Village Gamer

Beginning today, families can welcome Disney Junior into their homes today as the newly branded channel launches across Canada. As of 6:00 a.m. ET subscribers of Playhouse Disney, both English and French, will see the channels transform into Disney Junior. Featuring entertaining and learning-focused programs for young viewers and their families, Disney Junior celebrates magical, musical and heartfelt stories with shows that feature beloved classic and contemporary characters. The Disney Junior linear channel is complemented by a new dedicated Disney Junior on-demand channel and network website providing subscribers with a rich multiplatform experience.

“With a renewed focus on storytelling and imagination and a continuing commitment to learning and exploration, Disney Junior represents the best Disney has to offer young children,” said Joe Tedesco, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Astral Kids. “The Disney Junior brand offers a rich environment across multiple platforms for kids and their families to connect with stories, characters and experiences that are unique and entertaining. We are proud to launch this exciting new brand today and bring the magic and music of Disney into homes across the country.”

Anchored by the new animated series Jake and the Never Land Pirates, the English-language Disney Junior lineup features interactive and imaginative series for preschoolers and their families. The network offers fan favourites including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Special Agent Oso and Handy Manny, as well as acclaimed Canadian series such as Stella and Sam, Franny’s Feet and The Secret World of Benjamin Bear. The launch of Disney Junior also sees three new short-form series debut on Canadian screens: Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps and Mickey’s Mousekersize each introduce healthy lifestyles using well-known Disney Junior characters. The third series, A Poem Is…, pairs legendary Disney animation with poems narrated by familiar voices including Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes. Read the rest of this entry »

In a move that broadens the company’s relationship with Walmart, Kobo has announced that they’re now a featured partner on walmart.ca. With this new agreement, Walmart Canada customers gain one-click, direct access from the Walmart site to Kobo’s eBook library containing more than 2.3 million books, newspapers and magazines with over one million free titles. Walmart carries Kobo’s Wireless eReader in-store and features it on walmart.ca, giving Walmart shoppers access to one of the world’s largest eReading catalogues.

Walmart was among the first retailers to sell the Kobo Wireless eReader in Canada, and Kobo serves as an integral part of Walmart’s ever-progressing eReading strategy. Kobo eReaders have been available in Walmart stores since May 2010, and Kobo’s Wireless eReader has become a top selling eReader for Walmart Canada. Kobo’s eBook library provides up-to-the-minute and classic content to Walmart shoppers. Walmart carries the Kobo Wireless eReader in Onyx, Metallic Silver and Pearlized Lilac colours.

“With the addition of Kobo’s tremendous eBook library, Walmart has shown its commitment to offer its customers not only a top-rated device but also extensive content making it easier than ever to enjoy the eReading experience,” said Todd Humphrey, executive vice president of business development , Kobo. “Over the past two years, we’ve built a solid relationship with Walmart Canada, with continuing support for our wireless eReaders by Walmart customers. Our new featured partner status promises to expand our footprint among the growing eReading community, and we expect that the Kobo eBooks will be a popular destination for online shoppers.”

The compact, light and simple-to-use Kobo Wireless eReader features an eInk screen that reads like paper and is easily adjustable to personalize reading with customizable font sizes and styles. Perfect for reading on-the-go, Kobo’s Wireless eReader holds up to 1,000 eBooks, and with a SD expansion slot approximately 10,000 eBooks. Supporting open standards – ePUB, PDF, Adobe DRM – with Kobo customers can borrow books from their local library – for free! Pre-loaded with 100 ready-to-go classics, the Kobo Wireless eReader gives customers a robust, a dedicated eReading experience that’s ready to go. With the ability to shop on the go, anytime, anyplace, directly from their Kobo eReader using unlimited, free access to Bell’s Wi-Fi network, readers can find a rich assortment of the latest content with just the press of a button. Read the rest of this entry »

At last night’s opening celebration of OCAD University’s 96th Annual Graduate Exhibition, the university unveiled its new visual identity to students, faculty, staff and guests. The university’s new logo was developed in collaboration with the internationally respected firm Bruce Mau Design (BMD).

“This dynamic new identity asserts OCAD U’s catalytic role within the creative sectors, the research community and industry,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD University President.

BMD worked with the OCAD U community to design an innovative and collaborative process that included participation from students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni from across Canada and around the world. The design process included a series of workshops last fall, where participants were invited to share their stories, experiences and ideas about OCAD U and what they envision for the university in the future.

“We are honoured to have had the opportunity to develop a new brand identity system that builds on the rich legacy of the school and projects the image of a dynamic and multivalent future for the institution,” said Hunter Tura, President and CEO, Bruce Mau Design. “What’s even more exciting is the partnership we have established with OCAD U, the epicenter of creative thought leadership in Canada.”

Inspired by OCAD U’s iconic and transformational Alsop-designed Sharp Centre for Design, BMD created a base of

black and white pixel ‘windows’ — modular frames to hold actual student art and design work. Through these ‘windows’ the core of OCAD U is presented — conceptually strong, relevant, diverse, and compelling. “As we push the boundaries of art and design practice, education and research, so too does our new identity, giving the world a window into what we do here,” said Dr. Diamond. The identity is dynamic and modular in design. Every year, graduating student medal winners will be invited to design a logo within the basic window framework, providing the university with a set of logos for that year. As OCAD U grows and matures, a living library of identities will emerge, recording the ideas and aesthetics that have shaped our culture over time.

Last night’s unveiled logo ‘window’ featured works by 2010 medal winners Adrian Forrow and James Gauvreau. This year’s medal winners were announced earlier this week as part of the lead up to this weekend’s Graduate Exhibition, which continues until Sunday at 6 p.m. Each medal winner will be invited to participate in the program to feature their work in the new identity going forward.

The unveiling kicks off a summer-long implementation process for the new identity. “We plan to welcome our next cohort of new students this September with our new look fully realized across campus,” said Dr. Diamond.

Capilano Mall is using QR Codes as an option for customers to participate in the mall’s “Be Our Energy Star” contest.  Entrants are being asked to write down, in 100 words or less, what they are doing to be more environmentally or socially conscious for a chance to WIN an Energy Star Certified LCD TV and Laptop valued at over $3500. The contest closes May 13th, 2011 at 9pm.

The purpose of the contest is to drive traffic to Capilano Mall’s new micro-site, highlighting the Mall’s new program which focuses on communicating the mall’s ongoing efforts over the past few years as it works towards making improvements in the areas of global and social responsibility.

One specific initiative Capilano Mall has embarked on is to reduce the amount of waste the mall generates.  Traditionally, when customers enter a contest held in the mall, they submit their entry on a paper ballot.  In addition to paper ballots, Capilano Mall has now introduced a new way for customers to enter contests in-mall through the use of QR Codes (or quick response codes).  The QR Code is printed directly onto the mall signage.  Customers can scan the code with their mobile device and they will be linked directly to the contest entry form.

“Introducing this technology as an alternative for our customers is just one of the ways that we are working to decrease our environmental footprint,” says Shera Allibhai, Marketing Director – Capilano Mall. “We recognize that because this technology is still relatively unfamiliar, getting customers to catch on and use the QR Code will take both education and time.  Changing consumer behaviour is always a process, but we look forward to the challenge.

By using the QR Code technology and other alternative methods (like the option to enter contests online), Capilano Mall’s goal is to decrease paper ballots by 75% over the next 2 years; which will eliminate in excess of 9000 sheets of paper per annum.

Canadian eReader device platform Kobo has announced that the Kobo Wireless eReader is now available in Best Buy stores throughout the United States as well as in the American Best Buy online store. Now customers can visit any U.S. Best Buy location to get hands-on experience with the affordable, Kobo Wireless eReader as well as access to over 2.3 million eBooks, Newspapers and Magazines in the robust Kobo store. Starting today through May 14, 2011, U.S. Best Buy locations are offering the Onyx Kobo Wireless eReader in stores and online for the special discounted price of $99.99 in celebration of Mother’s Day. At the end of this promotion, Best Buy will resume selling the Kobo Wireless eReader for $129.99.

The Kobo Wireless eReader comes pre-loaded with 100 free eBooks, so purchasers can read right out of the box. Users can easily shop the Kobo store that offers over 2.3 million titles including today’s newest releases and bestsellers, newspapers and magazines – plus a selection of over 1 million free titles. Delivering open standards versatility (supporting ePUB, PDF and Adobe DRM), customers can also borrow eBooks from their local libraries and read them for free on the Kobo Wireless eReader.

The compact, lightweight, and simple-to-use Kobo Wireless eReader features an eInk screen that reads like print on paper and is easily customizable with a selection of font sizes and font styles. Perfect for reading on-the-go, Kobo’s Wireless eReader holds up to 1,000 eBooks and has a SD expansion slot that can increase capacity to hold up to 10,000 eBooks. Featuring a modern, clean design, with easy-to-use navigation and a unique soft quilted back, the Kobo Wireless eReader provides an intuitive user experience with access to a rich assortment of the latest content with just the press of a button.

To provide additional flexibility, free eReading applications are available online for most smartphones, desktops, laptops and tablets, and come pre-loaded on the recently released BlackBerry PlayBook. This multi-platform approach to reading freedom championed by Kobo offers consumers the ability to read across multiple devices while building a lifetime eReading library, available from anywhere, with Kobo.

“We’ve seen great success working with Best Buy in Canada and look forward to being available in-store in the U.S. with the Mother’s Day special,” said Todd Humphrey, vice president of business development, Kobo. “Having Kobo’s Wireless eReader in Best Buy stores throughout the United States and online provides the eReading public with more purchasing options and allows shoppers to compare our eReader to the competition to see the value and versatility we bring to the table. Best Buy is the ultimate electronic shopping destination, offering knowledgeable product experts and a low price guarantee.”

Kobo is changing eReading with Kobo Reading Life, an industry-first social experience that lets passionate readers, discover, track and share their love of reading. With Reading Life, Kobo users can connect with friends or book clubs and discuss their favorite books on Facebook. Statistics help users track their Reading Life, and earn awards – just for spending time reading.

Secure digital media distribution company YANGAROO Inc. has entered into an exclusive multi-year agreement with Australia’s D-Star Music Delivery Pty Ltd (“D-Star”), a member of the Shooting Star Pictures group of companies. The Shooting Star Group is one of Australia’s leading creative production businesses, servicing the entertainment industry and the corporate market. The initial focus will be on the delivery of music to radio, press and other destinations and will launch immediately, branded as D-Star, powered by DMDS. This will be followed by the delivery of full broadcast quality SD and HD music video and advertising files to television broadcasters and movie theatres throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The parties have entered into an exclusive three year renewable agreement whereby YANGAROO will provide its patented industry leading Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS), and D-Star will provide local marketing and customer support, utilizing the Shooting Star Group’s extensive resources, leading market presence and proven industry expertise.

Effective immediately new releases from major and independent record labels are available for streaming or download. New releases from the last few weeks are also available should they be required for on-air consideration.

“We are very excited to offer this new and improved service to the industry we have been servicing for many years,” said Peter Skillman, CEO of the Shooting Star Group. “We can now, not only offer the latest cutting edge technology for audio delivery, but also broadcast quality video delivery as we move forward.”

“This is another example of how we are executing on our profitable growth strategy and monetizing the investment made in DMDS 5.0,” said Scott Wambolt, CEO of YANGAROO Inc. “I look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with Peter Skillman and his excellent team at the Shooting Star Group,” said Cliff Hunt, Chairman and COO of YANGAROO Inc. “The Australian and New Zealand markets are strong and growing, and we are excited about the significant new revenue opportunities that this relationship provides.”

Nintendo Canada is dropping the suggested retail price of its Wii™ system to $149.99 and including a Mario™ game with the Wii hardware. Starting May 15 at many stores across Canada, the newly priced Wii system will come in either black or white with the Mario Kart™ Wii game and a matching coloured Wii Wheel™ accessory, replacing the previously included Wii Sports™ and Wii Sports Resort™ games.

Also on May 15, Nintendo launches the new Nintendo® Selects collection of Wii games, a set of popular games that millions of people have already experienced, at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The four must-own games in this collection are The Legend of Zelda™: Twilight Princess, Animal Crossing™: City Folk, Mario™ Super Sluggers and Wii Sports, which is available for the first time as a separate software purchase. Parents and video game fans can now easily expand their library of fun, family-friendly Wii games. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for any Canadian-made titles that are designated as Nintendo Selects – if you see any, let me know.

“From the day it launched, Wii has let players of all ages and experience levels have fun with one another,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “The new suggested retail pricing for both the hardware and select games will help create more of these magical moments for even greater numbers of people.”

With Mario Kart Wii now included with the Wii hardware, players will be able to enjoy fun go-kart racing with Mario and all his Mushroom Kingdom pals right out of the box. The Wii Remote™ Plus controller, Nunchuk™ controller and Wii Wheel included in the package will all match the hardware, meaning they will be either black or white. The new black Wii Wheel will also be available separately at a suggested retail price of $9.99.

Ahead of the release of its final report later this month, Pixel To Product’s Justin Kozuch will be making an appearance on the Nat&Marie show tonight at 9pm EST.

Justin will be Wikileaks-ing a handful of new results from the company’s recent research study, and I encourage you to tune in and catch the segment. On deck are some interesting insights into the types of skill-sets companies are hiring for this year, hiring projections, perceptions of bias (ageism, sexism, etc), and some other very interesting findings the study has uncovered.

If you’ve got a question for Justin about the findings, tweet them to @49pixels or post your question on their Facebook fan page, or call into the show via Skype (add “NatAndMarieShow” to your Skype contact list), and they’ll do their best to answer it on the air.

They’re also giving away a copy of Scott Stratten’s “UnMarketing” for the best question; so think one up, tune in and you could be the lucky winner of a book I personally highly recommend.

Future Shop has released version 2 of the Future Shop App for iPhone. Future Shop’s App for iPhone gives Canadians instant access to all of the products and latest deals, right at their fingertips. The updated App is compatible with all generations of iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and packed with new features such as QR code scanner, enlarged product views and access to consumer ratings and reviews.

Future Shop App downloads place among the highest downloads in the Canadian App Store among free iPhone Apps with more than 260,000 downloads to date.

Key features of the updated Future Shop App:

• Scan barcodes and QR codes instantly.
• Browse and search over 100,000 products with detailed specs, including customer ratings and reviews.
• Easy, enlarged viewing to see the latest, hottest items on sale.
• Check stock levels in-store and online.
• Rate and review products directly from an Apple iOS device.
• Faster and more robust checkout process.
• Get items faster using the In-store Pickup feature.
• Geo-location powered Store Locator.
• Save products to Favourites and revisit later.
• Compatible with all generations of iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
• Easy access to “Tech Yeah,” Future Shop’s leading online community for technology enthusiasts.

Canada 3.0 Platinum Sponsor PwC has announced the launch of its Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA). The DRA is a diagnostic business offering that helps companies to assess their current “digital state” and seek out new business opportunities to go digital.

At Canada 3.0 2011, attendees can try out a DRA survey on their mobile devices, a short online version that will help them self-assess in a few minutes where they are on their digital journey. It is made up of a short number of questions by priority areas including: Strategy & Innovation, Revenue Growth, Partner Ecosystem, Customers and others.

“Currently, most Canadian companies are moving to digital models in gradual steps that are being pushed forward by their more entrepreneurial managers and the tactical needs of the business,” says Jerry Brown, an associate partner in the Consulting practice in PwC’s Toronto office. “The goal of the DRA is to help companies create an effective digital strategy and really transform their business model to keep up with the quick pace of change.”

“The successful companies will be the ones who have the best strategy to engage with all of their digital partners – everyone from their customers, to their suppliers, vendors, distributors and other businesses.”

PwC, a keynote speaker at the Canada 3.0 Conference, will also be a judge at the first ever Road to Banff Pitch Off Contest. Hosted by the Banff Venture Forum and the Canadian Digital Media Network, the competition is open to early stage ICT, life sciences and clean tech companies with annual revenues of less than $5 million. The top three finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to the Banff Venture Forum, October 6 – 7 in Banff, Alberta. At the Forum, finalists will attend a one-day workshop where they will be introduced to potential investors and paired up with a Venture Capital (VC) mentor for the conference.

In a few weeks, PwC will hold its eighth annual one-day conference for CEOs of emerging Canadian technology companies, Connecting Vision to Reality 2011. This year’s conference is on May 11, 2011 at the Ted Rogers School of Management, 55 Dundas Street West, Toronto. The speaker roster includes a number of industry experts including keynote speaker Jeremy Gutsche, founder of TrendHunter.com. The results of PwC’s 2011 Report on Emerging Canadian Technology Companies will also be released at the event.

D-BOX Technologies Inc. has announced the company’s agreement with Warner Bros. Pictures to feature D-BOX’s immersive motion technology with the studio’s franchise finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in theatres July 15.

This final act is the third film in the series to offer D-BOX’s motionals effects. Fans of the movie franchise can expect to be transported back to Hogwarts with Harry and friends feeling sensations of motion along the way. Intense battles and exhilarating flights onscreen become real as D-BOX MFX Seats move in perfect sync with all ofals the onscreen action.

“Warner Bros. has been a tremendous supporter of our motion technology and this is such a legendary movie franchise for D-BOX to be associated,” said President and CEO of D-BOX Technologies, Claude Mc Master. “We have collaborated on a number of new releases over the past two years and look forward to partnering on future movie content with the studio.”

PEER 1 Hosting has announced the arrival of its IPv6 enabled 10GB backbone network today, bringing future-ready network reach to customers ahead of the imminent IPv4 address exhaustion.

PEER 1 Hosting’s network is one of the first supporting both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic, ensuring customers’ websites remain visible to all users around the world, irrespective of the networks or hardware they are using.

The IPv6 upgrade is the result of $10M investment over the last three years by PEER 1 Hosting and has included a beta phase, allowing Colocation and transit customers to test the backbone through PEER 1 Hosting’s network of datacenters. Offering both IPv4 and IPv6 network capabilities will allow PEER 1 Hosting’s Colocation and hosting customers to adopt the new protocol at their own pace, by providing a bridge to both worlds as networks transition towards IPv6 as standard protocol.

“Ping is one of the things we pride ourselves on and here is the perfect example of how we’re making sure businesses are accessible and online,” said Jag Bains, director of Network Operations for PEER 1 Hosting. “IPv6 is the next wave and we’re at the forefront of the transition. When IPv4 reaches capacity we’re ready to support our clients with the new protocol.”

PEER 1 Hosting is ahead of the curve in bringing IPv6 online for its customers, while industry debate continues to linger over standards and adoption. The PEER 1 Hosting backbone will also offer the added network benefits of the IPv6 protocol including increased addressing capacity, more flexible security, the ability to expand infrastructure and accelerate business.