Village Gamer

Multiplied Media’s Poynt Local Search application wins in the 2009 Mobile Star Awards

Calgary – Multiplied Media Corporation, a provider of mobile local search services, is pleased to announce that its Poynt Local Search application has been named as a winner in the eighth annual Mobile Star Awards™ program, hosted by mobile technology news portal MobileVillage.com. Multiplied Media was recognized in the Navigation or Location Based Services Award in the category for Consumer Applications.

As in past years, the Mobile Star Awards program showcases “best of” entries in dozens of categories covering mobile apps, enterprise mobile software, wireless network products, enterprise success stories, mobile industry visionaries and more. Winners were chosen by subscribers of MobileVillage’s “Go Mobile™” – a free e-newsletter that delivers headlines and links from top mobile technology stories on popular websites such as Cnet, Engadget, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Computerworld and AppScout. “Go Mobile” was launched nearly ten years ago and is now published every three weeks for thousands of readers.

“Poynt was selected by our ‘Go Mobile’ readers as the go-to application on the BlackBerry for location based and navigation services,” said Jon Covington, MobileVillage founder and president. “Real users selected the Poynt app based on real results, not hype. I look forward to watching Poynt evolve onto other platforms in the future, giving more users the opportunity to utilize the great application.”

“We could not be more pleased to have been named a ‘Superstar’ in our category,” said Andrew Osis, CEO, Multiplied Media. “To be recognized as a top consumer application by the MobileVillage is a great honour. The Mobile Star awards brought some stiff competition to the table this year. We would like to thank our development team, Poynt’s loyal users and of course MobileVillage for hosting the awards.”

In addition to MobileVillage, the Sponsors for the 2009 Mobile Star Awards were Clickatell, Funambol, MobileFrame, Nadel Phelan, OnPoint Digital and Syclo.

Ottawa – Epiphan Systems has announced that the new Lecture Recorder presentation recording, archiving, and broadcasting product is now shipping. Featuring integrated audio-in, video-in, as well as DVI/VGA inputs and outputs, Lecture Recorder lets users simultaneously record the audio and video streams of a lecture, presentation, or seminar. And, as it is designed primarily for corporate and educational clients, it’s easy to use and requires no prior knowledge.

Retailing at $2000, the Lecture Recorder also features 32GB of solid state memory and has 5 USB ports for connecting external devices, such as CD/DVD writers, external hard drives, and AMX/Crestron interface units. Being a bit larger than a paperback book, Epiphan Systems’ Lecture Recorder fits easily inside presenters’ podiums or other confined spaces.

Similar to Epiphan Systems’ VGA Recorder Lite, Lecture Recorder has the ability to not only store hours of lectures on board the actual device; it is also able to automatically send the recordings to a central repository server or FTP, or act as a stand-alone server relaying the recordings directly to an online audience.

Unlike similar solutions from other providers, the Lecture Recorder does not require the payment of any maintenance or licensing fees, integrates within an existing LAN network, and works with virtually any external server, making it the ideal recording device to use in lecture or conference environments.

Toronto – Compact computer technology is the latest and most effective way to transport all of your important files. USB Direct gives you great options in the latest styles of USB memory.

USB Direct is a Canadian supplier of memory storage who offers the best pricing ever on a large selection of Promotional USB memory solutions. Celebrate their grand opening and take advantage of their huge savings. Their prices can’t be beat. You won’t find a better deal anywhere!

USB Direct can also customize your memory sticks with your company’s name or logo. Imagine the pride your employees will display as they strut down the halls with their daily work in tiny little canisters or fashionable bracelets. Use them to give out at your local charity event as a way to remember the cause. You can even make them a fabulous way to hand out computerized invitations. The possibilities of use are endless. Everyone is getting into the techno universe.

With a variety of memory that starts at 128MB and goes as high as 16GB and a wide selection of bright colours, you’ll never lose your memory stick again. If you’re scared of breaking them, USB Direct even makes them in a sturdy PVC rubber casing to protect your precious files.  USB Direct also offers some very unique styles like wood, car shapes, look alike pens, bracelets and neck or wrist straps. It’s so easy to match your USB with your personal style.

News from Skillz Systems, AMD, Intel and D-Box

Halifax – It’s that time of year, where thousands of enthusiasts head to the cold rinks to enjoy the sport of Hockey! Helping hockey players of all ages train their stick-handling skills, Halifax based Skillz Systems launched an interactive video game, called QuickStickz.

Hockey players can use any hockey stick, a computer and Internet access to play QuickStickz virtually anywhere and at anytime. The system includes cameras to track a custom ball and then feeds that information to the training software on the player’s computer.

“What we’ve done is taken kids’ love of hockey and their love of video gaming and combined the two,” says Dean Dachyshyn, Skillz Systems Chief Operating Officer.

QuickStickz which launched just over a week ago, has been in beta testing over the past 2 years. Young eager hockey players across Nova Scotia were able to test and play the video game providing feedback, which was incorporated into the official product.

Endorsed by Buffalo Sabres assistant coach James Patrick and Phoenix Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett, QuickStickz is poised to be the next generation training device. “We are looking forward to setting the hockey world on its ear with this revolutionary new training,” Dachyshyn says. Skillz Systems is a past participant and winner in the InnovaCorp I-3 Technology Start-Up Competition.

Edmonton – BioWare re-invented the fantasy role-playing genre with its recent release of Dragon Age: Origins. With game patches issued days after the title’s debut, BioWare delivers full support for the visually striking AMD innovation, ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology. ATI Radeon graphics now give Dragon Age: Origins players the ultimate visual experience as they see more of this vivid in-game world, and at higher resolution. 1

* BioWare issued patches on Nov. 6 and Nov. 17, 2009 to fully enable Dragon Age: Origins on ATI Eyefinity technology, ensuring that gamers have access to ultra-widescreen resolutions for the ultimate visual experience.
* Experience even more of the fantasy world of Ferelden in Dragon Age: Origins by viewing it with an ultra-wide, three display configuration using ATI Eyefinity technology, allowing for a maximum resolution of 7680 x 1600.
* ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology allows seamless enablement of the biggest game environments available today. Gamers can arrange one to three displays using the ATI Radeon™ HD 5970, ATI Radeon™ HD 5870, ATI Radeon™ HD 5850, ATI Radeon™ HD 5770 or ATI Radeon™ HD 5750 graphics cards.2

“BioWare has made ATI Eyefinity compatibility a priority, and it speaks strongly to their belief in what ATI Eyefinity technology brings to the gaming experience,” said Neal Robison, director, ISV Relationship Management at AMD. “BioWare is known for creating rich, immersive gaming experiences, and it is clear that they appreciate how ATI Eyefinity technology found on the latest ATI Radeon cards, can help further enrich the experience for gamers.”

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Toronto – Incubator Games, a group of young industry professionals, is proud to announce the launch of their new website along with 18 new screenshots for their first game, Tribes of Mexica, which was an entry in Microsoft’s 2009 Dream Build Play contest.

Tribes of Mexica is an action-puzzle title deeply steeped in Aztec mythology. The game’s core mechanics center on rotating concentric rings to match coloured units, powering up spells, and timing attacks and defensive maneuvers. An adventure element ties the battles together, allowing the player to explore exotic locales in ancient Mesoamerica while building up a magical arsenal. Currently in development for the Xbox 360, Incubator Games has plans to port Tribes of Mexica over to the PC/Mac/Linux platforms, and is investigating other platforms as well.

Samsung Electronics, a leader in consumer electronics and information technology, and Handmark®, a world-leading creator and distributor of mobile applications and services, today announced the launch of a new Global Venture Fund to invest in companies and/or individuals with innovative, market-changing game ideas for next generation Samsung mobile phones. Companies and/or individuals selected will receive up to $250,000 each to fund the development of winning ideas.

The fund will be managed by Handmark out of its Kansas City and London offices in partnership with Samsung Electronics. The companies are searching for games that best showcase Samsung mobile phones and the advanced features they offer. Both current and new content ideas are encouraged, taking timing and cost into consideration.

“We know there’s a wealth of great ideas out there waiting to be discovered,” said Chris Barnett, senior vice president of Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships for Handmark. “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, including big brands, mobile developers or any individual with a unique, creative idea to make it a reality.”

“Samsung recognizes the importance of content and applications for today’s mobile phone users,” said Ho Soo Lee, executive vice president for Samsung Electronics’ Media Solution Center. “We are pleased to broaden our partnership with Handmark to help lead the Global Venture Fund, using their expertise to support us capturing great ideas and raise the standard of mobile innovation.”

In addition to funding those selected, Handmark will also provide assistance with development, testing and certification, as well as distribution of the application through the Samsung Application Store. Deadline for applications is November 20, 2009 at 5 PM CT.

Game peripheral company SteelSeries has announced a new distributorship deal with Best Buy Canada. A solid supporter of competitive gaming events in Canada including our own Digital Storm LAN, SteelSeries also purchased Canadian game keyboard maker ZBoard in 2008.
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Edmonton – It is confirmed: SplitFish Ltd., will ship the much anticipated wireless version of their critically acclaimed FPS, PC crossover controller, the Dual SFX Frag Pro, in time to hit stores for Activision’s® Call OF Duty: Modern Warfare 2 release. SplitFish first revealed this latest addition to its line of innovative controllers for PlayStation®3 to rave reviews at E3 and GamesCon 2009, as part of SplitFish’s brand-new Frevolution X System to be available worldwide in fall 2009. SplitFish will have the new Wireless Dual SFX Frag Pro and the Dual SFX Evolution both in stores by end of November 2009.

The Dual SFX Frag Pro brings all the best of the dominating FragFXv2 mouse gaming design in a Dual Wireless Combo. The new controller showcases a 2000dpi customized gaming mouse and Frevo “Fragchuck” and functions as a full featured wireless PS3 and PC gaming controller with programmable button configurations and adjustable mouse aiming that provides unprecedented levels of accuracy. It improves upon the tremendously popular FragFX, adding a dual wireless rechargeable system to the intuitive controller and a new “Frag Control Centre” utility to adjust button configurations and sensitivity and save individual game configurations. The ergonomic, 2000 DPI laser mouse provides PC-like accuracy and easy PS Home navigation, while the left-hand grip provides full SixAxis motion control and a whole slew of customization functions and other special performance features.

The Dual SFX Evolution will ship by late November 2009. This is a revolutionary, wireless, upgradable, two part, Frevo – adjustable analog stick controller that promises a superior new level of intuitive experience for console gamers. The fully featured controller gives all the best analog stick control can offer Plus it offers up assignable dual independent wireless motion for sixaxis or analog stick emulation as well as “wrist flick” button triggering. No other controller provides Sports and other Action game title fans this level of enhanced, intuitive, performance capabilities – made specifically for fan favourites like FIFA, Madden, H.A.W.X. and even has some fun functions for Little Big Planet.

Lloydminster – Today the first videos of The Peregrine gaming glove make their debut. The Peregrine is a wearable, multiplatform PC input device that gives gamers a powerful edge over the keyboard. Those gamers lucky enough to have the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo on their calendars will have an even better chance to check out The Peregrine, where the gaming glove will be on display at booth #1342.

The videos are presented by Pu “Whisper” Liu, the pro gamer from Team Evil Geniuses who lays claim to the #1 Warcraft III: Dawn of the Ancients (DotA) ranking in North America, as well multiple eSports World Cup USA DotA championships. An avid user of The Peregrine, Whisper shows in the videos how the glove allows users to instantly trigger over 30 in-game abilities literally with the touch of a finger, speeding up their response time while simultaneously offering a more comfortable and intuitive gaming experience.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knzv0GCtknk]

“We unveiled The Peregrine to the world at E3 and the response was even better than we could have imagined,” said Brent Baier, inventor of the Peregrine. “We can’t wait to show it off to even more people with the first videos of the product in action, and our hands-on debut at PAX.”

“Everyone on The Peregrine team is on the edge of our seats waiting for the first gloves to roll off the assembly line, because we truly believe it will change the way people play games,” added Baier, CEO of Iron Will Innovations, the think tank founded to bring revolutionary products like The Peregrine to life. “What started more than five years ago as the dream of a starving engineering student is starting to truly take shape, and it’s exhilarating!”

Saskatoon – Aerial photographers and videographers will be excited to see the newest product from Draganfly Innovations Inc. – the Draganflyer X4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Draganflyer X4 is a computer-stabilized, miniature airborne platform with a wireless video downlink and remote flight control.

The four-rotor, 680 gram electric helicopter is a flying platform capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), and is classified as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Draganflyer X4 helicopter is designed for uses such as surveying, industrial inspection, military reconnaissance, aerial photography, real estate marketing, and inspection of hazardous locations. It is lightweight, compact, easily transportable, and measures only 30.5 inches (77.5cm) across.

The Draganflyer X4 helicopter is aimed at industrial and commercial users, providing reconnaissance and inspection information using an on-board wireless high definition video and high resolution still camera. The Draganflyer X4 helicopter is stabilized electronically using an on-board processor running thousands of lines of code and receiving data from seven sensors (three accelerometers, three gyros, and one barometric pressure sensor). The helicopter is able to determine its own orientation and motion based on the data it acquires through these sensors and can be piloted by a user with minimal training. Remotely controlled by its operator, the Draganflyer X4 automatically handles the complex attitude and altitude adjustments required to move at the specified speed and in the specified direction. Without this computer stabilization, the operator would have to constantly adjust the speed and orientation in order to move smoothly or stay in one place. An altitude hold feature allows the Draganflyer X4 to maintain its position in the air, even without user input. “The Draganflyer X4 provides users with amazing performance and stability” says Zenon Dragan, company president. “The Draganflyer X4 will hover stably even with the pilot’s hands removed from the controls.”
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Don’t forget to give the Government your input on the Copyright Consultation process. The eConsultation web site has transcripts from the past Town Hall meetings held across the country, as well as areas for direct participation such as the site’s forum and the online submission centre which both give you an opportunity to respond to a few specific questions on copyright. You can also submit your own paper or report to on the site so that other people can view your work. Both the Copyright eConsultation process and the ongoing CRTC hearings have a direct impact on the digital media industry, so it’s important to get involved and have your say. The Education Medias web site also has important information for educators in regards to the new copyright process.

How many of you have been holding out for the new Palm Pre instead of snapping up the iPhone 3Gs? The new Palm Pre is now available for pre-order exclusively through Bell Canada in anticipation of its August 27 shelf date. The Palm Pre is comparable in price to the new iPhone – $199.95 with a three year contract or $599.95 without a contract, with a minimum 500 MB data plan. Bell smartphone clients can choose from a wide variety of voice and data plans, including Smartphone Combos that offer unlimited Internet browsing, personal email, text messaging and Windows Live Messenger.

Toronto’s digital distribution company YANGAROO Inc. has announced that, subject to regulatory approval, American media services company Horizon Media Inc. will acquire warrants to purchase 750,000 YANGAROO common shares. The warrants will become exercisable after various phases of a digital media workflow solution are successfully completed. These warrants will have an exercise price as permitted by the TSX Venture Exchange policies at the time of issuance and an expiry date of five years from the date of issuance.

Meanwhile, Science Daily has reported that researchers in the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering are developing programming tools to enable engineers in the defense industry to utilize the processing power of GPUs without having to learn the complicated programming language required to use them directly. These tools are designed to take advantage of videogame computer and console GPUs.

“As radar systems and other sensor systems get more complicated, the computational requirements are becoming a bottleneck,” said GTRI senior research engineer Daniel Campbell. “We are capitalizing on the ability of GPUs to process radar, infrared sensor and video data faster than a typical computer and at a much lower cost and power than a computing cluster.”

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Canada – Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is notifying consumers that the “Airspan” Ethernet Adapter, identified below, bears an unauthorized UL Mark for the United States and Canada. This product has not been evaluated by UL to the appropriate standard for safety and is not authorized to bear the UL Mark. It is unknown if this product complies with U.S. and Canadian safety requirements.

Name of Product: “Airspan” Indoor Ethernet Adapter, Model SDA-1 Type 2

Number of Units: Unknown

Manufacturer: Unknown

Date of Manufacture: Unknown

Identification On the product: The product has a label with a UL Mark for Canada and the United States, along with the following information.

SDA-1 Type 2
c (UL) us AC Input: 100~240Vac
LISTED 50/60Hz
I.T.E. DC Output: 48VDC / 500mA
POWER SUPPLY P/N:09200080
E151748 YCL
3T57

This product may also be marked “AIRSPAN” on the face cover.

Toronto – Stealth.com Inc. (Stealth Computer) a leading ISO 9001 manufacturer of industrial rugged computers and peripherals has released the new Model WPC-500F, a waterproof rugged, small footprint, fanless computer for environments where ordinary computer hardware won’t survive.

WPC-500F

The new Stealth WPC-500F is a rugged PC that is completely water-tight, surviving liquids, chemicals, dust and dirt intrusion, meeting IP67/NEMA 6 environmental specifications. Designed without cooling fans the internal CPU is cooled through advanced heat pipe technology. The rugged aluminum chassis also acts as a heat sink to dissipate internal heat and provide noise free operation.

Stealth’s WPC-500F extreme environment PC offers tremendous power in a tiny package that measures only; 7.51″(W) x 11.37″(D) x 2.97″(H) or (191 x 298 x 75.5 mm) yet surpasses the performance of most industrial and embedded PCs available today. Systems utilize Intel’s latest Atom processor technology for maximum performance and power efficiency.
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Canada – Following its successful Canadian introduction last year, Flip Video™ introduced its full line of easy-to-use, portable camcorders into Canada today. With both high-definition and standard-resolution models, the complete line offers consumers the simplest and most affordable way to capture and share high quality video. Canadians can now enjoy the all-new Flip Ultra™ and UltraHD, as well as the remarkably slim and customizable Flip Mino™ and MinoHD.

“Flip Video has changed the way people capture and share video because it makes it simple, accessible and fun for everyone,” said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Business Group at Cisco, which recently acquired Pure Digital Technologies, makers of Flip Video products. “The arrival of the complete Flip Video line, along with our FlipShare™ software, means that Canadians can now capture and share their stories with ease, even in stunning HD quality.”
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