Wednesday, January 7, 2009MySpace Connects To TVLos Angeles-based social networking site MySpace said Wednesday afternoon that the firm has launched a new offering which will allow users to link to the site while watching TV. According to MySpace, the new MySpace Widget For TV was co-developed by Intel and Yahoo, and will allow consumer electronics devices to interact with MySpace, directly through a TV. The launch came in conjunction with the rollout of a device from Toshiba which allows users to receive and post updates on MySpace from thei (More info...)
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Anaphore Takes $25M In Series ALa Jolla-based Anaphore has raised $25M in a Series A financing, the firm said Wednesday, in a funding led by 5AM Ventures, Versant Ventures, and Apposite Capital. The firm, which is developing biopharmaceuticals for treating immune-mediated diseases and oncology, said the funding will go towards developing its protein therapeutics. Anaphore's board is chaired by Andy Schwab of 5AM Ventures, and also includes Brad Bolzon of Verant Ventures, Chris Hollowood of Apposite, Steve Kaldor of Ambrx, and (More info...)
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OrthAlign Raises $7.2MLaguna Beach-based OrthAlign said Wednesday that the firm has raised $7.2M in a Series A funding round, in what looks to be the first announced Southern California venture deal in 2009. The funding was led by Research Corporation Technologies and Okapi Venture Capital, and also included seed investors D. Ronald Yogada, Ned Scheetz, and CEO Pieter Wolters, along with other undisclosed private investors. OrthAlign said it is developing a line of computer-assisted surgical devices for the total joi (More info...)
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Aptera Pushes Back Electric Car ProductionCarlsbad-based Aptera, the electric car startup backed by Google and Idealab, is delaying delivery of the firm's vehicles to customers, according to a letter to customers. According to Aptera, it missed its goal to deliver its first production 2e vehicles by the end of 2008, and is moving its volume production launch to October 1 of 2009. The firm said that it plans to build a "much slower rate" starting with a small test fleet. Among issues causing the delay was feedback from customers who had (More info...)
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DivX Inks Design Deals, Rolls HD Cert ProgramSan Diego-based DivX has announced a pair of design wins, and also said it is launching a new certification program for its new H.264 HD format. DivX said that it is in a licensing agreement with Sigma Designs, a provider of systems-on-a-chip for media processing, to include the firm's technology in Sigma ICs. Sigma's ICs are targeted for use in set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, and other consumer electronics devices. Separately, DivX said that its technology has been incorporate into Samsu (More info...)
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Provision Interactive Snags Apple's AmelioChatsworth-based Provision Interactive Technologies, which is developing 3D display technology, has snagged former Apple Computer CEO Gil Amelio for the firm's board of advisors. Provision is developing technology it says can project full-color, high-resolution videos in 3D; the firm is targeting the technology toward the advertising and merchandising market. Amelio has previously served as CEO and Chairman of Apple Computer; President, CEO, and Chairman of National Semiconductor, as well as Pre (More info...)
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Smith Micro In Game Software Distribution DealAliso Viejo-based Smith Micro Software is in a deal to publish and distribute MashON Spore Comic Book Creator, a software program which allows users to create their own comic books based on the popular video game Spore. According to Smith Micro Software, the deal with Planetwide Games will allow the firm to publish and distribute the title through its retail and distribution channel. Financial aspects of the deal were not disclosed. Spore is a game title from Maxis which allows users to evolve t (More info...)
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MRV Signs School DistrictChatsworth-based MRV Communications, a developer of optical networking equipment, said Wednesday that the firm's products have been chosen by a school district in Texas. According to MRV, the firm's OptiSwitch equipment has been chosen by the Mesquite Independent School District, as part of an effort to migrate away from expensive leased fiber-optic network services. Financial impact of the deal was not disclosed. The equipment will be used as part of a fiber network linking the school district' (More info...)
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Autobytel Powers Womensforum.com Auto EffortsIrvine-based Autobytel's MyRide.com is powering an automotive channel for Womensforum.com, an online community site focused on women, the firm said today. Autobytel did not disclose financial impact of the deal, but said the arrangement calls for integrating its content and vehicle purchase request system into Womensforum.com sites, and for those sites to become part of its ad network. Autobytel said that Womensforum.com reaches more than 7 million moms, young professionals, and baby boomers eac (More info...)
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Staccato Wireless Gets Design WinSan Diego-based Staccato Communications, which develops ultra-wideband (UWB) and wireless USB technology, has scored a design win with Imation. Staccato said that Imation will use the firm's USB solution as part of a wireless projector system. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed. Staccato's chips will be used as part of the Imation Wireless Projection Link, which allows multiple users to share a conference or meeting projector. The link uses a USB dongle to connect a laptop to the proj (More info...)
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Comarco Completes Wireless Test Business SaleLake Forest-based Comarco announced today that the firm has completed its sale of its wireless test solutions business to Ascom Holding AG. Comarco said the sale was worth $12.75M in cash. Comarco originally announced the sale of the business in September. The firm said the sales of the wireless test business will save it approximately $4.8M in annual costs, from salaries, benefits, and associated facilities.
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Sage North America Appoints CTOIrvine-based Sage North America, the software division of The Sage Group plc, said Tuesday that it has appointed a new Chief Technology Officer, Motasim Najeeb. Sage said that Najeeb joins the firm from TradeBeam, where he was CTO and EVP of Engineering and operations. Najeeb has also served at Oracle, and was a founding memmember of WebMD. Najeeb has also been at Silicon Graphics, Tandem, and Intel. Sage said Najeeb will provide technology leadership for the firm. Sage North America employs app (More info...)
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