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June 27, 2005
PLAYLIFE COLLECTION FROM BENETTON
FALL WINTER RULE REVERSAL
Benetton's Playlife is a label of reversal, starting with the graphic design of the brand. Not just for a mere taste for antagonism, but because it interprets new ways of dressing. An attitude which on the one hand clashes with existing rules, yet on the other allows a development in contemporary clothing.
There are five themes in the Playlife world in the womenswear and menswear collection for Fall/Winter
Hip Hop: young, real and new. The worlds of music and sport merge completely, with strong connotations borrowed straight from American Hip Hop.
Women fit easily into this new dimension, with outfits of minidresses coordinated with leggings, or short skirts with leg warmers. The main colours are gold and Lurex.
A style via which the Playlife youth expresses being part of the same urban community.
Bretagna: the dominant feature is the cold northern climate and the bleak and moody landscapes. Weight plays an important part in this theme. Warm, cosy sweaters are enlivened with nautical cuts and tartan patterns. A collection which, in some garments, is reminiscent of an English preppy look and its sporting tradition.
Club: a synthesis of the Playlife philosophy: enjoy leisure time in the utmost comfort. This part of the collection reflects and reinterprets the aesthetics of a day at an exclusive country club, with its golf courses, riding and polo tournaments, and with a deliberate reference to an elitist casual style in everyday clothing.
Aspen: The famous US ski resort where young people often spend the Christmas holidays has provided the inspiration for the style of the goose-down blousons, matched with scarves, caps and cosy sweaters in wool.
The main colours are white, red and blue with touches of yellow.
Fitness: technical clothing for sport, reinterpreted with an eye to fashion detail. The careful choice of increasingly innovative materials has produced garments with an original fit and shape. The result is a versatile collection, designed for fitness activities and also equally attractive and glamorous if worn with the right accessory and classic stilettos.
The signature colours for women are white, black and grey with a metallic effect, while those for men are above all red, blue and green.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:22 PM | View the original post
June 24, 2005
InterContinental Hotels Group Announces the Opening of its 79th Staybridge Suites Hotel
Mississippi welcomes its first Staybridge Suites
InterContinental Hotels Group announced today that Staybridge Suites had opened the doors of its 79th property, a 92-room all-suite hotel in Jackson-Ridgeland, Miss. (USA) With the addition of the Staybridge Suites Jackson, the InterContinental Hotels Group portfolio in Mississippi has grown to three brands represented in the full service, limited service, and upscale extended-stay segments with 28 hotels and more than 2,600 rooms.
"We are delighted to announce the opening of Mississippi’s first Staybridge Suites hotel," said Robert Radomski, vice president, brand management, Staybridge Suites. “With the addition of the Jackson development to the existing portfolio of Staybridge Suites hotels and the 60 in progress, the brand continues to move forward on a path of accelerated growth," added Radomski.
Guests at the new $8 million Staybridge Suites hotel can choose from three suite options (deluxe studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom/two-bath). All suites feature fully equipped kitchens, functional, well-lit work stations with ergonomic seating, two-line speakerphone with voicemail, and direct-dial access. High-speed internet access is also available at no charge.
The new hotel offers several unique amenities. Also, guests will enjoy gathering in the hotel’s Great Room for the evening "Sundowner” receptions three days a week for refreshments, light appetizers, and conversation.
The Staybridge Suites Jackson is conveniently located just off I-55. Several vital businesses are close by, such as Nissan, University Medical Center, McAlisters, Bell South, St. Dominic Hospital, and Baptist Hospital. The new hotel is just minutes from key area attractions, including the State Capitol, Mississippi Coliseum and Fairgrounds, Jackson Zoo, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, and North Park Mall.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:42 AM | View the original post
June 21, 2005
Boeing Discusses Progress on 787 Dreamliner
Boeing during a briefing at the Paris Air Show reported strong progress on many aspects of theall-new 787 Dreamliner that make the airplane more appealing to passengers and airlines.
787 Vice President and General Manager Mike Bair highlighted the airplane's new air purification system, which will provide cleaner air during flights, as one advance passengers will truly appreciate.
"Passengers will notice a difference," Bair said. "They will feel more refreshed after their 787 flights. It may be difficult for passengers to recognize the differences between today's airplanes, but the 787 will be distinct. From its larger windows to its unique interior architecture, and from its lower cabin altitude to its cleaner air, passengers will enjoy their flights on a 787."
Bair also provided an update on the progress being made in the design and development of the new airplane.
"We've built four development composite barrel sections at this point and are entirely convinced that we have our manufacturing solutions in place," Bair said. Most recently the team in Wichita, Kan., built a nose section as part of the development effort.
In Everett, the 787 team is building part of a full-scale wing box to demonstrate the manufacturing techniques and support certification of the new airplane.
"It is a true testament to the team that we have created and proven these techniques in so short a period of time and with truly outstanding results," Bair said.
He credited the innovative and integrated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) toolset developed by Paris-based Dassault Systemes with providing a real competitive advantage.
"Our international team is better equipped to develop solutions, consider alternatives and make decisions thanks to our digital toolset," Bair said. "Even now, one year before we start building our first airplane and two years before it flies, we know that our designs are optimized and achievable."
Although the 787 has significantly more advances compared to previous airplanes, the team has reduced the development cycle by one year thanks in large part to the digital toolset, Bair said. He added that the market response to the 787 is "validation" that the team is getting it right.
"We have the right airplane at the right time," Bair said. "Its fuel efficiency, range, cargo capability and improved maintenance make it very attractive to airlines. The number of customers and their diversity in terms of geography and business models highlight the 787's ability to meet the different needs of different airlines.
"The team is humbled and motivated by the market response. We're working diligently to meet the expectations of our customers. They have put their trust in us and we will perform."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:07 AM | View the original post
The New Hilton Serenity Bath Collection Will Infuse a Spa Experience into Every Hilton Guestroom
Luxurious New Collection to Feature Crabtree & Evelyn's La Source Bath Amenities
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced that it will begin infusing a touch of the spa experience into every one of its guestrooms by introducing the new Hilton Serenity Bath(TM) Collection, which features Crabtree & Evelyn's La Source(R) bath amenities and elegant, custom-designed hammered stainless steel accessories.
"When we began looking at options for this new bath collection, we asked ourselves, 'Why shouldn't our guests have a delightful sensory experience every time they use the bath products in our guestrooms?'" said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, Hilton brand management. "The answer, of course, is that by making these high-end, spa-quality bath amenities standard across all of our hotels, we can help our guests achieve rejuvenation and serenity each and every time they stay at a Hilton hotel."
The new bath products from Crabtree & Evelyn's La Source collection include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, mouthwash, shower cap, sewing kit, vanity kit, aqua brush with pumice, shoe mitt and shoe horn. The Crabtree & Evelyn La Source line was created to provide an in-home spa experience, and select products have beneficial aloe vera and marine extracts. The new products relax with a soothing medley of green and herbal notes and revitalize with accords of peppermint.
The custom-designed brushed and hammered stainless steel accessories will include an amenity tray, soap dish, tissue box cover, trash can, ice bucket, ice bucket tray, memo pad and pen holder.
The three-step launch of the new collection starts with the immediate phase-in of the Crabtree & Evelyn La Source products packaged in temporary bottle design, followed by the stainless steel accessories later this summer, and then full roll-out of the collection, complete with new elegant custom-designed flip-top bottles in the fall.
Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 2,300 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Club(R) and Homewood Suites by Hilton(R).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:17 AM | View the original post
June 17, 2005
Simple Pleasures: Nokia introduces seven new mobile phones
Nokia at Cannes, France.
Easy-to-use menus, stylish designs at the heart of new handsets for WCDMA, GSM and CDMA markets
Today, at the Nokia Connection events in Helsinki and Singapore, Nokia introduced seven new handsets under the heading "Simple Pleasures." Four new slide phones were revealed, including the 3G-enabled Nokia 6280 for WCDMA markets, and the Nokia 6265, Nokia's most feature-filled CDMA model to date. Additionally, Nokia introduced two folding designs and a traditional monoblock design. All seven models are expected to begin shipping in the second half of 2005.
"Today's launches showcase Nokia's commitment to offer consumers easy-to-use mobile phones in a variety of desirable designs - regardless of cellular technology," explains Kai Öistämö, Senior Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "Whether it features WCDMA, GSM or CDMA internal circuitry, or whether it offers mobile music, mobile photography or 3G services, a handset must be easy to use in order to bring tangible benefits to consumers. Simplicity is the key for technology to enrich peoples' lives."
Nokia 6280: Bringing video sharing and video calls to life
The compact Nokia 6280 3G slide phone (WCDMA 2100 and GSM 900/1800/1900) comes with a range of features that enable consumers to take full advantage of 3G multimedia opportunities. Equipped with both a 2-megapixel and a VGA camera, the compact Nokia 6280 provides an ideal platform for 3G services such as real time video sharing and two way video calls. Taking personalization a step further, the Nokia 6280 can announce incoming calls with video ring tones. The Nokia 6280 is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2005, at an estimated retail price of 375 EUR before subsidies or taxes.
The bright QVGA, 262,144 color display (320x240 pixels) of the Nokia 6280 highlights the phone's excellent photography capabilities. With dedicated camera and zoom buttons, the Nokia 6280 creates a natural, user-friendly conventional camera experience by operating the photography function in a horizontal landscape mode. Photos and videos taken with the Nokia 6280 can be viewed directly on the screen and then shared with others via MMS, email or directly printed to compatible printers. Pictures and videos can be conveniently stored on the Nokia 6280's miniSD memory card. Bluetooth wireless technology provides easy linkage to printers, PCs and enhancements like the Nokia 616 car kit and the Wireless Boom Headset HS-4W, also introduced today.
Nokia 6270: Quadband slide phone offers music and megapixels
The versatile Nokia 6270 slide phone features a 2-megapixel camera with flash and landscape mode. With a modern and refined design, the Nokia 6270 merges state of the art photography capabilities and user-friendliness into an enjoyable imaging experience for consumers.
The spacious QVGA, 262,144 color display (320x240 pixels) of the Nokia 6270 helps to manage daily life while a broad set of messaging capabilities enables consumers to easily keep in touch with others. Mobile email is conveniently at hand as the Nokia 6270 phone comes with an integrated email client that supports attachments.
In addition, the Nokia 6270's built-in music player supports a variety of digital sound formats such as MP3 and AAC, making music-on-the-go easily accessible. With stereo speakers supporting 3D sound effects, the Nokia 6270 provides a brilliant sound experience that can be shared with others. A visual radio client rounds out the audio capabilities of the Nokia 6270 phone. A world travel-friendly quadband GSM 850/900/1800/1900 handset, the Nokia 6270 has an estimated retail price of 300 EUR before subsidies or taxes. The Nokia 6270 is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Nokia 6111: Sophisticated GSM slide phone
For those who seek sophistication in small size, Nokia presents the Nokia 6111 phone. Featuring a stylish classic design, the soft slide mechanism of the Nokia 6111 smoothly reveals its keypad. Blending technology with a sophisticated look and feel, the Nokia 6111 comes with a 1-megapixel camera and flash, and a 6x digital zoom. The screen (128x160 pixels) supports up to 262,144 colors and displays pictures in either portrait or landscape mode. The GSM 900/1800/1900 Nokia 6111 has an estimated retail price of 270 EUR before subsidies or taxes, and is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2005.
In addition to its ergonomic design, the Nokia 6111 offers a number of new messaging options. Push to talk functionality connects to groups or individuals at a push of a button while Nokia Xpress audio messaging enables sharing of voice clips and greetings with friends and family. Pictures can be conveniently shared via MMS, Bluetooth or email.
Nokia 6060: Familiar technologies, folding design
The Nokia 6060 offers consumers all they need for basic voice communications. Featuring an attractive fold concept, the Nokia 6060 shows that beautiful design is not confined to high-end devices. A pulsating light allows owners to check on the status of the phone and adds a contemporary note to the appearance of the Nokia 6060. The dualband GSM 900/1800 or GSM 850/1900 has an estimated retail price of 140 EUR before subsidies or taxes and is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2005.
Highlighting easy to use and familiar technologies, the Nokia 6060 features a range of contemporary messaging functionalities. The large screen of the Nokia 6060 (128x160 pixels) supports up to 64K colors and large fonts and the Expense Manager application helps consumers to keep track of their spending while on the go.
Nokia 6265: A winning combination of technology and design
Nokia's most feature-rich CDMA phone to date, the Nokia 6265 packs an extra-large 240 x 320 pixel display, 2 megapixel camera with LED flash (effective resolution 1.92 megapixels), digital music player, Bluetooth wireless technology and miniSD card support into a compact sliding design that measures a mere 22 mm thin. When operated in camera mode, the Nokia 6265 is designed to be used horizontally, resulting in a more conventional photography experience. The Nokia 6265 includes 24MB of on board memory, and supports all available sizes of widely available miniSD cards, including 512MB and 1GB versions that can store hundreds of 2 megapixel images or digital music files
Music fans will enjoy the built in FM radio and digital music player which supports MP3, AAC and eAAC+ files, especially when paired with the optional wireless stereo headset. Integrated Bluetooth technology also allows the Nokia 6265 to be used with a long and growing list of compatible devices, including a wide selection of wireless headsets and car kits. The Nokia 6265 supports other forms of entertainment content, including 15 frame per second streaming video and downloadable BREW 3.1 or Java 3D applications - both of which are crisply rendered on the 262K color QVGA display.
The Nokia 6265 is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Nokia 2255: Compact fold at a compact price
Nokia's latest fold-style CDMA model phone, the Nokia 2255 is engineered to deliver reliable wireless performance at an entry-level price point while not forgetting the importance of a compelling design and a strong feature set. The very compact Nokia 2255 includes a bright 128 x 128 pixel 64K color display with user selectable 'themes', downloadable MIDI ringtones and even an integrated FM radio.
For maximum productivity, the Nokia 2255 features business applications including a spreadsheet, calculator and currency converter and a handsfree speakerphone perfect for impromptu conference calls. Outside of work, three included games help to pass the time, while a built in flashlight can help to brighten up the dark of night.
The Nokia 2255 is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Nokia 2125: Classic style for the entry category
The entry-level Nokia 2125 features a compact design with metallic trim to accentuate its classically designed form. Only 21.5 mm thick and weighing in at 85 grams, the Nokia 2125 features a 64K color screen, handsfree speakerphone and an integrated flashlight -- an attractive balance of size, price and feature set.
The easy-to-use interface makes the Nokia 2125 perfect for first-time and prepaid users, who will also appreciate the three built-in games, user-changeable Xpress-on color covers and downloadable MIDI ring tone support. The Nokia 2125 also boasts a number of features unexpected on an entry level product such as voice dialing, voice commands and voice recording, calculator, calendar, alarm clock, and an extensive phonebook supporting multiple entries.
The Nokia 2125 is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2005.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:48 AM | View the original post
June 11, 2005
Philips announces EUR 40 million investment in innovative LCD backlighting technology
Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Royal Philips Electronics today announced to invest EUR 40 million in LCD backlighting technology that is used to improve LCD picture quality of widescreen televisions while at the same time energy consumption will be lower.
Especially, the Philips Lighting factory in Roosendaal, the Netherlands, will benefit from this investment as it will positively impact high-skilled employment. The lighting factory in Roosendaal is the global competence centre for high-end fluorescent lighting products and technologies from Philips.
Theo van Deursen, CEO of Philips Lighting: "This investment shows our continuous ambition to set the pace in the lighting industry combined with a systematic approach to seeking out new and fast growing market opportunities. Our Aptura™ LCD backlighting technology is a major innovation in picture quality that fully meets the needs and desires of the consumer."
Philips is number one in the global lighting market, a position supported by leadership in innovation. Philips' lighting products are found all around the world: not only everywhere in the home, but also in a multitude of professional applications such as offices, airports, hospitals, cars and major stadiums.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:55 PM | View the original post
June 9, 2005
Southwest Airlines Says Lines At The Airport Will Get Even Shorter This Summer
IBM and Southwest to provide "RAPID CHECK-IN" Kiosks for getting to the gate with less wait.
Southwest Airlines is teaming with IBM to offer the first of more than 250 airport self-service check-in kiosks that will be available nationwide. The first RAPID CHECK-IN kiosks are operating at Dallas' Love Field airport, with additional kiosks planned for San Antonio, Phoenix, Nashville, Houston Hobby, Chicago Midway, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Orlando, and Baltimore/Washington.
Under the contract, valued at $2 million, IBM is designing the self-service application, manufacturing, and installing more than 250 systems at many of Southwest Airlines' largest destination airports. The deal could expand to more units over the next year. The addition of self-service kiosks comes just a month after Southwest automated its flight check-in process, changing from plastic boarding cards to personalized paper, to help reduce the amount of time customers wait in airport lines. These measures are part of Southwest's commitment to improving the airport experience for its passengers following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"In today's travel environment, people are seeking convenience, especially speed, to get through the airport," said Dave Ridley, Southwest's vice president of ground operations. "We value face-to-face interaction with our customers, but want to offer more options to help speed them through the check-in process. The IBM kiosks allow us to give our customers an alternative to standing in line, without sacrificing the overall level of service they receive from Southwest Airlines."
Travelers with (electronic) ticketless reservations may use Southwest Airlines' new "RAPID CHECK-IN" kiosks (in English or Spanish) by simply swiping a credit card or Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards frequent flyer card to start the check-in process. The system can print a boarding pass, baggage tags (at ticket counter positions only), travel itinerary, or receipt. It also allows customers to add a Rapid Rewards account number to an itinerary so the member can receive frequent flyer credit for a particular flight.
For more information on how RAPID CHECK-IN works, please see www.southwest.com/kiosks.
In addition to being a customer convenience at the airport, Southwest Airlines views RAPID CHECK-IN as a brand extension of its popular southwest.com web site. "With nearly half of our customers purchasing tickets over the Internet, we lead the airline industry in online bookings. In addition, 85 percent of our customers are ticketless (electronic ticket). With this level of technical savvy out there, we are confident our customers will adapt easily to RAPID CHECK-IN," Ridley added.
"By deploying its RAPID CHECK-IN kiosk program, Southwest will not only be able to offer its customers the convenience of self-service check-in, but can also free up some of its agents to focus on delivering face-to-face customer service, as well as more complex ticket transactions," said Steve Orr, global airline segment executive, IBM Travel & Transportation Industry group. "Additionally, since the self-service kiosks take up less space than traditional check-in counters, they are proving beneficial in the new airport environment -- where there are increasing space constraints resulting from the various new security measures. They also maximize traffic flow in otherwise constrained terminal buildings, resulting in lower costs to both airlines and airport operators."
IBM, the global market leader in travel check-in kiosk systems, has developed self-service kiosks for a number of U.S. airlines as well as international carriers including Air Canada, Alitalia, British Airways, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. IBM's Electronic Access team, which is part of IBM Global Services, provides worldwide support for all of IBM's self-service application software, middleware and kiosk hardware development.
Southwest Airlines proves to be one of the most elite players in the world of business, according to the July 2001 issue of FORTUNE. Southwest Airlines has continued to earn a place in the FORTUNE list of 500 Largest U.S. Corporations. In the year 2001, Southwest experienced its 29th consecutive year of profitability, job security, and plentiful profitsharing.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:07 AM | View the original post
Internet-based platform
When a factory machine fails or is damaged, the responsible officials in the plant have to react quickly in order to ensure that loss of production is kept to a minimum. Engineers from ePS & RTS Automation Software GmbH, a Siemens subsidiary, have now developed an Internet-based platform to support service processes at different companies. The picture shows an analysis of a factory machine which is monitored from afar regarding its axle dynamics.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:00 AM | View the original post
June 3, 2005
The Gillette Company: Over 100 Years of Shaving Innovation
Gillette M3Power™ is the most recent in an uninterrupted series of technological “firsts” from The Gillette Company. In fact, for over 100 years, Gillette has been driven by the conviction that “There is a better way to shave and we will find it.”
The Gillette blade and razor business dates back to 1901, when King Camp Gillette invented the safety razor. Finally, there was a simple and safe method for removing unwanted hair. In the years since, the Company has introduced meaningful product innovations at an ever-increasing rate, remaining first in product performance, first in technological innovation and first in the minds of men in the 21st century.
Gillette’s blade and razor milestones include the following products for men: the first twin blade shaving system (Gillette Trac II); the first twin blade disposable razor (Gillette Good News!); the first twin blade shaving system with a pivoting head (Gillette Atra); the first twin blade shaving cartridge incorporating a moisturizing Lubrastrip (Gillette Atra Plus); the first shaving cartridge with independent spring-mounted twin blades (Gillette Sensor); the first shaving cartridge with flexible microfins (Gillette SensorExcel™); the first three-bladed shaving system (Gillette MACH3™); and now a revolutionary powered wet shaving system (M3Power).
Trac II
In 1971, Gillette dramatically altered the shaving category with its introduction of the first twin blade razor, Gillette Trac II. Lightweight, with two parallel blade edges housed in a single cartridge, Trac II significantly enhanced the shaving experience for millions of men.
Atra
Atra, introduced in 1977, built upon the innovative twin blade concept of Trac II to provide consumers with a superior shave. The first twin blade shaving system with a pivoting head, Atra followed the contours of the face, ensuring a closer, smoother shave. Consumers responded by making Atra the best selling razor in the U.S. by the end of its first year on the market.
The Sensor Family
Introduced in 1990, Sensor was the first razor with twin blades individually mounted on highly responsive springs that continuously sense and automatically adjust to the face. Sensor revolutionized the way men around the world shave.
The 1994 introduction of Gillette SensorExcel reaffirmed Gillette’s commitment to provide men with the best product for the best shave. Incorporating Sensor’s breakthrough spring-mounted twin blade technology, SensorExcel features an innovative skin guard comprised of five soft, flexible microfins which precede the blades. The microfins gently stretch the skin, causing beard hairs to spring upward so they can be cut more closely, with greater comfort, than ever before.
Building on the success of the Sensor brand, in 2003 Gillette introduced the premium triple-bladed disposable razor, Sensor3, and will introduce a refillable Sensor3 shaving system in 2004.
The Gillette Series
The Gillette Series line of high-performance personal care products was launched in 1992. This megabrand of male grooming products has grown to include four different fragrances. The collection includes: shaving preparations, anti-perspirants and deodorants, after shave skin conditioners and after shave splashes.
The MACH3 Family
Introduced in 1998, Gillette MACH3™ with its three blade configuration, new blade edge technology, forward pivoting action and innovative cartridge architecture, represented a quantum leap in shaving technology and performance. It was the first shaving system with three progressively aligned DLC™ blades that were fundamentally reengineered to provide superior hair-cutting performance. These new blades had a thinner edge than any other Gillette blades, enabling men to shave with less force, for less drag and pull – and less irritation. MACH3 represented the most significant men’s shaving advance since the launch of the first twin blade razor, Gillette Trac II.
Gillette MACH3Turbo, launched in 2001, incorporated all the technological advances of MACH3 and added Anti-Friction™ blades, an ultra-soft protective skinguard, a new patented lubrication system and an improved razor handle, together providing a close and comfortable shave, even when shaving against the grain.
Gillette now introduces M3Power – a revolutionary powered wet shaving system that delivers the world’s best shave and a totally new shaving experience. M3Power builds on the heritage of MACH3 and combines Gillette’s latest and best razor and blade technologies. The pulsing action of M3Power stimulates hair upward and away from the skin making it dramatically easier to shave more thoroughly with one easy power stroke.
Gillette M3Power features other innovations beyond power: new blades featuring PowerGlide™ -- an enhanced blade coating for incredible glide and maximum comfort, a moisturizing Indicator Lubrastrip™ and a technologically-advanced handle.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:15 PM | View the original post
June 2, 2005
Nokia outlines strategy to reduce total cost of mobile phone ownership for consumers in new growth markets
Unveils Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600, affordable, easy-to-use mobile phones, and Nokia Prepaid Tracker
Nairobi, Kenya - At a press conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, Nokia outlined its strategy to bring the benefits of mobility to new growth markets. Today, Nokia also introduced the Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 - two new mobile phones aimed at first time users and consumers in growth markets like Africa. At the same time, Nokia unveiled the Nokia Prepaid Tracker, the world's first completely networks-based solution that enables prepaid users to monitor their account balance on the handset display after each call. The Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 join Nokia's range of entry level phones which emphasize ease-of-use, reliability and affordability, and contain technological features which reduce the total cost of mobile ownership for consumers. Both models are expected to be commercially available during the third quarter 2005.
"The number of new mobile users in fast growing markets continues to rise dramatically and nowhere is the rate of growth more evident than in Africa. By the end of this year, Nokia anticipates Africa will be home to 100 million subscribers and expects the African subscriber base to double to 200 million by 2009. Nokia has been instrumental in propelling the industry towards the goal of 3 billion people connected globally by 2010 because mobility offers so many benefits, such as creating employment, opening new channels of communication for social services and even helping to stimulate economies," said Juha Pinomaa, Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia.
Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600
Nokia handsets are renowned for their ease of use. The Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 phones continue this tradition with a new, highly intuitive user interface that makes full use of graphical icons and large font sizes. The Nokia 1110 has an inverted black and white display (ideal for sunny conditions) whereas the Nokia 1600 has a 65,536 color display. With the new menu structure, basic features, such as managing calls and contacts, are made easier to access. Other new features include a Speaking Clock with Alarm, which announces the time in the user's local language, as well as large fonts to allow greater readability.
Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 phones have excellent voice quality and coverage based on state-of-the-art radio software with AMR and SAIC. The AMR (Adaptive Multi Rate) technology enables operators to add voice capacity within their networks smoothly and cost-efficiently. SAIC (Single Antenna Interference Cancellation) is a network independent capacity enhancing feature in the handset, improving network capacity and call quality.
Both the Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 also feature a "Demo Mode," an on-screen visual guide of primary phone functions for first-time mobile phone users. The demo guide also allows consumers to play the pre-installed games or hear the Speaking Clock without a SIM card inserted into the phone.
In addition to polyphonic ring tones with MP3-grade sounds, the Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 also feature a number of cost management features, such as Nokia Prepaid Tracker support to help users monitor their phone usage.
Weighing 80 grams, the Nokia 1110 has a talk time of up to over 5 hours and a standby time of up to 380 hours. The available colors for the standard sales packages will be White, Blue, Painted Silver, Light Grey, Mid Grey and Dark Brown. The estimated retail price, before subsidies or taxes, is expected to be 65 euros.
Weighing 85 grams, the Nokia 1600 has a talk time of up to 5, 5 hours and a standby time of up to 450 hours. The available colors for the standard sales packages will be Black, White, Light Silver, Bluish Silver. The estimated retail price, before subsidies or taxes, is expected to be 85 euros.
Nokia Prepaid Tracker
The majority of mobile subscribers in new growth markets tend to opt for prepaid services. Nokia Prepaid Tracker's up-to-the-minute account information eliminates the need - and expense - of contacting the operator for basic balance inquiries, a common cost in new growth markets. Both the Nokia 1110 and Nokia 1600 are the first to offer built-in support for Nokia Prepaid Tracker, which automatically notifies prepaid users of their account balance after each call or message.
Nokia Prepaid Tracker is available to operators now.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:39 AM | View the original post
Chevrolet Continues to Reach Asian Audiences with New Era Campaign
DETROIT – Chevrolet is continuing its outreach to the Asian community by extending its New Era/Revolution advertising campaign with the introduction of a new in-language ad and the launch of an industry-leading Chinese website. Chevy will also continue its unique in-store grocery campaign begun last year.
The new website — www.chevy.com/chinese — takes Chevrolet into a pioneering position by offering an in-language site not matched in the industry. The site went live in April and offers detailed product information in Chinese. No other automaker offers such a comprehensive site.
Maria Lee Rohrer, Chevrolet manager for Diversity Advertising and Promotional efforts, said it’s critical for Chevy to reach out to the Asian audience in an applicable, genuine way.
“The U.S. is a mosaic, filled with diverse people and remarkable cultures,” Rohrer said. “Chevrolet is part of the fabric of the American mosaic, and we must do our best to reach all our nation’s people in a culturally relevant way. That means reaching this audience with the right promotions in the right language.”
Rohrer said Chevrolet is stepping up its efforts to reach Asian consumers in a number of new ways. For example, GM’s call center in Portland, Oregon launched a Chinese toll-free number with six fully trained bilingual staff members who speak Mandarin. The toll-free number is 1-866-801-8011.
Chevy’s newest Chinese television spot launches this month with two versions of a Cobalt ad. The first is in Chinese to target in-language audience, and the second version is in English to target second generation Asian Americans. The spots will run in New York, LA and San Francisco on appropriate programming. In New York, the spots are targeted for Sino Vision TV and Sino TV; in LA they will appear on KSCI-Ch 18, Power TV, the Jade Channel and Phoenix TV; and in San Francisco the spots will run on TSF and Jade TV. In addition, Chevy is running the spots on the International Channel and Phoenix TV on the National satellite.
The effort works within the context of Chevrolet’s “An American Revolution” Campaign and offers Chevy a chance to create special promotions. This is the second year the division will host in-grocery store vehicle promotions featuring signage and static vehicle displays. The promotions are planned for weekends throughout the summer in Asian grocery stores located in the same target cities as the television spots.
Last year Chevrolet released a spot called “Dream,” featuring the Malibu Maxx. The dream spot has received acclaim, earning Telly Awards in the automotive and art direction categories, as well as an award from the Asian American Advertising Federation. Chevy’s intent for the future is to look at other Asian language opportunities such as Korean, Vietnamese and Asian Indian.
Chevrolet is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer. GM designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM employs about 350,000 people around the world.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:44 AM | View the original post
