FromtheWire

Optimized for Messaging, Rogue Features Innovative Speech-to-Text Capabilities and Speech-Enabled Application Launch

September 8, 2009 — Verizon Wireless and Nuance Communications, Inc. today announced that the new Samsung Rogue, exclusively available from Verizon Wireless, features innovative speech capabilities powered by Nuance Mobile. Samsung Rogue users will not only be able to access and launch a variety of applications and services with simple voice commands, but they'll also be able to dictate their text messages – further setting the Samsung Rogue apart from other mobile phones on the market today. Read more

World's first Leica Micro Four Thirds lens Compatible with Panasonic's Award-Winning LUMIX G Series of Digital Cameras, Plus a New, Ultra Lightweight F1.7 Lens

September 2, 2009 – Today, Panasonic introduced two new Micro Four Thirds digital interchangeable lenses – the LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight "pancake" lens with outstanding brightness, and the world’s first Leica Micro Four Thirds lens, the LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. which features exceptional image quality in a compact size. Both lenses are compatible with Panasonic's LUMIX G Series Micro Four Thirds standard digital cameras, which include the award-winning LUMIX DMC-G1 and LUMIX DMC-GH1 models; and the LUMIX DMC-GF1, also introduced today.Read more

Study is one of the first to investigate the effects of practice in the brain using two imaging techniques

September 2009 – Researchers at the Mind Research Network just announced the findings of a scientific study that used brain imaging and Tetris to investigate whether practice makes the brain efficient because it increases gray matter. Over a three-month period, adolescent girls practiced Tetris, a computer game requiring a combination of cognitive skills. The girls who practiced showed greater brain efficiency, consistent with earlier studies. Compared to controls, the girls that practiced also had a thicker cortex, but not in the same brain areas where efficiency occurred [see photo].

[Relative to controls, red areas show where practice led to a thicker cortex; blue areas show more efficient brain function after practice; right image is right hemisphere; left image is the left hemisphere]Read more

Internet Channel for the Wii Menu Now Available at No Cost

September 2, 2009--Nintendo is offering an easy way for Wii console owners to access the Internet without a computer. Effective immediately, people who want to browse the Internet using their Wii consoles will be able to do so at no added cost.

The Wii Menu houses a variety of informational and entertaining channels, such as the News Channel and Wii Shop Channel, that users can visit to enhance their Wii experience. Wii consoles that are linked to a broadband Internet connection have even greater access to additional content and channels. For example, the Nintendo Channel is an interactive guide to what’s new in the world of Nintendo that lets consumers watch trailers, mini-documentaries, product demonstrations and game-play videos, while the Check Mii Out Channel allows users to show off their Mii creations and download Miis that others have created.

The Internet Channel, which can be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel, allows Wii owners to browse the Internet on their televisions from the comfort of their couches. Users can check their e-mail, make purchases or travel plans, and surf their favorite Web pages by pointing and clicking with the Wii Remote controller. Read more

Latest Version of Best-Selling Music Franchise Offers Today’s Hottest Rock Hits and Classic Anthems

For a Limited Time Consumers Score a Copy of the Unreleased Guitar Hero Van Halen with Purchase of Guitar Hero 5

September 1, 2009 – Continuing to transform the way people experience music, the highly-anticipated Guitar Hero 5 video game hits store shelves today with unprecedented music variety featuring an expansive, pulse-pounding 85-song on-disc set list, more than 150 songs available via downloadable content, and the capability to import select songs from other Guitar Hero games. Featuring some of music’s leading bands and artists across a multitude of genres, the ability for players to rock any way they want with any combination of multiple guitarists, bassists, drummers and singers in any game mode, Guitar Hero 5 allows players to step into the spotlight as iconic rockers of the past, present and future with an all-star line-up of in-game playable characters, including Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, Garbage’s Shirley Manson and Matt Bellamy of Muse. For a limited time, consumers who purchase Guitar Hero 5 will receive the unreleased Guitar Hero Van Halen when they mail in their proof of purchase.

Early reviews and previews of the game have been outstanding. Official Xbox Magazine gives Guitar Hero 5 a final score of 95 out of 100 saying, "Party Play mode instantly reinvigorates the social fun of music games… It is the new standard for social rocking." The magazine goes on to say, "This is musical fun done right… This is the Guitar Hero to own."Read more

New Software Effectively Utilizes both Lightroom Edit-In and Export Features, Rounds out Support for Leading Image Editing and Workflow Applications

August 27, 2009 -- Imagenomic announced today the release of Portraiture 2 for Adobe Lightroom. This latest Portraiture 2 product edition from Imagenomic delivers all of the productivity benefits of fast and accurate skin retouching to the Lightroom user community, and complements earlier introductions of Portraiture 2 for Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture.

Portraiture 2 versions for Lightroom include native 32 and 64-bit support for Windows Vista, and support for the latest Mac Intel platforms and OSX releases for Apple computers. All of the familiar features and controls that have made Portraiture 2 popular with Photoshop and Aperture users are now available in the new Lightroom edition. Lightroom users also benefit from two Portraiture workflow usage modes, using both the Edit In and Export techniques for individual and batch image editing and processing.Read more

Leading Mobile Local Application Connects Consumers with the World Around Them

August 27, 2009--uLocate Communications, a leading developer and publisher of location-based mobile services in North America, today announced that WHERE® is now available to T-Mobile USA customers through T-Mobile's web2go SM service.

WHERE® is an award-winning location-based application that helps consumers to find the people, places, and things around them. Local content available through WHERE includes everything from the weather, news, and restaurant reviews, to the cheapest gas, movie show times, and the ability to connect with other people on the WHERE Wall™. Read more

Automated Feature Taps Same Tools Reps Use to Set Up Services, Configure Wi-Fi Links, Set Up and Manage Voice Mail, Auto-Fix Video Problems, Trouble-Shoot and Correct Internet Issues

Additional On-Screen TV 'Quick Codes' Simplify Fixes for Many TV Service Problems

August 25, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon FiOS customers now have direct access to an application that performs many of the same setup, management and troubleshooting functions that previously required assistance from a help desk representative. Back-office systems and information resources have been integrated to create a tool that operates with point-and-click simplicity to perform functions like configuring a new PC to work on a home Wi-Fi network, setting up e-mail accounts, and automatically fixing Internet access or video problems.Read more

August 24, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Enjoy music and never miss a call - Sennheiser Communications introduces the MM 400 Series, combining the quality of luxury headphones with the superior functionality of an advanced Stereo Bluetooth communications headset.

Sennheiser Communications is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking wireless stereo series. Featuring advanced Stereo Bluetooth technology, the MM 400 and MM 450 TRAVEL are best-of-breed communications headsets for the demanding global traveler. Designed to work seamlessly with the latest mobile phones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, they also deliver world-class stereo sound with all types of music - thanks to the mature A2DP profile developed especially for Stereo Bluetooth.Read more

Third Annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush Presents: DARIUS RUCKER, Performing For FREE At Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, August 24

- With portions to air on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live on August 27-

Private Summer Music Experience Features Today's Hottest Artists in the Hippest Locations and Offers Attendees A chance to Experience the New Samsung JACK Mobile Phone!

WHO: Darius Rucker, one of country music's most popular new additions

WHEN: Monday, August 24
Doors Open: 8:00 pm, Performance: 10:00 pm

WHERE: Grand Ole Opry House ~ 2802 Opryland Drive (Nashville, TN 37214)

WHAT: Taking place in nine cities from mid-July thru mid-September, the third annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush is an exclusive music tour featuring nine well-known musical acts each performing free one-night only music events - open to the public, but with private, limited access. Previous participants include Mariah Carey, Gavin Rossdale, Good Charlotte, LeAnn Rimes, Nelly, Smashing Pumpkins, Nas, Ludacris, Plain White T's, The Bravery, Kinky, Big & Rich, and The All-American Rejects. For those fortunate enough to attend, it will be a night to remember!Read more