Tuesday, November 7, 2006Broadcom Rolls Out Skype SupportIrvine-based Broadcom said today that the firm's Wi-Fi phone platform now supports the popular Skype Voice-over-IP software. Broadcom's said that its Wi-Fi phone technology has been incorporated into the Buffalo Wi-Fi phone, and allows users to scroll through contacts and make free Skype-to-Skype calls. The Buffalo phone supports 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity, is Skype Certified, and will be available in Japan in November of this year. The phone is based on Broadcom's BCM1161 VoIP processor and a (More info...)
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)
SodaHead Gets Funding From MDVSanta Clarita-based SodaHead, a social networking startup headed by Jason Feffer, former VP of Operations for MySpace, has raised a venture capital round from Mohr Davidow Ventures. Feffer refused to comment on the deal last week, when called by socalTECH for details, after the funding was disclosed in a regulatory filing. According to other investors close to the round, the funding also included participation by the Tech Coast Angels, which contributed $450,000 to the $4.25M round.
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 (More)(Full story)
MySpace, Softbank Launch MySpace JapanLos Angeles-based MySpace.com and Japanese firm Softbank confirmed today a venture into Japan, saying that the two are in a 50-50 joint venture to launch a Japanese version of the popular social networking web site. MySpace KK will feature a localized version of the MySpace web site, and will operate as a separate company. MySpace said that the new company will maintain headquarters in Tokyo, with local operations and staff, and will be headed by Makoto Kouyama.
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)
QAD Buys FBO SystemsCarpinteria-based QAD has acquired FBO Systems, a provider of enterprise asset management software and professional services, the firm said Monday afternoon. The deal is worth approximately $4M in cash. Georgia-based FBO Systems develops software for single and multi-site manufacturing companies, used for operations management. QAD has renamed the firm's software to QAD Enterprise Asset Management. The two companies have been partners since 1994. QAD is a provider of software for MRP and other o (More info...)
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)
u-Nav, SiRF Settle Patent LawsuitIrvine-based u-Nav Microelectronics, a developer of low power GPS semiconductors, said today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to settle an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit with SiRF Technology. u-Nav has granted SiRF a license to a number of its GPS patents, and SiRF has also granted u-Nav a license to certain SiRF GPS patents. The agreement settles both a lawsuit filed by SiRF in August of last year, and a counterclaim filed by u-Nav in September of last year.
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)
Userplane Rolls Out Private Label IM ToolLos Angeles-based Userplane said today that it has rolled out a new, private-label instant messaging and alert tool. Userplane Presence provides presence information and instant messaging for any web site, and can be customized with branding, messaging, navigation menus, and other settings. The new tool is available for download on the firm's web site. Pricing of the new tool was not disclosed.
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)
PriceGrabber.com Takes On Travel InformationLos Angeles-based PriceGrabber.com announced this morning that it is expanding the firm's travel search engine, by adding additional information on amenities. The firm said it is adding integrated display of information about seat legroom, onboard entertainment and hotel reviews to its comparison shopping engine, alongside rates and availability. Users can now also upload photos alongside hotel reviews, use RSS feeds for keeping updated on forums, and access hotel reviews from individual hotel i (More info...)
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)
Veoh Taps Fine Living For Programming HeadSan Diego-based Veoh Networks, an Internet video distribution and sharing startup, said Monday that it has named John MacDonald as President of Content and Programming. MacDonald is the former general manager of Fine Living Network, and has also served as CEO and President of InnovaTV.com. Veoh provides an online site and software for sharing and streaming broadcasting video to PCs. Veoh is backed by Spark Capital, Michael Eisner, Time Warner Inc. and Shelter Capital Partners.
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 (More)(Full story)
Verimatrix Gets Win With MotorolaSan Diego-based Verimatrix, a provider of content security and DRM technology, said yesterday that the firm's Video Content Authority System has been integrated with Motorola's VIP1900 series of IP set top boxes. Verimatrix said that the technology alliance with Motorola calls for the firm's technology to be integrated with Motorola's high definition and standard definition platforms with DVR support. Verimatrix develops digital rights management technology used to prevent digital piracy, and is (More info...)
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006(Full story)