Starbucks Highlights New Content Portal: Free Material On Free Wi-Fi
Ah, so now it all makes sense. Starbucks surprised us all by announcing that the Wi-Fi in all of their corporate stores would be switching from a paid access model to a 100% free access model earlier this year, but there seemed to be no catch at all. It was a curious move. Some suggested that this could be in order to attract more consumers into shops, but it seems like Starbucks has something else in mind as well. The coffee company has now made public a vision for enhancing in-store browsing with a digital
Read More ...
AIS Releases Rugged Vehicle PC for Adventurous Drivers
Lock up the netbook, put away the eBook reader, and for Heaven's sake man, hide that wimpy tablet. While you're at it, go ahead and shuttle all of your other mobile devices out of sight, because AIS's new 12.1-inch Rugged Vehicle Computer (RVC) will eat all those for breakfast. It's not that AIS's RVC comes equipped with high-end components -- it doesn't -- but this thing is ready to go to war (and offroading) with a bevy of safeguards for just about any kind of harsh environment you can think of. It all starts
Read More ...
Asus Preps $300 Grayscale Linux Tablet for October Release
Word all over the Web this morning is that Asus is planning a $300 tablet for the back to school crowd. It will run a special version of Linux, and barring an unforeseen hiccups, you can expect the device to hit the retail segment in October. Make no mistake though, this thing isn't being designed to take on the iPad. A more likely rival is Amazon's Kindle or Barnes & Noble's Nook. The upcoming tablet will sport an 8-inch touchscreen display, but those looking for color will have to look elsewhere -- this
Read More ...
Chrome To Phone Pipes Desktop Sessions To Android Smartphones
It's pretty obvious that innovation is in the blood at Google, and the company's latest is proof of that. It's a feature that mobile owners have longed for, and while we do wish that Firefox was also supported, this new Chrome to Phone feature may actually increase Chrome browser usage by Android owners. Yes, it's that significant. Chrome to Phone does just what it sounds like. If you download an extension into Chrome, a single click can send your current browser, maps, directions, links, etc. to your phone.
Read More ...
Star Wars Box Set Coming To Blu-ray In Fall 2011
It's coming, Star Wars fans. The question is: are you ready? For the first time ever, the Star Wars saga in its entirety will be available on Blu-ray, the highest resolution home film format yet. It's an announcement that fans have been waiting for, but the painful part is waiting from now until this time next year. That's right, this amazing set won't actually be ready for sale until Fall 2011, so you won't be placing it on the holiday wish list for 2010. The Star Wars Blu-ray Box Set will include all six films,
Read More ...
Half of Current Verizon Customers Jonesing for the iPhone
It's hard to say if this new report is worse for AT&T or for the Android smartphone platform. A report by market research firm Morplace indicates that more than half of current Verizon customers are at least "somewhat likely" to purchase a Verizon iPhone if such were to be offered. It makes sense that current Verizon customers would be the group most likely to buy a Verizon iPhone. After all, they wouldn't have to change carriers which, although not that difficult to do, can be expensive for those with a
Read More ...
Policeman Files "BlackBerry Overtime" Lawsuit
It's been discussed for years, so-called "BlackBerry Overtime." It's the concept of employees, saddled with BlackBerrys, working overtime because of responding to emails off-hours. Now a Chicago Police Sergeant is suing the city for overtime back pay. It's true that nowadays workers seem to be required to check their email after hours, and even on the weekend, whether via their computer and VPN or a smartphone, hence the term "BlackBerry overtime," although nowadays RIM is seeing its market share dissolve with
Read More ...
Apple Manager Indicted Over Supplier Kickbacks
On Friday, federal authorities arrested a midlevel Apple global supply manager, Paul Shin Devine, for accepting kickbacks worth over $1 million from half a dozen unnamed Asian suppliers. The federal indictment named both Devine and Andrew Ang, of Singapore, on 23 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and kickbacks. According to the indictment, Devine, 37, used his position at Apple to obtain confidential information. That was shared with Ang, as well as other Apple suppliers. The information gave the suppliers
Read More ...
Small upgrade to my Rig
This guys is my first official purchase online for an upgrade to my Rig! Nothing big upside some of you guys but looking forward to more! Will enhance the looks some what ! I,ve never bought anything online so I finally did and I got myself the Sentry 2 temp moniter. I gave some thought into getting the Sentry LX and the only reason I didnt because it took up 2 bays!! The last upgrade I done was adding the Cool IT Domino ALC ( thanks to Tanka) , but thats been a while so it update time.
Here is a couple of pics of my rig for anyone that has,nt seen it compliments of Hot Hardware and shout out to mentaldiorder and tanka always be thankfull to all of you!
The will be more upgrades soon mainly because Im making my last car payment in 19 days!!!! WOOHOO and cant wait
Anyway looking forward to my order from newegg.
Got a list of places Im interested in doing business with tell me your experiances if any with them!
NewEgg
Tiger Direct
Frozen CPU
Directron.com
NCIX
Thanks for humoring me by reading my post!! That sentry 2 will look good in my rig!!!
Read More ...
Asus Preps $300 Grayscale Linux Tablet for October Release
Word all over the Web this morning is that Asus is planning a $300 tablet for the back to school crowd. It will run a special version of Linux, and barring an unforeseen hiccups, you can expect the device to hit the retail segment in October.Make no mistake though, this thing isn't being designed to take on the iPad. A more likely rival is Amazon's Kindle or Barnes & Noble's Nook. The upcoming tablet will sport an 8-inch touchscreen display, but those looking for color will have to look elsewhere -- this one only does 64 shades of gray. In that respect, it might be more appropriate to call this a suped-up eBook reader than a bona fide tablet.
So what's the point? For students, they'll be able to read electronic books, take notes, surf through cyberspace by way of Wi-Fi, and store up to 2GB of data out of the gate, which is expandable via a microSD memory card slot. It will also come with an integrated camera for snapping pics of the blackboard and a microphone for recording those lectures you plan on sleeping through.
It's also worth nothing that this device will come equipped with an LCD screen. That means battery life will be less that what you'd get out of a dedicated eBook reader, but the refresh rate will also be much higher, all but eliminating the page-turn lag that plagues most reader devices.
Read More ...
Star Wars Box Set Coming To Blu-ray In Fall 2011
It's coming, Star Wars fans. The question is: are you ready? For the first time ever, the Star Wars saga in its entirety will be available on Blu-ray, the highest resolution home film format yet. It's an announcement that fans have been waiting for, but the painful part is waiting from now until this time next year. That's right, this amazing set won't actually be ready for sale until Fall 2011, so you won't be placing it on the holiday wish list for 2010.The Star Wars Blu-ray Box Set will include all six films, featuring the "highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with extensive special features – including documentaries, vintage behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, retrospectives and never-before-seen footage from the Lucasfilm archives." Lucasarts aren't divulging any extra details beyond that. We will have to wait to find out if any special edition sets are also made available, but knowing the franchise, we're certain there will be. Of course, you could pick up an R2-D2 edition DROID 2 next month to tide you over, but we know it's going to be a long, long year for fans waiting to see this on Blu-ray. What's next, Star Wars box set in 3D? We wouldn't be shocked, actually.
 For the First Time Ever, the Force Will Be with You on Blu-ray! Highly Anticipated Complete Star Wars™ Saga Readied for High Definition Blu-ray Debut
  Â
SAN FRANCISCO - (Business Wire) Today at Star Wars Celebration V, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced that the complete Star Wars Saga will come to Blu-ray Disc with a worldwide release in Fall 2011. The Star Wars Blu-ray Box Set will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with extensive special features – including documentaries, vintage behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, retrospectives and never-before-seen footage from the Lucasfilm archives.
“Blu-ray is the absolute best way to experience Star Wars at home – in pristine high definition,†said George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars Saga. “The films have never looked or sounded better.â€
ABOUT STAR WARS CELEBRATION V
Featuring celebrities, costumes, live entertainment, screenings, autographs, collectibles, panels and much, much more, Star Wars Celebration V is THE official Lucasfilm convention - and the biggest Star Wars party in the galaxy! Taking place in Orlando, FL from August 12-15, Star Wars Celebration V commemorates the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and the ongoing, weekly adventures of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.Â
Read More ...
Half of Current Verizon Customers Jonesing for the iPhone
It's hard to say if this new report is worse for AT&T or for the Android smartphone platform. A report by market research firm Morplace indicates that more than half of current Verizon customers are at least "somewhat likely" to purchase a Verizon iPhone if such were to be offered.It makes sense that current Verizon customers would be the group most likely to buy a Verizon iPhone. After all, they wouldn't have to change carriers which, although not that difficult to do, can be expensive for those with a family plan and multiple phones.
Meanwhile, of those currently with an iPhone, 47 percent would consider switching to a Verizon iPhone, and 34 percent are currently holding off on upgrading their iPhone in anticipation of a Verizon version.
The report goes on to indicate that Android smartphone sales might be affected by a Verizon iPhone, and there are still questions as to whether or not the Verizon 3G network would be able to handle the iPhone any better than AT&T's oft-criticized network. Â Despite this, most of those who have wanted to see a Verizon iPhone have assumed, or perhaps hoped, that the Verizon network would be up to the task.
The future of unlimited vs. tiered data plans is another issue to be dealt with, the report goes on to add.
Read More ...
Apple Manager Indicted Over Supplier Kickbacks
On Friday, federal authorities arrested a midlevel Apple global supply manager, Paul Shin Devine, for accepting kickbacks worth over $1 million from half a dozen unnamed Asian suppliers. The federal indictment named both Devine and Andrew Ang, of Singapore, on 23 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and kickbacks.According to the indictment, Devine, 37, used his position at Apple to obtain confidential information. That was shared with Ang, as well as other Apple suppliers. The information gave the suppliers an edge in contract negotiations, for which Devine and Ang were both paid.
Apple issued a statement, with spokesman Steve Dowling saying, "Apple is committed to the highest ethical standards in the way we do business. We have zero tolerance for dishonest behavior inside or outside the company."
Devine used offshore bank accounts to receive the payments, including some in his wife's name, although he also received some payments directly while traveling in Asia. It's unclear what tipped off authorities, but the investigation was done jointly by the FBI and the IRS. Devine is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday at 1:30 PM PDT in U.S. Northern District Court in San Jose.
Read More ...
Chrome To Phone Pipes Desktop Sessions To Android Smartphones
It's pretty obvious that innovation is in the blood at Google, and the company's latest is proof of that. It's a feature that mobile owners have longed for, and while we do wish that Firefox was also supported, this new Chrome to Phone feature may actually increase Chrome browser usage by Android owners. Yes, it's that significant. Chrome to Phone does just what it sounds like. If you download an extension into Chrome, a single click can send your current browser, maps, directions, links, etc. to your phone. If you're browsing at home, and you have to run to a meeting, just clicking one button will send everything to your Android phone provided it has version 2.2 or newer on it. It can even send YouTube videos and phone numbers. It's a dream come true for those who wish to make their desktop/notebook browsing experience more tightly integrated with their cellphone experience.
Check out the video below for a better idea of how it all works, and visit the link below to download the extension. Which is free, of course.
Read More ...
Policeman Files "BlackBerry Overtime" Lawsuit
It's been discussed for years, so-called "BlackBerry Overtime." It's the concept of employees, saddled with BlackBerrys, working overtime because of responding to emails off-hours. Now a Chicago Police Sergeant is suing the city for overtime back pay.It's true that nowadays workers seem to be required to check their email after hours, and even on the weekend, whether via their computer and VPN or a smartphone, hence the term "BlackBerry overtime," although nowadays RIM is seeing its market share dissolve with the advent of the iPhone and Android devices such as the Droid X and Evo 4G.
While many may think this malady only affects salaried workers, it's not the case. Hourly workers, who are eligible for overtime, are also saddled with smartphones and email, and that includes the plaintiff in this case, Chicago Police Sgt. Jeffrey Allen. His attorney, Paul Geiger, said:
"What we are saying is he's using this mobile device at the behest of the Police Department very routinely and very often off duty and not being compensated for all the time spent on the device doing the city's work."Even salaried workers are feeling overburdened by "BlackBerry Overtime." Many have complained that with the advent of such mobile devices, they have no free time at all. Some, when going on vacation, feel it necessary to tell colleagues if they are going to a location that has no cellular service at all.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley scoffed at the lawsuit. He called it "silliness in time of economic crisis. He added, "This is unbelievable. We're public servants. If I asked for that, I'd be paid millions of dollars. We'd have to take all the BlackBerrys away from public servants."Unfortunately, Daley is salaried, and Allen is paid hourly. The Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs wage and overtime provisions for American workers, is quite clear in this. Non-exempt, i.e. non-salaried employees have to be paid for all the time they work. A few minutes may be OK, but if an employee is checking his smartphone frequently that can add up.
As Allen's attorney Paul Geiger said, there's a simple fix going forward: require hourly BlackBerry users to "log off" after hours. In fact, it could even be done automatically, with software, if required.
You can read the text of the lawsuit here (.PDF).
Read More ...
Sony's S-Series Walkman Emerges; It's No iPod Killer
Sony's X-series Walkman (otherwise known as the OLED Walkman) has barely had time to make a splash in the US market, and already Sony is preparing to launch anoher music player. Based on some believable details leaked on Materiel's website (a French e-tailer), the new S-Series Walkman will arrive in 8GB (NWZ-S544) and 16GB (NWZ-S545) models, and while we doubt it'll compete with the heralded iPod touch, the built-in kickstand should make it suitable for movie watching, regardless.
The display has a 2.4" QVGA display, stereo speakers, a built-in FM tuner, a microphone, a rechargeable battery and a pretty crazy battery life figure. We're talking about 42 hours of audio playback or 6.5 hours for video. Also of note, the device looks to support a litany of file format, and the estimated $180 (8GB)/$211 (16GB) price tags don't seem all that outrageous. Of course, we've still got to wait for Sony to confirm this unit as real, but really, we're just waiting for the company to confirm a US price and release date.
Read More ...
Choosing A Processor
Hello All, I'm a noobie to this site and to building computers.
I'm getting ready to build my first computer and have been researching different parts etc.
I'm confused on buying a processor, if anyone could help me understand more clearly it would be greatly appreciated.
What I dont understand is why I would want to buy an i7 960 with 3.20 GHz up to 3.46 with turbo boost, instead of an i5 670 with 3.46 GHz up to 3.73 with turbo boost? ( I'm using these 2 processors for an example) I mean wouldn't I want to buy the processor with the highest core clock speed??
How is more cores gonna benefit if the core clock speed is lower?
Sorry if this is too elementary
Thanks
Read More ...
Lenovo Debuts Tweaked IdeaPad S10-2 Netbook
It's not often that you see a manufacturer release a self-proclaimed "incremental update" to an existing product (firmware refreshes notwithstanding), so Lenovo's new IdeaPad S10-2 is certainly noteworthy. The original IdeaPad S10 first surfaced last autumn, and rather than delivering a true successor, Lenovo has opted to dole out a Revision B (if you will) that is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Indeed, the entire machine is simply tweaked rather than overhauled, but there's no need to reinvent the wheel when the current one rolls fine, right?
Among the most notable changes on the S10-2 are a new cover design (white, black, pink or grey), a slightly slimmer (4mm) and lighter (0.2kg) chassis and a keyboard which is marginally larger (89% full-size) than the regular S10. Specifically, the whole gamut of keys are receiving a size boost, while the right Shift key is also enlarged. Thankfully, Lenovo also saw fit to enlarge the touchpad, which we seriously hope other outfits pay attention to and follow after. The new units include QuickStart, VeriFace, and the OneKey Rescue software, and there's also a third USB 2.0 port thrown in.
Sadly, the underpowered 1.6GHz Atom CPU is still at the helm alongside 1GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB hard drive, no optical drive, integrated graphics, Wi-Fi, a 1.3MP camera and a six cell battery for $349.99. A version with integrated Ericcson 3G will ship this summer for $399.99.
New Lenovo Netbook Steps Ups Design for Extra Portability and Style
Built thinner and lighter, packed with latest entertainment and wireless connectivity technologies
 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – May 12, 2009: Lenovo today announced the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook to give online enthusiasts, social networkers and mobile consumers the latest in connectivity, entertainment and performance features to keep them better connected and enjoying their computing experience anytime, anywhere. The new IdeaPad S10-2 netbook gives consumers even cooler netbook features – models with 3G connectivity1 and 2, the rich sound of Dolby headphone technology for music and movies and long battery life. Lenovo also made the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook thinner and lighter than the previous IdeaPad S10 netbook, and packaged the netbook in an expressive, colorful new ring pattern design.
Â
 “With the netbook scene rapidly changing, consumers are telling us they want to merge the capabilities of their most commonly used sources of electronic entertainment, such as digital photographs, online TV, music and social networks all into one portable and affordable device,†said Dion Weisler, vice president, Business Operations, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. “We’ve incorporated that feedback into our new IdeaPad S10-2 netbook, giving consumers around the world more ways to connect with options for wireless connectivity, a more portable and expressive design and entertainment-packed features.â€
Â
Slimming Down on Size and Pumping Up Performance
With consumers becoming more mobile today, thin and light laptop design matters, and saving space counts. Starting at just over two pounds and measuring less than an inch thick, the new IdeaPad S10-2 netbook is setting the bar higher in portability and affordability. Lenovo also revamped the S10-2 netbook with a modern and sophisticated ring pattern on the top cover for a distinct look personalized in grey, pink, white or black.
Â
While slimming down the netbook’s size for increased portability, Lenovo outfitted the netbook for usability by giving it a larger keyboard over previous models. Lenovo made the netbook’s keyboard nearly 90 percent the size of a standard keyboard to give users an improved typing experience closer to that of a familiar, full-function laptop. The netbook also has identically sized and balanced shift keys on both sides of the keyboard. Lenovo made the netbook’s touchpad larger and more comfortable to use, and the netbook now comes with three USB ports for greater expandability, a 4-in-1 card reader for flexibility in using different multimedia tools and up to six hours of battery life3 to keep up with consumers’ mobile lifestyles. The IdeaPad S10-2 netbook’s battery saving software helps it achieve up to 30 percent more battery life than before. Â
Â
Making Internet and Entertainment “On Demandâ€
Consumers can now go online “on demand†with their netbook anywhere1 with a host of wireless connectivity options to surf the Internet, email or chat at home or on the go. A great online experience and a great entertainment experience go hand-in-hand. Lenovo equipped the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook with Dolby Headphone technology to amplify customers’ audio experience. Users can wear any set of headphones to hear surround sound audio from 5.1 channels of sound. For individuals who demand “on demand†functionality, the netbook lets them use their favorite applications quickly with Lenovo QuickStart. From this application, users can listen to music, view photos, send instant messages or even make Skype calls without waiting for their operating system to boot. Users are also only one click away from Lenovo Social, a website designed to help get them up to speed on social networking.
Â
“On demand†users will also enjoy VeriFace facial recognition technology, letting them log into the PC with their face instead of having to remember lengthy passwords. A built-in web camera can be used to record video messages or conduct web calls, making the netbook the one device for connectivity, entertainment and extreme PC portability. Â
Â
Extreme portability means taking extra steps to help protect data. With Lenovo’s OneKeyâ„¢ Rescue System consumers can recover their data if it becomes corrupted in just a few simple steps. The tool can also be configured to run virus scanning before entering the main operating system to restore damaged files and allow users to back up and recover their data. Additionally, the netbooks offer added performance with the latest Intel Atom processor technology, a 10.1inch LED screen and plenty of hard drive storage.Â
Â
Pricing and Availability4
The IdeaPad S10-2 netbook will be available beginning at the end of May on www.lenovo.com and through business partners beginning at the end of June. Models start at $349.
Â
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
Read More ...
cpu cooler question
I have a h50 cpu cool and has been working great for me for awhile, but now i am getting some high temp readings.My question is, how do you know if the pump has failed?
hoping it is only the cpu cooler because i dont want to have to replace something else on it.
Read More ...
Starbucks Highlights New Content Portal: Free Material On Free Wi-Fi
Ah, so now it all makes sense. Starbucks surprised us all by announcing that the Wi-Fi in all of their corporate stores would be switching from a paid access model to a 100% free access model earlier this year, but there seemed to be no catch at all. It was a curious move. Some suggested that this could be in order to attract more consumers into shops, but it seems like Starbucks has something else in mind as well.The coffee company has now made public a vision for enhancing in-store browsing with a digital network of content, and we suspect that Starbucks may want to get into content sales or distribution all the while. Rodale, Nick Jr. Boost and DonorsChoose.org are three of the first content contributors to sign up for the Starbucks Digital Network, and parts like Yahoo! are being announced as well. In-store consumers can soon have free access to a collection of premium digital content accessed through free, one-click Wi-Fi in Starbucks stores, and those are joining the mainstays that were in already: iTunes, The New York Times, Patch, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! and Zagat.
So far, that means that all of this extra material is still free. But this model is perfect for expanding into a paid option as well. It's like Hulu; started free, morphed into a quasi-pay model. We are just guessing here, but there's no better way to convince people to buy content than to give them free Wi-Fi access to it. And even if Starbucks never actually sells content, they're still probably making out alright by simply distributing content that people may otherwise never bother to look at. Two thumbs up.
Starbucks Defines Vision for Enhancing Customer Experience Through In-Store Digital Network
Rodale, Nick Jr. Boost and DonorsChoose.org Join Content Contributor Line-Up for Starbucks Digital Network, in Partnership with Yahoo!, Available in U.S. Company-Operated Stores This Fall
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) today further defined its vision for the Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, targeted to arrive in U.S. company-operated stores later this fall. First previewed in June, the Starbucks Digital Network will give Starbucks customers free access to a collection of premium digital content accessed through free, one-click Wi-Fi in Starbucks stores. Rodale, Nick Jr. Boost and DonorsChoose.org will join the previously announced content providers iTunes, The New York Times, Patch, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! and Zagat.
   “Creating content that is innovative, inspirational and actionable is always our goal and being able to share that content through Starbucks smart new digital network marks an exciting next chapter for Rodale.â€
The Starbucks Digital Network is inspired by Starbucks passion for elevating the third place experience to create a unique coffeehouse environment, its heritage of recommending music, books, films and other culturally relevant works to its customers, and a growing worldwide interest in engaging with the brand digitally. Illustrating this last point are more than 12 million Facebook fans, nearly a million Twitter followers and the growth of mystarbucksidea.com, where customers share, vote on and discuss ideas for Starbucks.
“We’re creating an online destination that will be true to, and expand upon, the Starbucks experience by delivering free, premium offerings that are selected specifically for our customers and localized for increased personal and community relevance,†said Stephen Gillett, Starbucks cio and general manager of Digital Ventures, a business unit of Starbucks. “To bring this to life, we partnered with Yahoo! to develop the platform as well as to power the search feature and contribute content.â€
The Starbucks Digital Network will offer an innovative customer benefit that elevates the value of free Wi-Fi and gives customers access to a one-of-a-kind destination featuring free access to various paid sites and services, exclusive content and previews, free downloads, career tools and local community news. Starting this fall, customers can explore and access this content via six different online “channelsâ€: News, Entertainment, Wellness, Business & Careers, My Neighborhood and Starbucks.
Anchoring the Wellness channel, Rodale, the authentic source for trusted content in health, fitness, and wellness around the world, has signed on to be the primary health and wellness contributor for the Starbucks Digital Network. Starbucks customers will have access to specialized premium content, including articles, recipes, videos and community engagement across several of Rodale’s brands, including Rodale.com, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Prevention, Organic Gardening and Eat This, Not That!
In addition to providing content from its brands, Rodale's section will feature the Run, Ride and Walk finder online application for local community relevance. The Run, Ride and Walk Finder online application will provide access to geo-targeted maps of more than 300,000 routes that highlight Starbucks stores along the way, and customers can upload their own trails that begin or end at their local Starbucks.
“We are thrilled to equip the active Starbucks community with tools for living a healthier lifestyle,†said Maria Rodale, Chairman and CEO, Rodale, Inc. “Creating content that is innovative, inspirational and actionable is always our goal and being able to share that content through Starbucks smart new digital network marks an exciting next chapter for Rodale.â€
Nick Jr. Boost, which will be featured in the Entertainment channel, is a complete, personalized educational program for early learners and their parents. Starring kids’ favorite Nick Jr. characters, the advertising-free service features fun and engaging learning through games and activities that reward and encourage children as they play. Nick Jr. Boost is based on a curriculum that includes phonetic awareness, reading comprehension, critical thinking, counting, addition and subtraction, which help provide kids with a head start on the concepts and skills required for early academic success. Parents also get easy-to-use custom progress reports for each child and suggestions to extend the learning offline.
"By providing free access to premium services like Nick Jr. Boost, Starbucks and Yahoo! are giving customers a valuable offering and experience," said Tanya Van Court, SVP and GM of Nick Jr. and ParentsConnect. "We're excited to offer Boost as a core element of this launch."
In the My Neighborhood channel, the Starbucks Digital Network will feature localized content to help people connect with their communities. As part of this channel, DonorsChoose.org, will help match customers with local K-12 public school classrooms in need of support. DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit website where public and charter school teachers describe specific educational projects for their students, and donors can choose the projects they want to support. Donors can contribute as little as $1 to help bring a classroom project to life. After project completion, the donor receives photographs and thank you letters from the students they helped. To date, 137,136 public and charter school teachers have used the site to secure funding for nearly $55 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn. Through www.donorschoose.org individuals from all walks of life have helped 3.3 million students from low-income families have the materials and tools they need to learn and succeed in school.
“DonorsChoose.org offers a personal approach to giving. We connect interested donors with classrooms in their community and invite them to track the progress of projects they support in their hometown. Being featured on the Starbucks Digital Network connects us with the local communities of Starbucks customers across the country which in turn will help many students and teachers take on innovative projects as well as cover basic classroom needs,†said Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org.
“Starbucks has pushed the boundaries of innovation for our customers for nearly 40 years, and with the Starbucks Digital Network we’re creating a compelling offering that engages our customers in a new way while they are in our stores – bridging our third place coffeehouse experience with the rapidly expanding digital world,†said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo. “It will enhance the time people spend in our stores online, provide a new way for us to connect with customers and overall share an experience that can only be found at Starbucks. We are delighted to welcome these new content providers into the fold and excited to see how our customers respond.â€
The Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, will debut on Wi-Fi enabled lap-tops, tablets and smart phones in U.S. Starbucks later this fall.Â
Read More ...
No comments:
Post a Comment