplished with a single tap on a contact’s profile photo. Similarly, users can send a video by holding on the contact’s photo – recording for up-to 15 seconds. Once the user releases the profile picture the video is sent immediately.
This simplicity principle holds true throughout the app, with most of the features accessed by a single tap:
Tap a contact to send a picture
Tap and hold a contact to send a video
Double tap on the Image-screen to add text
Tap the Image-screen to switch between front and rear cameras
Moshe Hogeg, CEO of mobli: “Our vision as a company has always been to bring people together through visual content. We built MIRAGE as a messaging tool to extend our natural daily conversations that in real life are simple and unrecorded. The technology enables us to send temporary messages to anyone without being limited to the ecosystem of the app.”
With MIRAGE, all of a user’s contacts are instantly available, with the most popular contacts at the top of the list. If a contact doesn’t have the MIRAGE app, they are sent an SMS with a link to the photo or video which they can access from their mobile browser. The web experience completely replicates the experience of the app allowing MIRAGE users to send camera-messages to all of their phone contacts.
About MIRAGE & mobli:
MIRAGE is a remarkably intuitive and fun new camera-messaging app that lets users send unrecorded photo, video, text, and voice messages to all their contacts that last for only a few seconds. With a laser focus on speed and simplicity, MIRAGE lets users send photos and videos to anyone, even if they don’t have the app installed, which they can annotate with text or voice messages in a tap.
MIRAGE. Your life, unrecorded.
--
mobli provides a richer and smarter way to capture and share photos and videos with friends and the world, while featuring unparalleled visual effects. On mobli, users can follow and engage with individuals as well as communities based on interests and locations. mobli’s vision is to connect people across the globe so users can experience the world through other people’s eyes.
Contacts
mobli Media Contact:
Jonah Balfour, +972-54-617-5584
jonah@blonde20.com




Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11745/en

Polaris Industries Inc. Announces New Business Unit and Leadership Changes in EMEA Business

Organizational changes enable company to leverage scale and resources for global growth

MINNEAPOLIS. - Tuesday, July 29th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced that it is integrating several emerging business lines to create a new Global Adjacent Markets business and that it has named Matt Homan to lead the fully integrated business as President, Global Adjacent Markets. This new business unit is operational effective immediately.

“In his time with Polaris, Matt Homan has demonstrated the ability to spur growth and develop synergies amongst a range of businesses,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “His background makes him ideally suited to lead our vitally important Global Adjacent Markets business, which aggregates our adjacency initiatives to better utilize scale and resources while providing clearer accountability. Building this business is one of the foundations of our long term strategy, and we are excited to apply Matt’s talents to this task.”

Homan has been with Polaris for 12 years and was previously Vice President, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Small Vehicles and prior to that Vice President of Off-Road Vehicles. In this new role, he will report to President and Chief Operating Officer Bennett Morgan and will be supported by dedicated Global Adjacent Markets teams, including human resources, engineering, finance, business development, operations and legal. Homan will also report to Wine for business development activities in the adjacent-market space.

Under Homan’s leadership, the Global Adjacent Markets business will have responsibility for all Small Vehicles product lines, including GEM, Goupil, Aixam/Mega and Brammo, as well as all commercial, Brutus, government and B2B applications of Off-Road Vehicles (ORV), Snow and Motorcycles outside Polaris’ traditional dealer channels. Homan’s team will also have responsibility for all merger and acquisition activity related to adjacent markets. Polaris’ Defense product line will report financial results through the Global Adjacent Markets business, but continue to operate as a separate business line.

This change does not affect Polaris’ core consumer business units including Off-Road Vehicles, Snow, Motorcycles, Parts Garments & Accessories (PG&A) or Eicher Polaris Private Limited (EPPL).

Commensurate with Homan’s promotion, Suresh Krishna has accepted the position of Vice President, EMEA. Krishna joined Polaris in March 2010 and previously served as Vice President, Global Operations and Integration. In his new role, Krishna will lead the company’s EMEA business, concentrating on the continued development of both organic and new growth opportunities in the region. He will also expand the EMEA role to include responsibility for manufacturing, sourcing, new product development and expanded distribution.

The move also allows Krishna to build on his strong portfolio of operations, supply chain and successful lean manufacturing experience to take the EMEA region to the next level of development. With the rapidly expanding business opportunity in the region, including the start-up of the Poland plant, Suresh and his team will be positioned to build out Polaris’ presence through both top- and bottom-line performance improvements. In this fully-loaded regional P&L role, Suresh will have a dedicated team for sales and marketing, operations, engineering, product development, finance, HR, legal, business development and IT. Suresh will report to Bennett Morgan, President and COO, for day-to-day business and to Scott Wine, Chairman, CEO, for business development.

“Suresh Krishna has done a tremendous job overseeing the seamless integration of several key acquisitions and multiple facility expansions, improving our supply chain and forging Polaris into a more lean organization,” said Wine. “We are excited for him to bring this same passion and focus to his new role as we look to continue growing our footprint in the EMEA region.”

Information regarding the replacement for Krishna’s previous position as Vice President, Global Operations and Integration will be forthcoming.

About Polaris®

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered Parts, Accessories and Apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands.

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Contacts

Polaris Industries

Media Contact:

Marlys Knutson, 763-542-0533

marlys.knutson@polaris.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11746/en

Rimini Street Announces Second Quarter 2014 Financial Results

LAS VEGAS. - Monday, July 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Net Revenues of $20.4 Million, Up 37% Year over Year

Deferred Revenues of $61.2 Million, Up 33% Year over Year

(BUSINESS WIRE) Rimini Street, Inc., the leading independent provider of enterprise software support for SAP AG’s (NYSE: SAP) Business Suite and BusinessObjects software and Oracle Corporation’s (NYSE: ORCL) Siebel, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle Database, Oracle Middleware, Hyperion and Oracle Retail software, today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Rimini Street's second quarter results included record highs in net revenues, deferred revenues, active clients and number of clients electing multi-year, non-cancelable service periods.

    Net revenues for the second quarter of 2014 increased 37% year over year to $20.4 million
    Deferred revenues as of June 30, 2014, increased 33% year over year to $61.2 million
    Active support clients as of June 30, 2014, increased 30% year over year to 574

"Our performance for the fiscal second quarter exceeded sales plan for both new clients and renewing clients,” said Seth Ravin, CEO, Rimini Street. “Accordingly, we accelerated our global investment and expansion to meet the growing needs of our expanding client base around the world."

“Our fiscal second quarter results reflect continued strong revenue growth and global execution,” said Ed Schaffer, CFO, Rimini Street. “We continued our planned investments in global sales, marketing and service delivery capability across all operating theatres and implemented new patent-pending technology to drive innovation, scalability and continued long-term gross margin expansion.”

Fiscal Q2 2014 Highlights:

    Opened new Regional Headquarters facility and expanded service delivery capabilities in EMEA
    Expanded Rimini Street Labs Operation with new facility opening in Bengaluru and expanded the existing Hyderabad facility
    Announced that we have signed more than 100 SAP support clients
    Participated and presented at several premier CIO and IT executive events, including Evanta’s CFO Summit, Forrester’s Forums for Technology Management Leaders in London and Orlando, and several other conferences
    Once again recognized by employees with a prestigious Bay Area “Top Workplace” award

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street is the leading independent provider of enterprise software support services. The company is redefining enterprise support services with an innovative, award-winning program that enables Oracle and SAP licensees to save up to 90 percent on total support costs over a decade, including saving 50 percent on their annual support fees. Clients can remain on their current software release without any required upgrades or migrations for at least 15 years after switching to Rimini Street. Hundreds of clients, including global, Fortune 500, midmarket, and public sector organizations from across a broad range of industries have selected Rimini Street as their trusted, independent support provider. To learn more, please visit www.riministreet.com or call within the USA 888-870-9692 or internationally +1 702-839-9671.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are based on various assumptions. If the risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Rimini Street assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Rimini Street and the Rimini Street logo are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Rimini Street, Inc.

Alma Park, +1 323-229-7282

APark@riministreet.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11743/en

Architectural Team Selected to Design the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Global Team made up of world-renown Beijing and Chicago firms

CHICAGO. - Monday, July 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Following a global search, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA) announced today that Beijing-based MAD Architects has been selected as the principal designer for the LMNA site while Chicago-based Studio Gang will design the landscape and create a bridge to connect the LMNA to Northerly Island. VOA Associates, based in Chicago, will serve as the executive architect and lead the implementation of MAD’s design.

“We are bringing together some of the top architects in the world to ensure that our museum experience begins long before a visitor ever enters the building,” said George Lucas, founder of the LMNA. “I am thrilled with the architectural team’s vision for the building and the surrounding green space. I look forward to presenting our design to the Chicago community.”

The LMNA considered several different architects from around the globe. MAD Architects was chosen because of its innovative approach to design and the firm’s philosophy of connecting urban spaces to natural landscapes. Amsterdam-based UNStudio was the runner-up for the principal design role.

Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD Architects, will be responsible for the design and overall concept of the LMNA building. In seeking to connect the interior and exterior worlds, Mr. Ma has designed some of the most innovative buildings in the world including Absolute Towers in Ontario, Canada, the Ordos Museum in Ordos, China and Chaoyang Park Plaza in Beijing, China.

“It is a gift to be able to design the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in a city so rich with architectural history,” said Mr. Ma, a graduate of the Yale School of Architecture. “I am humbled and honored to be given this opportunity to create a timeless design that moves and inspires people just like Mr. Lucas’ collection.”

To connect the LMNA to neighboring Northerly Island, a bridge will be built by the LMNA, at no cost to the City of Chicago. Jeanne Gang, who has spent the past four years transforming Northerly Island from an airport runway to an oasis of greenery, will design the bridge and lead the landscape design for the LMNA.

“We are excited to build upon our current work and collaborate to create a seamless transition between the Museum Campus and Northerly Island,” said Ms. Gang, a MacArthur Fellow. “In keeping with the Northerly Island ethos, our design goal will be to create a combined ecological and urban habitat.”

VOA Associates, whose designs include Roosevelt University’s 32-story vertical campus in downtown Chicago and the Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C., will implement Mr. Ma’s design. “We will take the concept design and create a digital sculpture that will serve as the blueprint for construction,” said Michael Toolis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, VOA Associates. “Each aspect of the museum will be digitally created using technology that enables us to test daylight, create interactive models and examine how the design performs in different environments.”

The design for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be introduced in late 2014. To learn more about LMNA, visit us at www.lucasmuseum.org.

Contacts

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Devon Spurgeon/Kate LeFurgy, 347-963-7743

press@lucasmuseum.org









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11739/en

Invest Deeper into the Japanese Smart/Renewable Energy Market Through World Smart Energy Week Osaka 2014

World Smart Energy Week Osaka 2014 PV EXPO OSAKA PV SYSTEM EXPO OSAKA BATTERY OSAKA INT'L SMART GRID EXPO OSAKA

TOKYO. - Tuesday, July 29th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Reed Exhibitions Japan will be holding the 2014 edition of World Smart Energy Week Osaka (the sister edition of World Smart Energy Week http://www.wsew.jp/en/), at INTEX OSAKA from September 3-5, 2014.

Composed of 4 specialised exhibitions - PV EXPO OSAKA http://www.pvexpo-kansai.jp/en/, PV SYSTEM EXPO OSAKA http://www.pvs-kansai.jp/en/, BATTERY OSAKA http://www.battery-kansai.jp/en/ and INT'L SMART GRID EXPO OSAKA http://www.smartgrid-kansai.jp/en/, the show will provide a platform to conduct business and build connections with industry professionals mainly from western regions of Japan.

This year, 200 exhibitors and 20,000 professional visitors are expected. The overall size of the show is forecasted to double as well as the exhibit area occupied by overseas exhibitors.

From the PV sector YINGLI GREEN ENERGY, JINKO SOLAR, CANADIAN SOLAR, SOLAR WORLD, ZHONGLI TALESUN SOLAR, ZNSHINE PV-TECH, KOREA TELECOM etc. will be joining as well as various PV system installation/integration, system component, installation/mounting devices and material related firms.

For BATTERY OSAKA and INT'L SMART GRID EXPO OSAKA: OSAKA GAS, FUJI ELECTRIC, TABUCHI, DENSO, NIHON GAISHI, FURUKAWA, TOYO TECHNICA, NAG SYSTEM etc. will exhibit.

There will be 3 keynote sessions discussing the current status and future outlook of the PV, renewable battery and smart grid sectors. The sessions will be led by YINGLI GREEN ENERGY, SOLAR FRONTIER, NTT FACILITIES, HITACHI CHEMICAL, NGK INSULATORS, NIPPON CHEMI-CON, HITACHI CHEMICAL, TOSHIBA, IBM JAPAN, and KANSAI ELECTRIC POWER. Special sessions on Japan’s electricity liberalization and smart community business outlook will also be held.

Show Director, Yoichiro Ayabe is confident that World Smart Energy Week Osaka will provide further support in expanding smart/renewable energy business throughout Japan: "As there are numerous projects held in the region and many firms originating from western Japan, the market potential in western Japan is large. Evidently, the overall satisfaction of participants was very high last year as both Japanese and overseas participants were able to make new clients. We are confident that World Smart Energy Week Osaka will become established as another key industry show to seek new business and connections in Japan."

Both Osaka and Tokyo editions of World Smart Energy Week is expected to expand and the majority of the booth space for both shows are selling out fast.

For further information, visit http://www.wsew.jp/en/ or contact Show Management.

Contacts

World Smart Energy Week Show Management

Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.

Ena Masui, +81-3-3349-8519

pr-eng.wsew@reedexpo.co.jp





Sunday, July 27, 2014

P&G Launches Work with Small Farmers to Ensure No Deforestation in Its Palm Oil Supply Chain

World’s Top Supply Chain Experts Working with Local Farmers to Improve Practices

CINCINNATI. - Friday, July 25th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Separating sustainable sources from non-sustainable sources in the production of palm oil and palm kernel oil is highly complicated, but Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) is stepping up to address the problem. The Company is conducting an in-field study to understand the practices of small farmers – and how those practices can be improved to protect local forests. P&G is partnering with the Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (MISI) to field the study, fulfilling a commitment it made earlier this year as part of new goals to achieve zero deforestation in the palm oil supply chain.

“We want to make the sourcing of palm oil and palm kernel oil sustainable from start to finish -- and still economically viable for local farmers who depend on the crop to support their families,” said Len Sauers, Vice President of P&G Sustainability. “We already work with larger suppliers to trace the origin of our supply chain, but small farmers – in places like Malaysia and Indonesia – account for 35-45% of palm oil production. We need to understand their needs and practices so we can create innovative solutions to the problem, just like we understand the day-to-day lives of consumers to meet their needs with innovative products.”

“This is a complex supply chain involving thousands of small farmers who interact with others, so the product changes hands many times between the growers, traders, millers, buyers, and ultimately the purchasing company. As a result, separating sustainable sources from non-sustainable sources is almost impossible. We are targeting zero deforestation by fostering an inclusive ecosystem that supports small farmers’ challenges,” said Mahender Singh of MISI, a global leader in supply chain management and logistics.

In April, P&G announced new goals to help ensure zero deforestation in its palm oil supply chain. The goals call for traceability of palm oil and palm kernel oil to supplier mills by December 31, 2015, and to plantations by 2020. The six-month study announced today supports these goals and will enable P&G to understand the small-farmer supply chain and how best to help local growers. The Company will report the findings and develop an action plan to address them by the end of September 2014. MISI is helping to facilitate this research and will work with P&G to develop the action plans.

The goals also call for P&G to extend work with suppliers, industry peers, NGOs, academic experts and other stakeholders to promote industry-aligned standards and practices for sustainable palm oil sourcing.

“We are working in partnership with industry experts, large suppliers and small farmers to make a significant and lasting impact. In support of this commitment, we will develop tools and best practices that we can share with other companies facing the same opportunities we’re facing in establishing traceability from farm to purchase,” said Dr. Sauers.

About MISI

Located in Shah Alam, Malaysia, MISI is the fourth center in the MIT Global SCALE (Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence) Network. It is a joint initiative between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the government of Malaysia and is an international alliance of leading-edge research and educational organizations, dedicated to the development and dissemination of global innovation in supply chain and logistics.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

To learn more about P&G’s Palm Oil Commitment click here: P&G Sustainability/Palm Oil

Contacts

P&G Media Contact

Paul Fox, 513-983-3465

fox.pd@pg.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11722/en

Panasonic: Barca Clock Screen Saver and Star Generator App Make You the Ultimate Barcelona Fan

OSAKA, Japan - Saturday, July 26th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation has a global partnership with FUTBOL CLUB BARCELONA (FC Barcelona), which will continue for 3 years from April 2013 to March 2016. Through this partnership, Panasonic collaborates with FC Barcelona on marketing activities and brings the passion of football to people all around the world.

Since April 2013, Panasonic has been carrying out promotional activities in the global promotion of VIERA as the "FC Barcelona Official TV", including the display of 3D match footage in stores, shop front displays, goods campaigns and the use of the brand and image of FC Barcelona on the company's websites and Facebook pages.

Panasonic VIERA, the Official 'FC Barcelona TV,' is carrying out a global promotion including the release of the Star Generator, a smartphone camera app, and the BARCA CLOCK Screen Saver, which turns your PC desktops into Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's home stadium.

Star Generator, the Smartphone Camera App

Now, you can see yourself either on the headlines of a newspaper or TV lined up together with FC Barcelona stars like Neymar Jr. and Messi. You can also share the images you create on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, and send them to friends via e-mail.

[Learn More about Panasonic Star Generator] http://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/viera/app/stargenerator -Android Version Download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.HeroGenerator&hl -iOS Version Download https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/panasonic-star-generator/id556487710?mt=8

BARCA CLOCK, the PC Screen Saver

Panasonic VIERA lets users experience the thrills and excitement of sports action at the highest level of quality. We make it possible with our advanced technologies to achieve the best picture quality. Now, through a partnership agreement with FC Barcelona, one of the world's most popular soccer teams, Panasonic is helping to spread the joy of sports worldwide.

This PC screen saver allows you to enjoy photos of FC Barcelona star players in action or in rare images of practice scenes together with some great tunes. You'll also be in for a surprise at certain times of the day!

[Learn More and Down Load Barca Clock Screen Saver] http://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/viera/fcbarcelona_download/ [Video] What is Barca Clock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs1SfrDXEVs

Related Links:

Why sports enthusiasts choose VIERA http://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/viera/fcb_2014/ Panasonic Enters into Contract of Global Partnership with FC Barcelona http://news.panasonic.net/archives/2013/0719_23342.html Panasonic Homepage http://www.panasonic.com/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50912013&lang=en

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communication Group

Public Relations Office

+81-3-3574-5729

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com

At the request of Interpol: UAE Ministry of Interior in Ukraine to Identify Victims of Downed Malaysian Plane

ME NewsWire

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, July 23rd 2014

At the request of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the UAE Disaster Victims Identification (DVI) team set out on Tuesday to Ukraine to take part in identifying the remains of victims killed in last Thursday’s downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 plane over Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

According to Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director General of Central Operations and Chairman of the Victims Affairs Committee, the UAE Disaster Victims Identification (DVI) team led by Major Raed Al Muhairi, Director of the Victims Affairs Office includes several experts and two emergency doctors from the Emergency and Public Safety Department. The team has immediately responded to the request received from the Interpol, in keeping with the humanitarian approach pursued by the UAE leadership to help peoples and countries worldwide suffering from crises and disasters.

Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi added that this international request reflects prestigious good reputation enjoyed by the UAE, and the efficiency of its police and public safety teams specialized in search and rescue, in dealing with emergency incidents’ scenes with high professionalism

For his part, Major Raed Al Muhairi, noted that the UAE is the only Arab member in the organization on Disaster Victim Identification under the umbrella of Interpol, thanks to the unwavering support from the country’s leadership, which provided the necessary financial and advanced technical resources, as well as continuous training opportunities for human cadres. “All of these measures have contributed to making our police organization one of the most modern and efficient police institution in the world,” he added.

Major Al Muhairi pointed out that a number of advanced countries have already dispatched their experts to participate in this delicate and critical mission, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom among others. In conclusion, he noted that the UAE Ministry of Interior has outranked other well-established countries on the international scene, in terms of security technology and public safety.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11710/en

Panasonic: Remote Classroom for Making Battery Held Between Japan and Nepal for the First Time

OSAKA, Japan - Friday, July 25th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On July 8, 2014, Panasonic Corporation hosted a remote classroom about batteries for 80 eighth-year students from two classes at Bijeshwori Gyan Mandir Sainik Mahavidyalaya in Nepal. Panasonic Members served as lecturers, with translation provided by a teacher from Chiyoda Elementary School in Kawachi-Nagano, Osaka, which helped provide the link with the Nepalese school.

Chiyoda Elementary School had previously held other exchange classes with the Nepalese school using video conferencing systems. This particular lesson was designed to teach the Nepalese students the joys of science through a Handmade Battery Class, and was conducted with the help of the Kawachi-Nagano Educational Media Center.

The day began with an explanation of the various types of batteries, general knowledge about batteries and their properties, and an overview of Panasonic. The children then experienced building their own dry batteries by hand with a special kit. Time was also allocated for a Q&A session which saw the Nepalese students ask many different questions about batteries and Panasonic. This demonstrated their great interest in batteries, Japan, and Panasonic.

The classroom was brought to a close with a commemorative photograph showing the children proudly holding their finished batteries. One commented, "I am very grateful for such a good experience," with another saying, "This was all extremely useful and I hope we get another chance to learn with you again."

The lesson at Bijeshwori Gyan Mandir Sainik Mahavidyalaya proved a great success, and Panasonic now plans to host further remote classrooms with other Nepalese schools in the future.

About Panasonic's Handmade Battery Class

Panasonic has operated "Handmade Battery Class" since 1994. Overseas versions of these classes began in 2007, and have since been held in Thailand, Iran, China, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia and Myanmar, among other countries.

Related Links: Panasonic kids school http://panasonic.co.jp/ad/pks/global/index.html Panasonic kids school for Developing the Next Generation http://panasonic.net/citizenship/education/ Panasonic Corporate Citizenship News http://panasonic.co.jp/citizenship/blog/en/ Panasonic Batteries Site http://panasonic.net/energy/battery/ Automotive & Industrial Systems Company http://panasonic.net/ais/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140724006581/en

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communication Group

Public Relations Office

+81-3-3574-5729

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com

Saturday, July 26, 2014

WTAS Global Establishes Presence in Italy

SAN FRANCISCO. - Friday, July 25th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) WTAS Global is establishing a presence in Milan and Brescia, Italy, through the addition of Studio Associato De Vecchi. Founded in 1925, Studio De Vecchi is a third generation firm and recognized leader in providing tax, legal, accounting and financial advisory services to domestic and multinational businesses in Italy.

“The addition of Studio De Vecchi is strategic and synergistic,” commented Mark Vorsatz, CEO of WTAS and Chair of WTAS Global Management Council. “We share a common commitment to providing best in class service to our clients through our stewardship and the investment we make in our people. In addition, the caliber of the professionals at Studio De Vecchi is tremendous and will further strengthen our ability to serve clients in a seamless fashion across the globe.”

In total, 34 professionals will join WTAS Global in September of this year as part the Milan and Brescia offices. Studio Associato De Vecchi is led by Office Managing Partner, Andrea De Vecchi who will be joined by 10 other partners including Lino De Vecchi, Giampaolo Dassi, Stefano Uglietti, Massimo Vidal, Natascia Alesiani, Francesco Inturri, Sebastiano Dell’Arte, Andrea Ferrandi, Andrea Frangipane and Francesco Marconi. The partner group is comprised of accountants and lawyers representing both public and private companies in Italy and overseas with expertise in corporate law, intellectual property, commercial agreements, M&A, bankruptcy, legal argument, labor and family law.

Andrea De Vecchi shared, “Studio De Vecchi identifies with WTAS’ core values which are consistent with our own. We are enthusiastic about joining WTAS Global not only because we recognize that this is beneficial for our clients and our people, but also because of the commitment of the WTAS Global leaders to developing a truly integrated global firm.”

With the addition of the Milan and Brescia offices, WTAS Global now has 26 international locations with more than 150 professionals in Europe and more than 900 professionals worldwide.

Contacts

WTAS

Megan Tsuei, 415-764-2700

http://www.wtas.com

UpToDate Adds Palliative Care as a Specialty

Clinical Decision Support Resource Now Covers 22 Medical Specialties

WALTHAM, Mass. - Friday, July 25th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information for healthcare professionals and students, announced today that it has added Palliative Care to UpToDate®, its evidence-based clinical decision support resource, marking the 22nd medical specialty available to UpToDate subscribers. The newly launched specialty covers a range of topics focused on improving symptoms and providing the best possible quality of life for patients facing serious illness.

“The launch is a major breakthrough in mainstreaming this critical aspect of care. No medical specialty is spared the responsibility of providing symptomatic and supportive care to the chronically ill or to patients approaching the end of life,” said UpToDate contributing author, Dr. Nathan Cherny. Dr. Cherny is Associate Professor of Medicine at Ben Gurion University of the Nege in Beer Sheba, Israel and also Director of Cancer Pain and Palliative Medicine Service (Medical Oncology department) at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

He adds, “All clinicians providing care for these patients will benefit from access to evidence-based topics that present current practice in palliative medicine, written by authoritative leaders in the field. I am very proud to have been a partner in this endeavor.”

The addition of Palliative Care is the result of over two years of extensive collaboration led by Dr. Susan D. Block and Dr. J. Andrew Billings, Editors-in-Chief for Palliative Care. Drs. Block and Billings led a team of over 100 leading palliative care specialists from around the world. The team comprehensively reviewed and graded the body of research and scientific literature on palliative care. The resulting UpToDate topics reflect a range of topics focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness while improving the quality of life for patients and their families. The team continues to monitor new studies and changes to practice in this evolving field of patient care.

“As a growing number of healthcare organizations using UpToDate develop dedicated palliative care resources, the need to offer consistent professional content and patient education in this area is greater than ever,” said Denise Basow, MD, Vice President/General Manager, UpToDate at Wolters Kluwer Health, Clinical Solutions. “We are focused on supporting doctors, patients and their families with the best answers to the challenging questions they face around palliative care.”

Nearly 150 clinical and patient education topics provide consistent recommendations for an interdisciplinary approach as undertaken by emerging hospital-based palliative care programs. The topics integrate the most current information on palliative care into practice, including both clinical and psychosocial issues. Topics include evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management of pain and non-pain symptoms in palliative care patients across many disciplines.

The new specialty is available now to UpToDate subscribers. Topics can be accessed online and via the UpToDate mobile app.

Follow UpToDate on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Wolters Kluwer Health

Wolters Kluwer Health is a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Serving more than 150 countries worldwide, clinicians rely on Wolters Kluwer Health’s market leading information-enabled tools and software solutions throughout their professional careers from training to research to practice. Major brands include Health Language®, Lexicomp®, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Medicom®, Medi-Span®, Medknow, Ovid®, Pharmacy OneSource®, ProVation® Medical and UpToDate®.

Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer had 2013 annual revenues of €3.6 billion (US$4.7 billion), employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, and maintains operations in over 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Follow our official Twitter handle: @WKHealth.

Contacts

Media:

Wolters Kluwer Health | UpToDate

André Rebelo, +1-781-392-2411

Public & Analyst Relations Manager

andre.rebelo@wolterskluwer.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11721/en

21st Century Fox Agrees to Combine European Satellite Television Holdings; New Sky will be Europe’s Leading Pay-Television Business

Transfers Sky Holdings in Italy and Germany to BSkyB; Will Maintain 39.1 Percent Interest in Expanded BSkyB and Receive $9.3 Billion In Cash and Assets

NEW YORK - Saturday, July 26th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Company Will Continue Share Repurchases in FY 2015 Under New Authorization

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 21st Century Fox (NASDAQ:FOXA, FOX) today announced that it will transfer Sky Italia and its 57.4 percent interest in Sky Deutschland to BSkyB to create a pan-European digital television leader through the combination of these assets.

In exchange for the transfer, 21st Century Fox will receive approximately $9.3 billion in value from BSkyB comprised of approximately $8.6 billion in cash and BSkyB’s 21 percent interest in National Geographic Channels International, raising 21st Century Fox’s ownership stake to 73 percent. In addition, 21st Century Fox will participate in BSkyB’s announced equity offering by purchasing approximately $900 million of additional shares in BSkyB to maintain the Company’s 39.1 percent ownership interest. The net, after-tax cash proceeds to be received by 21st Century Fox upon completion of all the elements of this transaction will approximate $7.2 billion. The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals, the approval of BSkyB stockholders and customary closing conditions.

“We have always believed that a combination of the European Skys would create enormous benefits for the combined business and for our shareholders,” said James Murdoch, Co-Chief Operating Officer, 21st Century Fox. “Ultimately, a pan-European Sky is good for customers, who will benefit from the accelerated technological innovation and enhanced customer experience made possible by a fully integrated business. The transaction underscores our focus at 21st Century Fox on simplifying our structure while delivering significant value to our shareholders. We look forward to participating in Sky’s exciting next chapter under the leadership of Jeremy Darroch, along with the other senior leaders, colleagues and creative talent across all the European Sky businesses.”

“For 21st Century Fox, this transaction was driven by the Company’s objective of maximizing the value of its various Sky holdings in a manner that recognizes the fair value of these businesses while allowing us to participate in the ongoing benefits of Sky through our ownership interest in the enlarged and strengthened company,” said Chase Carey, President and Chief Operating Officer, 21st Century Fox. “This transaction significantly enhances liquidity on our balance sheet to support our key operating principles including the consistent return of capital to shareholders. In this regard, for Fiscal 2015 we will continue our share buyback program and will communicate the details of a renewed share buyback authorization upon the announcement of Fiscal 2014 earnings results on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.”

“Our renewed authorization for our share buyback program will be executed regardless of any potential acquisition or investment activity by the Company,” said Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Fox. “21st Century Fox’s number one priority is increasing shareholder value in a disciplined manner and, as a result, we will only consider transactions that fully support this objective.”

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results or performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Where, in any forward looking statements, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of our management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The "forward-looking statements" included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and we do not have any obligation to publicly update any "forward-looking statements" to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law or regulation.

About 21st Century Fox

21st Century Fox is the world's premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.5 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Network, National Geographic Channels, MundoFox, STAR India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 300 channels that comprise Fox International Channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; and television production studios Twentieth Century Fox Television and Shine Group. The Company also provides premium content to millions of subscribers through its pay-television services in Europe and Asia, including Sky Deutschland, Sky Italia and its equity interests in BSkyB and Tata Sky. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit www.21CF.com.

Contacts
21st Century Fox
Press:
LA: Julie Henderson, 310-369-0773
jhenderson@21cf.com
NY: Nathaniel Brown, 212-852-7746
nbrown@21cf.com



UK: Miranda Higham, 011-44-207-0195632
mhigham@21cf.com



Investor Relations:
Reed Nolte, 212-852-7092
rnolte@21cf.com



Joe Dorrego, 212-852-7856
jdorrego@21cf.com



Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11724/en

eBay Announces Sale of Original Superman Comic, Action Comics #1

Finest Known Copy of the Comic that Started a Multi-Billion Dollar Global Franchise Will Be Auctioned on eBay Beginning August 14th

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Thursday, July 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Today, eBay announced that the 1938 comic book that introduced Superman to the world, Action Comics #1, will be sold at auction next month. Widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” of comic books, there are believed to be as few as 50 unrestored original copies of Action Comics #1 still in existence. Prominent collectibles dealer Darren Adams will sell the finest known copy of this comic on eBay from August 14-24.

The comic that will be auctioned on eBay received a 9.0 from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), which is the highest grade ever assigned to an Action Comics #1 by the leading third-party grading service. Only one other Action Comics #1 received a highly coveted CGC 9.0 rating and sold for a record $2,161,000 in 2011. That book had cream to off-white pages, while the comic that will be available on eBay contains white pages and is in pristine condition.

“eBay connects shoppers to the things they love – offering one-of-a-kind inventory, like Action Comics #1, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” said Gene Cook, General Manager of Emerging Verticals for eBay Marketplaces. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire the most valuable comic book in existence and we look forward to sharing a piece of pop culture history with the global eBay community of 149 million buyers.”

The auction of Action Comics #1 will begin on August 14 and run for ten days. Given its place in entertainment history as the genesis for the Superman superhero franchise, it is expected to capture the attention of avid comic collectors as well as casual fans.

"The quality and preservation of this Action #1 is astounding,” said Paul Litch, CGC Primary Grader. “The book looks and feels like it just came off the newsstand. It is supple, the colors are deep and rich and the quality of the white pages is amazing for a comic that is 76 years old.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. For more information about the comic and auction, please visit www.eBay.com/action-comics. A free digital viewer of the comic book’s inside pages can also be found at www.CGCcomics.com/1134755001.

About eBay Marketplaces

eBay (Nasdaq:EBAY) is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, connecting people with the things they need and love virtually anytime, anywhere. eBay has 149 million active buyers globally and more than 700 million live individual and merchant listings at any given time. With mobile apps available in 190 countries, eBay delivers a personalized shopping experience and seamless access to inventory from down the street and around the world. Tailored shopping experiences customize buying and selling; and eBay provides variety and choice for sellers by enabling them to offer goods through online, mobile and local channels to consumers around the world.

About Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)

Founded in 1999, Certified Guaranty Company is the hobby’s most preferred third-party grading service for collectible comics, magazines, photos and lobby cards. CGC offers expert condition analysis, including thorough restoration detection before grading and encapsulating collectibles in state-of-the-art, archival-safe holders. CGC does not buy or sell collectibles – it is committed to providing an independent opinion that collectors and dealers can always trust, so they can buy and sell with confidence.

Contacts

eBay

Karen Bard Sayah, 408-529-9875

PR Manager

kbard@ebay.com



Certified Guaranty Company

Janell Armstrong, 941-360-3990 ext. 236

Marketing Coordinator

jarmstrong@collectiblesgroup.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11700/en

Hilton HHonors Members Earn Their Next Escape Faster with Triple Your Trip Promotion

Members are rewarded Double Points for weekday stays and Triple Points on weekends

MCLEAN, Va. - Thursday, July 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 11 distinct hotel brands, today announced the launch of its latest global promotion, Triple Your Trip. Through the promotion, Hilton HHonors members can earn Triple Points Friday through Sunday and Double Points Monday through Thursday for hotel stays completed between August 1, 2014 and October 31, 2014 at participating Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.

“At Hilton Worldwide, we want our members to know that we appreciate their loyalty, whether they’re staying for a midweek business trip or a leisurely weekend getaway,” said Mark Weinstein, vice president, Commercial Services Strategy, Loyalty Programs & Partnerships. “The Triple Your Trip promotion allows us to reward our members, making it even easier for them to earn points that can be used to enjoy memorable travel experiences.”

To participate in the Triple Your Trip promotion, members can register at HHonors.com/Triple. Stays can be booked and completed between August 1, 2014 and October 31, 2014. For more information or to become a Hilton HHonors member, visit HHonors.com.

This promotion continues a campaign by Hilton urging travelers to “Be a Weekender.” Throughout 2014, Hilton HHonors members have the chance to win a weekend trip every week throughout the year. For more information or to enter the Ultimate Weekender Sweepstakes, members can visit Hilton.com/Weekender and join the pledge to make the most of their weekends.

About Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s eleven distinct hotel brands, offers approximately 38 million members more ways to earn and redeem points than any other guest-loyalty program, enabling them to create experiences worth sharing at more than 4,100 hotels in 92 countries and territories. HHonors members can now redeem points for any room, anywhere, anytime, including the most luxurious suites, using any of four room rewards: Premium Room Rewards, Room Upgrade Rewards, Points & Money Rewards and Standard Room Rewards. In addition, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide, including participating Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting www.HiltonHHonors.com or connect with Hilton HHonors at news.hiltonhhonors.com. Members can now also book reservations, manage their accounts and redeem special offers with the new Hilton HHonors mobile app for iPhone.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of eleven world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,100 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 685,000 rooms in 92 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.

Contacts

Blake Rouhani

Hilton Worldwide

(703) 883 6615

blake.rouhani@hilton.com

news.hiltonhhonors.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11703/en

Friday, July 25, 2014

ZTE and TIM Brasil to Set Up Next-Generation Broadband Innovation Center

ME NewsWire/Business Wire

BRASILIA, Brazil. - Thursday, July 24th 2014

ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, announced an agreement with TIM Brasil to jointly set up an Joint-laboratory/Innovation Center in Brazil to spearhead research in next-generation broadband technologies.

In a ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, ZTE and TIM Brasil also agreed to partner on ultra-broadband projects in the next three years. The framework agreement between ZTE and TIM Brasil was signed by Yu Xin, Vice President of ZTE Corporation, and Mario Girasole, Vice President at TIM Brasil.

“ZTE is delighted to partner with TIM Brasil to develop broadband technologies of the future,” Mr. Yu said. “ZTE is committed to investment in innovations in next generation broadband technologies, which will be fundamental to the development of future telecommunications and information technology services.”

The Joint-laboratory/Innovation Center of ZTE and TIM Brasil will focus on research in broadband technologies including XG-PON (passive optical network), NG-PON2 and G.Fast.

ZTE is the biggest provider of ultra-broadband network solutions to TIM Brasil. Since 2012, ZTE and TIM Brasil have been collaborating in ultra-broadband network deployments in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, which are the most advanced broadband deployments in Latin America. In 2014, ZTE strengthened the collaboration with TIM Brasil by being invited to participate in the tenders for major ultra-broadband projects for the deployment of DSLAM solutions. ZTE partners with TIM to provide Live TIM, which is TIM’s offering in fixed line ultra-broadband.

TIM Brasil, the second biggest mobile operator in Brazil, is a subsidiary of Telecom Italia. Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, TIM Brasil’s network covers 3,400 cities and 95% of Brazil’s urban population.

About ZTE

ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every telecommunications sector, including wireless, access & bearer, VAS, terminals and professional services. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 160 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while growing revenue. ZTE commits 10 per cent of its annual revenue to research and development and has leadership roles in several international bodies devoted to developing telecommunications industry standards. ZTE is committed to corporate social responsibility and is a member of the UN Global Compact. The company is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer that is publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.

Contacts

ZTE Corporation

Margrete Ma, +86 755 26775207

ma.gaili@zte.com.cn



Edelman PR

Mark Lee, +852 2837 4756

mark.lee@edelman.com

Andres Vejarano, +852 2837 4735

andres.vejarano@edelman.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/11713/en

ZTE Blade Vec 4G With Google Now Launcher and ZTE Grand S II LTE, One of the World’s Fastest 4G Smartphones Debut in Hong Kong

ZTE Blade Vec 4G available for HKD 1,499; ZTE Grand SII LTE available for HKD 2,499

HONG KONG - Friday, July 25th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZTE today launched the Blade Vec 4G and Grand S II LTE in Hong Kong. The ZTE Blade Vec 4G gives the city’s consumers the opportunity to sample the world’s first non-Nexus and non-Google-Play Experience smartphone pre-loaded with the Google Now Launcher, while the Grand S II LTE provides exceptional processing speed, both delivering a new level of user experience at an affordable price.

Priced at HKD 1,499, the ZTE Blade Vec 4G is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8926 processor and offers a brilliant 5-inch high-density display in a sleek glass-fiber design to appeal to style-conscious consumers, measuring only 7.8 mm thick. ZTE is also launching the flagship Grand SII LTE smartphone, priced at HKD 2,499, which supports 17 frequency bands across the GSM, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, FDD-LTE and TDD-LTE modes.

“ZTE is pleased to give users in Hong Kong priority access to two of our most high-profile devices,” said Adam Zeng, CEO of ZTE Mobile Devices. “ZTE is committed to provide the best user experience to customers globally by tailoring our products for each individual market. Hong Kong has some of the world’s most sophisticated mobile consumers and we believe they will appreciate the new Blade Vec 4G and Grand SII LTE. ZTE’s strategy is diversified innovation and local customization to explore the Asia-Pacific market.”

ZTE launched the new Blade Vec 4G and Grand SII LTE at an event in Hong Kong today that was attended by guests including Scott Beaumont, President of Google Greater China, and Tim McDonough, Vice President of Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

Google Now Launcher lets users add as many home screens as they like, and helps them quickly get to their favorite apps. The launcher enables easy access to Google Now, giving users the right information at just the right time. For example, if users booked flights on selected airlines, Google Now can give them the boarding pass, or tell them if their fights are delayed. Ok Google allows hand free voice command triggered by just saying “Ok Google” at standby mode. Tell the phone what to do, not only limited to search query, text a message, get directions, or play a song, but even setting reminders and alarms, opening apps.

In the Asia Pacific and CIS region, ZTE has launched premium products in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Russia, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Taiwan, based on each market’s needs.

“We are pleased to present Blade Vec 4G in Hong Kong, as we believe this pre-loaded GNL device will open up many new possibilities in the global smartphone market,” said Jacky Zhang, CEO of Asia Pacific and CIS regions at ZTE Mobile Devices. “ZTE will continue our strong efforts to develop products with high value to bolster our position in the international smartphone market.”

The new Grand SII LTE for the Hong Kong market is an upgraded version of the best-selling model launched earlier in Mainland China. With support for multiband, the Grand SII LTE is perfect for data roaming in Hong Kong, Mainland China and internationally.

Another outstanding feature of Grand SII LTE is its exceptional processing speed. Being one of the world’s fastest 4G smartphones, the Grand SII LTE is paired with the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, as well as a 2GB DDR3 RAM and 16GB ROM for users to enjoy both the high-speed 4G network and the revolutionizing experience from the hardware upgrade. ZTE Grand SII LTE has scored an impressive score earlier in smartphone benchmark app Antutu, outshining most of the flagship 4G smartphones in the market.

Apart from 2 smartphones, ZTE also provided a preview of the Grand Band at the event. The Grand Band measures and records users’ pulse rates, storing data and monitoring users’ health condition. The fashionable and practical Grand Band will be launched in 2014 in varied colors

Consumers in Hong Kong may purchase the ZTE Grand SII LTE and ZTE Blade Vec 4G in China Mobile Hong Kong and csl. stores.

“Having China Mobile Hong Kong and csl. as our partner in Hong Kong, we are much confident with our products in Hong Kong market,” Mr. Zhang said.

In addition to having mobile operators and retail stores distributing ZTE products, ZTE is also developing online sales channels in Hong Kong. ZTE is launching its first official overseas online sales platform myzte.hk and partnering with Hong Kong ecommerce company Expansys(Hong Kong) for expansys.com.hk/ZTE. These online platforms are activated now with ZTE smartphones and related products available. With mobile operators, retail stores and online stores, ZTE has strengthened its sales network to drive growth in Hong Kong.

ZTE Blade Vec 4G

Specification:
           

Network
         

GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz
           

WCDMA 900/2100 MHz
           

FDD-LTE B3/ B7/ B20

Platform
         

Qualcomm MSM 8926

OS
         

Android 4.4

Size
         

142.3 X 70.4 X7.8mm

Display
         

5.0 HD, IPS, 16M, Oncell

Camera
         

8F AF +1M FF

Battery
         

2300mAh

Interface
         

3.5mm Earphone Port, 3FF SIM, 5 pin Micro USB

Memory
         

16GB ROM + 1 GB RAM

Features
         

GPS/ WIFI/ BT/ FM
           

Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient Light, Compass, Gesture sensor, WiFi Direct
           

Product Retail Price:HKD 1,499 Point of sale: csl. Headstarts period from 24 July – 12 August 2014

Available in following channel starts from 13 August 2014: Mobile Operator: csl., China Mobile Hong Kong Online Sales Platform: myste.hk, Partnered platform expansys.com.hk/ZTE Chained retail store: Suning (Hong Kong)

Hotline:3759 0622 /ZTE(HK) Limited

ZTE Grand Sll LTE

Specification:
           

Network
         

GSM:B2/3/8
           

WCDMA:B1/2/5
           

TD-SCDMA:B34/39
           

FDD_LTE:B1/3/7
           

TDD_LTE:B38/39/30/41

Platform
         

Qualcomm MSM 8974, 2.3GHz

OS
         

Android 4.3

Size
         

157 X 77 X 9.2mm

Display
         

5.5 FHD, IPS, 1920X1080

Camera
         

13MP AF with LED + 2MP FF

Battery
         

3100mAh

Interface
         

3.5mm Earphone Port, 3FF SIM, 5 pin Micro USB, Micro SD slot

Memory
         

16GB ROM + 2 GB RAM (LPDDR3)

Features
         

GPS/ WIFI/ BT/ FM
           

Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient Light, Compass, Gyro, 3 MIC
           

Product Retail Price:HKD 2,499 Point of sale: China Mobile Hong Kong Headstarts period from 24 July – 12 August 2014

Available in following channel starts from 13 August 2014: Mobile Operator: China Mobile Hong Kong, csl. Online Sales Platform: myste.hk, Partnered platform expansys.com.hk/ZTE Chained retail store: Suning(Hong Kong)

Hotline:3759 0622 /ZTE(HK) Limited

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50911634&lang=en

Contacts
ZTE Corporation
Margrete Ma, +86 755 26775207
ma.gaili@zte.com.cn









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11720/en

Thursday, July 24, 2014

OT Expands Its M2M and IoT Offer to Application Enablement with Cumulocity

COLOMBES, France - Wednesday, July 23rd 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oberthur Technologies (OT), a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space, today announced its partnership with Cumulocity, the leading ‘Internet-of-Things’ (IoT) platform provider, to offer an application enablement and objects management platform for the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) markets. This new OT solution has the flexibility to address various M2M use cases from fleet management and asset tracking to industrial remote maintenance and surveillance, among many others.

The IoT market is exploding in many verticals with industrial machines, vehicles, smart meters and also wearable devices getting connected. Beyond connectivity, market stakeholders such as mobile operators, OEMs and enterprises need to remotely control and automate the management of these objects. OT is now able to propose a simple and secure solution to help them collect data from any connected object over any network, manage them in real-time including remote configuration and software updates or real-time alerts, and easily develop business applications.

Thanks to OT platform, OEMs, M2M/IoT enterprises and leading mobile operators will accelerate the launch of new service offerings, with simple integration into their existing IT infrastructure. This future-proof solution offers maximum scalability and native support for Big Data use cases, including Big Data collection, storage and analysis.

The partnership expands OT’s existing M2M portfolio, already including secure elements and solutions to manage the connectivity, to monitor the network quality and the continuity of service, and to secure the end-to-end communication between devices and service providers.

“Connected objects are expected to reach tens of billions by 2020. OT’s comprehensive, robust and flexible M2M offer is designed to help our customers tackle the challenges and seize the full benefits of upcoming Internet of Things growth while addressing the very important security aspects related to IoT. By joining forces with Cumulocity we are extending our offer beyond connectivity and security and moving up the M2M value chain” said Marek Juda, Managing Director of the Solutions Business Unit at OT.

“The industry is moving from utilizing M2M technology purely for productivity gains to fully leveraging the innovating power of Internet technology. The ‘Internet of Things’ is going to be based on open cloud platforms to integrate real time machine and sensor data with existing IT systems, mash-ups of Internet services and new applications. Cumulocity terms this industry transition ‘Connect to Innovate’. In close collaboration with OT, our customers will be able to capitalize on the IoT based on secure, mobility-oriented and highly extensible Software-as-a-Service offerings” said Bernd Groß, CEO of Cumulocity.

ABOUT OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES

OT is a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space. OT has always been at the heart of mobility, from the first smart cards to the latest contactless payment technologies which equip millions of smartphones. Present in the Payment, Telecommunications and Identity markets, OT offers end-to-end solutions in the Smart Transactions, Mobile Financial Services, Machine-to-Machine, Digital Identity and Transport & Access Control fields. OT employs over 6 000 employees worldwide, including 600 R&D people. With more than 50 sales offices across 5 continents and 10 facilities, OT’s international network serves clients in 140 countries. For more information: www.oberthur.com

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ABOUT CUMULOCITY

Cumulocity is the leading provider of Internet-of-Things (IoT) software and solutions. Our origins as part of Nokia Siemens Networks, the world's mobile broadband specialist, gives us the experience of managing networks of millions of devices in a reliable, rapidly scalable and flexible manner. Cumulocity Software-as-a-Service offerings fundamentally reduce complexity and makes Internet-of-Things technology affordable to everyone. Cumulocity has set new industry standards and received innovation awards. Our open, application centric and free to try offering includes our comprehensive developer environment, cloud enabled starter kits, IoT specific device management, real time ‘Big Data’ analytics as well as applications in key verticals including retail, industrial Internet and real time tracking. For more information see www.cumulocity.com.

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACTS

Oberthur Technologies

Audrey Besnardeau, Tel.: +33 1 78 14 76 75

a.besnardeau@oberthur.com



FTI Consulting Strategic Communication

Guillaume Granier/Eric Fohlen-Weill, Tel.: +33 1 47 03 68 10

oberthur@fticonsulting.com



MEDIA CONTACTS

Cumulocity

Email: MediaRelations@cumulocity.com





Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/11704/en