Village Gamer

Notesolution.com, an online note sharing platform for post-secondary students is about to launch its free service to over 20 universities across Canada. Notesolution is a Toronto based start-up, originally exclusive to the University of Toronto, but now with over 10,000 active users sharing 12,000 study documents.

“From Facebook to Foursquare, people are looking to their peers for the best source of information. Notesolution is the next natural progression for this concept of social learning” says Jack Tai, CEO and co-founder of Notesolution. Notesolution believes the future of education should revolve around the concept of peer-to-peer learning and will be releasing Notesolution 2.0 later this week.

Notesolution.com currently holds the largest collection of university notes in Canada. Students share their own study guides, lecture and textbook notes to earn credits which they use towards downloading notes from their peers. Students earn credits every time their notes are downloaded and can also exchange the credits for gift cards through Notesolution’s reward program. The Notesolution reward program encourages students to take quality notes.

“We believe that experience is the best teacher, so why not learn from the experiences of fellow students? Notesolution is a gateway for students to exchange study materials with each other, connecting and enhancing their university life.”  said Kevin Wu, COO and co-founder of Notesolution.

Conversion software ExactFlat converts 3D models into accurate, production-ready 2D cut patterns. Fully integrated with Autodesk Inventor software, ExactFlat extends the power of Inventor by making it optimally suited for manufacturers using industrial fabrics.

“ExactFlat’s 3D to 2D flattening algorithms have been used in some of the largest, most demanding, and most advanced global manufacturers for years and we are excited to bring this functionality to Autodesk Inventor. Now that ExactFlat is seamlessly integrated into the Inventor menu ribbon, it is easier than ever before for customers to save time, money and effort when they need to flatten complex 3D models into accurate 2D flat patterns,” said Carl White, director of Inventor digital design product management at Autodesk.

“ExactFlat leverages the engineering and CAD data within Autodesk Inventor to automate and simplify the manual, time consuming, and costly processes for flattening 3D models into 2D flat patterns. With well-designed models, 3D to 2D flattening is only 5 simple steps and can be completed in about 5 minutes. Manufacturers in marine, automotive, aerospace, architecture, performance garments, furniture and other industries using industrial fabrics will find ExactFlat indispensable to improving their prototyping and production efficiencies,” added Mark Jewel, founder of Tri-D Technologies.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtrv4qa5nfE]

ExactFlat removes the design and manufacturing constraints imposed by traditional manual flattening processes. If you’re using 3D CAD and you need to create 2D flat patterns for the cutting table, ExactFlat is the fastest, most accurate and simple way to do it.

The Canadian Wireless Trade Show is happening this September 15th-16th in Toronto, and this year the conference is doing a lot more than changing the wireless communications industry in Canada – it’s gone global. Over the years, the Canadian Wireless Trade Show has attracted retailers, wholesalers and startups from around the world. Nokia, Samsung, Otterbox, and RIM among many others have all registered to gather under one roof at the Toronto Congress Centre for this year’s event.

With free attendee registration available to everyone, the 3000+ expected attendees will experience a sold out exhibition floor, seminars on the latest trends and directions for the wireless, mobile and telecom industry, a live mobile app competition and more.

The festivities will be hosted by two of Canada’s most-prized tech tongues: WEBNATION’s Maurice Cacho on September 15th and Tech Guru Marc Saltzman on September 16th. Only those in attendance will get a chance to network with the world’s top mobile, telecom, and wireless leaders of today; discover hands-on experience of the world’s most-advanced technologies and newest gadgets; receive free prizes; and be a part of wireless communications history!

All artists are observers of life, though it’s not every day you encounter an artist who has the official title of “creature supervisor.” But that is indeed the hat most often worn by Vancouver artist James Stewart, who created the lead character in The Chronicles of Narnia, and was responsible for creating the giant, prawn-like aliens in District 9.

Stewart’s successful career in the film industry has taken him to over 45 countries spanning four continents. Also an accomplished photographer, he has rigorously documented his travels and the thousands of lives that have touched his. These experiences find their way into his artwork. Most recently, he has returned home to create ‘Pangea,’ a series of beautiful and life-like bronze sculptures.

Pangea is the term for Earth’s landmass before it shifted to the continents we know today. It refers to a time when everything was together and connected. Stewart’s imagination is fuelled by his interest in other cultures, and his over-arching vision with this series, which is that our common roots speak about how we all remain connected. He maintains that connection can be seen clearly, even in our diverse cultures, if our observation is close and careful enough.

Stewart’s work, which is highly realistic and traditional, is also strikingly contemporary in how it is created. He imbues his figures with the subtlety of gesture, which brings them alive. While very familiar with working from a live model, Stewart created these works by referring to the exhaustive photographic records he takes while travelling. Working in front a large video screen and using multiple images, he re-creates his experiences in oil-based clay. He has been compared to a photojournalist who is reporting in 3-D.

Using the “cire perdue,” or lost wax method, Stewart works with the finest foundry, Artworks, to fabricate the bronze. This technique dates back to ancient Greece and was used by such renowned artists as Bernini and Rodin. The completed piece is then used to make a mould, which is used in the casting of the bronze artwork. Upon completion of the edition the artist will supervise the destruction of the mould.

Stewart’s incredible eye for detail (the kind most artists dream about) allows the viewer to enter his original experience. Looking at his sculptures induces an almost voyeuristic feeling. The eye can freely linger over intimate details — knock-kneed legs, poor teeth, wrinkled clothes, etc. — in a way that in real life would constitute staring. Here, it’s just close observation, a practice the artist would like to wholeheartedly encourage.

These sculptures, which represent the best techniques of the old and the new worlds, will be on display Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm, from September 10^th to October 2^nd at 5 West Pender Street in Vancouver.

A coalition of eight of the leading advertising industry trade associations in Canada today announced a framework for industry self-regulation regarding Online Behavioural Advertising (OBA) in Canada. The initiative, which is similar to those adopted by groups in the US, Europe and Australia, is the culmination of over 2 years of work; including regular submissions, dialogue, research and status updates to The Office Of The Privacy Commissioner Of Canada (OPC). Although the programme will be coordinated by IAB Canada (Interactive Advertising Bureau), it is also fully-supported by the Members of the following industry associations:

• Advertising Standards Canada (ASC)
• L’Association des agences de publicité du Québec (AAPQ)
• The Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA)
• The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA)
• The Canadian Media Directors’ Council (CMDC)
• Le Conseil des directeurs médias du Québec (CDMQ)
• Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA)
• The Interactive Advertising Bureau Of Canada (IAB Canada)

The framework includes the following four elements:

Transparency – Providing Consumers with immediate notice when the Websites that they are visiting are supplying them with Online Behavioural Advertising. This would be done via an “icon” placed on the Online Behavioural Ads themselves/or in other prominent areas on the Websites being visited.

Education – Providing Consumers with one-click access to clear and concise Web-based educational information about Online Behavioural Advertising, so that Consumers can understand the nature of these practices; how and when their privacy is protected within various targeted advertising processes; and to learn how to protect themselves in areas on the Internet which represent security risks to their privacy.

Choice – Consumers can already control cookies via altering their Web browser’s preferences — essentially determining whether or not an individual Publisher’s Website, Ad Network or other 3^rd-party service can collect and record information about their Websurfing habits/or interactions with Online ads.

The industry’s self-regulatory initiative goes a step further, by providing Consumers who may not be familiar with how to change their browser’s security settings, with one-click access for a full opt-out of Online Behavioural Advertising, should they desire to do so. While many Online Publishers and Ad Networks already provide such an opt-out option, the coordinated initiative will extend this practice across the Canadian Online advertising industry.

Accountability – An accountability program that ensures that Consumers’ opt-out of preferences are retained over the long-term is being developed utilizing a variety of providers, as well as an independent consumer complaint mechanism in consultation with Advertising Standards Canada.

“With Canada’s framework now finalized, the scope of the self-regulatory initiative regarding Online Behavioural Advertising is now truly global in nature,” says Paula Gignac, President, IAB Canada. “Canadian Online Publishers and Ad Networks are moving forward within the framework even as we speak, and in fact, because so many of IAB Canada’s Members also have operations in the US and across the globe, many are already well on their way to completing all four steps within the process.”

Bob Reaume, Vice President, Policy & Research, Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) confirms the readiness of Advertisers to implement their part of the plan: “We’re pleased to see the work of the all-industry group ready to go forward, as this initiative enhances Advertisers’ commitment to advertise responsibly in all media.”

“Agencies are also working to ready clients for the self-regulatory program,” notes Arthur Fleischmann, CEO of John St. and Chair of the ICA’s Interactive Committee. “The ICA and its Member Agencies endorse and strongly support the initiative, and are committed to ensuring that the OBA self-regulatory framework is rigorously delivered in Canada.”

Alliance numérique has announced the launch of Montreal Digital (MTL DGTL), a new festival dedicated to the interactive digital content industry, and presented by the Canada Media Fund. This first edition, which will take place on October 31st,  November 1st and 2nd, will include four different events with programs focusing on mobility, the Web, video games, as well as research and development in partnership with media technology.

“Montreal is a key platform at the heart of major innovations within the digital industry,” says Pierre Proulx, CEO of Alliance numérique. “Montreal Digital will help in the outreach of all market spheres, both locally and abroad, through its role as the centre of world excellence with respect to creation, production and distribution of interactive digital content. We are proud to be leading this initiative which aims to bring together various players of the industry.”

MTL DGTL strives to unify professionals of the digital industry at the provincial, national and international levels by using conferences that encourage meetings, networking and sharing.

In order to meet the needs of the industry, programming has been divided into four portions:

Mobiz – a whole new event that is entirely dedicated to mobility and will allow attendees to network, as they learn more about the latest leading edge developments, as well as industry best practices.

Web-In – aims to help industry professionals in breaking new ground and reinventing the Web of the future by encouraging them to be a step ahead of common observation, leave their comfort zone and question their certainties through micro-conferences.

Consortium en innovation numérique du Québec (CINQ) – Innovation Symposium is a networking space for entrepreneurs and research specialists to foster the development of technical, scientific, financial and commercial partnerships.

The Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS) – is an international event that offers continuous training and networking opportunities for professionals, and contributes to the outreach of the video game industry. It values sharing and the development of new business partnerships.

As one of Toon Boom’s flagship studios in Québec, Oasis Animation has announced that in view of its upcoming project Lucky Fred, a 52 episode eleven-minute series for 6-12 year olds to be aired on Disney Channel in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, India & Australia, the studio will double its workforce and space. Lucky Fred has also pre-sold in over 150 territories including TF1 for France and Nickelodeon in Benelux, Scandinavia, Latin America, Asia & South Korea.

Scheduled for delivery in January 2012, this 2D animated series is the first Disney project done in Québec. Entirely produced using the Toon Boom Harmony pipeline, this high quality project will create 70 new jobs at Oasis. The entire animation production will be done in Montreal. “We are quite thrilled to be working on Lucky Fred, considering the very challenging state of the Quebec animation production industry”, comments Jacques Bilodeau, President at Oasis Animation. “We hope this project will be the first step towards making Québec the animation hub it used to be”, he concludes.

Lucky Fred is co-produced by Imira Entertainment, Spain’s leading production and distribution company specializing in youth programming with Spain’s Televisió de Catalunya, RAI Fiction in Italy and Top Draw Animation in the Philippines.

SouthPaw Technology, developers of digital asset software Tactic, have released the TACTIC 3.6 demo video from their SIGGRAPH 2011 presentation. If you weren’t able to stop by their booth at the conference, or are looking for a solution to manage your studio’s digital assets, check out this in-depth look at what Tactic has to offer.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuNmbj64tc]

TACTIC is a Web-based Production Asset Management system that combines digital asset management with detailed project management to simplify, secure and speed the complex process of creating digital content. Not only does TACTIC manage assets in a secure database, it moves them through their entire life cycle with workflow automation tools, and automatically tracks their progress in real-time so that a project’s status is never in doubt.  Add to that an open API and a completely configurable Web-based interface, and TACTIC becomes the central pipeline through which all assets flow.

IT service management firm Consulting-Portal has announced the launch of ITOptimizer Version 2.0, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution designed to help organizations achieve efficiencies by improving their Information Technology and Business processes.

“ITOptimizer 2.0 represents a major enhancement to the product and we are excited to provide this capability to our clients,” says David Mainville CEO and Co-founder of Consulting-Portal.

ITOptimizer Version 2.0 is the 5th release of our Business Process Management (BPM) software and is used by many Fortune 500 companies, along with numerous small to medium businesses, across North America and abroad.

“IT Optimizer is a great tool which has helped Telx assess, design and simplify our end-to-end revenue process. We are looking forward to the capabilities of version 2.0,” says Eric Shepcaro, CEO of TELX, provider of interconnection, colocation and business exchange services in strategic, high demand North American markets.

The software provides the following capabilities:

— Process Assessment: Configure and administer questionnaires designed to measure the maturity of your ITSM and Business processes with provisioned templates based on the COBIT and ITIL standards or you can build your own. Data is securely gathered over the Internet and stored centrally for reporting.

— Process Design: Define and document your ITSM and Business Processes using an easy to use interface and a library of ready to use templates based on the ITIL standard. Easily capture all the elements of the process in a central repository then automatically create process documentation.

— Process Governance: Define specific control objectives for your processes then measure compliance through the assignment of tasks and the collection of evidence. We supply ready to use COBIT and ITIL templates or you can build your own governance model to support SOX, ISO20000 and more.

— Process Education: All subscribers to ITOptimizer have access to free instructor-led classes on ITIL V3 Foundations, Process Assessment, Process Design and Process Governance.

As a SaaS application there is nothing to install in your environment. Advanced security protocols ensure your data is safe. Setup is easy and we help you be productive within hours. We also have a comprehensive suite of consulting services to compliment your in-house capabilities.

Western Canada’s digital media sector will receive a major boost thanks to federal funding through Western Economic Diversification Canada. This investment will help Graphics Animation and New Media NCE Inc. (GRAND) improve technology transfer and research commercialization. The announcement took place at the first annual Design Thinking UnConference in Vancouver.

Our investment in GRAND will help provide enormous benefits for B.C.’s vibrant and growing digital economy, said Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. This project will provide new technologies, exciting knowledge-based jobs and stronger, more competitive companies.

Funding will help deliver a two-year targeted small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) outreach, commercialization, and technology transfer program. The program will take place first in British Columbia and then be expanded to Alberta in the second year.

The program will build partnerships and educate the digital media community about GRAND’s activities. Initiatives include targeted work with local SMEs on technology transfer and business creation projects, including the development of research that could form the basis of new companies, and workshops that teach businesses how to attract start-up funding.

The program expects to develop nine technology prototypes, conduct 40 technology demonstrations and bring nine technologies to market. WD funding signals the federal government’s continued support for Canada’s flourishing digital media industry.

GRANDis uniquely positioned to deliver cutting research to the marketplace, explained Kellogg Booth, scientific director, GRAND. Digital media research conducted within our network has the potential to directly impact the products, services and businesses of tomorrow and the everyday lives of Canadians. GRAND researchers are active all across Canada. The WD investment will be a catalyst for our western initiatives.

GRAND NCE is a multidisciplinary, federally funded research network focused in the areas of New Media, Animation and Games. Based in B.C. at the Great Northern Way Campus, GRAND has 24 university members across Canada (including the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, University of Victoria, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan and University of Manitoba), and more than 30 industry partners.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.