Archive for October, 2008

Two Leading Children’s Interactive Entertainment Companies Tap WComms for PR

LOS ANGELES – Oct.  29, 2008 –PSYCLOPS, an exciting new line of character-based multi-platform products, and Cookie Jar Entertainment’s Digital Media division, the digital media and interactive entertainment arm of one of the world’s largest independent children’s entertainment, consumer products and education companies, have both tapped Wonacott Communications, a full-service boutique public relations and integrated communications agency, to head their public relations efforts in North America.

“Both PSYCLOPS and Cookie Jar are extremely innovative and exciting companies that are at the forefront of the children’s interactive entertainment industry,” said Jason Wonacott, CEO, Wonacott Communications.  “Both companies understand and appreciate the value of working with a PR agency that has all of the tools and experience of a major firm, but the adaptability and personal touch of a boutique practice.”

Wonacott Communications is spearheading the public relations campaign launching PSYCLOPS this holiday season.  PSYCLOPS enters the kids market with iPod nano “3G” protective cases and the kid-friendly and kid-safe interactive website PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters for kids 8-14 years old.  Currently in open beta service, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters provides kids with an immersive music and dance experience where their creativity can flourish.  Kids and parents interested in being among the first to experience PSYLCLOPS HeadQuarters can sign up at the official website, http://www.psyclopshq.com.

Following the recent acquisition DIC Entertainment, Cookie Jar Entertainment is now one of the world’s largest privately-held children’s entertainment companies.  Cookie Jar’s extensive library includes well-known brands such as “Strawberry Shortcake”, “Caillou”, “Inspector Gadget”, “The Doodlebops”, “Arthur” and “Johnny Test”, among many, many others.  Wonacott Communications spearheaded the public relations effort behind the launch of the company’s first free-to-play/micro-payment children’s multiplayer online action game, Magi-Nation: Battle for the Moonlands.  Wonacott Communications works closely with Cookie Jar’s public relations team, expanding the digital media division’s future growth and product initiatives.

“Wonacott Communications has proven to be a dedicated and successful partner that produces incredible results,” said Kenneth Locker, senior vice president of digital media, Cookie Jar Entertainment. “We enjoy working with such an experienced team that fully understands the intricacies of children’s interactive entertainment.”

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications, LLC is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at http://www.wonacottpr.com.

About PSYCLOPS LLC

PSYCLOPS is a fresh and exciting character-based multi-platform product and online experience for kids 8-14 years old.  The first hip PSYCLOPS characters to hit the dance battle scene are Ike and Syndi, who find their likeness in vibrant and distinctive PSYCLOPS protective cases for the iPod nano “3G.”  Together with a complimentary interactive web-based music and dance community site, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, PSYCLOPS is an exciting iPod ­accessory and truly customizable online experience like nothing else available today.  At PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, users can join an interactive community, create their own avatars, dance moves and music, and share their unique dance videos with family and friends, via email or by downloading to their video iPods.

Launched by Los Angeles-based PSYCLOPS LLC, PSYCLOPS cases and online site are kid-safe with age appropriate content.  Join the movement today at the PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters: http://www.psyclopshq.com.

About Cookie Jar Group

The Cookie Jar Group is a Canada-based global children’s entertainment and education company dedicated to excellence.  Through Cookie Jar Entertainment, the company is a leader in the creation, production, marketing and licensing of evergreen character brands that appeal to kids and families worldwide.  Cookie Jar Entertainment’s library of nearly 6,000 half-hour episodes features some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Care Bears,” “Caillou,” “Inspector Gadget,” “The Doodlebops,” “Arthur” and “Johnny Test”.  The company owns non-character based brands for licensing such as Mommy & Me. Through its pan-European subsidiary, the full-service licensing agency Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, Cookie Jar represents numerous third-party iconic brands. Cookie Jar Group also has a one-third interest in international children’s television channel Kidsco. Cookie Jar Education, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of North America’s largest providers of supplemental education materials, reaching nearly 2,000 teachers across the United States, through the Carson-Dellosa and HighReach Learning brands.

Philip Yun Takes the Reins at NHN USA

Leading Online Games Publisher Prepares for Long-Term Growth with New CEO

IRVINE, Calif. – Oct. 27, 2008 – NHN USA, the North American subsidiary of NHN (KOSDAQ:035420), the largest Internet company in Korea, has named Philip Yun chief executive officer.  A veteran in the gaming, online entertainment and software development industries, Philip will be the driving force behind NHN USA as the company prepares for its biggest product line up to date.

Founded in 2006, NHN USA quickly emerged as a premier online entertainment publisher in North America with the popular online game portal ijji.com.  Boasting more than six million unique registered gamers, ijji.com hosts a diverse suite of free-to-play online games, from fast-action first-person shooting games to intense racing games and immersive online role-playing games, all with an optional micro-currency model that enables gamers the ability to enhance their gaming experiences by purchasing in-game items.

 “I am extremely proud of the team here at NHN USA, helping us become a leading online games publisher in North America and providing gamers everywhere some of the most intense and fun FPS and RPG games available,” said Philip Yun, CEO, NHN USA, Inc. “Our players love the great diversity of exciting games and extensive community available on ijji.com.  As we head into the next stage of NHN USA’s growth, I look forward to adding even more exhilarating products to the portal and further solidifying our reputation as a respected and trusted online entertainment brand.

Philip brings more than a decade of industry experience and knowledge to his new role as CEO of NHN USA.  He was an integral part of the company’s successful entrance into the North American online interactive entertainment market, including establishing the company’s popular game portal ijji.com. Previously, Philip was responsible for day-to-day business operations and new business development for the publisher. Prior to NHN USA, Philip was with NHN in Korea.  Before that, he turned his passion for gaming into a career with Sony Computer Entertainment Korea where he managed the PlayStation business, marketing and publishing. Philip is a graduate of Seoul National University.

About NHN USA

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., NHN USA, Inc. (www.nhnusainc.com) is the North American subsidiary of Korea’s leading Internet company NHN (KOSDAQ: 035420).  Founded in 2006, NHN USA has quickly emerged as a premier online entertainment publisher. The company’s game portal ijji.com (www.ijji.com), which boasts more than six million unique registered gamers, hosts a diverse suite of free-to-play online games each with an optional micro-currency model that enables players to enhance their gaming experiences by purchasing in-game items.  ijji.com’s extensive game portfolio includes GUNZ The Duel®, SOLDIER FRONT™, GUNBOUND® Revolution, DRIFT CITY™, LUMINARY Rise of the GoonZu™, MINING BOY™ and Lunia, and will soon include the highly-anticipated Unreal Engine 3-based massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (MMOFPS) game Huxley.

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PSYCLOPS Dances into the Holiday Season Launching Hot iPod Cases, Open Beta Launch of Jammin’ Online Experience for Kids

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 20, 2008 – PSYCLOPS, developer of iPod protective cases and the kid-friendly and kid-safe interactive website PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, is springing into the North American youth market in time for the holiday season with the debut of a fresh and exciting character-based multi-platform product and online experience for kids 8-14 years old.  The new PSYCLOPS product line combines first-of-their-kind iPod nano protective cases with an interactive web-based music and dance community for a thrilling iPod product/online community like no other available today. 

Currently in open beta service, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters provides kids with an immersive music and dance experience where their creativity can flourish.  Kids and parents interested in being among the first to experience PSYLCLOPS HeadQuarters can sign up at the official website, http://www.psyclopshq.com.

The quirky, colorful PSYCLOPS iPod protective character cases unlock the kid-friendly virtual open beta community where visitors can create their own original customized PSYCLOPS avatars and put them into a video complete with hot music beats and spectacular dance moves.  With each iPod protective case, users can create and share unlimited music and dance videos, even while PSYCLOPS HQ is in open beta testing.  The website also provides a truly multi-platform experience where kids can share their killer video creations by uploading them to their iPods, sharing them via their social networking page or emailing the videos to friends and family.  This is the first time an iPod-centric product has offered such capabilities.

“Kids today are online-savvy gadget nuts who love music and dancing, which makes PSYCLOPS the perfect gift, since it combines all of these elements,” said Joy Kovaleski, CEO, PSYCLOPS LLC.  “Kids will find PSYCLOPS to be fun and entertaining whether they are at home enjoying the online community or hanging out with their friends, listening to music and watching their PSYCLOPS videos on their iPods with their Ike or Syndi protective case.  Parents will appreciate that PSYCLOPS provides a safe online environment with appropriate content that encourages creativity.”

iPod Protective Cases

PSYCLOPS’ two vibrant and distinctive iPod cases are based on the first PSYCLOPS characters, Ike and Syndi.  Key features of the PSYCLOPS protective cases include:

  • Compatible with the best-selling iPod nano “3G.” 
  • The iPod nano slips into the protective case, with their giant eye operating the iPod’s navigation wheel - hence the name “PSYCLOPS.”
  • Each PSYCLOPS protective case comes with a secret code that provides you with complete access to the PSYCLOPS online HeadQuarters website, including the ability to create, save and share unlimited PSYCLOPS music and dance videos. Case holders have access to awesome “monster moves.”

PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters

The online headquarters for all things PSYCLOPS, provides a fun, safe environment for kids to connect with their friends online in open beta while checking out the creative  music and dance moves currently offered to share with the world before officially made live.  Currently in open beta testing, key features include:

  • Create a personal PSYCLOPS avatar and give it its own unique personality through a wide range of clothes and accessories.
  • Head to the “Music Machine” and produce a 30 second four-track dance mix.  Select beats and music loops from a wide array of drums, bass, guitars, pianos, horns, DJ scratches and more. 
  • Choreograph your character’s unique dance routine by choosing from a variety of the coolest animated dance moves around, including  flashy “Monster Moves” for protective case holders.
  • Pull it all together in a shareable QuickTime PSYCLOPS dance video and you are ready to start boogying. 
  • Save and upload your 30 second QuickTime video to your iPod or iPhone, email it to your friends and family, or even upload it to your MySpace, Facebook or other social networking site page.
  • Enjoy a wide variety of interactive activities, such as creating your own PSYCLOPS profile page and watch/learn from other users dance moves and beats. Users will be able to interact in the near future on a site forum.

Pricing and Availability

PSYCLOPS protective cases have a suggested retail of $24.95, which includes the ability to create, save and share unlimited videos from the online PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters.  PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters is currently in open beta and more details on the live launch will be released at a later date. 

Availability information for the PSYCLOPS protective cases can be found at PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters at http://www.psyclopshq.com.  

About PSYCLOPS

PSYCLOPS is a fresh and exciting character-based multi-platform product and online experience for kids 8-14 years old.  The first hip PSYCLOPS characters to hit the dance battle scene are Ike and Syndi, who find their likeness in vibrant and distinctive PSYCLOPS protective cases for the iPod nano “3G.”  Together with a complimentary interactive web-based music and dance community site, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, PSYCLOPS is an exciting iPod product and truly customizable online experience like nothing else available today.  At PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, users can join an interactive community, create their own avatars, dance moves and music, and share their unique dance videos with family and friends via email or by downloading to their iPod.

Launched by Los Angeles-based PSYCLOPS LLC, PSYCLOPS cases and online site are kid-safe with age appropriate content.  Join the movement today at the PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters: http://www.psyclopshq.com.

 

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NHN USA Acquires Rights to Anime Action-Based Online Game Lunia

Six Million-Strong ijji.com Game Portal to Host Renowned MMORPG

IRVINE, Calif. – Oct. 14, 2008 – NHN USA, a leading free-to-play online interactive entertainment publisher, today announced that they have acquired the rights to Lunia, a unique, anime-influenced action massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).  Lunia is now available to play on NHN USA’s renowned gaming portal ijji.com.

Lunia differs from most MMORPGs available today with an extremely detailed combo system of action controls for movement and attacks that users control via their keyboard, rather than being restrained by the non-adaptable “click/command” style. In addition, users can create custom movements and attack skills to personalize their controls.  The game has highly advanced player vs. player elements, enabling users to compete against each other to become the best PvP player in both ongoing rankings and periodic tournaments.  Users can also join forces with friends and fellow players to attack monsters and raid bosses in force.

Lunia has an extremely strong community of dedicated gamers and we are thrilled to have them join ijji.com’s existing six million users,” said Philip Yun, CEO, NHN USA.  “The game’s unique action controls enable players to conduct intense gaming sessions, and help set the game apart from some of the more traditional MMORPG’s that require players to endure hours-long marathon sessions.  Online gamers everywhere are sure to love Lunia’s thrilling mix of customizable attack moves and anime-based story elements.”

Developed by leading Korean digital media company Allm Co.,Ltd., Lunia revolves around a detailed plot and storyline comprising various episodes, meaning new content is always appearing.  The game has a very unique anime-influenced feel, with cell shaded animation in the style of Japanese Manga comics.  Players battle monsters and each other over the course of multiple, increasingly difficult episodes of the overall plot.  They often have to accomplish specific missions in order to advance to the next level.

Originally launched by CDC Games, current Lunia players are invited to migrate their characters over to ijji.com from now until January 2009.  All items, skills and levels will transfer over during this period.  Previous qualifying in-game cash purchases will also be converted to NHN’s G Coins, ijji.com’s in-game currency.  In addition, current and future players can acquire in-game wealth by creating a shop and selling goods to other players.

Additional Lunia information and sign-up details are available at http://lunia.ijji.com.

About NHN USA

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., NHN USA, Inc. (www.nhnusainc.com) is the North American subsidiary of Korea’s leading Internet company NHN (KOSDAQ: 035420).  Founded in 2006, NHN USA has quickly emerged as a premier online entertainment publisher. The company’s game portal ijji.com (www.ijji.com), which boasts more than six million unique registered gamers, hosts a diverse suite of free-to-play online games each with an optional micro-currency model that enables players to enhance their gaming experiences by purchasing in-game items.  ijji.com’s extensive game portfolio includes GUNZ The Duel®, SOLDIER FRONT™, GUNBOUND® Revolution, DRIFT CITY™, LUMINARY Rise of the GoonZu™ and MINING BOY™, and will soon include the highly-anticipated Unreal Engine 3-based massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (MMOFPS) game Huxley.

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WComms Welcomes Megan Saulsbury as Senior Account Executive

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 1, 2008 – Wonacott Communications, a full-service boutique public relations and integrated communications agency, welcomes the talents of public relations professional Megan Saulsbury to its team.  As senior account executive, Megan will handle  corporate communications, media relations, product and service launches and digital/new media communications strategies for a number of WComms’ clients.

“Wonacott Communications has a great reputation for being a valued strategic PR partner for digital media, clean technology and professional services companies, and having Megan on our team will help to ensure that character,” said Jason Wonacott, chief executive officer, Wonacott Communications.

Before joining Wonacott Communications, Megan launched her public relations career at Silicon Valley PR agency FutureWorks, Inc., representing such distinguished companies as  OPPO Digital, TRITTON Technologies, Accell Cables, Adesso, mediaFORGE and Your Truman Show.  She is skilled at orchestrating media and analyst tours, tradeshow appearances and media meet-and-greets, and managing all aspects of product launches and review programs.

Megan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications, LLC is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at http://www.wonacottpr.com.

Enable IPC’s Subsidiary SolRayo Awarded Major Clean Energy Grant From State of Wisconsin

$250,000 Grant to Help Commercialize Enable IPC’s Energy Efficient Technologies

VALENCIA, Calif. – Oct. 1, 2008 – Enable IPC Corp. (OTC BB: EIPC.OB), a leading company for turning technologies into products and successfully bringing them to market, today announced that its efficient energy-focused subsidiary SolRayo LLC has been awarded a $250,000 clean energy grant by Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle.   SolRayo received the grant as part of a $7.3 million distribution of state grants and loans for clean energy projects that the Governor announced in conjunction with his Clean Energy Wisconsin program, to be distributed by the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund (WEIF).

“We are extremely proud to be recognized by Governor Doyle and the state of Wisconsin to assist with the critical goal of developing reliable clean energy technologies,” said David Walker, CEO, Enable IPC.  “This grant provides Enable IPC and SolRayo yet another substantial validation of our ultracapacitor technology’s commercial potential.  We will be able to introduce cutting edge nanotechnology-based ultracapacitor components via our Wisconsin office, in conjunction with the brilliant researchers who know the technology best.”

Enable IPC’s subsidiary SolRayo was one of only eight Madison-area companies chosen to receive the grants.  The nanotechnology company was chosen based on the merits of the technology, as well as the health of its business plan.  The funds will be used to defray development costs and to support further research and development leading to the commercialization of new clean energy technologies.

“From manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels to retro-fitting fuel pumps and exploring the latest clean technologies, our future lies in seizing green opportunities that will create good jobs for our citizens and add billions of dollars to our economy,” Gov. Doyle said.  “We have awarded more than $7 million in grants and loans to companies that are committed to expanding Wisconsin’s clean energy industry.”

The WEIF was established for research and development, and commercialization or adoption of new technologies.  The new grants will seek to leverage $44.2 million in investments and create new jobs for Wisconsin families on farms, in forests, in research labs and for manufacturers.

About Enable IPC

Enable IPC (OTC BB: EIPC.OB) provides efficient, streamlined strategies for turning technologies into products and bringing them to market.  Though not limited to nanotechnology or the energy industries, Enable IPC’s growing portfolio currently includes the exclusive rights to two break-through energy technologies. The company seeks to turn technologies into products and is a transparent, fair turnkey partner for sub-licensing and joint development with other companies.  For more information, please visit www.enableipc.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, such as “believes”, “expected”, “targeted” and similar terminology, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results that the Company achieves to differ materially from any of the forward-looking statements.  Such risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to, the following: the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of financing, the difficulties in forecasting results from development efforts, difficulties in accurately estimating market growth, the impact of changing economic conditions, business conditions in the microbattery industry and others identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, as amended, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.  The company undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

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