Text Marketing Increases Customers and Followers for Businesses and Groups

A new service called MessageShout.com, allows businesses to use text marketing to attract new customers and followers. The text marketing service lets business owners send coupons, specials, discounts, alerts, or just about anything that the business or group wants to convey by mobile text message. Businesses and groups across the United States are using text marketing to increase their customer base and followers with outstanding results.

Just as American Idol used text message technology to involve the audience to participate in the voting process of contestants, small and medium size businesses can use this same kind of technology which was once out of reach until now. Text marketing is very cost effective now and with mobile phones outweighing personal computers 4 to 1, text marketing will increase dramatically within the next 5 years. Cell phone users read text messages within 15 minutes of receiving them. Mobile texts have an open rate of over 90% and when used as a mobile coupon, they have a response rate of over 30%! This is can be a game changer for most struggling businesses who are getting a 3%-5% response rate with paper coupons.

Message Shout uses true SMS Messaging short code technology to ensure that your message gets through and in front of your customers eyes. Some of their services include mobile voting, autoresponder text messaging, online sign up pages, appointment text reminders, message tracking, automatic text responses and roll over text credits.

Message Shout also can provide you with email marketing, instant messaging marketing and the ability to send your messages to the top social networks. Message Shout's mobile marketing director Matthew Hart states, 'We expect to have MMS capabilities before the end of the year which is the ability to send pictures along with text messages. We are very excited and expect this new update to increase our customers' mobile response rates even further. We believe our text marketing services can benefit any business or group.'

Message Shout's short code currently works in the U.S. only, but their email, instant message and social publishing services work anywhere in the world. Plans start as low as only $10 per month and they have a 15 day trial period. For the month of September, you can use code 'ed100' to receive an additional 50 text credits during the trial period. .

Message Shout is a text marketing service that also utilizes email, instant messaging, and social publishing to help businesses and groups of all kinds attract and market to customers and followers. You can find out more information by going to their website at http://www.MessageShout.com and signing up for a free trial account.

— WebWireID122410 —

Telenor launches new store concept in Norway

Fornebu - Norway's first two Telenor stores open in Sandvika and Storo today. The stores will provide ordinary people with a better understanding of how communication technology can make life easier.

"The idea behind the stores is to help people exploit the potential inherent in the products and services Telenor provides. The opportunities provided by telecommunications are currently so vast that many people are having trouble keeping up with them. We will demonstrate just how simple it can be," says Svein Henning Kirkeng, Private Markets Manager at Telenor in Norway.

In the Telenor stores in Norway people will be shown the possibilities that new technology can offer them in a simple and user-friendly way. This applies not only to mobile phones but also PCs, the Internet and fixed line telephony. In time, even TV services - on almost everything to do with screens - will become part of the Telenor store concept.

Best at service
The staff at the Telenor stores will go the extra mile to provide service, and people will feel that they are being taken care of.

"A great deal of the technology available at present is new and unfamiliar to many, and we know how frustrating it can be not to get the help you need and expect. This is the reason why service and competence are the most important cornerstones of the new Telenor stores. The customer must feel secure in the knowledge that complex home solutions will work optimally once they get home. We will care about the customer, even after the sale has been completed," says Kirkeng.

Family-friendly
The stores will be among the most modern in Norway, and will have a 52-inch screen where customers can navigate their way inside a virtual home and learn more about the possibilities available for their homes in the form of Telenor products.

"We plan to establish a chain of stores in towns and urban areas. We will lead everyone safely into our world of solutions. This is why the stores are equipped with simple and entertaining guides to solutions that can create a smoother day," says Kirkeng.

The stores have a separate area for kids which makes them well-suited to families. The kids can play around with technology while the parents get to know the store.

20 stores in the course of 2012
Two stores will open today, one in Sandvika Storsenter in Bærum and one in Storo Storsenter in Oslo. This marks the start of building a chain of Telenor stores in Norway, hopefully Telenor has established 20 stores in the course of 2012.

The Telenor stores in Norway will be franchised. Kjedehuset AS has been selected as the operating partner; they currently also run Telekiosken, Mobildata and Nordialog based on the same model.

— WebWireID122289 —

With Xbox LIVE and a Blockbuster Title Lineup, Windows Phone 7 Marks a New Era in Mobile Gaming

First wave of Xbox LIVE titles from award-winning publishers announced for the launch of Windows Phone 7.

COLOGNE, Germany - Today at gamescom 2010, the world's largest consumer-oriented games showcase, Microsoft Corp. premiered the first wave of Xbox LIVE games launching on Windows Phone 7 this holiday. With even more games and applications to come, Windows Phone 7 is putting the power of Xbox LIVE into the palm of your hand — from Xbox LIVE Avatars to staying connected with friends, Xbox LIVE is now at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere.*

'We believe that no matter where life takes you, the best in gaming and entertainment should follow,' said Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft. 'Windows Phone 7 takes a different approach to handheld gaming, utilizing Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Game Studios, leading game publishers, and innovative indie developers, to create powerful, shared experiences for everyone.'

The Games You Want, Played When and Wherever You Want Them

In a sea of games, apps, gadgets and gizmos, the biggest obstacle can be finding the game that's right for you. Only Windows Phone 7 has a Games hub featuring Xbox LIVE, creating a different kind of mobile gaming experience that puts the games you want front and center. Xbox LIVE games on Windows Phone 7 will be specially selected from the top names in mobile, PC and console game development, making the best mobile games even better, thanks to Xbox LIVE. With try-before-you-buy demos, Xbox LIVE leaderboards, turn-based multiplayer, Achievements and more, Windows Phone 7 brings the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go.

Windows Phone 7 also will be supported by content from Microsoft Game Studios (MGS), providing strong first-party gaming titles and intellectual property for the phone. For Xbox fans, this means that Windows Phone 7 will offer companion titles to familiar names, such as 'Halo: Waypoint,' and 'Crackdown 2,' extending the experience of their favorite Xbox 360 franchises.

'Windows Phone 7 is the launch of a major gaming platform for Microsoft,' said Matt Booty, general manager of mobile gaming for MGS. 'Just like we've done with Xbox 360, our charter is to push the envelope and deliver definitive games that maximize the platform. We will have an incredible lineup of MGS titles, and that's just the beginning.'

The most creative minds in game development are bringing the biggest franchises to Windows Phone 7. The first wave of launch portfolio titles includes Xbox LIVE games from the likes of Gameloft, Konami Digital Entertainment, Namco Bandai, PopCap and THQ. Whether you choose to play a gem of a puzzler with 'Bejeweled™ LIVE' (PopCap), bring down the house with 'Guitar Hero 5' (Glu Mobile), fight off a destructive alien invasion in 'The Harvest' (MGS), paint your way out of a corner with 'Max and the Magic Marker' (PressPlay) or defend your city in 'Crackdown 2: Project Sunburst' (MGS), the first wave of games announced in the launch portfolio of Xbox LIVE games on Windows Phone 7 has something for every mobile gamer:
•'3D Brick Breaker Revolution' (Digital Chocolate)
•'Age of Zombies' (Halfbrick)
•'Armor Valley' (Protégé Games)
•'Asphalt 5' (Gameloft)
•'Assassins Creed' (Gameloft)
•'Bejeweled™ LIVE' (PopCap)
•'Bloons TD' (Digital Goldfish)
•'Brain Challenge' (Gameloft)
•'Bubble Town 2' (i-Play)
•'Butterfly' (Press Start Studio)
•'CarneyVale Showtime' (MGS)
•'Castlevania' (Konami Digital Entertainment)
•'Crackdown 2: Project Sunburst' (MGS)
•'De Blob Revolution' (THQ)
•'Deal or No Deal 2010' (i-Play)
•'Earthworm Jim' (Gameloft)
•'Fast & Furious 7' (i-Play)
•'Fight Game Rivals' (Rough Cookie)
•'Finger Physics' (Mobliss Inc.)
•'Flight Control' (Namco Bandai)
•'Flowerz' (Carbonated Games)
•'Frogger' (Konami Digital Entertainment)
•'Fruit Ninja' (Halfbrick)
•'Game Chest-Board' (MGS)
•'Game Chest-Card' (MGS)
•'Game Chest-Logic' (MGS)
•'Game Chest-Solitaire' (MGS)
•'GeoDefense' (Critical Thought)
•'Ghostscape' (Psionic)
•'Glow Artisan' (Powerhead Games)
•'Glyder 2' (Glu Mobile)
•'Guitar Hero 5' (Glu Mobile)
•'Halo Waypoint' (MGS)
•'Hexic Rush' (Carbonated Games)
•'I Dig It' (InMotion)
•'iBlast Moki' (Godzilab)
•'ilomilo' (MGS)
•'Implode XL' (IUGO)
•'Iquarium' (Infinite Dreams)
•'Jet Car Stunts' (True Axis)
•'Let's Golf 2' (Gameloft)
•'Little Wheel' (One click dog)
•'Loondon' (Flip N Tale)
•'Max and the Magic Marker' (PressPlay)
•'Mini Squadron' (Supermono Limited)
•'More Brain Exercise' (Namco Bandai)
•'O.M.G.' (Arkedo)
•'Puzzle Quest 2' (Namco Bandai)
•'Real Soccer 2' (Gameloft)
•'The Revenants' (Chaotic Moon)
•'Rise of Glory' (Revo Solutions)
•'Rocket Riot' (Codeglue)
•'Splinter Cell Conviction' (Gameloft)
•'Star Wars: Battle for Hoth' (THQ)
•'Star Wars: Cantina' (THQ)
•'The Harvest' (MGS)
•'The Oregon Trail' (Gameloft)
•'Tower Bloxx NY' (Digital Chocolate)
•'Twin Blades' (Press Start Studio)
•'UNO' (Gameloft)
•'Women's Murder Club: Death in Scarlet' (i-Play)
•'Zombie Attack!' (IUGO)
•'Zombies!!!!' (Babaroga)

Additional titles in the launch portfolio will be released between now and the Windows Phone 7 launch this holiday season; once the phone launches, new Xbox LIVE titles also will be added to the games portfolio every week.

Xbox LIVE: Bringing More to Your Mobile Gaming

Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 unlocks a world of games and fun and directly connects you to a global community of more than 25 million active Xbox LIVE members. Windows Phone 7 is the only phone that seamlessly integrates Xbox LIVE and provides unique mobile gaming experiences:
• Avatars. Connect to your Xbox LIVE profile and Avatar, or create a new one if you don't already have an Avatar or Xbox LIVE profile; take your 3-D Avatar and props with you on the phone with full closet access.
• Friends. Bring your Xbox LIVE friends with you everywhere; compare Achievements, challenge rivals to your favorite game, and even see who's online and what they're doing on their consoles, PCs or phones.
• Game access. Easily view and launch your full game library from a single location; find, try and buy new games either in the Marketplace or Games hub.
• Achievements. Earn, view and track Achievements, view Xbox LIVE leaderboards and build your Gamerscore across Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7 — every time you play an Xbox LIVE title.
• Messaging. Communicate with all of your Xbox LIVE friends, any time you want, through Xbox LIVE messages.
• Multiplayer. Invite, connect and play against friends on other Windows Phone 7 phones or the PC with turn-based (asynchronous) multiplayer gaming.
• Spotlight. Access Xbox LIVE Spotlight feeds, including the latest game titles, breaking news from Xbox LIVE, game tips and tricks, and more.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment service for your Xbox 360, connecting you to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sports and social entertainment. Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library on any console, listen to millions of songs and share the fun with friends around the world. This holiday season, Xbox LIVE will come to Windows Phone 7 and put the power of connected entertainment in the palm of your hand. Xbox LIVE is also the exclusive home of controller-free online entertainment through Kinect, making your Xbox 360 more intuitive and interactive than ever before. With an active community of 25 million people across 26 countries, expanding to 35 this fall, Xbox LIVE, together with Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7, provides you with instant access to the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq 'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

* Mobile network access required; carrier fees may apply.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

— WebWireID121529 —

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini awarded European Mobile Phone 2010-2011

* Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini praised for its compact style and performance by the European EISA Awards

London - Sony Ericsson is pleased to announce that the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini has been awarded 'European Mobile Phone 2010-2011' by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA*). Chosen for its unique combination of compact size and excellent performance with a comprehensive range of features, the accolade highlights Sony Ericsson's commitment to deliver smartphones optimised for communication and entertainment through its Sony Ericsson Xperia™ smartphones.

Editors from 50 special interest magazines across Europe singled out the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini as their number one mobile phone, highlighting the mobile phone's style and design features and the easy way you can use it to communicate with just one hand. This recent accolade follows the earlier announcement that the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini has received the prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award 2010.

The official award citation from the EISA jury reads: 'Xperia X10 mini from Sony Ericsson is a very small and stylish mobile phone. Nonetheless, it delivers excellent performance with a comprehensive range of features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G and a 5 megapixel camera with flash. The phone runs on the Android platform and offers users the full benefits of a much larger device although its touch screen size is just 2.55-inch (6.48 cm). Its small size and weight and variety of vivid case colours make it perfect for introducing the fairer sex to smartphone technology.'

'We're delighted Sony Ericsson has been recognised for refining the smartphone user experience,' said Timo Maassmann, Global Product Marketing Manager Sony Ericsson. 'Over time, the relationship people have with their mobile phones has changed significantly. Consumers have moved away from using them as pure communication tools to creating a more personalised entertainment experience. As a result, mobile phones were growing in size. Sony Ericsson has identified the need for a compact and powerful mobile phone with all the benefits that come from a smartphone platform.'

The stylish human curvature design of the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini, combined with touch navigation optimised for compact screens, offers users the easiest way to connect and communicate with one hand. The credit card sized handset enables consumers to co-create an experience that is as individual as they are. The clever graphical user interface, with four customisable touch corners and intuitive navigation, opens up limitless possibilities and access to favourite applications and web links with just one touch. Consumers can build a unique mobile phone experience and download games, movies, music and more than 90.000 of free and best-selling applications at Android Market™ (subject to market availability).

Legal

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2010

The Liquid Identity logo, Xperia, PlayNow and TrackID are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation. Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Additional information regarding trademarks may be located on our website at: www.sonyericsson.com/cws/common/legal/disclaimer.

Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. All terms are subject to change without prior notice.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, SE-221 88 Lund, Sweden.

*Every year, the EISA Awards reward new products that combine not only the most advanced technology, the most desirable features, the ultimate expression of design, the most satisfying ergonomics and the greatest value for money. In short, EISA recognises the features most likely to be appreciated by a consumer seeking the highest quality and functionality.

Sony Ericsson is a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London and operations in all major markets. Sony Ericsson vision is to become the industry leader in Communication Entertainment; where new styles of communicating through the internet and social media, become entertainment. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through phones, accessories, content and applications.

— WebWireID121450 —

FOX and APPNATION Partner To Launch “Pimp My App!” Contest

Contest Challenged Developers to Create All-New App for Hit FOX Series Fringe

Winner To Be Announced at Inaugural APPNATION Conference September 13-14, 2010, in San Francisco

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) and APPNATION have partnered to launch the first-ever 'Pimp My App!' contest to find the web developer who can create the most 'pimped-out' app for FOX's acclaimed hit drama FRINGE. Beginning today, FOX is offering talented developers from across the country a shot at winning $10,000 and the opportunity to have his/her winning submission developed into a FOX app. For more information, please visit www.appnationconference.com.

Launched in advance of the inaugural APPNATION conference and exposition, the 'Pimp My App!' contest provides developers with a set of basic technical requirements and criteria, as well as access to official FRINGE multimedia assets upon registration. Developers are then encouraged to use any and all tools and applications available to them to create the most compelling app possible.

FRINGE premieres Thursday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

'FRINGE is one of the most creative and innovative series on television, so we want to offer fans an app that's just as mind-blowing as the show,' said Bill Bradford, Senior Vice President of Digital Media, Fox Broadcasting Company. 'There's no better way to tap into new talent than to open this up to the broader developer community, so we're thrilled that APPNATION is giving us the perfect forum in which to do that.'

'We couldn't be more excited to partner with FOX to give leading developers from across the country an opportunity to show off their creative and technical development skills, especially for a cutting-edge, smart and visual television show like FRINGE,' said APPNATION founder and executive producer Drew Ianni. 'This unique contest, with a digital development opportunity as part of the grand prize, says a lot about how traditional media companies such as FOX are looking for new creative talent as they look to reach viewers across a variety of emerging platforms and distribution outlets.'

The 'Pimp My App!' contest is open to any professional or amateur developer legally residing in the United States who is 18 years of age or older (and not a minor in his/her state of residence). Submissions must be in English, and must, at a minimum, be compatible for the Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems. Developers can view full Official Rules and submit their entries online via the official contest site at www.appnationconference.com.

The contest kicks off today, and all submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM ET on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010. A panel consisting of FOX, FRINGE producers, Warner Bros. Television and APPNATION representatives will judge each entry based on 1) ease of use; 2) general look and feel; 3) innovation features; and 4) best use of the application technology to deepen consumer engagement with the FRINGE brand; with the final decision to be made by FOX.

FOX will announce the winner of the 'Pimp My App!' contest at the inaugural APPNATION Conference, held September 13-14, 2010 in San Francisco. One grand prize winner will be selected, and he/she will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to have his/her winning submission developed into a FOX App. In addition, a second place winner will be publicly acknowledged on the APPNATION keynote stage and will receive a $1,000 prize.

ABOUT 'FRINGE'
Created by J.J. Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, FRINGE stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown and Jasika Nicole. The series is produced by Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Jeff Pinkner, J.H. Wyman and Joe Chapelle serve as executive producers, while Kurtzman, Orci and Akiva Goldsman are consulting producers.

ABOUT APPNATION
APPNATION is an ambitious and bold new thought leadership conference and exposition focusing exclusively on the burgeoning consumer applications revolution and global app economy. The inaugural APPNATION event is scheduled for September 13-14, 2010 at the Moscone Convention Center in downtown San Francisco, and will feature speakers and exhibitors from leading companies from across the app economy, including Google, FOX, Zynga, Microsoft, The North Face, AT&T, GetJar, Mediabrands, Major League Baseball, General Electric, The Wall Street Journal, AKQA, Smule, Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners, Symbian, PepsiCo, JP Morgan Chase, Ogilvy, Lima Sky and dozens of others.

ABOUT FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) is a unit of News Corporation and the leading broadcast television network among Adults 18-49. FOX finished the 2009-2010 season at No. 1 for the sixth consecutive year – a broadcast television industry record – while continuing to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news.

— WebWireID121071 —

Hungary - T-Mobile customers having smartphones use the Internet 20 minutes on average, each day

T-Mobile customers using smartphones spend more time browsing the net, sending emails, downloading applications, synchronizing tunes and photos with their PC. This is the brief summary of T-Mobile's survey, carried out with a sample of 900 T-Mobile subscribers, analyzing the use of smartphones in more details.

In a couple of years the majority of mobile phones sold will be smartphones, inducing significant changes in usage patterns of their owners. More and more versatile mobile phones and broadband Internet are increasingly popular and the "online lifestyle" becomes everyday routine especially among young subscribers. Using smartphones and mobile Internet - in addition to accessing the net at home and the workplace - full fledged, continuous web access becomes everyday practice. In addition to voice, SMS and MMS communication, holders of smartphones can use all other means of communication - e.g. email, web services, chat - that are available through a PC either at home or at work. Mobile terminals and portable Internet devices being always at hand, they will supplement - and in time partially replace - computer based communication and sharing the experiences.

The strong growth of data traffic and sales of smart phones also underline these changes. In its representative survey - supplementing data available - T-Mobile prepared a detailed analyzed of changes flowing from the use of smartphones. Surveys revealed that smartphones are mainly used for personal communication and entertainment, rather than work or business related activities. 75 percent of those asked use smartphones for private purposes, while the remaining 25 percent use them for business - business related use is only higher among specifically business users.

The survey also reveals that customers having any type of smartphone strongly insist on their telephone and use it intensely. 61 percent of those interviewed already recommended their phone to others, while this ratio is even higher among iPhone users, reaching 74 percent.

Holders of smartphones use the net with their mobile phones significantly more, almost all of them (98 percent) also use other devices to access the web. Further to mobile web access,
31 percent access the net with PC, 29 percent with laptop and
40 percent use both alternative methods. The weight of mobile browsing also increases within the general Internet access. Holders of smartphones spend about 20 minutes on average on accessing the net with their mobile terminals each day, in case of iPhone users this goes up to 31 minutes. Most people download applications, more specifically games on their mobile phones. Almost all iPhone users (96 percent) download applications.

Emailing is also very intense among holders of smartphones. Business customers are in the lead in terms of the number of email sent per day (9-10), however private subscribers also regularly use their phones for sending emails (5-6 emails sent per day). The record is held by iPhone business customers
(10-11 emails sent daily).

69 percent of those questioned synchronize their phones with the PC. This is substantially higher among iPhone users (86 percent), versus the average of 60-71 percent. In case of multimedia terminals music and photos are the most frequently synchronized content, and clearly holders of smartphones and iPhone tend to synchronize the most versatile content.

Total sample: 908 people.
People interviewed were selected randomly.
Method of data collection: telephone interview.
People interviewed were 40 percent female, and 60 percent male.

Within private customers the younger age group was over-represented (primarily below 24), while in case of business customers the majority was middle aged.

— WebWireID120735 —

Media and entertainment central to daily life in the Philippines

MANILA — Leading global market research firm Synovate today announced the Media Atlas Philippines study results, revealing that the lives of Filipinos revolve around many forms of media and entertainment. Whilst television remains the channel which people spend the most time with, there are striking differences between social classes and age groups. Fifty-seven percent of those aged 15 to 24 access the Internet, as opposed to just 15% of those aged 55 years or older. For those with home Internet access, there has almost been a complete switch to wired and wireless high speed or broadband services, with just 10% still on dial-up systems.

"Access to the Internet is often seen as important for education, business and personal life. Some countries are even considering making access a fundamental right. At this stage, 36% nationwide have Internet access," says Carole Sarthou, Managing Director of Synovate in the Philippines.

"Whilst 68% of the AB upper socio groups claim to have Internet access, the figures drop to 29% for D socio and 14% for the lowest grade - E socio," adds Sarthou.

The Philippines has often been described as the SMS capital of the world. Ninety-seven percent of those with mobiles have the ability to send / receive SMS, and the overwhelming majority across all age groups uses it. Other popular features are mobile gaming, taking photos and listening to music.

Filipinos are very social: of those with Internet access, the top activity is communicating with people via email or chat - seven out of ten people do this - and social networking occupies four out of ten online users. Information search is used by 56%, showing how empowering the Internet can be.

Newspapers remain a firm favourite, with 30% of the population reading one or more local language or English titles. Close to one quarter (24%) read magazines.

"Print readers tend to be more upscale, offering good targeting opportunities to advertisers," comments Steve Garton, Executive Director - Media, Synovate. "English dailies and magazines offer their highest reach into the important Greater Manila Area where higher socio targets are at their most concentrated."

In terms of other lifestyle characteristics, visiting a sari-sari store remains the first choice for 88% of Filipinos in the past month, followed by seven in ten going to pharmacies / drug stores and wet markets.

"Going shopping and eating out appear to be an established lifestyle. Six out of ten have visited convenience stores, department stores and malls, supermarkets and fast food outlets in the past month," says Sarthou.

"There are obvious favourites for shoppers in terms of household products. Close to eight in ten now own a DVD player, whilst two-thirds have a refrigerator and washing machine. Many household products are usually found in upscale homes, for example whilst the average for microwave oven ownership is 27%, it is 85% in AB upper socio groups," continues Sarthou.

There is plenty of scope ahead for some marketers, notably in financial services. Overall, the current figure for having life insurance is 14%, whilst 12% have a credit card – rising to 48% for upper socio.

"With 87% of Filipinos saying money is difficult these days, leading to them reducing or rationalizing expenses, financial institutions can play a key role in helping people to achieve a better life," says Garton.

About the Synovate Media Atlas Philippines survey

Synovate Media Atlas Philippines covers all major urban areas in the Philippines with an annual sample of 8,000 interviews conducted by a combination of telephone and face to face interviews at the home of the respondents. The fieldwork period for the information provided here is from July 2009 to June 2010.

About Synovate

Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates insights to help clients drive competitive brand, product and customer experience strategies. A truly borderless company with offices in over 60 countries, our 'biggest small company' approach combines best in class global research capabilities with personalised service, local knowledge and the flexibility to create teams and processes that meet clients' specific requirements. At Synovate, our clients sit at the top of our organisational chart, driving us to continually develop more innovative research solutions that predict actual business outcomes.

For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.

— WebWireID120686 —

Orange and Deezer join forces to develop the digital music market

Paris, Orange and Deezer, the European leader in music streaming, are teaming up to provide Orange customers with the first mobile and internet offers to include Deezer's Premium service.
The two Groups are working to create closer ties between "Wormee", Orange's music streaming service, and Deezer, resulting in Orange taking out a minority stake in Deezer.

From September onwards, Orange and Deezer will include Deezer Premium in the Orange mobile and ADSL offers, a first on the French market. Deezer Premium is a paid musical streaming service which provides unlimited access to a catalogue of more than 7 million tracks of all genres with no advertising and High Quality audio. It is available on mobile devices and a wide range of terminals…

This innovative offer is the first major demonstration of Orange's new content strategy, based on strong partnerships for the benefit of Orange customers.
For Deezer, the agreement provides a major opportunity to extend the success of its premium offers to the mass market, leveraging the service's already excellent customer satisfaction rate of nearly 90%. The partnership is an unprecedented growth opportunity for the music industry as a whole. It will facilitate the development of the digital music market by building on the government-led 'HADOPI' and 'Carte Musique Jeunes' initiatives.

Orange and Deezer are also working on combining their music streaming services to ramp up Deezer's development by capitalising on Wormee's rapid growth. The deal is scheduled to be finalised in the coming weeks, once conditions precedent have been lifted.

Raoul Roverato, Orange's Executive Vice President of New Growth Activities, stated that: "This partnership will enhance our offer by giving us the opportunity to provide our customers with the best of music, inclusive in their internet or mobile package. Orange is also delighted to be joining forces with France's leading music streaming player, and also its most dynamic competitor."
Laurence Le Ny, Head of Orange's Music Content, added: 'Following the success of our mobile-integrated music download offers, we are proud to launch these new offers with our partner Deezer and contribute to the development of music across all digital media.'
According to Deezer's founder Daniel Marhely: "Deezer was the first site to legally distribute free music online. Deezer created a new revolution in access to music: Millions of songs, your playlists and your favourite albums are available anytime and anywhere on your mobile."
Axel Dauchez, Deezer's Managing Director, said: "The movement towards unlimited music consumption by subscription is under way. I am delighted to see Orange speeding up its implementation. With this deal, music is once again central to French telecom operator strategies."

— WebWireID120339 —

Cardmobili Grows Loyalty and Member Card Service in North America

Company adds more than 100 membership, loyalty, rewards and association cards within first two weeks to bring global total to more than 650

Minneapolis, MN and Porto, Portugal – July 20, 2010 – Cardmobili, a leading provider of mobile loyalty and member services, today announced more than 100 new cards have been added to its service, bringing the total available in North America to more than 400 brand name cards and over 650 worldwide. Cardmobili (www.cardmobili.com) provides a free application that allows consumers to carry loyalty, membership, rewards and association cards on a user's mobile phone.

Within the first two weeks of the service going live, Cardmobili received a multitude of card-issuer suggestions, while users also added specific reward, loyalty and membership cards directly. As the cards are introduced, they become available to other Cardmobili members to add to their account. If a program isn't national or found on the service, users can always create a generic card that contains important program details such as their account number. Recently added cards include those that are regionally focused cards, such as Pike's Nursery and LA Fitness Club to nationally known brands like REI.

'Cardmobili's mobile loyalty application satisfies the on-the-go consumer and we love hearing from our users on what they need to make our service the most valuable to them,' said Helena Leite, CEO of Cardmobili. 'Cardmobili's application is simple and provides immediate value by eliminating the need to carry physical cards and data about the programs that mean the most to individual user. The overwhelming positive response from our users has illustrated that Cardmobili is solving a real problem and filling an emerging need with Cardmobili's mobile loyalty cloud.'

Mobile loyalty is a fast growing market that gives program issuers the opportunity to see higher customer usage, greater program redemption and increased brand loyalty. It also is opening up new channels of communication between retailers, merchants, travel programs and their consumers where users benefit from a greater number of member perks, coupons and special incentives delivered directly to their mobile phone.

Cardmobili is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod in the U.S. App Store, as well as Java‐based smartphones and feature phones, including popular models from Nokia, Samsung, LG and Motorola. Sign up for the free Cardmobili service at www.cardmobili.com where you can see a complete list of available cards or to request a new card be added to the program.

Cardmobili is available for free in the iTunes store at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cardmobili/id369235886?mt=8
A short video about the Cardmobili service is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHOMPik1Yc

About Cardmobili
Cardmobili is a leading provider of mobile loyalty service that improves customer engagement, communication and purchase frequency for retail brands and membership organizations. As a front end application for mobile devices, Cardmobili enables consumers to access their loyalty, rewards and membership information without carrying the physical card. Cardmobili's loyalty and membership cloud is an interactive service that ties directly into card issuers' databases, connects consumers via social media channels and provides a variety of interactive channels to optimize the effectiveness of loyalty programs. More information about Cardmobili is available at www.cardmobili.com.

The Cardmobili logo is a trademark of Cardmobili, SA. The Trademark iPhone is owned by Apple and is registered in the United States and
may be pending or registered in other countries. Cardmobili is not endorsed, sponsored, affiliated with or otherwise authorized by Apple. The cards and programs listed in Cardmobili's service or website does necessarily mean that there is a business relationship or that Cardmobili is endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with the programs listed.

— WebWireID120242 —

NAVTEQ Reports 70% of Consumers Want the Most Current Road Information in Their GPS Device

Desire for most up-to-date road information up from 48% in 2008

Chicago - NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, reports that seventy percent of U.S. drivers indicate a desire to have the most current road information in their devices at all times - up 22 percentage points from 2008. Even when traveling far from home, 53% percent of drivers indicate a need for accurate maps, nearly twice the number reported in 2008.

NAVTEQ also reports that the proprietary study conducted in March of this year, found that increased demand for purchasing an updated map is driven by:

* A need for improved ability in performing address searches (43%)
* An out of date map e.g. Points of Interests (39%)
* A desire to obtain better map coverage (33%)

Two-thirds (65%) of the studies' respondents who had already obtained a map update thought it was excellent or good value for the money (up from 47% in 2008). For in-vehicle navigation system owners, a map update was especially important to their vehicle satisfaction - 92% up from 61% in 2008.
Eighty-six percent of respondents reported that they would like their map updates at least once a year, and the majority of those respondents, 75%, said they would like to be reminded to make these updates.

The online U.S. study was managed by The Blackstone Group, a full service custom marketing research and consulting firm that over the past 23 years has established itself as a leader in providing insights to a broad range of industries including transportation. The panel consisted of roughly 1,000 people who owned in-vehicle navigation systems, portable navigation devices (PND) and/ or wireless devices.

About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4700 employees located in 204 offices in 46 countries.

NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

— WebWireID120037 —