‘O2 should be granted longer opening hours'
7:00pm Wednesday 6th June 2012 in News By Andrew Ffrench
CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend the opening hours of a popular East Oxford music venue should be given the go-ahead, according to officials.
The O2 Academy, in Cowley Road, has applied to open an hour earlier every day except Sunday, from 6pm instead of 7pm, and to stay open an extra four hours until 4am on Bank Holiday Sundays.
The club, which stages 300 live music events a year, is already allowed to stay open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays and 2am Monday to Thursday.
The application will be considered by the west area planning committee next Wednesday.
More than 60 letters of objection were sent in about the plans. Copywriter Ed Chipperfield, 36, a spokesman for East Oxford Residents’ Association, lives in James Street with wife Anna, and their son Jasper, two.
He said: “There were 85 objections online when I last looked – people in the area have got quite upset about this.
“Residents don’t object to the gigs but they do object to the Fuzzy Ducks student night on Wednesday.
“People have a problem with hard-drinking club nights being put on at a gig venue in the middle of the week.
“The extension to opening hours the club is asking for is small, but residents don’t like the idea of it — some of them have children and they are getting woken up in the early hours by students cruising around when they leave the club.”
Mr Chipperfield added he had met the club’s on-site manager Joe Roberts, who is chairman of East Oxford Pub Watch, for an ‘informal chat’ about the opening hours issue.
Mr Chipperfield added: “A lot of students around here think Fuzzy Ducks is an embarrassment and won’t have anything to do with it.”
Planning officers are recommending that the application to extend opening hours should be approved.
The report to councillors says: “The variation would not significantly alter the existing operating hours of this venue with the Cowley Road district centre and, in the absence of any significant objection from Thames Valley Police and licensing officers, it would be difficult to demonstrate that it would have a significant impact upon neighbouring residential properties in terms of increased noise, disturbance, and antisocial behaviour.”
Academy spokesman Louise Kovacs was last night unavailable for comment, but said earlier that a younger audience would benefit from the additional hour of 6pm admission rather than 7pm, and that manager Mr Roberts attended monthly meetings to discuss any issues with the authorities.
She added Fuzzy Ducks was a long-standing club night with up to 20 security staff present when students left the club.
The club is also applying to stay open until 6am on May 1 for May Morning celebrations.
Comments(1)
L0rd peter macvay ox26eg says...
7:18pm Wed 6 Jun 12
More Olympic madness as O2 loses venue name for Games - Gigaom.com
Except when it doesn’t.
With the London Olympics just around the corner, O2′s naming rights are being whipped away from it as the International Olympic Committee continues its quest to try and be the craziest organization the planet.
Not content with trying to ban user-generated content of The Games and policing the use of phrases like “London” and “2012″ in the same sentence, official Olympic literature has now erased any reference to the name of The O2 and called it “the North Greenwich Arena” instead.
It sounds a little odd, but in fact there is some logic. According to the IOC, it’s all about keeping the Games free of corporate blemish: the rules state that the names of venues should remain free from sponsorship.
And that would all make sense… if it were not for the fact that the Olympics are horribly tarnished from top to bottom with corporate branding.
Seems fairly hypocritical to me.
In fact, everywhere you turn, the Olympics are festooned with crass sponsorships. The official mobile company of London 2012? Samsung. The official sculpture? The Arcelor-Mittal Orbit. Oh, and don’t turn up wanting to use a Mastercard at a cash machine, because all of the non-Visa ATMs at Olympic venues are being closed as part of the card company’s sponsorship deal.
This Millennium Dome deal is not a shock for O2: it knew about it back in 2005 when it signed the deal. But that doesn’t make it any less silly to apply these branding rules in such an odd, arbitrary way.
Olympic handcuffs copyright anbibyte / Shutterstock
Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.
Former Motorola Mobilily CMO joins Blue Calypso as CEO - dmnews.com
Blue Calypso, a digital marketing start-up firm based in Texas, has appointed Bill Ogle as chairman and CEO, said Andrew Levi, the company's founder and CEO. Ogle, who was previously Motorola Mobility's CMO until it was acquired by Google last month, will begin his new role on June 11.
Ogle replaces Levi, who will be the company's CTO. Levi, a software engineer, wanted to focus on the technology side of the business, Ogle said.
“Having an industry rock star at the helm of our early success, and in preparation for the next chapter, is in line with incubating businesses,” Levi said. “Bill has been at several Fortune 500 companies that are well-respected brands and services in consumer packaged goods, technology and mobile.”
Ogle will report to the board of directors and oversee 10 people. His main responsibility will be to lead and finalize the nine-month-old company's strategy, which is to help brands drive sales by turning fans into endorsers for companies.
Ogle has more than 20 years of marketing experience. He was Motorola Mobility's CMO for three years and Samsung's CMO for two years before that. Previously, he was Pizza Hut's CMO where he helped reposition the brand and increased its sales and market share.
Ogle described Blue Calypso as a “digital word-of-mouth marketing and advertising company. Using Calyp, the company's digital marketing platform, marketers can send messages to incentivize their social fans to spread the word about their brand, Ogle said.
In return, fans can receive rewards such as coupons, miles or cash, depending on the brand. Blue Calypso also tracks and calculates what each fan earned.
“Blue Calypso is based on the idea that people trust friends for recommendations more than advertisers,” Ogle said. “We're helping companies turn fans into endorsers of a company.”
The company, which began trading on Nasdaq in September 2011, is focused on attracting big brands in the packaged goods, entertainment, services, food and restaurant sectors, Ogle said. Blue Calypso is also looking to more than double its staff this year.
Blue Calypso declined to say how many clients the company has.
Anaerobic Chamber offers precise O2 and CO2 control,. - ThomasNet Industrial News Room
Ideal for Low Oxygen Conditions in Microaerophilic Bacteriology, Tissue & Cell Culture Applications
CORNELIUS, OR: Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc. introduces the SHEL LAB Bactrox Chamber, the latest addition to its industry leading Bactron line of anaerobic chambers. The Bactrox offers precise oxygen and carbon dioxide control from 1-20%.
The SHEL LAB Bactrox Chamber (http://www.shellab.com/store/lab-prod...) preserves optimal application conditions not only during incubation but also in the chamber work station. Removal of cultures from the incubator does not require exposure of cells to undesirable oxygen or carbon dioxide levels.
The unit's advanced atmospheric controller allows for the use of a highly accurate and long-lasting zirconium dioxide oxygen sensor, with independent oxygen and carbon dioxide control and logging. The Bactrox also has a standalone 300 plate incubator so users can comfortably work without gloves in ambient room conditions.
"It is exciting to bring this type of technology to our Bactron line. Most importantly, it broadens the scope of research that can be performed by our customers," states Dan Sheldon, President of Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc.
To minimize set-up time, the Bactrox includes an extra- large vacuum-less sample pass box that takes only sixty seconds to purge. The new design provides a vacuum-less sleeve entry into the chamber. Other features of this unit include temperature control and logging, superior condensation control, and ultra bright LED examination lights inside the chamber.
The Bactrox is ideal for stem cell research, mammalian cancer research and clinical and research microbiology, and joins the SHEL LAB line of Bactron Anaerobic Chambers (http://www.shellab.com/store/categori...) including the BacBASIC, and Bactron I, II, III and IV.
The Bactrox is available through SHEL LAB distribution partners.
Motorola Solutions, Intrado Alliance Delivers Next Generation Integrated Command and Control Capabilities to Public Safety Today - Marketwatch
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Jun 06, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Motorola Solutions, Inc. /quotes/zigman/3019739/quotes/nls/msi MSI +1.98% today announced an expanded alliance with Intrado, a highly respected leader in the development and deployment of emergency 9-1-1 response solutions and services. Committed to delivering Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1)-ready solutions to public safety agencies today, the two companies have entered into a corporate supplier agreement that enables Motorola to resell Intrado products and services globally including the Intrado VIPER(R) and Power 911(R) products.
Today, citizens expect to place a call for help either by voice, text or sending images and video. Motorola is helping public safety agencies answer this new kind of call for help by better connecting citizens and public safety agencies via NG9-1-1 technologies. The Intrado alliance represents another important milestone in Motorola's dedication to delivering on the vision of next generation public safety. By offering end-to-end NG9-1-1 ready solutions, public safety agencies can immediately begin to improve call-handling capabilities, streamline their operations and speed response.
KEY FACTS
-- The agreement further enhances Motorola's Next Generation Integrated Command and Control capabilities by bringing together the most advanced NG9-1-1 incident management solutions available today.
-- Motorola's expanded alliance with Intrado leverages the deep command and control domain expertise of both parties and includes joint collaboration on creating integrated, intelligent dispatch workflows for improved call handling and dispatching functions.
-- As Public Safety LTE broadband networks continue to be deployed, Motorola and Intrado are accelerating the intelligent delivery, access and use of real-time multimedia information both in the command center and in the field. Public Safety agencies will have access to new data services, and the flexibility to personalize and control the data to deliver the most relevant information when and where they need it.
SUPPORTING QUOTES
Tim Boyle, vice president, Application Products and Solutions, Motorola Solutions
"NG9-1-1 and the deployment of 4G LTE broadband networks are changing the public safety communications landscape. It is clear that multimedia applications are becoming mission essential and the ability to support them is now a defining requirement for public safety operations. Working even closer with Intrado means we will be able to offer expanded NG9-1-1 multimedia capabilities and integrated workflows. This further solidifies our commitment to deliver advanced next generation public safety solutions that will simplify operations and transform the way agencies connect with citizens and protect the communities they serve."
Joe Hernandez, senior vice president, Emergency Responder Division, Intrado
"We are pleased to have signed Motorola Solutions as a global reseller of our VIPER(R) Call Handling solution. This arrangement is the next important step in an ongoing expanded alliance that is focused on delivering next generation integrated command and control solutions. As two public safety industry leaders, we share a common vision and deep understanding of how Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) will change the way agencies answer the call for help. Through our joint collaboration with Motorola Solutions, we are committed to providing public safety answering points (PSAPs) and first responders with integrated workflow advancements that enable NG9-1-1 call handling within the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) experience. These, along with wireless broadband mobile applications, make loosely integrated systems in which call takers and dispatchers must 'swivel-chair' - between multiple systems, keyboards and mice - a thing of the past."
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
Website: www.motorolasolutions.com/integratedcommand
Twitter: @MotPublicSafety
About Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions is a leading provider of mission-critical communication solutions and services for enterprise and government customers. Through leading-edge innovation and communications technology, it is a global leader that enables its customers to be their best in the moments that matter. Motorola Solutions trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "MSI." To learn more, visit www.motorolasolutions.com . For ongoing news, please visit our media center or subscribe to our news feed.
MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2012 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Karen Bartuch Motorola Solutions Office: +1 847-576-4170 Mobile: +1 847-626-4280 Karen.Bartuch@motorolasolutions.com or Industry Analyst Relations Contact: Maya Komadina Motorola Solutions Mobile: +1 847-946-8062 maya.komadina@motorolasolutions.com
Copyright Business Wire 2012
Motorola Xoom: Android 4.0 ICS Update Now Available On Verizon - mobilenapps.com
- Motorola Xoom: Android 4.0 ICS Update Now Available On Verizon(Photo: Motorola | Mobile & Apps)
Finally, the 3G/4G variant of Motorola Xoom tablet is getting Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Verizon is rolling out Over-The-Air ICS update, which is now available for download, for the tablet. The Wi-Fi version of Motorola Xoom was updated earlier this year.
The update build IMM76L brings the latest installment of Android to the tablet along with number of bug fixes and improvements. New features include "Roboto" system font, panoramic shooting mode and photo editor integration in the Gallery app. You can also launch camera directly from the lockscreen. In addition, e-mail and messaging system have also been updated.
Once the update is available, Motorola Xoom tablet owners are automatically notified. In case you missed the notification, try manually checking for the update by navigating to Settings -> About tablet -> System update.
Like Us on Facebook :
Here is the full list of updates and improvement fixes that the ICS brings to the Xoom tablet.
Device Updates:
- Improved device stability.
- Pressing the power button locks the device when you have a pattern, pin or password lock enabled.
- Improved imaging capabilities:
- Launch camera from Lockscreen
- Single motion panorama mode
- Added effects during video recording
- Added photo editor to the Gallery application.
- Updated widget controls to allow expansion and contraction to show more content.
- New system font (Roboto) for improved readability.
- Improved screen rotation response time.
- Optimized widget sizes.
- Improved device stability limits the number of resets.
- Improvements to Mobile Hotspot connectivity
Email, Messaging and Data:
- 4G LTE upgrade issues resolved.
- Device successfully connects to 4G LTE network immediately after DUAL IMSI switch.
- Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) policy improvements.
- EAS security and sync fixed.
- Optimized EAS setup.
- Enhanced Client Conversions with EAS.
- Email search addition.
- Improved email folder ordering.
- Browser Updates - faster rendering, zoom and pan features.
- Users have the ability to save pages for offline reading and desktop versions of websites.
- Updated "People" application to integrate with Google and other social networks.
- Improved text input and spell-check.
- Down arrow added in browser navigation bar.
O2 launches Tablet Insurance - easier.com
O2 has launched Tablet Insurance from O2 Money - giving customers from any network the opportunity for extensive cover and the reassurance they will be up and running quickly and easily should their tablet be lost, stolen or damaged.
Millions of people regularly use their personal tablet away from home whilst at work, commuting or on holiday making them more vulnerable to damage or loss. Kantar Worldpanel reports that 43% of tablet owners use their devices while commuting, and 36% when outdoors.
Tablet Insurance from O2 Money is available in two tiers enabling the customer to select the level of cover they’d like. The first covers stolen or damaged tablets and costs £10/month; the second covers lost, stolen or damaged tablets for £15/month. There is no minimum or maximum contract term and worldwide cover is included as standard.
Tablet Insurance from O2 Money is currently available for iPad and Samsung Galaxy tablets; this will be extended to a wider range in the near future. Customers should apply for cover before their tablet is 90 days old.
Customers should report claims to O2 Customer Services. The majority of customers with an accepted claim will receive a replacement tablet – where possible, the same make and model as the one insured – the next business day. Should the customer be abroad at the time, the replacement device will be delivered to a UK address on their return.
James le Brocq, MD of O2 Money, commented, “We urge consumers to take a little time and ensure their valuable tablets are adequately insured. We’ve taken care to develop this policy to ensure it provides the cover our customers expect and gets them connected again as quickly as possible. We also provide unique O2 Guru support – see o2.co.uk/money/tabletinsurance - to help customers store and back-up their data and images effectively so they can be retrieved should their tablet need to be replaced.”
Enders Analysis recently reported 5 million UK tablet owners at end 2011 – a 4m increase from the end of 2010.
Tablet Insurance from O2 Money is the latest addition to a well-established range of insurance products from O2. More than half a million customers already trust O2 to insure their mobile handsets and to get them back up and running quickly and efficiently. For over 80% of accepted claims, the customer receives a replacement device the next day. The O2 Money team also recently launched O2 Wallet - the new way to send and receive money, compare prices and shop via your mobile.
For more information, visit o2.co.uk/money/tabletinsurance.
Telefonica grabs Jasper cloud to hook up British vending machines - The Register
Telefonica grabs Jasper cloud to hook up British vending machines
Machine talking to machine on 2G cell networks
Posted in Cloud Business, 6th June 2012 08:38 GMT
Free whitepaper – Enabling Datacenter and Cloud Service Management for Mid-Tier Enterprises
Telefonica has signed an exclusive deal with Jasper Wireless for use of its machine-to-machine cloud in the UK, hoping Jasper's kit will drive developers to a cellular solution.
Machine to machine is already an important market for network operators, but it's going to get much more important as embedded intelligence grows. With starter kits around €120, including three SIMs, Jasper Wireless facilitates quick prototyping and testing, as long as you're happy using O2's network.
O2 is the brand under which Telefonica runs its UK network, and this deal is exclusive so anyone developing in Jasper's APIs will be locked to the O2 network, but given the utility of that API it's not all bad news as long as you're happy to be dependent on cellular infrastructure for your connectivity.
We put it to O2 that, given an embedded module might be expected to operate for a decade or two, it might seem unwise to depend on the 2G infrastructure which is necessary for national coverage. O2 assured us that its 2G network would be running "for a long time to come" and that alternatives might not be so long lived.
We asked specifically about White Space, which is being promoted (notably by Neul) as the perfect solution for M2M applications, but Jasper (who only connect to cellular networks) points out that even if Neul's evolving Weightless specification gets deployed companies will want international solutions to gain from mass production, and that means GSM of some sort.
GSM is far from perfect for M2M, the signalling overhead is massive for low levels of data, consuming lots of power and requiring specialist processing modules which themselves drive up the cost of the embedded module. But cellular networks do exist, today, which is a significant plus.
The alternative is to use wi-fi or even a plug, and piggyback on the end-users' existing broadband connection, but that's fraught with enough complexity to push companies to use cellular for everything from vending machines to photocopiers.
The M2M market will be huge, big enough for multiple players, and different applications will have different requirements - O2 points out that few technologies can switch on a voice connection when required, which is of limited value in most M2M deployments, but essential in some - and Jasper's developer kit certainly offers a cheap and easy way to have a shot at M2M if only to work out which technology best fits the bill. ®
Free whitepaper – Enabling Datacenter and Cloud Service Management for Mid-Tier Enterprises
Comment now! Register or sign in below.
Or