Innovative Application Crawls Your Playlist and Automatically Tells You When Those Bands Are Playing a Concert Near You

Concertimatic is now available through the Apple App Store® for iPhone® and iPod Touch® owners. Imagine never missing your favorite bands when they come through town again. With one tap, Concertimatic reads your iTunes® library for your list of artists and then combs through concert listings in your area through a variety of websites. This produces a chronological list of concerts, tailored specifically for you.

The application eliminates the labor and time of searching through sites like Pollstar, Jambase and others, automatically letting you know about shows you’re interested in.

You can buy concert tickets on the phone of course, but you can also email the concert information to yourself or friends to then complete the purchase on a computer. It also has links to the band’s page on iTunes® just to make sure you haven’t missed their latest release or are looking to fill out your library before the show. The app’s default is to know where you are, but allows you to change your location if you are planning a trip and want to see who is playing in that town. Some people are willing to travel great distances to see their band, so Concertimatic offers a range option from one mile up to 200.

“I’m very excited about this new app. After six months of developing and testing, this new tool will mean that you will never again say, ‘If I had known that they were coming through town, I’d have gone!’” said Duncan King, founder of Concertimatic. “This simple tool, made possible by the new 3.0 OS, allows you to worry about one less thing. Up until now, there hasn’t been an app like this that reads your playlist and tells you in a matter of seconds when those bands are coming — all for less than a dollar.”


Potentially Life-Saving Invention Inspired by Children’s Real Life Experience of Devastating Forest Fires

Sony Europe announces that its partnership with a young team called Forest Guard has reached a vital stage as the youngsters have the enormous satisfaction of seeing their forest wildfire detection system idea deployed in their local forest for testing.

The team of six, whose idea won the Climate Actions part of the global FIRST(R) LEGO(R) League Children’s Climate Call competition in Copenhagen, Denmark back in May 2009, impressed Sony executives so much that the company offered to partner with the team to bring their idea to life. The team will also return to Copenhagen during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) to show the system to the world’s leading authorities on climate change at the Bright Green Expo, 12-13 December 2009.

Their idea uses a network of solar-powered CCTV cameras and citizen fire watchers over the web to obtain advance warning of wildfires before they manage to spread. The team have been working hard with Sony engineers over the summer resulting in an initial version of the system that is ready to be tested in the team’s local Tahoe National Forest in California. The University of Nevada, Reno is offering the project local support with Dr. Graham Kent and his team helping test and maintain the network of cameras.

“We are so pleased we could bring our technology and engineering skills to this project and help this young team’s idea become a reality”, says Morgan David, Divisional Director, Research and Development (R&D) at Sony. “To apply technology to help solve the problems of climate change is at the heart of Sony’s philosophy and we will continue to collaborate with the Forest Guard initiative and support this project.”

The Sony designs and software for the Forest Guard proof of concept will be released into the public domain and a white paper will also be made available so that the technology is available to all scientists, governments and NGOs working to combat wildfires globally.

Forest Guard are acutely aware of the need for detecting forest wildfires early. In September forest fires once again broke out near to them destroying 50 homes and 10 businesses in their local area. The families of Forest Guard members, Ayden, Bobby, Faith and Drew, were evacuated from their homes as the fire continued to burn closer to their properties.

Recounting the experience, eleven year old team member Ayden says: “The smoke was bellowing high from the trees, like a big black cloud. Soon after we were home, we were told to evacuate. My stomach knotted up. We went to my aunt and uncle’s house and after a few hours, the fire was put out and we went home. The next day I passed the destruction left by the fire; along the highway we could see all the trees and homes that had been destroyed.”

The team are also keen to highlight the environmental impact these devastating fires have – the carbon dioxide emitted during these fires can equal that produced by several million cars on the road in a year and CO2 emissions by forest fires are expected to increase by 50% by 2050 if something isn’t done.

It is these experiences that are bringing members of Forest Guard to Denmark during COP15 in December. They will be exhibiting with Sony at the Bright Green exhibition held next to COP15 to showcase how their idea can make a difference globally to both people’s lives and carbon emissions. H.R.H The Crown Prince of Denmark, the US Secretary of Commerce and the US Ambassador to Denmark are dignitaries set to attend Bright Green alongside General Manager of LEGO Education Jens Maibom and world famous inventor Dean Kamen.

A documentary following the story of the Forest Guard idea that gives a close insight into how their lives are affected by the devastating impact of forest wildfires is currently being filmed and will be shown on national broadcast channels.

For more information about Sony’s environmental initiatives go to http://www.sony.eu/eco

Source: Sony Europe


Pedalers On Track to Achieve a Total of 32,000 Watt Hours to Light Up The 2010 Numerals This New Year’s Eve; Live Updates Now Available at the Virtual Smart Power Lab

Pedalers at the Duracell Smart Power Lab are well on their way to generating approximately 32,000 watt hours that will power the iconic 2010 numbers for 30 minutes during the New Year’s Eve Ball drop ceremony. The new Duracell Smart Power Lab, which opened on Monday, November 23, 2009, is free to the public and located just above the Charmin Restrooms in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.

PROCTER & GAMBLE SMART POWER LAB

“The countdown to New Year’s has begun! Our partnership with the public to light up 2010 is a larger than life symbol of our commitment to do what we do best – delivering power when people need it most,” said Craig Bida, Duracell Brand Manager. “We had a great start and want to welcome anyone in the New York City area to visit the Duracell Smart Power Lab to join us in powering in the new decade.”

In the coming month, Duracell will host a variety of special guests at the Smart Power Lab, where VIPs will participate in power generation – pedaling one of six Duracell Power Rovers to contribute to the almost 1,000 pedaling hours needed to power the 2010 numerals. This week’s special VIP pedalers included “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Chaske Spencer and Peter Facinelli, actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and the Volunteers of America’s Sidewalk Santas.

“I had the chance to test drive one of the Duracell Power Rovers while appearing on the Rachael Ray Show on Monday, November 23, and it was a blast,” said actor Peter Facinelli. “It’s exciting to be part of something as iconic as the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. When I watch the ball drop this year, it will be that much more meaningful.”

Ensuring that consumers outside of New York City can share in the experience, Duracell also announced that the Virtual Smart Power Lab is up and running at powerlab.duracell.com. Site visitors can find updates of the power collection, see photos of the Power Rovers, take a tour of the Lab and more. And, to guarantee that all moments are captured for the Virtual Smart Power Lab, Duracell has enlisted the help of three correspondents. Nationally recognized comedians Erik Rivera, Jane Condon and Wali Collins will post interviews with celebrities who have pedaled for power, photos of consumers getting in on the action and real-time blog updates that give the inside scoop as to what’s happening at the Lab.

Powering 2010

New Yorkers and tourists alike will have the chance to literally help power the 2010 numerals by visiting the Duracell Smart Power Lab, hopping aboard a Power Rover and pedaling. The rovers operate through rotary technology, so with each push of the pedal, human energy is captured, converted into usable power, and then routed and stored at Duracell Battery Centers. The journey ends at One Times Square, where the stored power will light up the 2010 numerals as the New Year’s Eve Ball drops and the clock strikes midnight.

Learn, Recharge and Play

In addition to the opportunity to help light up the New Year, Lab guests can stop by to try out Duracell’s latest Smart Power offerings that address the ever-growing and ever-changing power needs of the modern consumer. Visitors can also recharge their mobile electronic devices – such as cell phones, BlackBerrys, digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, portable gaming devices and more – at Duracell Charging Stations set up throughout the venue. Additional activities at the Lab include playing the latest titles from Microsoft Xbox 360© and capturing a photo with a life-size replica of the 2010 numerals.

The Duracell Smart Power Lab is being held in conjunction with the annual Charmin Restrooms in Times Square, which has returned for the fourth consecutive year. Guests will enjoy two floors of fun: the first offers a free, clean and family-friendly place to “enjoy the go” with 20 clean, deluxe, ADA compliant, family-friendly and fully-staffed restrooms and the second provides a place where they can interact with the latest charging gadgets, re-charge their own devices or help generate the energy needed to illuminate the 2010 numerals.

Hours of Operation

The Duracell Smart Power Lab and Charmin Restrooms are open now through December 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday. They are located at 1540 Broadway in Times Square between West 45th and West 46th Streets. The Smart Power Lab and Restrooms will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and will be closed on Christmas Day.

Source: Procter & Gamble


GammaTech Computer Corporation, a leading worldwide manufacturer of notebook computers for over 22 years, today announced the GAMMATECH DURABOOK R13S, the innovative, fully rugged 13.3″ notebook computer that transforms quickly and easily to a Tablet PC for ultimate flexibility and functionality.

GAMMATECH DURABOOK R13S

The GAMMATECH DURABOOK R13S is powered by an Intel Core2 Duo processor. Intel® Core(TM)2 Duo processor delivers faster multitasking performance and greater energy efficiency so that users can be more productive. By combining breakthrough processing speeds with advanced power-saving features, Intel Core2 Duo processor lets users get more done in less time. The R13S comes with a 9-cell lithium-ion battery providing approximately 7 hours of functionality. The unit includes a GPS Receiver, Bluetooth®, Super-Multi DVD Burner optical drive, HD audio, built-in speaker and array microphone, support for Intel GME965 Integrated graphics and an onboard smart card reader. The R13S measures 13.5″(W) X 10″(D) X 2.3″(H) and weighs only 9.4 lbs.

“Our mission is to equip mobile rugged computer users in harsh environments with the ultimate functionality and durability they need to do their jobs. That’s why we offer the GAMMATECH DURABOOK R13S. And we offer the Two-in-One Notebook+Tablet PC at a significantly lower cost than other fully rugged notebooks in the market that do not provide the Tablet PC features,” says GammaTech President, Steven Gau.

Designed for any Conditions

The GAMMATECH DURABOOK R13S is humidity and water resistant, and includes a waterproof keyboard and touchpad, so the system can function at full capacity in rain and snow. The unit is also designed for maximum dust-resistance and withstands extreme wind-borne dust and sand conditions.

The R13S is built to ensure that the screen is viewable in any light level. The 13.3″ convertible screen includes a sunlight-readable option that compensates for glare and reflected sunlight. The backlit-illuminated keyboard lets users work in low light environments or in complete darkness.

Fully Rugged

The GAMMATECH DURABOOK R13S is encased in magnesium alloy for concussion protection. The unit is rigorously tested using MIL-STD-810F requirements for drop, shock, spill and dust resistance and rated IP54 for water and dust protection. The unit can survive a 3-feet drop, random vibration, and extreme temperatures ranging from -4 degrees F (-20 degrees C) to 158 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Totally Secure

The R13S is highly secure, with an internal Trusted Platform Module (TPM1.2) Security Chip, hard drive encryption capability, support for HDD User Password Protection, and fingerprint recognition technology.

Source: GammaTech Computer Corporation


Epson expands multimedia projector lineup

High Bright Epson PowerLite 1830 and 1915 Deliver Easy to Use and Feature Rich Communication and Presentation Tools

Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1), announced the PowerLite 1830 and 1915 with advanced connectivity and presentation features for corporate and higher education markets. These models, along with the network-ready, widescreen Epson PowerLite 1925W, introduced earlier this year, are currently shipping.

Optimized for conference rooms and mid-sized classrooms, all three projectors offer content over IP with Epson’s leading-edge EasyMP® network technology for remote access, monitor and control of projectors over the network, as well as easy management and maintenance. In addition, the PowerLite 1915 and 1925W offer additional versatility with HDMI connectivity, built-in wireless, PC-free presentation capabilities, and Screen Fit, an auto-sensing feature that intuitively sets up the appropriate screen size, keystone and focus.

“We listened to the needs of business professionals and educators and developed a class of projectors to exceed industry demands,” said Edgar Jimenez, product manager, Epson Projection, Epson America. “The PowerLite 1830, 1915 and 1925W offer brightness, connectivity, versatility, and ease of use – the four essentials needed in today’s mid-sized boardrooms and classrooms.”

The PowerLite 1830 ($1,349*) features 3,500 lumens white light output, 3,500 lumens color light output(2) and XGA resolution for colorful and detailed images. Both the PowerLite 1915 ($1,899*) and 1925W ($2,049*) offer 4,000 lumens white light output and 4,000 lumens color light output; the PowerLite 1915 features XGA resolution while the PowerLite 1925W offers WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio) and is fully compatible with widescreen notebooks and movie content.

More about the Epson PowerLite 1830, 1915 and 1925W

The Epson PowerLite 1830, 1915 and 1925W offer several easy to use and versatile features designed for the classroom and boardroom, including:

– Message Broadcasting: Included EasyMP® Monitor software allow projectors to be used as a broadcast system to show customized images and alerts over the network for announcements or instructions

– Network Monitoring and Control: RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity for remote monitoring and control via an IT network helps saves time and money, regardless of the projector’s physical location

– USB Plug ‘n Play Instant Setup: Instantly projects images from a Windows® PC via a USB connection, allowing for easier set up and eliminating the hassle of dealing with bulky VGA cables and toggling between computer keys

– Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson’s exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, the lamp life can last up to 3,500 hours(3) in economy mode, and replacement E-TORL lamps can cost up to $200 less than competing replacement lamps

– Powerful Sound and Communication: Built-in 10W speaker offers great sound and closed captioning decoder makes presentations accessible to viewers with hearing impairments, and helps meet section 508 compliance

– Portability and Security: Units include a carrying case for easy transportation and protection, and convenient metal anchor bar and control panel lockout for added security

– Easy Setup and Control: Instant On and Instant Off® helps to avoid delays when starting and finishing lectures; A/V Mute Slide instantly turns off the sound and images, customizable Sleep Mode saves energy, and 1.6x manual zoom offers positioning flexibility

– 3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; 3LCD technology provides an energy efficient light engine which efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness(4)

Epson also offers the Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative that is available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors.

Availability and Support

The Epson PowerLite 1830, 1915 and 1925W are currently available through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution. Epson’s PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty (three years for Brighter Futures customers) that includes two elite technical support services – two-year Epson PrivateLine® phone support where projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in one business day. For additional information about the new PowerLite projectors, visit www.epson.com or www.epsonbrighterfutures.com.

(1) Based upon Q3 2009 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates

(2) Light output varies depending upon modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard

(3) Lamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp Brightness decreases over time.

(4) Source: ProjectorCentral.com Jan 2009. Average of 796 shipping models for which the manufacturers provided lumens and total power data, all resolutions and brightness levels. Energy efficiency was measured as wattage per lumen. It was measured for both 3LCD and 1-chip projectors in six different lumens categories. 3LCD projectors averaged less required electricity per lumen in each of the six categories.

*All prices are estimated street price

Source: Epson