Village Gamer

The hacking and theft of confidential Canadian government data reported yesterday is the latest in a growing number of serious data security breaches. “The increasing pace of these incidents shows the need for all enterprises to rethink their approach to maintaining the security of vital data,” said Tony Busseri, President and CEO of Toronto’s Route1 Inc.

Route1 is a leading provider of data security and identity management technology. Its clients include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Dutch Foreign Ministry, and Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner, as well as private sector corporations.

“More data security breaches are being reported every day,” Mr. Busseri said. “What they reveal is a widespread failure to meet two essential needs. The first is the growing demand for the capability to work remotely using the data within an organization’s network. The second is the vital requirement to control access to that data and to ensure it remains within the protective firewalls of the network. Remote access solutions are simple and readily available but most fail when it comes to identity management and security. That’s clear from the growing number of reported breaches. Too often, organizations go through the motions of constructing barriers to protect data while at the same time ignoring the gaps they create to allow their people to work outside the network. Those gaps allow data out and allow hackers in.”

“Every organization recognizes that the security of its data must be protected. Many are also recognizing that providing their people with the ability to work outside the office is not simply a convenience but a necessity,” added Mr. Busseri. “Route1 technology allows users to access networks from anywhere, anytime, with the highest possible security based on an architecture that keeps data within firewalls. Data security breaches are a huge and costly problem and will only get worse unless all organizations face the reality and take action using the best technology available.”

The growth in security breaches can generally be traced to the use of systems that transfer data outside of network firewalls, that use simple one-factor identity confirmation such as a single password, and that are based on identifying the remote device being used rather than the individual using it. The failing systems also may not control what information within the network the user can access when they are remote. Read the rest of this entry »

Intertainment Media Inc. has announced that its real time experiential translation platform Ortsbo is debuting its newest patent pending technology today at Social Media Camp in Victoria. The application technology, known as “Ortsbo to Ortsbo” or “O2O”allows multiple users to engage translation services on the same tablet computing device. Using the app, users will have up to 2 “head to head” keyboards and displays allowing for 2 languages to be communicated in a free flowing style of conversation without the need for guides or other translation devices. Smaller devices will have the ability to display additional language keyboards based on motion, or “tilt” of the device.

The O2O app was developed internally at Ortsbo with the support of the Commobility mobile development team. The app, once approved for distribution will be available for purchase through various online marketplaces.

The app will initially be available for the Apple iPad and will be forthcoming for other tablet and touch devices in the near future. O2O is a perfect complement for travelers who find themselves in a location where they don’t speak the local language and wish to interact in a recreational or commercial setting.

Initially O2O will support 53 languages through Ortsbo’s real time chat platform and with the upcoming release of Ortsbo 2.0 scheduled for calendar Q4 2011, the system will be upgraded to allow interaction in over 80 languages around the world. With Ortsbo 2.0, O2O users will be able to add additional terms, phrases and terminology to the Ortsbo translation wiki in almost any language.

“Ortsbo O2O will allow people around the world to use their iPad and eventually any tablet or touch device to carry on multiple language conversations, immediately and in person, allowing all parties to communicate freely through a single device,” said David Lucatch, President of Ortsbo / CEO Intertainment Media.

Ortsbo recently launched, ahead of planned schedule, the alpha release of its Ortsbo for HTML on the Microsoft Windows Azure platform, providing a cloud application for real time experiential translation chat. The original version of Ortsbo using Microsoft Silverlight, enabling 12 of the world’s most popular chat networks, will remain in operation for the near future. When initially launched in July 2010, Ortsbo’s social media translation platform infrastructure was designed to handle the expected first 2 to 3 years of operations or 12 Million monthly users. Ortsbo exceeded all growth projections in its first 9 months and has continued to operate to maintain the increase in user growth and with Microsoft’s Window Azure platform integration has developed a virtually unlimited operational environment to service user needs globally.

Other Ortsbo Events and Promotions:

June 22, 2011 – Steve Nash Foundation Showdown In Chinatown – Ortsbo presents, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash’s Showdown in Chinatown charity soccer match event in New York City. The event will consist of a competitive soccer game featuring NBA and professional soccer athletes and Ortsbo will provide a global, real-time chat environment during the event to enable – for the first time – Steve Nash and the Showdown athletes to interact seamlessly over social media platforms with fans in over 50 languages.

Through August 2011 Ortsbo 040 – With the launch of Ortsbo’s email plug in for Microsoft Outlook, or “O4O”, Ortsbo is launching a unique promotion: Ortsbo Cruise Into Translation. Users who register and install O4O through August 2011 will have the opportunity to win 1 of 5 trips on the KISS Kruise in October as well as other VIP prizes. Additional contest ballots will be available for people who refer friends that register and install O4O.

Florida company tXtBlocker announced today the launch of its distracted driving solution in Ontario and all of Canada’s provinces. The launch coincides with tXtBlocker’s sponsorship of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) annual R.I.D.E. Drive Safe! Campaign. The initiative was launched during Police Week and supports efforts throughout the upcoming year by the Ontario Provincial Police and municipal police services across Ontario to eliminate texting, calling, and other forms of distracted driving on their roadways.

tXtBlocker is the leading technology platform in preventing distracted driving incidents in the United States. The service, which costs as little as $6.99 (Canadian) a month, allows owners to control when, where and how their phones are used. With a simple download, parents, employers and organizations can keep their loved ones and others safe on the road, while limiting distractions at school or the worksite. tXtBlocker was featured in the April 2011 edition of Consumer Reports, which described the technology as the best product available for preventing distracted driving. The service enjoys high customer satisfaction and is currently available through AT&T’s mobile app website and Best Buy stores.

“I’m very encouraged that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has taken a leading role in both educating the public and enforcing distracted driving laws. They intend to stop the growing epidemic of motorists using their mobile phone,” said Stan Van Meter, CEO of tXtBlocker. “We are pleased to announce the launch of tXtBlocker in Ontario and the rest of Canada. tXtBlocker is the leading technology solution to distracted driving incidents in the United States and is proud to have been selected as a partner in OACP’s unique outreach campaign in Canada.” Read the rest of this entry »

Intertainment Media Inc. has announced that its desktop app KNCTR®, a key program of Intertainment’s wholly owned division itiBiti Systems Inc. is now counting over 664,000 unique installations in the North American market.

KNCTR® saw 79,622 unique installations throughout North America over the previous week period and the program increasingly continues to be part of consumer’s daily digital consumption pattern with an average of over 13.3 minutes of daily active user engagement. The active user engagement continues to make the premium advertising supported KNCTR® model a key tool that features video content, integration of social media and the ability to make free long distance phone calls to cell phones and land lines to anywhere in North America.

KNCTR® is the next generation of social communication and entertainment applications that allows users to aggregate their social media(s) and voice services into one location on their desktop. Unlike Skype, the telephone feature on KNCTR® is completely free to the consumer allowing free local and long distance calls to mobile phones and land lines. KNCTR® is a premium advertising model that allows for branded sponsorship, pre-roll and display advertising opportunities for brands and service providers alike.

With the projected impact that tablets will have on the personal computing space, with over 50 million units to be sold within the next two years in North America alone, KNCTR® is positioned to enhance the functionality and usability of these devices by allowing them to become a fully functioning phone unit.

“Week over week we are continuing to see significant growth in our new installation base for KNCTR®,” said Brad Parry, CMO Intertainment Media Inc., “The level of engagement and sharing is notable as we continue to see KNCTR® becoming a core element in the consumer’s daily digital habit.”

Notably, the itiBiti desktop app has been hailed by Microsoft Corp. as “the next generation of integrated social media applications – easy, scalable and fun.”

Shape Collage, the popular easy-to-use photo collage software with over 4 million downloads, has officially launched its iPhone application offering free, quick and easy collage creation to iPhone users.

The app allows users to create personal photo collages from dozens of pictures on their iPhones in under 30 seconds by selecting the pics they want, picking a shape, and quickly posting wherever they like to share. The app is ready for downloads on iTunes and is also available for the iPod Touch. iPad and Android versions will be released this summer.

“People are taking more and more pictures with their smartphones, but they don’t always have an effective way to share their photos, so many pics get stranded in phones and never get shared with friends and family,” said Vincent Cheung, CEO & Founder of Shape Collage. “Our app allows users to quickly create unique custom collages with their photos and tell the stories they want to share on the fly directly from their iPhones.”

Users can choose from several shapes, or use text or symbols to create a custom shape from their photos and then easily share on Facebook, Twitter, and Email. They can also save the collage on their iPhone and use it as their wallpaper.

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Shape Collage’s desktop software (available for Windows, Mac and Linux) has been downloaded over four million times since its 2009 release. The software automatically creates photo collages in different shapes using patent pending technology. Cheung created the software as a graduate student and was named the 2010 Graduate Student Entrepreneur Global Champion and he has won eight business plan competitions.

The Shape Collage desktop software is available for free at ShapeCollage.com with a pro upgraded version available for $25 USD. A free Facebook application is also available for users to share their collages with their friends on Facebook.

Canadian consumers want more education and options for health self-management. A Deloitte consumer study found 54 per cent of those surveyed in the Deloitte 2009 Canadian health care consumer survey report “Treating Patients As Consumers” are trying to learn how to prevent health problems and improve their well-being, and they want electronic tools to help them do so. Now consumers can access DrugHub, Great-West Life’s new, free health application for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, which they can personalize with their prescription information to help manage their prescription medications.

“Managing prescription drug usage can be complex, particularly for people with chronic health conditions or who require multiple medications over extended periods of time,” says Brad Fedorchuk, Vice-President of Group Marketing for Great-West Life, a leading Canadian life and health insurer, which processed $2.1 billion in prescription drug claim submissions in 2010. Taking prescription medications correctly as prescribed is one simple but effective way people can enhance their health self-management, and DrugHub can help them do so.”

The DrugHub app is intuitive and easy to use, and offers a convenient way to keep track of medications – in effect, putting “a virtual library of prescription drug information at your fingertips,” according to Fedorchuk. The application can also help track medications for aging parents, children, or others. “DrugHub displays multiple prescriptions, issues reminders for multiple individuals about when to take medications, tracks dosages and flags when it is time to order refills,” Fedorchuk says. “By helping to manage some of this complexity, we believe DrugHub can help people follow their medication dosages and schedules more closely, thereby improving health outcomes.”

Security and confidentiality features are built in to protect personal information. DrugHub also provides access to an extensive library of drug information, including simple-to-use drug interaction and side effect reference tools for each drug and access to thousands of physician-reviewed drug articles.

DrugHub is the first mobile health application to be issued by a Canadian group benefits insurer. The innovative health application builds on Great-West Life’s industry-first suite of eClaims services — including being the first and only insurer in Canada at this time to offer text message notification advising group plan members of the status of a claim.

Nintendo Canada has announced that the first major system update for the hand-held Nintendo 3DS™ system will be available in North America the evening of June 6, Pacific time. By installing the free update via a wireless broadband Internet connection, Nintendo 3DS users will have access to an Internet browser and the Nintendo eShop, which contains a variety of new content, including Pokédex™ 3D, an application that lets fans see Pokémon™ characters in 3D.

To celebrate the grand opening of the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo is offering the NES™ game Excitebike™ re-mastered in 3D as a free download until July 7 for anyone who installs the system update. Upcoming Virtual Console™ content available in the Nintendo eShop includes Game Boy™ games Super Mario Land™, Alleyway™ and Radar Mission™. New content will be added to the Nintendo eShop on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a digital store for Nintendo 3DS owners that provides access to a wide variety of downloadable content, such as original 3D software, classic games that have been re-mastered in 3D called 3D Classics, Game Boy and Game Boy Color “Virtual Console” games in their original 2D glory, and more than 350 Nintendo DSiWare™ games. Visitors can also view video game trailers, screen shots and product information for games, including those available at retail locations.

Within the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo 3DS users will also be able to download the free Pokédex 3D application and start collecting data for more than 150 Pokémon from the Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version games. This new application lets users view each Pokémon in 3D with animated motion and sound. The Pokémon image can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing users to zoom in and view it from any angle. The detailed Pokédex also allows users to search, sort and filter all of the data they receive in a variety of ways, making it the essential guide for Pokémon fans. Players can complete their Pokédex by sharing data with friends and using the SpotPass™ feature, or by scanning special Pokémon AR Markers (augmented-reality markers). Once users have received data for a Pokémon, the AR Viewer allows them to view that Pokémon image in a real-world setting in real time, and create photos to share with friends.

“The Nintendo 3DS system is constantly evolving and growing,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “The Nintendo eShop is a one-stop resource for a broad range of Nintendo information and downloadable games and applications. It expands the Nintendo 3DS experience with new and entertaining content.”

Other capabilities that go live with the system update include a free Internet browser that has the capability to show 3D images on sites specifically designed to show 3D images. The browser can also be used during game play. Users can stop their Nintendo 3DS game and go to the browser by pressing the Home button and then resume their game when they are finished browsing.

The system update also gives Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system owners the ability to easily transfer most of their previously downloaded Nintendo DSiWare™ games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

In the near future, users will be able to download a free application for a short-form video service that will enable them to view specially selected video content, including 3D movie trailers, comedy clips and music videos automatically received when the SpotPass feature is activated.

To install the recommended system update, Nintendo 3DS users can simply start the “System Settings” from the Home Menu, select “Other Settings” and scroll the page right to select “System Update.” Remember that the Nintendo 3DS system features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.

The Insurance Corporation of BC has launched an app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, that lets new drivers practice the driving knowledge test before taking the real test. The ICBC licensing mobile practice knowledge test can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and also includes the complete Learn to Drive Smart guide, all driver licensing locations, and selected videos that are aimed at helping new drivers prepare for their test and be safe on our roads.

“Our customers have told us that they want more options from us that better connect with their lifestyle,” said Fred Hess, ICBC’s vice president of driver licensing. “Getting your first licence is an exciting time but it can also be an intimidating process. We believe this app will make it easier to practice, which we hope calms nerves and helps new drivers focus on learning to make smart driving decisions.”

The practice knowledge test app randomly generates 25 questions to replicate the real test, including how to successfully make a right-turn, drive in school zones, watch out for vulnerable road users and handle a vehicle that skids and loses control. Customers who score 100 per cent on a practice test are rewarded by unlocking bonus video content.

The app also includes a series of videos that help new drivers develop their skills on the road, including tips on passing the road test, how to adjust your speed relative to conditions and intersection safety. The app also identifies the driver licensing centre locations nearest to the customer, shows them how to get there, hours of operation and contact number.

“Our online practice knowledge test has proved extremely popular in improving our customer experience for new drivers and this app will offer another easy and convenient choice for them,” said ICBC’s chief customer and marketing officer, Jeff Schulz. “They can even share their practice test results with friends via Facebook, Twitter or email.”

Ontario record management company, MES Hybrid Document Systems, Inc., is pleased to announce the launch of Digital ReeL, a cost-effective microfilm scanning solution that emulates traditional microfilm reader printers for high operator acceptance and accessibility.

Digital ReeL is a complete microfilm conversion solution that creates a digital replica of original microfilm or microfiche. This conversion solution includes a software application that emulates traditional microfilm reader printers and allows users to retrieve digital microfilm rolls from a PC workstation. Additionally, this software application allows users to avoid the hassles that are commonly associated with traditional reader printers.

“If you have a substantial microfilm archive, you’re most likely already spending a lot of money – from readers and reader-printers, to their annual maintenance and ultimate replacement cost – the expenses adds up quickly,”said Kevin D’Arcy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of MES Hybrid Document Systems. “Digital ReeL allows you to convert your substantial library of microfilm to an easy-to-use, digital PC platform, at breakthrough pricing. Plus, it comes from MES Hybrid Document Systems – a leader in quality record management solutions since 1971.”

MES Hybrid Document Systems Inc. has been successfully supplying and supporting document scanning solutions in public and private organizations across Canada since 1971. MES provides document management solutions to improve business processes, reduce paper-based tasks and focus key knowledge workers.

Vancouver’s SIGGRAPH chapter presents The Art of Lighting and Rendering Rio with Lighting Supervisor Jim Gettinger. The final event of the 2010/2011 season, this presentation will take place on June 21st at District 319. Jim Gettinger’s talk will explore the developmental work pursued by Jim and his team taking the listener through many stages of the production process at Blue Sky. Lighting and lighting techniques will be presented from concept art, through pre-visualization, master lighting, and compositing. Jim will also highlight the artistic and technical challenges encountered developing a stylized vision of the world renowned city Rio de Janeiro and believable original characters using Blue Sky’s proprietary photo-realistic ray-tracing software, CGI Studio™. Tickets for this event are now on sale – $15.00 for members and $25.00 for non-members.

Hockey Fight Pro by Ratrod Studios is now available in the Android Marketplace. Compatible with most Android phones and tablets running Android 2.1 and up, Hockey Fight Pro for Android will let you compete against iOS and Mac users using the online cross-platform leaderboard. Hockey Fight Pro is loaded with the following features:

• The only 3D hockey fighting game available on the market.
• Intuitive controls for a realistic hockey fighting experience.
• Follow the interactive tutorial to learn the basics.
• Real-time damage system, see your opponent taking punishment.
• Next gen 3D graphics with HD support.
• Fight against 9 of the world’s most dangerous hockey fighters.
• Execute over 40 unique combos and punch combinations.
• Gain respect from your opponents and upgrade your character attributes.
• View your fighting stats and replay highlights to improve your skills.
• Complete a list of over 14 unique achievements.
• Online global cross-platform leaderboard to become the world’s toughest hockey fighter.
• Share your victory with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
• Complete the game to unlock a special hardcore mode.
• Support for multiple profiles and extensive game options to adjust the game to your preferences.

Vancouver’s Acrylic Apps has launched its news app to the Mac Store. Pulp for Mac takes your favorite news feeds and presents them in a reader-friendly format, making it easy for users to quickly scan through headlines, previews, and photos as if you had your own newspaper right on your desktop. Pulp includes such features as built-in Google search, customizable categories and layout, plus rich descriptors for visual media. You can also put articles on your virtual shelf to read later or easily share them on your Twitter or Facebook feeds. Another great feature is Pulp Sync, a free, cloud-based service that keeps all of your pages, feeds, read articles, and other settings in sync on all of your Macs and iPads, over the air, completely seamlessly. Every change you make is pushed instantly to your iPad, so you never have to go hunting for a refresh button.

Rhino.ca is a proud partner of the Vancouver Canucks, and like the rest of Vancouver hockey fans, is confident this is the season we bring home the Cup. On the heels of the Vancouver Canucks victory over the San Jose Sharks, Rhino.ca has launched the final round of the Rhino Cup Run 2011 hockey pool and is gearing up for the Stanley Cup Finals.

For the last time during these NHL playoffs, hockey fans can pit themselves against each other for leaderboard supremacy in this free, Vancouver Canucks themed, interactive hockey pool. Contestants enter their picks for game scores and individual player stats in categories like most goals, assists, and penalty minutes, and can log-in anytime to see where they stack up amongst the competition.

“We’re die-hard Vancouver Canucks fans and are excited to have partnered with the Canucks in their 40th year during this cup run. It seems like a dream,” said Doug Morneau, RHINO.ca’s Chief Rhino. “Seventeen years since our last trip to the finals and like the rest of this town, we can’t get enough playoff hockey.”

The Vancouver Canucks take on the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals beginning Wednesday, June 1st and there is undeniable playoff fever around RHINO.ca headquarters. “We love how energized this city is right now and Rhino Cup Run in something we could do to help Canucks fans participate and get even more psyched for the finals,” added Morneau.