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ArchivesJudge Grants Hollywood Victory in StreamCast File-Sharing CaseAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:58pm.
 Los Angeles - A federal judge has granted summary judgment in favor of the movie studios and record labels who sued file-sharing firm StreamCast Networks, distributors of the Morpheus peer-to-peer application, for copyright infringement. The ruling, which StreamCast may still appeal, is part of the aftermath of the landmark 2005 Supreme Court ruling that found providers of file-sharing software liable for copyright infringement committed by users. The Supreme Court sent that suit back to U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, whose initial 2003 ruling in favor of StreamCast started the case on its way up the appeals process. Judge Wilson's ruling on Wednesday cited "overwhelming" evidence of StreamCast's "massive infringement." "No single court ruling solves piracy or can make up for several challenging years for the music community, but there's no doubt that that rules of the road for online music are better today than they were yesterday," said RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Bainwol.
Microsoft Sets $249 Price, Nov. 14 Launch Date for Portable Zune PlayerAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:56pm.
 Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft announced on Thursday that its Zune portable digital media player will go on sale in the U.S. on Nov. 14 for $249. In addition to a small library of pre-loaded songs, music videos and short films, the Wi-Fi-enabled device will allow sharing of songs and other media between Zune players. Microsoft will also simultaneously launch the Zune Marketplace, an online store with millions of songs that Zune users can download in unlimited numbers to the 30GB device for $14.99 per month. Songs can also be purchased individually using "Microsoft Points," for 79 points per track -- much like a pre-paid phone card. Microsoft has also readied a full range of accessories for the Zune, including premium headphones and products that connect the player to a home or car stereo. "On Nov. 14 we're delivering not only a device, but a shared, social experience that will be shaped by the collective imagination of consumers," said Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune.
Disney to Shutter Mobile ESPN Service, License to Carriers InsteadAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:52pm.
 New York - Disney's ESPN sports network announced on Thursday that it will shutter its Mobile ESPN cell phone service, which offered exclusive sports video and other content on a branded phone that used bandwidth from Sprint's wireless network. The company will support existing subscribers through the end of 2006, and provide a full refund on the purchase of their Mobile ESPN phones. An analyst with Merrill Lynch said the service had attracted fewer than 30,000 subscribers; Disney projected the service would count 240,000 by the end of its first year of operation. The company's new plan is to license the Mobile ESPN application to existing service providers. "With a redefined approach we have a greater opportunity to reach millions of fans while achieving our strategic and financial goals," said Salil Mehta, an executive vice president of ESPN Enterprises.
Microsoft, BBC to Collaborate on Next-Generation Digital BroadcastingAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:50pm.
 London - Microsoft announced on Thursday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the BBC to develop next-generation digital broadcasting technologies. The BBC's digital strategy includes development of its online archive, the creation of "a radically re-invented website in the Web 2.0 world," and research into ways to share its online content in the future. "To ensure that the BBC is able to embrace the creative challenges of the digital future, we need to forge strategic partnerships with technology companies and distributors for the benefit of license payers," said BBC director general Mark Thompson. The agreement does not tie the BBC into purchasing any specific Microsoft hardware, software or services, but the two companies plan to potentially collaborate in areas including search and navigation, distribution, and content enablement. "We are [also] meeting with Real Networks, IBM and Linden (Labs, behind the "Second Life" 3D digital world), and we're also keen to speak to the Apples and Googles of this world," a BBC representative told CNET News.com.
Warner to Shutter Warner Bros. Online Unit, Redeploy Most StaffAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:49pm.
Los Angeles - Warner Bros. has confirmed that it will shutter its Warner Bros. Online unit as part of a cost-cutting initiative, the Los Angeles Times reported. As a result, 19 employees will be laid off, while another 60 or so will be moved to other positions within the company. Since the late 1990s, when it was home to Entertaindom -- an early online entertainment network that attracted talent including Adam Sandler -- the unit has settled into a role of promoting Warner Bros. films and television series online, and publishing mobile entertainment content. "It's not really an elimination of what online has done or did do," Kevin Tsujihara, president of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, told the Times. "It's really more of a realignment of and redeployment of people."
Yahoo Acquires Web-based Video Editing Software Firm JumpcutAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:48pm.
 Sunnyvale, Calif. - Yahoo announced that it has acquired Jumpcut, a developer of online video editing tools. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Launched earlier this year, San Francisco-based Jumpcut offers a Web-based application that lets users make basic edits and add some professional features to personal videos, often before uploading them to blogs or video-sharing sites like YouTube.
Microsoft, "Lord of the Rings" Director Peter Jackson Launch Game StudioAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:46pm.
Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with "The Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson to launch a new video game development studio, Wingnut Interactive. A joint venture between Microsoft Game Studios and its Bungie subsidiary -- which developed the "Halo" franchise -- New Zealand-based Wingnut's first project will be a sequel in the "Halo" series. Wingnut will also develop an original game, but Microsoft did not provide additional details.
tags: Games | Career | Microsoft | Movies | Openings | New Zealand | Halo | Peter Jackson | Wingnut |
Disney's Buena Vista Games Acquires Developer Climax RacingAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:45pm.
Burbank, Calif. - Disney's Buena Vista Games announced on Thursday that it has acquired U.K.-based video game developer Climax Racing from Climax Group Ltd. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Climax Racing is responsible for titles including the "MotoGP" and "ATV Offroad Fury" franchises. Climax becomes Buena Vista Games' third internal studio, alongside Vancouver-based Propaganda Games and Salt Lake City-based Avalanche Software. "The acquisition of Climax Racing aligns perfectly with our strategic and geographic goals by allowing us to both reach into new genres and new markets for creative talent," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager of Buena Vista Games.
Vivendi Games Acquires Secret Lair Studios, Studio Ch'inAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:43pm.
Los Angeles - Vivendi Games announced on Thursday that it has acquired two game development studios, Secret Lair Studios and Studio Ch'in. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed. The purchase of Shanghai, China-based Studio Ch'in must still be approved by the Chinese government, but will become a studio within Vivendi's Sierra Online division alongside Issaquah, Wash.-based Secret Lair. Vivendi said that both new studios will contribute to Sierra Online's library of titles for Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade, as well as develop online PC games and titles for other consoles. "Working together, our teams in Los Angeles, Seattle and Shanghai, now form a significant internal development organization focused on creating cutting edge online entertainment with global appeal," said Sierra Online president Ed Zobrist.
tags: Games | Deals | China | Acquisitions | Vivendi Games | Lair Studios | Studio Ch'in | Sierra Online |
Web-based Video Publishing Firm VideoEgg Raises $12 MillionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:42pm.
San Francisco - VideoEgg, a provider of online video-sharing technology, announced on Thursday that it has raised $12 million in its third round of venture capital financing. Maveron led the investment round; previous investors August Capital and First Round Capital also participated. San Francisco-based VideoEgg provides an online video player, similar to the player on YouTube, which allows users of sites like Bebo, Hi5, AOL, Dogster, Tagged and Current TV to upload and embed their personal videos on those sites. The company will use the funds for product development and to expand its recently launched advertising network, the Eggnetwork.
Sony Ericsson Debuts $399 Bluetooth WristwatchAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:38pm.
Research Triangle Park, N.C. - Sony Ericsson on Thursday introduced a Bluetooth-enabled wristwatch that connects wirelessly with a mobile phone, and can display caller ID and new text message alerts, as well as control the music functions of a music phone. Developed in collaboration with watchmaker Fossil, the Sony Ericsson MBW-100 will go on sale in the fourth quarter for $399.
Sling Media Introduces 3 New TV "Place-Shifting" Slingbox ModelsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:37pm.
San Mateo, Calif. - Sling Media, a developer of "place-shifting" devices that allow users to access premium home TV channels, recorded programs and other content while away from home via any broadband-connected device, on Thursday introduced three new models of its Slingbox device. The $249 Slingbox Pro features HD support, and the ability to beam content from a digital video recorder, satellite/cable box, DVD player, multi-disc changer or video camera to an outside location. The $179 Slingbox AV drops support for HD, and connections to DVD players or video cameras; while the Slingbox TUNER, also $179, allows users to connect via a cable modem and access premium channels and recorded programs while away without interfering with other home TVs.
Chicago Manual of Style Launches Online EditionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:36pm.
Chicago - The University of Chicago on Thursday announced the launch of an online, subscription-based version of its Chicago Manual of Style. The online grammar manual, used by journalists, writers, academics and others, will be available in a 30-day free trial, after which point it will cost $25 for the first year and $30 annually thereafter. Bulk subscriptions will also be offered for institutions.
tags: Internet | Online Publishing | Subscriptions | Commerce | Education | Publishing | Books | Reference |
Lulu.com Enables Self-Published Authors to Get ISBN NumbersAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:35pm.
Raleigh, N.C. - Lulu.com, a provider of print-on-demand services for self-published authors, announced on Thursday an agreement with the U.S. ISBN Agency that will enable self-published authors to own an International Standard Book Number for the works they publish. North Carolina-based Lulu.com said the new service essentially allows individuals to establish their own publishing companies, with Lulu.com performing all back office and distribution functions. The ISBN also gives self-published authors more leverage to sell their books anywhere, including from other online retailers.
tags: Internet | Online Publishing | Commerce | Publishing | Books | Authors | Literature | UGC | LuLu | ISBN |
Microsoft Announces Holiday Game Lineup for Xbox 360, PCAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:33pm.
Barcelona, Spain - Microsoft on Thursday announced the full slate of titles for the Xbox 360, Windows-based PCs and Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 that it plans to make available in time for the holiday shopping season. New Xbox 360 titles on sale will include "Gears of War," "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas," "Tony Hawk's Project 8," "Call of Duty 3" and "Dead or Alive: Xtreme 2." The company also unveiled at its X06 game convention in Barcelona that it has made id Software's "DOOM" available for purchase, download and play on the Xbox 360 through its Xbox Live Arcade service. A full list of holiday game titles from Microsoft is available from the link below.
HyperScan Debuts Hybrid Collectible Card/Plug-and-Play Video GameAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 1:32pm.
El Segundo, Calif. - HyperScan on Thursday introduced its new plug-and-play game device for the "tween" market that uses RFID technology to scan collectible game cards for use with CD-ROM games played on a TV. The $69 HyperScan is slated to ship in October, along with three launch titles: "Marvel X-Men," "Cartoon Network's Ben 10" and "Mattel's Interstellar Wrestling League." Each $19.99 game will feature a CD-ROM and a pack of six collectible game cards; additional packs of six cards will sell for $9.99 each.
Bethesda Softworks to Publish "Elder Scrolls: Oblivion" as PS3 Launch TitleAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 12:52pm.
Rockville, Md. - Video game developer Bethesda Softworks said on Thursday that its "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion" game will be offered as a launch title for the PlayStation 3, which goes on sale in the U.S. in November and next March in Europe. The Maryland-based studio said it will also release a version of the game for the Sony PSP in the spring in North America and Europe.
EA's "Madden NFL 07," "Need for Speed Carbon" Named Wii Launch TitlesAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 12:51pm.
Redwood City, Calif. - Electronic Arts announced on Thursday that it will offer its "Madden NFL 07" and "Need for Speed Carbon" games as launch titles for Nintendo's next-generation Wii console, scheduled to launch in the U.S. on Nov. 19.
2K to Publish "BioShock" Exclusively for Xbox 360, PCAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 28, 2006 - 12:50pm.
New York - 2K, a unit of video game publisher Take-Two Interactive, said on Thursday that its "BioShock" title will be published exclusively for Xbox 360 and the PC when it is released in 2007. The game is currently in development at 2K's Irrational Games studio.
Career Moves: September 28, 2006Authored by dmw on September 28, 2006 - 9:30am.
According to Broadcast & Cable, Catherine Mullen, VP & General Manager of Cablevision's Fuse network has resigned to accept another position. Public announcement of Mullen’s departure is expected to be made in coming weeks. Mullen took the Fuse position in January of this year, when she replaced Rob Weiss. Mullen’s manager, Andrea Greenberg, President of Rainbow Media Ventures, is remaining with the company, although there is speculation that her role may be redefined. Before Fuse, Mullen was General Manager at MTV UK and Ireland.
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