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April 5, 2006 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Directory | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Top Stories
o Netflix Sues Rival Blockbuster Online for Patent Infringement
o Top Level Domain for Mobile Phones to Launch on May 22
o U.K. Webcam Singer Gets Record Deal With Sony BMG
o MSNBC Launches Beta of Ad-Supported Free Mobile News Service

o Report: Global IPTV Subscribers to Reach 36.9 Million in 2009
o Mobile Entertainment Firm 3GUpload Gets $20 Million, Acquires Mophone
o Mobile Media Delivery Firm Roundbox Raises $15 Million

_____________________________________________


DMW Announcements
 
5th Annual Games & Mobile Forum  - April 25-26, 2006
  3rd Annual Digital Media Conference -  June 23, 2006


Featured Advertisements
  AOL Program Manager, Digital Media Services
  CONNECTIONS: The Digital Home Conference & Showcase - May 2-4, 2006
  INSTEON Development & Technology Conference - May 2, 2006
 

_____________________________________________

Briefly Noted

o Motorola Adds Content From Sony BMG, MediaBay, AccuWeather.com to iRadio
o Broadband Television Network Launches Tvext Internet TV Service
o SRS Mobile HD Brings 5.1 Surround-Sound to Phones, Media Players
o MSN to Produce Exclusive Online Content for Mark Burnett/CBS' "Rock Star"

o Spike TV Launches Mobile Phone Content Service
o Modeo Introduces First Handset for Upcoming Mobile TV Service
o Cingular Subscribers to Decide Plot of WB's "One Tree Hill" via Text Messages
o
LG Electronics Introduces First Handset for Disney Mobile Service
o
Musiwave Sees Million Downloads Monthly for Mobile Music Service
o
Set-top Box Maker Pace Micro Technology Names Neil Gaydon CEO
o The Orchard to Distribute Music, Video on Amp'd Mobile Network
o
iPREPpress Releases Merriam-Webster Dictionary for iPods
o
Airborne Entertainment to Publish Vision Street Wear Mobile Wallpapers
o
Atari Releases "Act of War: Direct Action" for Download on Direct2Drive
o
PlayPhone to Develop Mobile Games Portal for Sega
o
The9 To Distribute NCsoft's "Guild Wars" Online Game in China
o
Mobile Entertainment Firm Mforma Changes Name to Hands-On Mobile
o
Gameloft to Develop Mobile Game Titles for Sony Pictures Digital
o USA Wireless Introduces $49 Universal Mobile Phone Game Controller
o
Mobile Game Publishers Reaxion, Ojom Sign Regional Publishing Deal
o
Wired News: Are NPR Podcasts Hurting NPR Station Pledge Drives?
_____________________________________________


Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds
  Music Licensing Director - Infospace - Los Angeles
 
Web Editor in Chief - ZiZo - Santa Monica
 
Director of Online Video Production - UGO Networks - New York
  Director of Entertainment Marketing - HandHeld - San Francisco
  Programming Manager of Images - Zingy - New York
  Vice President of Marketing - CNET Networks - San Francisco
  Director, Software Development - Scripps Networks - Knoxville, TN
  AOL Program Manager, Digital Media Services - AOL - Dulles, VA
  Online Producer - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC
  Developer/Quality Assurance Specialist - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC
  2nd Annual Digital Summit - Nashville, April 18
  Vice President of Technology - Akibia - Westborough, MA
  Wireless Product Manager - Skyhook Wireless - Boston
 
2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory
  PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009


Top Stories

o Netflix Sues Rival Blockbuster Online for Patent Infringement

Pasadena, Calif. - Online DVD rental service has sued rival Blockbuster for patent infringement, asking a judge to shut down the video rental giant's recent entry into the Netflix-dominated market, Reuters reported. Netflix, which claims over 4.2 million subscribers, owns two patents on its service that lets subscribers choose DVDs online and have them shipped by mail, returning them via a postage-paid mailer once viewed. The first was granted in 2003, and the second, issued on Tuesday, "covers a method for subscription-based online rental that allows subscribers to keep the DVDs they rent for as long as they wish without incurring any late fees, to obtain new DVDs without incurring additional charges and to prioritize and reprioritize their own personal dynamic queue -- of DVDs to be rented." In its suit, Los Gatos, Calif.-based Netflix claims that Blockbuster was aware of both patents and still launched its similar service in August 2004, which now claims over 1.2 million subscribers. "We've filed suit to protect our invention," Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey told the Los Angeles Times. "Netflix has built a better mousetrap and Blockbuster copied it."
http://tinyurl.com/ed3rj (Reuters)
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-netflix5apr05,0,221076.story
http://www.blockbuster.com
_____________________________________________ 

o Top Level Domain for Mobile Phones to Launch on May 22

Las Vegas - Mobile Top Level Domain (mTLD), a joint venture backed by phone makers, wireless networks and Microsoft, announced on Wednesday the availability of the first Internet address create for mobile phones. "Many existing Internet sites are grounded in desktop PC-oriented services and were not designed with a mobile phone in mind, which has led to less than ideal performance for consumers," said mTLD CEO Neil Edwards. "The dotMobi sites are tailor-made for browsing and navigating on the mobile phone, making a far better experience." Dublin-based mTLD gained approval from ICANN for the ".mobi" domain in the second half of 2005; the company's investors include Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, T-Mobile, Vodafone and the GSM Association. The company said that it has already issued temporary domain names to Nokia, TIM, Vodafone and The Weather Channel. The dot-mobi Internet addresses are set for official launch on May 22. A "sunrise period" for wireless industry trade group members will be offered between May 22-29, giving the industry a week's advance to register their own trademarks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/sfw078.html?.v=46
http://mtld.mobi
____________________________________________ 

o U.K. Webcam Singer Gets Record Deal With Sony BMG

London - A 24-year-old British singer who garnered a daily audience of over 100,000 by performing songs live on her webcam has signed a recording contract with Sony BMG's RCA Records, CNN.com reported. "I have managed to get massive amounts of exposure through using the Internet and that is something that people have struggled to do for years," singer Sandi Thom told Britain's GMTV, adding that since signing the contract on Monday, her life has "changed dramatically." Thom was courted by several labels after her live concert webcasts from her living room were aired on 21 consecutive nights.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/04/web.thom/index.html
http://www.sandithom.com
____________________________________________ 

o MSNBC Launches Beta of Ad-Supported Free Mobile News Service

Las Vegas - News website MSNBC.com announced on Wednesday that it plans to launch an ad-supported mobile news service, which will be free to subscribers but include video and banner ads along with news stories. The company partnered with Bellevue, Wash.-based mobile application developer Action Engine on the service, which began a three-month beta test today. MSNBC.com Mobile will offer print versions of news stories, in addition to videos of headline and business news, photo slideshows, and clips of NBC News programs including "The Today Show".
http://tinyurl.com/gp6ys
http://tinyurl.com/jvnw3 (Reuters)
http://www.actionengine.com
http://gomobile.msnbc.com
____________________________________________ 

o Report: Global IPTV Subscribers to Reach 36.9 Million in 2009

Dublin, Ireland - Global subscribers to IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services are projected to grow from 3.7 million in 2005 to 36.9 million in 2009, representing a compound annual growth rate of 78%, according to a report from Research and Markets. The market research firm cited the rollout of Verizon's FiOS TV service, as well as similar services planned in the U.S. from SBC and BellSouth; subscriber growth for established services like Free (France), PCCW (Hong Kong) and Fastweb (Italy); the introduction of IPTV services by China Telecom, and Atlas Interactive in India; and new deployments from Belgacom, Softbank, KPN and Telekom Austria in its forecast. Another factor in strong IPTV growth will be an increase in DSL subscribers worldwide, from 97 million in 2005 to 221 million in 2009. Research and Markets further predicts that global IPTV service revenue will rise from $880 million in 2005 to $9.9 billion in 2009.
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35235
____________________________________________ 

o Mobile Entertainment Firm 3GUpload Gets $20 Million, Acquires Mophone

Las Vegas - 3GUpload, a provider of a mobile entertainment portal, announced on Wednesday that it has received a $20 million investment from VantagePoint Venture Partners, and also that it acquired mobile community software developer Mophone. The combined company will re-launch under a new brand later this year, which will count four million registered users. Currently, 3GUpload offers more than 30,000 ringtones, games and other mobile content direct to consumers through subscription services that range from $6-$14 per month. The company said Mophone CEO William Bryant will serve as CEO of the merged company. "We saw community and social networking take off first hand from our experience with MySpace," said VantagePoint Venture Partners managing director Eric Ver Ploeg. "The next phase is to extend this concept to the mobile platform."
http://tinyurl.com/j9sos
http://www.3gupload.com
http://www.mophone.com
____________________________________________ 

o Mobile Media Delivery Firm Roundbox Raises $15 Million

Florham Park, N.J. - Roundbox, a developer of mobile media broadcast technology, announced that it has raised $15 million in its second round of venture capital financing. Polaris Venture Partners led the investment round; previous investors RRE Ventures and Core Capital Partners also participated. New Jersey-based Roundbox's technology can distribute live TV, video clips, music and other media to cell phones over mobile networks such as FLO, DVB-H and DMB, as well as using various multicasting network technologies. The company's technology will be utilized by Gemstar-TV Guide in the launch of its TV Guide Mobile service. Roundbox will use the funds to expand its product capabilities, and for marketing and sales operations.
http://www.roundbox.com/pressdetails.asp?PressId=11

Top


DMW Announcements
 
5th Annual Games & Mobile Forum 2006

 

                                         Museum of Jewish Heritage - New York
                                                www.
gamesandmobile.com

The 5th Annual Games & Mobile Forum has been expanded to 2 days. The 2-day event is set for April 25-26, 2006 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, and includes 4 keynotes and 7 panels.

With 300+ attendees, Games & Mobile Forum is the ideal environment for industry decision-makers to exchange ideas and establish business relationships. This year’s topics include: Games & Mobile Innovations from Around the World; The Business of Casual Downloadable Games; Mobile Games: The State of The Industry; Online Games: The State of The Casual Games Industry; Portability & Brands: Strategies for Multi-Platform Content Development & Brand Integration; Advertising in Games; International Games & Mobile; and Brands Going Mobile. This year’s speakers include:


KEYNOTES
Greg Ballard, President & CEO, Glu Mobile
Major (R) Chris Chambers, Deputy Project Director, Army Game Project
Chris Early, Studio Manager, Microsoft Casual Games Group
David Gosen, Chief Executive Officer, I-Play 
Tammy Robinson, Manager, Games Content & Programming, Verizon Wireless
Robert Tercek, CEO & Co-Founder, MultiMedia Networks

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Eric Albert, Director of North American Operations, Gameloft
Chris Baker, Associate Editor, Wired Magazine
Matthew Bellows, GM & VP of Marketing, Floodgate Entertainment
George Borkowski, Head of IP & Tech Practice, MS&K
John Cahill, General Manager, Mobile Games, Yahoo!
Alex Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO, Vibes Media
Neil Closner, President, Cascada Mobile
Paul Condolora, SVP & GM, Cartoon Network New Media
Greg Costikyan, CEO, Manifesto Games
Stephen Davis, President, Mobile & Online Media, InfoSpace
Michael Dowling, General Manager, Nielsen Interactive Entertainment
Natalie Farsi, Vice President, Media/Entertainment, m-Qube
Dan Flanegan, President & CEO, Soapbox Mobile
Eric Goldberg, Managing Director, Crossover Technologies
Matt Golden, SVP, Sales & Co-Founder, Tira Wireless
Daniel Hart, VP, Online Games, MTV Networks
Sam Huxley, Chief Strategic Officer, Bounce Interactive, Young & Rubicam
Teemu Huuhtanen, EVP, Sales & Business Development, Sulake
Scott Jensen, VP, Licensing & Brand Partnerships, MFORMA
Leo Jun, Manager, Games Division, HELIO (formerly SK-EarthLink)
Gunnar Larsen, European Director, Mobile Games, RealNetworks
Mark Litvack, Intellectual Property Litigation Partner, MS&K
Sean Malatesta, VP Americas, Bus Dev, Indiagames ltd. (India & China)
Shaul Olmert, Senior Director, Digital Games, Nickelodeon Networks
Billy Pidgeon, Analyst, Go Play Research
Suzie Reider, VP, Sales/Marketing, Games & Entertainment, CNET Networks
Adeo Ressi, CEO & Founder, GameTrust
Ken Ruck, GM, Downloadable Content/Prod Dev, Virgin Mobile
Dan Scherlis, CEO, Etherplay
Michael Schutzler, SVP, Games Division, RealNetworks
Ned Sherman, CEO & Publisher, Digital Media Wire
Larry Tanz, Chief Executive Officer, LivePlanet
Wade Tinney, Partner & Game Designer, Large Animal Games
Mike Vorhaus, Managing Director, Frank N. Magid Associates
Margaret Wallace, CEO & Co-Founder, Skunk Studios
Mike Yuen, Senior Director, Games, QUALCOMM
Gabe Zichermann, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, Boonty
Eric Zimmerman, CEO, gameLab

Registration Rates:
$599 - Pre-Registration rate until April 15th
$699 - Registration after April 15th
To Register online
Click here
Phone: (310) 855-0033
_____________________________________________

 3rd Annual Digital Media Conference - June 23, 2006
 
                                                        
                     3rd Annual

 
     DIGITAL MEDIA CONFERENCE

                                                 
   www.digitalmediaconference.com

                                An Executive Briefing on Emerging Business, Policy,
                                        and Technology Issues & Opportunities

 
         June 23
, 2006  |  8:30 AM - 6:30 PM  |  McLean, Virginia

Mark your calendars!  The 3rd Annual Digital Media Conference is set for Friday, June 23, 2006 at The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, McLean, Virginia. This is a must-attend event for media, entertainment and technology businesses, educational institutions and government agencies involved in the digital distribution of media, including information, education & entertainment products. The Washington Post calls the event: "a confab of powerful communicators and content providers in the region."

Panels include:

  • The State of Digital Media: Research Perspectives & Insights
  • The Battle for the Digital Consumer: Who’s winning, who’s losing, and for how long?
  • Industry Roundtable: Perspectives from Leading Associations & Interest Groups
  • Music Matters: Reflections & Predictions from the Old New Guard on the Industry’s Digital Future
  • FCC Outlook: Insights, Predictions & Analysis of the Hot Button Issues
  • Television: The Future is Now - Programming Anytime, Anywhere, On Any Device
  • The Other Gaming Industry - Is the Legalization of Online Gambling Inevitable?
  • Mobility is the Message: Opportunities for Media on the Go and on the Handset
  • Digital Dilemmas: Issues Shaping the Future of the Internet & Digital Media
  • Marketing to the Millennials: The Life & Times of a Digital Generation
  • The State of Online Advertising: Where the Money is Flowing and Why

Registration Rates:
$299 - Early Bird rate until April 30th
$399 - Pre-Registration rate until June 16th
$499 - Registration after June 16th
To Register online
Click here
Phone: (310) 855-0033
_____________________________________________

 

Top


Featured Advertisements

AOL Program Manager, Digital Media Services - Dulles, VA

AOL’s Digital Media Services (DMS) group is responsible for premium music, radio and video services and is key to AOL’s strategy to be the #1 provider of premium services to the Internet at large. The DMS Program Manager will lead specific initiatives for implementing DMS services on the PC and Web-based hosted media services to drive growth in the US and internationally.

Responsibilities will include: product design & content programming for the PC-based services; partner relationships of media service implementations; and collaboration with business owners of DMS services.

Candidate must have the following hands-on experience & skill set: project management; product management; program management; web analytics; international business; and strong written & spoken communication skills. Working knowledge of business and product strategy is desired. The ideal candidate will have a creative, entrepreneurial edge and 5+ years experience in the media and Internet industries. An MBA is a plus but not required. Please refer to Requisition #57508 when responding to Jenniferramos11@aol.com. For more information visit: www.aol.com/careers.
_____________________________________________

CONNECTIONS: The Digital Home Conference & Showcase - May 2-4, 2006

 

Register today for CONNECTIONS! Held May 2-4, 2006 in Santa Clara, CONNECTIONS provides the latest industry developments in digital entertainment, mobile platforms & services, home networking & infrastructure technology, home management & digital health, and broadband & IP services.  www.connectionsconference.com

______________________________________________
 

INSTEON Development & Technology Conference - May 2, 2006 - Santa Clara
 

Decision makers evaluating wireless home automation/control technologies are invited to attend the inaugural INSTEON Development and Technology Conference held in conjunction with Parks Associates CONNECTIONS: The Digital Home Showcase & Conference, May 2-4, 2006.  INSTEON is the award-winning home control network technology developed by SmartLabs Inc. that leverages the home's existing electrical wiring to deliver a secure, reliable and fast connection for the remote control of lighting, security systems, entertainment systems, appliances, climate control systems and more. Executives making crucial business and technology decisions about home networking technologies and the product roadmap for the digital home should consider INSTEON for ease of design and integration into both new and existing products for the home to its ability to bring cost effective and easy to install products and applications to the mass consumer market. Register today at www.insteon.net.

______________________________________________
 

Top


Briefly Noted

o Motorola Adds Content From Sony BMG, MediaBay, AccuWeather.com to iRadio

Las Vegas - Cell phone maker Motorola announced on Wednesday that it has licensed the catalog of major record label Sony BMG for inclusion on its Motorola iRadio service, which delivers commercial-free radio channels to cell phones, and via Bluetooth to PCs and car stereos. Motorola iRadio will also offer exclusive artist and genre channels from Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Separately, Motorola said it will add audiobook and classic radio content, as well as local weather forecasts to iRadio, through
new agreements with MediaBay and AccuWeather.com, respectively.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/cgw047.html?.v=42
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/cgw048.html?.v=50
http://www.mediabay.com
http://www.accuweather.com
http://www.motorola.com/iradio
____________________________________________

o Broadband Television Network Launches Tvext Internet TV Service

Washington -
Broadband Television Network, a privately held startup, said on Wednesday that it has launched a new Internet TV service offering specialized news and entertainment content from 20 providers, including 24-hour Arabic news channel Al Arabiya and European news service EuroNews. The service also offers free content from Reuters News and Trace TV, an international music channel. Viewers of the service, known as Tvext, can download the company's free software, then watch the programming through their computers on either a subscription or pay-as-you-go basis. The company was founded last year by entrepreneur Trevor Cornwell, who serves as its president and CEO. Sergio Zyman, the former CMO of The Coca-Cola Company, chairs its board of directors.
http://www.tvext.tv/PressCenter.html
____________________________________________

o SRS Mobile HD Brings 5.1 Surround-Sound to Phones, Media Players

Las Vegas -
Audio technology developer SRS Labs on Wednesday introduced its SRS Mobile HD technology, which enables mobile TV broadcasts and digital video downloads available in 5.1 audio to be heard in surround sound on headphones for mobile phones and portable media players. SRS Labs said SRS Mobile HD will initially be available on devices using Microsoft's Windows Mobile.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060405/20060405005467.html?.v=1
http://www.srslabs.com
____________________________________________

o MSN to Produce Exclusive Online Content for Mark Burnett/CBS' "Rock Star"

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft's MSN said on Wednesday that it has once again partnered with Mark Burnett Productions to provide exclusive online programming for the CBS reality series "Rock Star". MSN will produce weekly behind-the-scenes episodes containing all-original footage, in addition to offering CBS clips. The second season of the show will audition a singer for a new band, Supernova, to record an album alongside all-star bandmates Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted and Gilby Clarke.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060404/sftu167.html?.v=6
http://rockstar.msn.com
____________________________________________

o Spike TV Launches Mobile Phone Content Service

Las Vegas - Viacom's Spike TV cable network announced on Wednesday the launch of Spike Mobile, which will offer short-form video clips of Spike TV programs. The company also announced that it partnered with mobile virtual network operator Amp'd Mobile, to provide a live streaming broadcast of an Ultimate Fighting Championship event to Amp'd Mobile subscribers' cell phones. During breaks in the broadcast, Spike intends to insert trailers for upcoming feature films from Paramount, Fox, Warner Bros. and The Weinstein Company.
http://tinyurl.com/kt8yz
http://www.ampd.com
http://www.spiketv.com
____________________________________________

o Modeo Introduces First Handset for Upcoming Mobile TV Service

Las Vegas - Modeo, a developer of a mobile TV network, on Wednesday introduced its first mobile TV smartphone model, intended for use with its network that is scheduled to launch in select U.S. cities in 2006. The DVB-H handset will be manufactured by Taiwan-based HTC, and use Microsoft's Windows Mobile and copy-protection technologies.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/daw040.html?.v=49
http://www.modeo.com
 ____________________________________________

o Cingular Subscribers to Decide Plot of WB's "One Tree Hill" via Text Messages

Las Vegas - Cingular Wireless said on Wednesday that it partnered with The WB on a feature that will let viewers determine the plotline of an upcoming episode of "One Tree Hill" with their mobile phones. Cingular partnered with mobile messaging firm Air2Web to enable viewers to send text-messages to network-initiated plot questions, with responses to be tallied and reflected in the outcome of the following week's episode.
http://tinyurl.com/rjjcv
http://www.air2web.com
http://thewb.warnerbros.com/web/show.jsp?id=OT 
____________________________________________

o LG Electronics Introduces First Handset for Disney Mobile Service

Las Vegas - Japanese consumer electronics firm LG Electronics on Wednesday introduced its DM-L200 handset, designed as one of the launch handsets for a Disney-branded mobile phone service launching in the summer. LG did not provide pricing details for the phone, which features a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder with flash, 3D graphics support for games, multimedia messaging, speakerphone and Bluetooth capabilities.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/law029.html?.v=51
http://www.lgusa.com
____________________________________________

o Musiwave Sees Million Downloads Monthly for Mobile Music Service

Las Vegas - Musiwave, a provider of mobile music download services, announced on Wednesday that its 22 network partners are now selling a combined over one million over-the-air tracks per month using its service. Carriers including Orange and SFR in France, and Telus in Canada have deployed the Musiwave service. Separately, the company said on Wednesday that its Smart Radio service is now available for Java-enabled mobile phone handsets.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/sfw030.html?.v=56
http://www.musiwave.net
____________________________________________

o Set-top Box Maker Pace Micro Technology Names Neil Gaydon CEO

Saltaire, England - Pace Micro Technology, a maker of digital TV set-top boxes, announced on Wednesday that it has named Neil Gaydon as its new chief executive officer. Gaydon, formerly the company's director of worldwide sales and marketing, will replace current CEO John Dyson, who is retiring from the company.
http://www.pacemicro.com
____________________________________________

o The Orchard to Distribute Music, Video on Amp'd Mobile Network

New York - The Orchard, a digital distributor of independent label music, announced on Wednesday a partnership with Amp'd Mobile, a youth-oriented 3G mobile virtual network operator. Under the deal, The Orchard will provide music and video from its catalog to Amp'd Mobile subscribers, including music videos and scenes from "The 3 Stooges" and films like "The Toxic Avenger".
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/clw526.html?.v=26
http://www.theorchard.com
http://www.ampd.com
____________________________________________

o iPREPpress Releases Merriam-Webster Dictionary for iPods

Washington Crossing, Penn. - iPREPpress, a provider of iPod-formatted content, announced on Wednesday the release of the Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary for the iPod. The companies have also partnered to publish an iPod-formatted thesaurus, rhyming dictionary, pocket atlas and dictionary of quotations. The iPod dictionary will sell for $14.95.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/phw031.html?.v=48
http://www.ipreppress.com/Pages/Reference/MWPocket.htm
____________________________________________

o Airborne Entertainment to Publish Vision Street Wear Mobile Wallpapers

Montreal - Mobile entertainment publisher Airborne Entertainment announced on Wednesday that it has signed deals with license operator Collective, to develop and publish branded mobile phone wallpapers from boardsports brands Vision Street Wear and Lamar.
http://tinyurl.com/kgcxs
http://www.visionstreetwear.com
http://www.airborne-e.com
____________________________________________

o Atari Releases "Act of War: Direct Action" for Download on Direct2Drive

New York - Atari announced on Wednesday the availability of its "Act of War: Direct Action," for download to PCs through IGN's Direct2Drive service. A retail store release will follow in May. The game was developed by Paris-based Eugen Systems.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/nyw018.html?.v=49
http://www.eugensystems.com
http://www.atari.com/actofwar
____________________________________________

o PlayPhone to Develop Mobile Games Portal for Sega

San Francisco - Sega of America said on Wednesday that it has partnered with PlayPhone to develop a Sega Mobile content channel for North American mobile phone users. San Jose, Calif.-based PlayPhone previously distributed Sega Mobile content to retail channels, and will now create a direct-to-consumer portal for the Japanese video game developer.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/sfw119.html?.v=17
http://www.playphone.com
____________________________________________

o The9 To Distribute NCsoft's "Guild Wars" Online Game in China

Shanghai - Chinese online game operator The9 announced on Wednesday that it has signed a three-year agreement with Korean online game developer NCsoft, to operate the company's "Guild Wars" online game in mainland China. The game has sold more than one million units in under five months, and is currently available in Korea, North America, Europe, Japan and Taiwan.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/cnw011.html?.v=14
http://www.ncsoft.com
http://www.the9.com/en
____________________________________________

o Mobile Entertainment Firm Mforma Changes Name to Hands-On Mobile

Las Vegas - Mobile entertainment publisher Mforma announced on Wednesday that it has changed its name to Hands-On Mobile. Separately, San Francisco-based Hands-On announced new deals to publish mobile content from LEGO, Christian Radio Network personality Pat Boone, and former Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. The company partnered with mobile game developer Kiloo and TT Games Publishing to create the Lego-branded wireless games.
http://tinyurl.com/k9465
http://tinyurl.com/emvx9
http://www.handson.com
____________________________________________

o Gameloft to Develop Mobile Game Titles for Sony Pictures Digital

New York - Mobile game developer Gameloft announced on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Sony Pictures Digital, to develop and publish a series of mobile games based on multiple Sony Pictures films. Paris-based Gameloft's first title under the agreement will be a game based on the Columbia Pictures animated feature "Open Season," slated for release in September, followed by "Surf's Up," which will come out in the summer of 2007.
http://tinyurl.com/jgc4p
http://www.gameloft.com
____________________________________________

o USA Wireless Introduces $49 Universal Mobile Phone Game Controller

Las Vegas - USA Wireless on Wednesday introduced its Mobile Chaos M-PLAY, a universal controller for mobile phone gaming. The $49 accessory works with most cell phone models, and allows players to control mobile game titles with a device more similar to a controller for console video games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060405/phw011.html?.v=55
http://www.mobilechaos.net
____________________________________________

o Mobile Game Publishers Reaxion, Ojom Sign Regional Publishing Deal

Las Vegas - Mobile game publisher Reaxion announced on Wednesday an agreement with Berlin-based fellow mobile entertainment publisher Ojom, a unit of VeriSign. Under the deal, Reaxion will publish Ojom's titles in the U.S., while Ojom will publish Reaxion's titles in Europe.
http://tinyurl.com/fkxw9
http://www.reaxion.com
http://www.ojom.com
____________________________________________

o Wired News: Are NPR Podcasts Hurting NPR Station Pledge Drives?

San Francisco - Wired News on Wednesday reported on how offering free podcasts of many of its on-air programs may be hurting the pledge drives that National Public Radio (NPR) stations rely on to fund their operations. "Why would I sit through all of that if I can get what I like for free online, listen to it on my own time and not be guilted for weeks into giving money?" Las Vegas NPR listener JoAnna Michaels told Wired News. NPR vice president Maria Thomas said the organization has seen 18 million podcast downloads since launching them in August. "It is the mission of public radio to make programming as widely available as possible," Flo Rogers, program director at Las Vegas NPR affiliate KNPR, told Wired News. "But it's fair to say this is a high-priority issue. How do we make sure that we don't stick our heads in the sand and pretend it's a fad that will go away? That's what we have to do."
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/media/0,70583-0.html
http://www.npr.org

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Classifieds -- Advertise
 

Music Licensing Director- InfoSpace - Los Angeles

InfoSpace, a leading global provider and publisher of mobile content, products and services, is seeking a Music Licensing Director that will be responsible for developing and maintaining the standards for all of InfoSpace’s music licensing initiatives. Position is responsible for developing, negotiating and managing relationships with the music industry for the purposes of licensing and/or distributing all music related products as wireless media content. Candidates must have a minimum of 7+ years experience in entertainment products and direct marketing, with 1-2 years of music licensing experience across multiple platforms, including PC, television and handheld devices. For more information, click here.
___________________

Web Editor in Chief - ZiZo - Santa Monica

The ZiZo Group is seeking an Editor in Chief to oversee the launch and development of a major new community-driven Web site aimed at women aged 25 to 49 in partnership with a Fortune 500 company. The site will be the centerpiece of a branded media enterprise organized around a uniquely engaging theme for women. The Editor in Chief will play a major role in bringing the vision for the site to life and in developing the voice and personality of the site. In addition to planning, creating, and acquiring multimedia content, the Editor in Chief will work with project management, web design, marketing, sales, and business development personnel to create cross-platform opportunities for the new brand. For more details and instructions on how to apply, click here.
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Director of Online Video Production - UGO - New York

UGO (pronounced "Yu-Ji-Oh"), the leading lifestyle site for guys on the web, is seeking an experienced and passionate Director of Online Video Production responsible for the online video strategy and the production/editing of original UGO video content. This position will develop a plan for growing available video inventory and further monetizing video, produce video features and shoot, edit and compress programming for delivery. This person should possess a variety of video production skills, have great communication abilities, be organized and have a love for all things game and entertainment related. For more info, click here. Send resumes to jobs@ugo.com.
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Director of Entertainment Marketing - HandHeld - San Francisco

HandHeld Entertainment, producer of products and services that deliver fun, entertaining digital media for people on the go, is looking for an exceptionally talented Director of Entertainment Marketing to join their team. The Director of Entertainment Marketing will work report to the VP of Business Development and Content Programming, and will be responsible for focused marketing of the download website business, with an emphasis on online customer acquisition and retention. This position will be responsible for promoting and building HandHeld’s brand in sales channel’s to include retail, direct and online. Please email resume and cover letter to jackiw@hheld.com.
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Programming Manager of Images - Zingy - New York

Zingy, a leading mobile media company, is looking for a Programming Manager of Images to provide daily operational oversight and execution of programming of all storefronts and carriers supporting visual content. The Programming Manager reports to the Associate Director, Programming. Responsibilities include: managing all image content updates across all storefronts; selecting the strongest content to assist Business Development in pitching content to carriers; developing and maintaining strong relationships with image content providers; and collaborating with such clients on programming content to maximize revenue. Send resumes to zingyjobs@zingy.com, with job title in subject field.
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Vice President of Marketing - CNET Networks - San Francisco

CNET is looking for a VP of Marketing to lead an aggressive effort to grow CNET’s user base while developing greater loyalty among the 15 million people who already visit their site every month. The right candidate should have a "get it done" attitude, not be afraid to roll up his or her sleeves and have demonstrated success in efficiently managing their team and budget for maximum value. Research, Industry and Consumer Marketing teams would report into this person. The position will report to the Senior VP of Brand Development. For more info, click here. Reference Job ID#:3595
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Director, Software Development - Scripps Networks - Knoxville

Scripps Networks, world headquarters for HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living, Shop At Home and Great American Country (GAC), has an immediate opening for a Director, Software Development in our Knoxville, Tennessee office. Require: Bachelors degree or equivalent education and exp. reqd. Masters degree preferred. 8 plus years of demonstrated exp. in IT/enterprise analysis/design/development and testing disciplines. 7 years exp. working in a formal lifecycle development environment desired. Proficiency in Java, Web Services, relational models, UML, and systems analysis. Should be seasoned professional with strong mgmt skills. Proven track record managing a development organization. Send resumes to recruiter@scrippsnetworks.com. Reference Job #5123-EG.
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AOL Program Manager, Digital Media Services - AOL - Dulles, VA
 
AOL’s Digital Media Services (DMS) group is seeking a Program Manager that will lead specific initiatives for implementing DMS services (music, radio, video, etc.) on the PC and Web-based hosted media services to drive growth in the US and internationally. For more information, click here.
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Online Producer - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC

Plans and creates music journalism and programming for NPR.org and other NPR Digital Media distribution platforms; produces, edits and/or writes Web stories and packages; makes assignments to writers and other creative contributors; produces special projects such as online concerts or new pod cast offerings and edits music program and topic pages.  For more information including additional requirements, please visit our website at http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/. National Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please send resumes to employment@npr.org or fax (202) 513-3045.
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Developer/Quality Assurance Specialist - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC

Join the team that builds the key infrastructure behind one of the top news sites on the web, drives its industry-leading podcasts, and is creating the future of mobile media. National Public Radio has an opening for a key position on its application development team to improve the QA process, track and fix bugs, and develop new applications.  For more information including additional requirements, please visit our website at
http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/. National Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please send resumes to employment@npr.org  or fax (202) 513-304.
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2nd Annual Digital Summit – Nashville, April 18

Mark your calendar for April 18 in Nashville! Leadership Music presents its second annual Digital Summit dedicated to digital music and the important business, creative and legal issues for the music industry. The unique audience from Country, Christian, Gospel, Rock and Alternative genres includes hundreds of record company and technology firm executives, songwriters, music publishers, artists and their managers, and other leaders in the Nashville music industry.  See http://www.digitalsummit.org or call 615.524.7866 for more information or to register.
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Vice President of Technology - Akibia - Westborough, MA

Acting as our industry expert relating to enterprise level data center and security infrastructure, you will help develop our professional services offerings and provide domain credibility and thought leadership within these markets. Interact at the executive level to ensure our offerings meet customer's needs. Provide extensive expertise to support our sales/marketing efforts, and assist in turning opportunities into projects. 10-15 yrs & MBA. Send resumes to jschaufeld@akibia.com For more information, visit
http://www.akibia.com/

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Wireless Product Manager - Skyhook Wireless - Boston

Recently funded startup (http://www.skyhookwireless.com) seeks Product Manager to join founding team in launching new products and markets. As Product Manager, you will guide a team that is charged with a product line contribution as a business unit. You must be able to communicate with all areas of the company. You will work with an engineering counterpart to define product release requirements. You will work with marketing communications to define the go-to-market strategy, helping them understand the product positioning, key benefits, and target customer. Require:1-2 years of software marketing/product management experience. knowledgeable in technology. Computer Science or Engineering degree or work experience a strong plus. Experience in wireless industry and mobile applications a plus. Send resumes to jobs@skyhookwireless.com
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2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory

The Directory is an invaluable resource for companies working in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment and media industries, and will make the following corporate activities much easier: business development; direct marketing; sales prospecting; market research & competitive analysis; and recruitment. $395 for hardcopy and $795, for both the hardcopy and CD. To purchase the directory, click here: http://www.digitalentertainmentdirectory.com/purchase.htm
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PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009

PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts revenue for the global entertainment and media market will reach $1.8 trillion by 2009. For a comprehensive look at the forecast for the entertainment and media industry including analyses and five year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major region of the world, purchase PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009. Online distribution of music, films, books and video games is beginning to fuel end-user spending but what impact will rising interest rates and higher energy costs have on the expansion. Click here for more.
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