Monday, September 9, 2013

Phase III Data Presented for First Time Demonstrate: Tiotropium* Respimat Significantly Improves Lung Function and Provides Sustained Bronchodilation in Asthma Patients Who Remain Symptomatic Despite ICS Treatment1

BARCELONA, Spain - Monday, September 9th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)--

For media outside the U.S., Canada and UK

ERS Congress 2013

    Addition of tiotropium Respimat® provides statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in asthma control in symptomatic asthma patients receiving ICS† therapy2
    New phase III data presented for the first time demonstrate the efficacy of tiotropium in asthma patients receiving ICS therapy.2 These results add to evidence from the on-going Phase III trial programme that had shown efficacy and safety of tiotropium in patients who remained symptomatic despite treatment with at least ICS/LABA‡3
    At least 40% of asthma patients remain symptomatic despite current standard treatment options and may experience asthma exacerbations (attacks)4

In patients with symptomatic asthma despite moderate-dose maintenance ICS therapy, the addition of tiotropium Respimat® significantly improves lung function and provides sustained bronchodilation over 24 hours.1

Data from the MezzoTinA-asthma® Phase III twin studies presented for the first time today at the 2013 European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress also show that once-daily tiotropium provides a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in asthma control in patients who remain symptomatic despite treatment with ICS.2

Assessment of the severity of asthma in patients is now commonly based on the intensity of treatment needed to achieve good management of symptoms.5 These new data add to evidence from the PrimoTinA-asthma® Phase III trials involving patients who remained symptomatic despite at least ICS/LABA therapy. The PrimoTinA-asthma® trials had shown that the addition of tiotropium Respimat® significantly increased time to first severe asthma exacerbation, as well as time to first episode of asthma worsening compared with standard care.3

Professor Huib A M Kerstjens of the University Medical Centre, Groningen, The Netherlands said: “These results are important because they give us insight for the first time into the efficacy of tiotropium in the subset of asthma patients who remain symptomatic despite using moderate-dose ICS. A significant proportion of asthma patients treated with ICS, as recommended in the guidelines, continue to experience symptoms that impact their ability to lead a full life.”

“Importantly, both for physicians and their patients, these data show that the addition of tiotropium may provide improvements in asthma control and lung function that are clinically meaningful. I was personally amazed at how well these results compare to the treatment with the LABA in the active control arm. These data increase our understanding of tiotropium’s potential efficacy across asthma severities as an add-on treatment for patients who continue to experience symptoms despite current standard treatments,” concluded Professor Kerstjens.

Despite current treatment options, at least 40% of patients with asthma remain symptomatic and may experience frightening and potentially life-threatening asthma exacerbations (attacks).4 All patients in the MezzoTinA-asthma® studies were symptomatic despite moderate dose ICS therapy.

Addition of tiotropium in asthma significantly improves lung function

The MezzoTinA-asthma® Phase III studies have shown that, in patients with symptomatic asthma, tiotropium Respimat® added on to moderate-dose ICS significantly improved lung function endpoints, including peak FEV1 (0-3h) and trough FEV1 vs. placebo and provided sustained bronchodilation over 24 hours.

In MezzoTinA-asthma® 1, at week 24, all three active treatments significantly improved peak FEV1 (0-3h) response§ vs. placebo: differences of 236 mL for tiotropium 2.5μg once-daily; 198 mL for tiotropium 5μg once-daily and 213 mL for salmeterol 50μg twice daily (all p<0.0001). In MezzoTinA-asthma® 2, at 24 weeks, the peak FEV1 response vs. placebo was again significantly higher for all three active treatments: differences of 211 mL for tiotropium 2.5μg once-daily, 169 mL for tiotropium 5μg once-daily and 176 mL for salmeterol 50μg twice-daily (all p<0.0001).1

In MezzoTinA-asthma® 1, at week 24, all three active treatments significantly improved trough FEV1 response** vs. placebo: differences of 185 mL for tiotropium 2.5μg once-daily; 152 mL for tiotropium 5μg once-daily and 123 mL for salmeterol 50μg twice-daily (all p<0.0001). In MezzoTinA-asthma® 2, at 24 weeks, trough FEV1 response vs. placebo was again significantly improved for all three active treatments: differences of 176 mL for tiotropium 2.5μg once-daily, 133 mL for tiotropium 5μg once-daily and 106 mL for salmeterol 50μg twice-daily (p≤0.0002).1

Addition of tiotropium in asthma achieves significant and clinically relevant improvements in asthma control

The MezzoTinA-asthma® Phase III studies have shown that tiotropium added on to moderate-dose ICS significantly improved asthma control in patients with asthma who are symptomatic on ICS.

The mean baseline Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) total score was 2.18 (SD 0.49). Using a definition of responders as those patients with an improvement ≥0.5 for the ACQ, both doses of tiotropium significantly improved the ACQ responder rate at 24 weeks compared with placebo. A similar ACQ responder rate was observed with tiotropium and the active comparator the LABA salmeterol.2

The ACQ responder rate for placebo was 57.7% (299/518); 64.5% (332/515; p=0.03) for tiotropium 2.5μg once-daily; 64.3% (330/513; p=0.03) for tiotropium 5μg once-daily; and 66.5% (356/535; p=0.004) for salmeterol 50μg twice-daily.2

Tiotropium well tolerated

In the MezzoTinA-asthma® Phase III studies, tiotropium Respimat® was well tolerated in patients with asthma who were symptomatic on ICS.1

Discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs) were 2.5% in the placebo group; 1.2% for tiotropium 2.5μg once-daily; 1.7% for tiotropium 5μg once-daily; and 1.8% for salmeterol 50μg twice-daily.

The overall frequency of AEs and serious adverse events (SAEs) was balanced between the groups. The most common adverse events were asthma (exacerbations) and decreased peak expiratory flow, which were comparable between the treatment groups. Dry mouth, cough and dysphonia (hoarseness) occurred in less than 2% of patients taking tiotropium.

“The results from the MezzoTinA-asthma® twin trials demonstrate tiotropium’s efficacy in an even broader range of asthma patients. They add to the significant evidence we have from the PrimoTinA-asthma® Phase III clinical trials, which had previously shown the efficacy and safety of tiotropium in asthma patients who remained symptomatic despite treatment with at least ICS/LABA therapy,” said Professor Klaus Dugi, Corporate Senior Vice President Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim.

“The UniTinA-asthma® programme reflects our commitment to profile tiotropium Respimat® for the full range of asthma patients from mild to very severe across all age groups,” Professor Dugi continued. “These new data give us confidence that tiotropium could become an important new add-on treatment option for those patients with asthma who remain symptomatic despite current standard treatments, which include ICS therapy,” he concluded.

--ends—

Please click on the link below for ‘Notes to Editors’ and ‘References’: http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2013/09_september_2013tina.html

* Please note: Tiotropium Respimat® is currently NOT APPROVED for use in asthma. Tiotropium’s safety and efficacy have not yet been fully established in asthma

† Inhaled corticosteroids

‡ Long-acting beta2-agonists

§ Difference between the maximum FEV1 measured within the first 3 hours post dosing and the FEV1 measurement at baseline (10 minutes before the first dose of trial medication)

** Difference between the trough FEV1 measured at the end of the dosing interval (24 hours post drug administration) and the FEV1 measurement at baseline (10 minutes before the first dose of trial medication)

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim

Helena Faria

Phone: +49 151 15 02 07 62

Email: helena.faria@boehringer-ingelheim.com

or

More information

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8445/en

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Princeton Financial Systems Strengthens UCITS Support with Latest Enhancements to MIG21 Compliance Suite

PRINCETON, N.J. - Saturday, September 7th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Princeton Financial® Systems, a part of State Street Global Exchange, today announced the launch of the latest enhancements to MIG21, its market-leading investment compliance and risk monitoring solution, with specific functionality to address upcoming UCITS regulatory changes.

MIG21 7.4 improves asset reclassification, which is now integrated as a standard function and allows simple manual and automated reclassification of assets, and significantly increases the speed and performance of calculating global exposures. The latest version also provides improvements in the user interface with a range of new administrative features. For example, users can now export mapping configurations to facilitate analysis, documentation and archiving and the memo function has been expanded, improving compliance breach communications.

“We continuously work to monitor and anticipate the impact of the constant influx of regulatory updates on our customers’ needs in order to provide them with the best solutions to support their business priorities,” said Ronald Knecht, product director and vice president at Princeton Financial Systems. “MIG21 7.4 provides our customers with mission critical tools and functionality to more efficiently and effectively manage their compliance.”

“We look forward to continuing to enhance our investment management software solutions and will build on our successful framework within State Street Global Exchange in the coming months,” said Ivan Matviak, senior vice president of State Street Global Exchange.

MIG21 is the compliance system of choice for seven of the world's ten largest global custodians, as well as many asset and fund managers, insurance companies and hedge funds in all parts of the world. MIG21 optimizes and automates pre-trade and post-trade investment compliance checking, and improves the administration of regulatory, prospectus and internal investment guidelines and resolution workflows. A flexible rules engine combined with advanced data and resolution management tools provide fully auditable controls of the investment process.

MIG21 integrates with Princeton Financial Systems' LawCard® Service, enabling investment organizations to rapidly expand into new legal jurisdictions and adapt to new regulations without overheads or delay. LawCards are comprehensive predefined rule sets for MIG21® covering country-specific legal investment restrictions of the world's major financial centers. They support all asset classes as well as complex structured products and derivatives.

About Princeton Financial Systems

Princeton Financial Systems, a part of State Street Corporation’s (NYSE:STT) Global Exchange division, is a leading provider of comprehensive, front to back office solutions to several of the top asset managers, insurance companies, custodians, pension funds, and banks spanning the world. Princeton’s software solutions provide clients with the technology and services they need to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and provide transparency throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether it’s Princeton’s core investment accounting solution, compliance monitoring, data management, or performance measurement, attribution, and risk analysis, more than 430 firms rely on Princeton to meet their investor demands and work in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. For more information, please visit www.pfs.com.

Contacts

Princeton Financial Systems

Michele Boudway, +1-609-514-4576

Global Marketing

Fax +1-609-750-4851

mboudway@pfs.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8436/en

Lenovo Expands Multimode Family with New Yoga Convertibles and Flex Dual Mode Devices

BERLIN - Saturday, September 7th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

Infuses Distinctive Mode Design in Laptops and Desktops and Creates ThinkPad Yoga for Business

    Continues leadership in multimode computing with next-generation Yoga devices and brings dual mode benefits to laptops and desktops
    Introduces a smarter, strikingly brilliant screen Yoga 2 Pro and a business-ready ThinkPad Yoga with exclusive “lift and lock” system
    Flex 14 and 15 laptops defy laptop expectations with dual mode experience and workhorse Flex 20 AIO doubles and delights as completely flat interactive console

IFA 2013

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY), creator of multimode computing, today announced at the 2013 IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, a broad expansion to its portfolio of multimode devices. The new lineup starts with two new Yoga convertibles: the Yoga 2 Pro, successor to the original 360° flip and fold 13.3-inch Yoga, and the new ThinkPad Yoga, built to take business users to new heights with its multimode design and business-heavy features. Additionally, Lenovo is bringing multimode computing to mainstream laptops and desktops with the new dual mode Lenovo Flex 14 and 15-inch laptops and Flex 20 all-in-one (AIO) desktop. These machines give consumers all the productivity of a PC plus one extra mode, essentially giving them two powerful devices at one affordable price.

Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga (Photo: Business Wire)

Yoga 2 Pro: Picture Perfect in Any Mode

Users will instantly notice the Yoga 2 Pro’s impressive, eye-popping 13.3-inch display: Its QHD+ super high resolution 10-finger touchscreen displays images in 3200X1800 resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio, equivalent to four times the visual clarity of the original Yoga’s HD+ (1600X900) screen and the highest screen resolution on the market today. The 350-nit screen features IPS 178° wide angle viewing for great views from nearly any line of sight.

Unbelievably thinner and lighter than before at 15.5 mm thin and 1.39 kg, the extra mobile Yoga 2 Pro lets users easily enjoying computing in each of its four modes: laptop, tablet, stand and tent. Yoga 2 Pro also features advanced technologies including choices of up to Intel 4th generation Core i7 ULT processors, Windows 8.1, up to 512 GB SSD, Intel WiDi for streaming content wirelessly to a TV, Dolby Home Theatre v4 and up to nine hours of battery life1. It also features a new backlit keyboard and comes in its signature Grey or Clementine Orange color. The recently introduced Yoga 11S will also be adding choices of up to 4th generation Intel Core i7 processors.

A full-function laptop and tablet, Yoga 2 Pro infuses new smart features including Yoga Picks, a concierge-like tool that suggests suitable apps based upon the device’s mode, custom apps and voice control. For example, in tablet mode, Yoga Picks suggests apps like Birizzle, a popular touch game, and Zinio, an e-reader. In tent mode, it offers the painting app, Fresh Paint and Rara music streaming. Additionally, Yoga 2 Pro comes with apps created especially for its four modes. In laptop mode, Phone Companion lets users copy content from documents or websites/pages and send the information to their phones as a text message. Yoga Photo Touch allows users in tablet mode to edit or retouch photos using their fingers on the 10-point multitouch screen. Built for stand mode, Yoga Camera Man lets users take photos with effects like lomo, 4-in-1, macro, GIF and more to photos, and Yoga Chef in tent mode taps into Yoga 2 Pro’s motion control and voice control to advance recipes from cooking apps. Also available for Yoga 2 Pro is the N700 multimode wireless mouse, sold separately, that rotates 180° to double as a pointer so users can switch between desktop work and presentations.

ThinkPad Yoga Dons Black and Business-Ready Features

While borrowing Yoga’s flip and fold, four mode design, the ThinkPad Yoga creates its own space for business customers with its performance, security and productivity features as well as customization options. The 12.5-inch magnesium alloy ThinkPad Yoga offers a stunning visual and intensive multimedia experience starting with choices of a Corning Gorilla Glass HD IPS or a FHD IPS display (optional digitizer and pen available for the FHD display) running Windows 8.1. For a responsive touch experience, use its 10-finger touch screen running Windows 8.1 or its oversized five-button glass trackpad optimized for gestures.

Designed for maximum comfort in all modes, the ThinkPad Yoga features a unique lift and lock system created for tablet mode. The system automatically lifts and locks the keys on the machine’s keyboard in place for a streamlined feel. Additionally, ThinkPad Yoga features the legendary ThinkPad keyboard with optional backlit models and models with Near Field Communications (NFC) to easily share data between devices.

The ThinkPad Yoga has the key performance technologies business users need: choices of up to Intel 4th generation Core i7 processors, up to 1 TB of storage equivalent to the size of storing 500 DVD movies as well as all-day battery life. The ThinkPad Yoga also responds to voice input so users can chat on Instant Messaging programs, play their music, search the web and more without lifting a finger. And for an expanded workspace, Lenovo’s One Link dock, purchased separately, provides USB ports, a mini-HDMI connection, Gigabit Ethernet and more.

Flex 14 and 15: For Life’s Different Modes

More than a thin and light laptop, the dual-mode Flex 14.1-inch and 15.6-inch laptops creatively flip 300° for stand mode, a new way to interact with a PC and positions the device closer to the user for more natural, comfortable touch experience. Users can open Lenovo’s custom YouCam program, say “1,2,3 cheese” to snap a webcam photo and then send it to a friend using Flex’s voice commands1. Or they can enjoy cinematic quality sound to the latest NetFlix movie with Flex’s Dolby Advanced Audio v2 without a keyboard in the way or even watch high definition content on another screen via Flex’s HDMI-out connection.

Beyond Flex’s extra value with its dual mode, flip functionality, its fashionable soft-touch black cover trimmed with silver or Clementine Orange also attracts attention. Equally stunning, the interior contains a clean keyboard design with optional backlighting.2 Images are vividly rich thanks to Flex’s HD 1366X768 or optional Full HD 1920X1080 displays.2 With 10-point multitouch, Flex makes using Windows 8 and collaboration easy. With up to nine hours1, Flex 14 and 15 are extremely mobile and are primed for productivity with up to Intel 4th generation Core ULT i7 processors, up to Nvidia discrete GT 740M graphics3, up to 1 TB of storage and optional SSD or NAND flash on Ultrabook models.

Flex 20 Transforms AIO Into Multi-Person Play Machine

Framed in an attractive 20.5mm thin aluminum shell, the compact Flex 20 fits neatly into virtually any home or office yet surpasses expectations for an everyday AIO with its grand 19.5-inch frameless HD (1600X900) IPS 90° tilt display, 500 GB HD or SSHD storage and up to Intel Core i7 processors.

However, Flex 20 really surprises and delights with its special ability to convert from stand to table mode. When flat in table mode, the Aura interface, first pioneered on the Lenovo Horizon Table PC, opens for a multi-game, multi-player experience like no other. In this mode, users can challenge others to play games, including preloaded ones like Ubisoft’s Raiding Company, those available for purchase from the Lenovo App Store powered by Intel App Up and newly created custom Lenovo games including Omnitapps Media Puzzle Pack for making fun video puzzles and Omnitapps Educational Suite with a series of memory and learning games along with other Lenovo games like Fishing Joy, Air Hockey and Roulette.

The dual mode Flex 20 provides even more entertainment value with its special physical accessories (sold separately) - joysticks, strikers and e-dice – that allow up to four players to interact directly with the digital games, or players can use the 10-point multitouch screen. The Aura interface functions as a highly collaborative tool for multi-media content enhanced with its Dolby Home Theatre v4 audio. Unlike most AIO’s, Flex 20 has mobility in mind with built-in WiFi for easy moving around the home or office, and users can pick up and go for up to three hours without charging.

Lenovo Services offers a host of integrated solutions to meet the needs of business customers and consumers who purchase a Lenovo convertible device, including warranty extensions/upgrades, accidental damage protection, keep your drive, priority tech support and a set of factory and automated deployment services.

Quotes

“Yoga’s revolutionary flip and fold design shattered the mold for convertible computing, giving users a new found flexibility and unlimited options in one machine,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, ThinkPad Product Marketing, Lenovo. “We’ve refined that concept for mobile business professionals with ThinkPad Yoga, giving them the business technologies and features they need paired with the all new lift and lock system for a completely adaptable design.”

“People around the world have told us they love the flexibility of Yoga and Horizon’s multimodes,” said Tom Shell, vice president and general manager, Lenovo Business Group PC Division, Lenovo. “Our new Flex products represent this multimode future of PC design, bringing the functionality of some of our coolest modes – stand and flat – now to our mainstream devices. And we’re continuing to enhance our signature flip and fold Yoga with Yoga 2 Pro’s amazing display, thinner and lighter design and smart mode experience.”

“We’re thrilled to see Yoga 2 and ThinkPad Yoga expand upon our shared vision of 2 in 1 computing, giving people the full functionality of a PC plus the mobility and flexibility of a tablet all in one device,” said Adam King, director of notebook marketing, Intel. “Intel’s latest 4th generation Core processors deliver extraordinary battery life capability, breakthrough graphics and new usages in 2 in 1 devices such as the Yoga 2 Pro and ThinkPad Yoga. Personal computing is being reinvented, and there has never been a greater range of innovation and choice in stores, so it’s a great time to buy.”

“The flexibility and mobility provided by the Yoga 2 Pro and ThinkPad Yoga offer no-compromise solutions for customers,” said Jordan Chrysafidis, vice president of worldwide OEM marketing, Microsoft Corp. “Lenovo’s continued innovation in device design combined with touch and the new capabilities in Windows 8.1 delivers new experiences that are sure to delight customers.”

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.

For more on the latest multimode products go to: www.lenovo.com/multimode

Pricing and Availability4

MSRP for the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, ThinkPad Yoga, Flex 14/15 and Flex 20 AIO is $1,099.99, $949, $629.99 and $899.99, respectively. The Yoga 2 Pro will be available beginning in October while the Flex products will be available starting in late September. The ThinkPad Yoga will be available beginning in November. The N700 multimode wireless mouse will be available beginning in September at $59.99.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY) is a US$34 billion personal technology company – the largest PC maker worldwide and an emerging PC Plus leader – serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.

1YouCam and voice control available only on Ultrabook configurations for Flex. Up to nine hours of battery life on Ultrabook Flex configurations. Nine hours on Flex and Yoga 2 Pro achieved with Windows 8 idle at 150 nits or six hours of battery life for video playback at 150 nits. 2Optional backlighting and full HD 1920X1080 displays will be available in 4Q 2013 – 1Q2014.1 3Available later in 2013. 4 Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130905005064/en/

Contacts

Lenovo

Kristy Fair, +1-919-257-6329

krisfair@lenovo.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8423/en

UTSCH, German Market Leader, Goes Global

Vehicle license plates and registration systems


SIEGEN, Germany - Saturday, September 7th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Erich Utsch AG, world leader in vehicle license plates and registration systems, is bolstering its already solid position. The company, based in Siegen, Germany and founded in 1961, operates in over 130 countries on all continents worldwide – participating in more than 80 investments and joint ventures in over 50 nations. This makes Utsch a globally connected company, which may be called upon anywhere in the world for its rapid service and targeted approach.

Utsch has been able to boost its turnover by around 25 million euros over the past three business years. Employing more than 550 people worldwide, the Utsch group netted a turnover of around 275 million euros in 2012. The number of employees and the size of the premises reflect this trend: the company headquarters in Siegen currently employs around 200 people and the site will soon be expanded to around 30,000 m2.

For decades, Utsch has been dedicated to developing and deploying vehicle license plate and registry systems technologies. As a high-performing system provider, the company offers sustainable solutions conforming to the very latest in technological developments. Worldwide, Utsch is the first port of call for governments and authorities thanks to its tailor-made solutions offering greater security during the registration and identification of motor vehicles. In addition to its core business, the company produces equipment for the production of license plates, as well as license plate frames for customized printing.

This comprehensive, high-quality offer bearing the “Made in Germany” hallmark, together with a consistent focus on high-level training, guarantee Utsch its place as an innovative global market leader in the vehicle license plate division. “To retain our position as world leaders, we have forged close ties with universities, we train our own staff and stake a great deal on ongoing technological innovation”, says Helmut Jungbluth, CEO of Erich Utsch AG.

More information: http://www.utsch.com/the-company/

The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts
Press Office:
Industrie-Contact AG (IC AG) Public Relations
Jonathan Klimke
Tel.: +49 40 899 666 0
jonathan.klimke@ic-gruppe.com
http://www.publicrelations-germany.com/



Corporate contact:
Erich Utsch AG
Dirk Klingbeil
Tel.: +49 271 3191 208
dirk.klingbeil@utsch.com
http://www.utsch.com/the-company/







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8437/en

Lenovo Wraps Style and Intelligence into New Smartphone and Tablet

BERLIN - Thursday, September 5th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

Latest PC Plus products combine elegant hardware with trendsetting photo capabilities and sharp screens

    Vibe X smartphone, the newest member of Lenovo’s premium smartphone portfolio, packs twin camera technology and amazingly brilliant display into sleek package
    S5000 tablet takes thin and light mobility experience to new level

IFA 2013

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY) today at the 2013 IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin announced the latest additions to its PC Plus portfolio: the Lenovo Vibe X smartphone, the newest member of Lenovo’s premium smartphone portfolio, and the ultra mobile Lenovo S5000 tablet. Both devices combine a sleek design with intelligent performance and a vibrant viewing experience.

Additionally, the remarkably thin and light Vibe X smartphone uniquely sports powerful front and rear cameras and a high resolution beveled edge glass display, while the S5000 makes its mark as one of the industry’s slimmest and lightest premium seven-inch tablets available. Those who crave style and function will appreciate the devices’ laser-engraved fabric-feel surface on the back covers and their attractive side chrome accents.

Lenovo Vibe X: Ready to Capture Life’s Precious Moments

The Lenovo Vibe X smartphone comes encased in style with a premium polycarbonate body and an advanced mold, laser-engraved 3D tactile finish. Its slim, featherweight frame continues its focus on premium design by measuring just 6.9mm, as thin as a pencil, and it weighs in at less than other smartphones its size - just 121 grams (0.26 lbs), about the weight of five AA batteries. The dazzling five-inch 20/20 Vision display1 boasts a 1920x1080 full HD resolution, an IPS panel for wide-viewing angles and ultra-sharp 440 pixels per inch (PPI). The 20/20 Vision Display sits under a scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 screen beveled at the edges.

The Lenovo Vibe X packs two advanced cameras to capture great-looking photos and videos. The front-facing camera offers one of the highest megapixels in the market today, at five megapixel (MP), and together with a wide-angle 84° lens, effortlessly captures high-quality self-portraits. Users can also use pinch-to-zoom gestures easily and effectively to adjust their shots. It also includes a built-in software editor to help enhance facial features. The 13MP auto-focus rear-facing camera comes enhanced with a back-illuminated sensor for sharper images and also has an LED flash.

The Vibe X comes preloaded with a full-featured photo application that gives users a fresh way to view and organize pictures, including creating unique custom tags or folders, as well as fun and fresh display arrangements on the screen. Users can also create puzzles and customize specific games from the photos. The camera application makes it easy to choose custom settings and filters, as well as edit and share any photo or video instantly.

The Lenovo Vibe X runs on the Android™ 4.2 operating system and on a Quad-Core MTK 6589T 1.5GHz processor for advanced performance to enjoy the latest games, apps and videos. With 2GB of memory and 16GB of internal storage, users can download and install dozens of apps, listen to hundreds of music tracks and snap thousands of digital photos.

Additionally, Lenovo continues to refine its smartphone portfolio by updating its popular premium Lenovo K900 smartphone2 with several new features including choices of new colors in either black or orange as well as storage options of 16GB or 32GB.

S5000 Tablet: Stay Mobile, Stay Stylish, Stay Connected

Measuring just 7.9 mm, the S5000 is one of the slimmest tablets in the market. It weighs in at just 246 grams (0.54 lbs), nearly one-fifth lighter than many of the premium tablets being sold today. Inside this thin and light frame resides plenty of horsepower, starting with a seven-inch 1280x800 resolution, 350 nit brightness and full HD wide-viewing angle display to make it easy to share photos and videos with family and friends.

The S5000 camera gives tablet users an ideal high-definition photo experience. The 1.6MP front-facing camera boasts a sharp high definition experience for crystal clear video chatting while the rear-facing 5.0MP camera takes quality photos and videos and can also scan QR codes and capture photos from long distances.

The S5000 tablet runs on the Android 4.2 operating system (Jelly Bean) and on a Quad-Core Media Tek 8389 1.2 GHz processor and features optional 3G HSPA+ connectivity3. The S5000 relies on its “On the Go” USB port for storage expansion or charging other devices and 3450mAh battery for up to eight hours of non-stop WiFi web browsing or six hours of HD video viewing to keep up with the demands of mobile users.

Lenovo Smart Apps for Secure Sharing and Saving

The Lenovo Vibe X and S5000 come preloaded with custom applications that allow users to conveniently share photos, videos, and documents, protect their device from malicious software, as well as backup and restore important data. On the Lenovo Vibe X, users can also launch the preloaded Facebook app enhanced with additional screensaver and notification functions.

Quotes

“Lenovo continues to bring head-turning innovations to the PC Plus marketplace with the Lenovo Vibe X smartphone’s uncompromising hardware design, its rich display and memory-making camera technologies,” said Wayne Chen, vice president and general manager, mobile business unit, Lenovo. “Along with the S5000 tablet, these carefully crafted devices unleash a powerful blend of beautiful and smart technology to improve people’s lives.”

Pricing and Availability4

The Lenovo Vibe X smartphone will be available in China starting in October and in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold beginning in December. The Vibe X smartphone is not for sale in Europe. The K900 smartphone in black and orange with 16GB/32GB storage is available beginning immediately in China and will be available later this year in countries where smartphones are available. The S5000 tablet will be available in 4Q 2013.

For additional information on all products being announced at IFA in Berlin, see www.lenovo.com/multimode.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY) is a US$34 billion personal technology company – the largest PC maker in the world and an emerging PC Plus leader – serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, see www.lenovo.com.

1 20/20 Vision Display includes devices with an extremely high pixel density of 440 PPI or higher, giving users an extremely sharp and detailed picture.

2 The K900 black and orange versions will be available outside of China later this year. Pricing and availability in specific markets will be announced at a later date.

3 3G HSPA+ connectivity only available in select countries. Not available in the U.S.

4 Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.

Contacts

Lenovo,

Kristy Fair, +1-919-257-6329

krisfair@lenovo.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8424/en

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Conrad Hotels & Resorts Connects Luxury Travelers to Global Culture and Travel Tastemakers through "Conrad Connections" Video Documentaries

Global luxury brand kicks off social media campaign with video series connecting travelers to the world’s most sought after destinations

MCLEAN, Va. - Thursday, September 5th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide’s hotel brand for the smart luxury traveler, announces the launch of a social media campaign with Conrad Connections, a digital documentary series in which globally renowned cultural curators and opinion leaders discuss what they find inspirational about their home cities. The vignettes, which are hosted within a specially designed app at www.facebook.com/ConradHotels, will feature industry pioneers and tastemakers in Conrad destinations from Seoul to New York City and Tokyo to Miami.

Each Conrad Connections video features an inside look into the unique and personal ways the tastemakers encounter their own cities. Selected for their contributions in shaping their respective cities’ cultures, the Conrad Connections curators come from diverse backgrounds including gastronomy, fashion, media, industrial design and architecture.

“Conrad properties worldwide enable guests and visitors to find meaningful connections with the cultures that surround them,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, luxury and lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide. “We are thrilled to be able to tap into these local influencers and prestigious members of social and professional circles to inspire our guests and enrich their individual travel experiences.”

The Conrad Connections opinion leaders featured in the short video documentaries include: Heather Tierney, Christina Lessa, Sascha Lewis, and Joe Doucet from New York; Elysze Held, Lee Schrager, Anthony Spinello and Omar Lopez-Chahoud from Miami; Yosuke Suga, Masamichi Toyama and Akiko Ogawa from Tokyo; and Choi Jeon Hwa, Jia Choi, Woochi Jeon, and Ju Young Lee from Seoul. The first documentary features Jia Choi, one of Korea’s most respected food critics and founder of O'ngo Food Communications, a top culinary school and tour company in Seoul. Her segment focuses on the juxtaposition between traditional and modern Korean cuisine.

The Conrad Connections documentaries can be found on the Conrad Hotels & Resorts Facebook page at www.facebook.com/conradhotels. For more information about the Conrad brand please visit www.conradhotels.com or http://news.conradhotels.com.

About Conrad Hotels and Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly interact – people who know that the greatest luxury is the luxury of being yourself. A global brand consisting of 23 properties across 5 continents, Conrad Hotels & Resorts offer guests personalized experiences with sophisticated, locally inspired surroundings and connections to people and places around the corner or halfway around the world. Intuitive service is delivered with the Conrad Concierge App that puts Conrad’s services and amenities at the guest’s fingertips, whether ordering room service or a wakeup call to customizing the room’s pillow options or arranging reservations at our locally inspired cuisine and spa offerings. Conrad is a global luxury brand of Hilton Worldwide with plans to add 13 more properties to the brand’s portfolio. Connect with Conrad by booking at wwwconradhotels.com or learn more about the brand by visiting http://news.conradhotels.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 94 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 4000 hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide,www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

Contacts

John Walls

Hilton Worldwide

+1 703-883-5232

john.walls@hiltoncom



Ani Zerounian

For Hilton Worldwide

+1 646-274-3631

azerounian@hlgrp.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8420/en

Schlumberger Announces Third-Quarter 2013 Results Conference Call

ME NewsWire / Business Wire

HOUSTON - Thursday, September 5th 2013

Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) will hold a conference call on October 18, 2013 to discuss the results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2013.

The conference call is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am (US Eastern Time) – 3:00 pm (Paris time). A press release regarding the results will be released prior to the call that same day.

To access the conference call, listeners should contact the Conference Call Operator at +1-800-230-1059 within North America or +1-612-234-9959 outside of North America approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call, and ask for the “Schlumberger Earnings Conference Call.”

A webcast of the conference call will be broadcast simultaneously at www.slb.com/irwebcast on a listen-only basis. Listeners should log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to test their browsers and register for the webcast. Following the end of the conference call, a replay will be available at www.slb.com/irwebcast until November 18, 2013, and can be accessed by dialing +1-800-475-6701 within North America or +1-320-365-3844 outside of North America, and giving the access code 298703.

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing approximately 120,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in more than 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry’s widest range of products and services from exploration through production.

Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston and The Hague, and reported revenues from continuing operations of $41.73 billion in 2012. For more information, visit www.slb.com.

Contacts

Schlumberger Limited

Malcolm Theobald, + 1 (713) 375-3535

Vice President of Investor Relations



Joy V. Domingo, + 1 (713) 375-3535

Manager of Investor Relations

investor-relations@slb.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8415/en