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New Media News Every Morning

Microsoft officially launches Silverlight to rival Flash

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Microsoft launches Silverlight, their very own Flash-like platform that allows for multi-media streaming across all major browsers and operating systems.

A plugin-download, Silverlight promises to deliver high-quality videos and rich interactive applications both on Mac OS, and Windows. Also, Microsoft is reported to be working on Moonlight, a Linux-supported version of Silverlight.

With Silverlight’s launch are various partners that will use the platform to provide content such as Entertainment Tonight, HSN, and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Originally posted on September 5, 2007 @ 7:15 am

Epicurious.com unveils Epi 2.0, an entirely new site for people who love to eat

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epicurious.jpgEpicurious.com today unveiled an entirely new site design intended to further personalize the experience for the user’s needs and showcase a cleaner, more sophisticated look. Epi 2.0 features include added search and browse capabilities, enhanced recipe and menu functionality, streamlined navigation, related content, a more personalized and intuitive user experience, and a robust blog, The Epi-Log, with six new guest contributors.

The new Epicurious.com will retain the more than 60,000 recipes (25,000 professionally tested recipes and 35,000 submitted by home cooks) and useful features users have come to rely on, but with easier navigation and better tools.

“Epicurious.com has been a pioneer for more than 12 years in the food world online, and our users have always been very involved in the site, whether by uploading their favorite recipes, commenting on blog entries and recipes, or having a lively discussion in our popular forums,” said Tanya Steel, editor in chief of Epicurious.com. “Through the ongoing process of streamlining and personalizing Epicurious.com, we are committed to making the site an even easier place for our users to find their culinary inspiration, share with others, and shape the site.”

Originally posted on September 4, 2007 @ 9:30 pm

Filed Under: Web

Cellufun launches its Mob Hill Casino series of mobile games

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cellufun.jpgExpanding Cellufun’s popular Mob Hill Casino brand, the company is introducing its new Video Poker today, adding to its growing collection of Las Vegas-style games.
 
Cellufun will also offer Black Jack and Slots, both free to consumers for mobile download. Much like their Las Vegas counterparts, Cellufun high rollers are encouraged to come back often and share their scores, earning Cellupoints, the site’s version of non-monetary comps, whether they win or lose.  A Space Wars player might take a break from his galactic conquest and play some hands of Black Jack or a budding Einstein might get diverted from Patterny Test, the company’s recent tongue-in-cheek IQ game, to unwind with the slots.
 
“Casino games are a great fit for the mobile platform,” said Arthur Goikhman, CEO of Cellufun. “They are a little taste of Vegas while you have a few minutes to kill.  Sharing the bank across all of our casino games and including connected features such as progressive slots really enhances the experience of playing the games our users already know and love.”

Cellufun us working with ad networks to provide sponsorships for the games, which are expected to get over 300,000 downloads per month.

Originally posted on September 5, 2007 @ 9:28 am

HealthInsuranceFinders.com starts “Know Your Options” Contest for young filmmakers

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healthinsurance.jpgHealthInsuranceFinders.com, a medical insurance hub dedicated to providing resources that help consumers make educated choices about health insurance, has launched the “Know Your Options” Contest to help Americans know where to turn for guidance in finding the right health plan for their needs.

Aspiring directors, cinematographers, scriptwriters, and actors are asked to create a 30 second spot that draws attention to the importance of knowing your options when searching for and choosing a health insurance policy. The grand prize is $3,000 and all entries will be accepted between September 4 and October 15, 2007.

“Over the years we have built a wealth of information and continue to add valuable resources. We are now putting more focus on making sure that this information is easily accessible and presented in ways that make it understandable to the largest percentage of people possible,” said AllHealth Insurance Services Inc Vice President Todd Faucher.

Viral marketing campaigns have become a major thrust both for big and small businesses. It gives companies like HealthFinders.com a chance to connect with upcoming and very creative talents without spending too much money.

Originally posted on September 4, 2007 @ 11:39 pm

BETA Records UK launches

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betarecords.jpg The success of an online recording company promoting unsigned artists, BETA Records, in the USA, Germany and Mexico has motivated the owners to extend its reach to UK with BETA Records UK. Additional expansion is planned with pending deals in the Netherlands and China expected by year-end.

In case you’re an aspiring artist still looking for a big break, Beta Records will be a big help to you. You can get their personal Web presence together with complete hosting of your songs, biography, contact information, and photos. In addition to that, you can also receive networking, studio appearances, live shows, airplay on BETA Radio (http://www.BETA.fm), and presentation to decision-makers throughout the fields of music, motion pictures, television, radio and live venues.

“BETA Records is opening its online portal to singers, songwriters, instrumentalists, bands and fans everywhere, but with the additional advantage of local land-based operations, expanding global distribution channels and new revenue opportunities across BETA’s multiple ecosystem platforms,” states co-founder Chris Honetschlaeger.

Originally posted on September 4, 2007 @ 11:59 pm