EA SPORTS Talks About Its Newest Game Changer And Provides Tips On Partnering

At CES earlier this month, EA SPORTS announced its latest partnership with Monster Inc. (the consumer electronics company – not the career site). Chris Erb, VP Brand Marketing of EA SPORTS, sat down with us to provide more detail on the partnership as well as his process on building successful partnerships.

Brandon Gutman: Please tell us about the recent Monster and EA SPORTS partnership.

Chris Erb: EA SPORTS is always looking for opportunities to enhance the gaming experience for our fans. As entertainment consumption technology continued to evolve, we kept a close eye on how the music headphone business was changing for the better. Through those observations, we saw a natural fit to partner with Monster to create an equally high-quality and innovative experience with gaming headphones.

After a two-year exploration with the team at Monster to discover the best way to develop a gaming headphone from the ground up, EA SPORTS and Monster created the EA SPORTS MVP Carbon by Monster®, an all-new gaming headphone that will fuse superior design with maximum comfort and performance, allowing gamers to immerse themselves in their favorite EA SPORTS titles without the need for multiple speakers and separate processors.

The EA SPORTS MVP Carbon by Monster® is the world’s first headphone to feature Monster® HDHS (High Definition Headphone Surround), which delivers the most realistic sound experience for gaming, music and movies. Built from the ground up specifically for gaming, the headphones will be compatible with PCs, Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3, Wii™ and Wii U™.

Being that this is a new partnership, converging gamers with high performance audio fans, are you anticipating the development of a new market? 

We believe the EA SPORTS MVP Carbon by Monster® fills a gap in the existing headphone market. Until now, there hasn’t been a premium headphone in the market that delivers quality gaming audio on any platform as well as quality music or movie sound. That was our vision from day one, over-the-top premium audio in a great looking industrial design. In the process, we now have a new vehicle to connect fans to their passion for sports in an immersive way and we think it presents new marketing opportunities for us as well.

The headsets go on sale in February. How are you promoting the launch? 

We announced the partnership at CES and received amazing reviews and support. We are now building off that success by placing the MVP Carbon’s into as many relevant hands as possible to create an army of evangelists for the product. Gamers, athletes and music fans all see different things about the headphones that resonate strongly with them and the audiences they share with. Making sure we can amplify their thoughts through digital and social media platforms in order to fuel organic awareness of the product is the near-term focus.

You’ve developed and led some highly successful partnerships between EA SPORTS and other leading brands. What is your advice to fellow brand marketers who are seeking alliances that will build awareness as well as drive revenue? 

I recommend following the four tenets below when evaluating and managing a strategic partnership:

Be strategic. Determine the categories and brands where a partnership would create greater value for consumers of both brands. Collaborative efforts that surprise and delight consumers, create greater value and solve a need are the most successful and will garner the greatest amount of organic impressions and awareness. Organic conversations around partnerships validate and glorify the brands involved leading to better product recognition and affinity.

Be visible. If you’re a brand marketer, know the key decision-makers at the brands you wish to partner with, the ones identified in your strategy. Have a vision of how you’d partner and what you’re looking for and share concepts of how the program would work. Through collaborative conversation the program will morph itself into something of great benefit to consumers of both brands.

Be honest. Partnerships have costs. Knowing those costs, who is covering what and what might have to be funded by one party or the other must be explained and discussed early. Ninety percent of our partnerships are exchange only but some of our partnerships require shared revenue or investments in media and other assets by a brand. As long as expectations are set from the beginning this becomes a non-issue.

Be authentic. Never stray from your overall brand strategy. There are a lot of amazing brands that we can never work with because it wouldn’t be authentic to the EA SPORTS brand.

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U.S. says Java still risky, even after security update

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that a security update of Oracle Corp's Java software for Web browsers does not do enough to protect computers from attack, sticking to its previous advice that the program be disabled.

"Unless it is absolutely necessary to run Java in web browsers, disable it," the Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team said on Monday in a posting on its website. The software maker released an update to Java on Sunday, just days after the government issued its initial warning on the software, saying that bugs in the program were being exploited to commit identity theft and other crimes.

Security experts have warned that PCs running Java in their browsers could be attacked by criminals seeking to steal credit-card numbers, banking credentials, passwords and commit other types of computer crimes.

The Java software platform, created in the mid-1990s, enables developers to write one set of code that will run on PCs running on Microsoft Corp's Windows, Apple Inc Macs and servers running on the Linux operating system.

Security experts say the bugs only affect one part of the platform - software that plugs into Internet browsers.

While some researchers have long complained the software was buggy, it started generating more public scrutiny last year after a security scare in August.

"It's not like Java got insecure all of a sudden. It's been insecure for years," said Charlie Miller, a computer engineer with Twitter who has previously worked as a security consultant to Fortune 500 firms and as an analyst with the National Security Agency.

Java was responsible for 50 percent of all cyber attacks last year in which hackers broke into computers by exploiting software bugs, according to Kaspersky Lab.

Public interest in the issue surged last week as the Department of Homeland Security advised the general public to stop using Java and consumers turned for information on how to implement the agency's advice.

To disable Java on a Windows PC, go to the machine's Control Panel. Open the Java icon, click on the Security panel and uncheck the box for "enable Java content in the browser."

Further information is available from Oracle on its Java website http://www.java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml

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Electronic system to nab traffic rule violators in mumbai

City's traffic police is planning to start technology based enforcement system at some traffic junctions in the city to nab violators of traffic rules, stated Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vivek Phansalkar. The system involves catching violators on camera, recognising the number plate, then forwarding 'chalaan' to vehicle owner based on the registered address etc.

Participating in a panel discussion jointly hosted by BMW Guggenheim Lab and MESN on 'Rethinking Kalanagar traffic junction', Phansalkar said that the new tech-based enforcement system at select traffic junctions will ensure that no violators of traffic rules get away lightly. According to Phansalkar electronic 'chalaan' system was implemented by Pune administration and on the same line the experiments can be carried out. He said several countries abroad have already started such systems for which converting number plants of vehicles into digitally sensitive ones is required.

Phansalkar stated that as of now if one violator is nabbed he enters into argument with the traffic cops and justifies his act by pointing fingers at others. He said that the new system will enable traffic cops to nab all the violators so that one cannot point fingers at others and try to get away. The modalities of enforcement and penalties like increased fines are being worked out. Phansalkar further disclosed that the traffic police is planning to start 65 share-a-taxi and share-a-auto bays out of the 71 spots identified in the city in a month. These bays will have signages and space clearly demarcated.

MMRDAs Chief of Transport, PRK Murthy gave an assurance that the MMRDA will have a look at some of the suggestions made like under passages, short term solutions like using the service road behind the BEST bus stop towards BKC and other suggestions. Transport expert and chairman of Mumbai Environment Social Network (MESN), Ashok Datar wondered why does it take so much time to get simple traffic solutions implemented. He lamented that political class and planners are more preoccupied with mega projects and do not have time to solve minor issues that affect people daily. Datar added that if mega projects are going to take more than 10 years, the effects of such projects wears away.

Some of the suggestions that were thrown up at the competition held by the BMW Guggenheim Lab and MESN on "Rethinking Kalanagar traffic junction" competition included creating dedicated bus lanes from Kalanagar junction to Dharavi T junction, covering the three meter wide open drain opposite ONGC to widen the lane for smooth traffic flow, creating fountains at the traffic island to reduce noise pollution and other solutions.

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Essential Factors Of a Good Bedroom Design

Dear friends, successful design is a relative term. What is good or successful for me may not be so from your point of view.But when it comes to interior design, there are certain factors which are always present no matter what the use of the space is. Let's have a look at the bare minimum design factors a space must have so that it can be called a comfortable and habitable space.

1) Proportions of the room.
The word "proportions" is always used in the design field. Every interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate. Proportions are extremely important in any design.Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of various parts of human body we call it a "proportionate" design.For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action. or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably. Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair. A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of the double bed, it's height from floor level, height of wardrobe, dimensions of dressing table, etc...all these matter as far as function is concerned.

2) Natural light entering the room.
There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the interior spaces.Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for window opening can easily achieve this.

3) Natural Ventilation
A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2 sides of the bedrooms have external faces.Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times ventilators above the window openings play a major role of circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction. When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.

4) Clear Movement Patterns.
Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as

a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.
b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet
c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)

If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable space.

5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.
Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the comfort level of the habitants.

a) The first and the most important is a good provision of artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.
b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room extra decorative.
c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring, is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it as a painting canvas.

The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom. Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of the design project. However it is important to note that these are not the only factors that need to be looked upon, but I'm sure these can help as a starting point for further creative thinking.

I hope this article was informative to everyone.

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The top health insurance plans

Since competition in terms of health insurance is on the rise, it is no wonder that more and more forms of health insurance are being designed. Among these, there are few that are popular and they are briefly described below.

Individual Insurance: 
Ensuring a person individually is a common mode of insurance. One may be selective about what s/he wants in a plan through this process. Accordingly, one has required premium is calculated, and the insurance plan takes effect.

Group Insurance:  
Another type of insurance is the group arrangement. Through this type of insurance, one is compelled to abide by what others are going for, and this is dependent on the insurance providers. They are the ones that decide what is feasible to include in a plan, and on that basis, a group insurance can take place.

Indemnity Plan:  
This plan allows one to go to any doctor when one needs to; there are no restrictions on this, and it is believed to be more of a traditional plan. One does not need permission to go to a particular health care provider. However, usually what happens is that the member pays 20% of the total fee for treatment while the insurance provider pays 80%. In addition to this, there is a period through which one pays up in this manner, and then the company takes over paying the whole 100%.

HMO: 
The Health Maintenance Organization is one that allows a member to select a particular doctor off the panel. It is these selected doctors that will deal will with members' problems. The selected doctor is the one that will be approached for checkups of any kind, and if there are problems with a member that cannot be handled by him or her, the member is referred to specialists.

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How To Quit Smoking

One of the most vicious diseases in today's times is smoking. It makes a person baffle for air 3 times more than a non-smoker. It has very many repercussions on the life of the smoker and those around him. It leads to lung cancer and various heart diseases like asthma and emphysema. We should thus abhor this deadly disease and quit smoking.
Quitting is not easy
But to actually quit smoking is not easy, because it is an addiction. However there are very many ways and methods that help us to quit smoking for instance we can opt for acupuncture therapy or aromatherapy. We can also opt for non-nicotine cigarettes or go for precise prescription by a doctor.
But first and foremost we need to decide in our heart to stop smoking and should also fix a day for the same. Inform your family about your decision and seek for their help and assistance. Throw away all the cigarette packets, ashtrays and lighters. Stop buying any more cigarettes. Rather think of the more useful and better things that you can buy with the money thus saved. Ask the other family members also, who smoke, to stop smoking. Keep yourself busy. Exercise regularly and meditate occasionally. Eat healthy food.
After doing all this you may still feel severe urges to smoke. You may also actually retort back to it, but that's no problem, just be persistent and bring back your decision on to the right track after this break, because most of the people are successful only after 2-3 attempts.
Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms
About 80% people retort back to smoking after once leaving it and only 20% successfully accomplish the task. People retort back due to many reasons. Some say they feel agitated. Others say that the aroma when someone lights up is irresistible. But most of them do so due to the fear of symptoms that appears after that last puff viz. weight gain, aggressive thinking, dry throat, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, dizziness, hypersensitivity to stimuli, etc. but these are all just temporary symptoms and disappear in a few days. In fact after the initial bout is over the blood pressure, heart rate, pulse arte all get back to normal. You thus need to keep your will power strong and stick to your decision for a few more days.
Some people are not able to continue with the smoke cessation programs because they say that they are costly. But this is a wrong perception because they are not costlier than the price spent for buying cigarettes. And then isn't it more logical to spend on your health rather on a disease.

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Social PR Tips to Get Fit for 2013 Digital Marketing

If you’re in the digital marketing world you know the keyword drill – visual, social, mobile, local, and content marketing. They’re the vitamins, nutrients, cardio, weightlifting and supplements that brands need to stay healthy, vital, and in shape.

2013 marks the year fit brands of all sizes can win the war against the competition and the race to gain or maintain a customer relationship.

The gimmicky yo-yo-SEO days are over – that was so last decade. Today’s healthy brands are doing press releases because they’re newsworthy, attracting links as a result of good content, and collaborating between all departments, including creative, public relations, digital marketing, advertising, and customer service.

Build a Community, Think Different

The traditional business model is changing thanks to social media communities and social conversations. Digital marketing experts report that the majority of a company’s sales cycle today happens without a company’s participation; brands and agencies that “get it” will survive.

“Small businesses all the way to the enterprise level should think entrepreneurial,” Copyblogger CEO Brian Clark shared at BlueGlassX 2012. “In order to appear on the customer’s radar early and expand marketshare, brands must shift the mindset to become media producers and think like an editorial team whether it is content, social or search.”

So how do you create a relationship with your audience before the sales cycle starts? Digital marketers chimed in offering tips on how smart brands can gain market share (and muscle share) by leveraging the best practices of content marketing and thinking like a media company.

Social PR Dos

• Find ways to get in the social and mobile newsfeed. More organic visibility equals more publicity. “If you want to grow your social presence, and right now let's admit that means Facebook, you have to find ways to get around the limits that Facebook is putting on organic visibility for your posts. Sure you can pay to show up in your fans’ newsfeeds, but you have to get creative to show up to a large percentage of your fans without paying. Right now that means images!” said Rob Woods, director of marketing, Reinvent.

• Go visual by using pictures your audience can identify with! But they don't need to be, and in most cases shouldn't be, directly related to your brand. Woods offers this tip: Make the images 403 pixels wide by 271 pixels high. That's the best size to look great on the web and on mobile.

• Dial into local mobile search. “The biggest under the radar opportunity for local brands in 2013 is the explosion happening right now in local mobile search. Smartphones are now the fastest spreading technology in human history, and – as Mary Meeker just reported – 13 percent of all Internet traffic now comes from a mobile device, up from 4 percent just two years ago,” said John Denny, VP Marketing, Advance Digital.

• Encourage users to “Google” your brand to find you rather than typing in your domain directly. “You still get the visit, but in addition to the visit you are getting a powerful signal to Google that you should rank for terms related to your brand, and you are teaching users to repeat that searching behavior,” Woods said.

• Think like a magazine. Smart brands will have a chief content officer charged with an agile content marketing plan that includes an editorial calendar, non-promotional types of content, strong visuals, email marketing, and offline advertising.

• Utilize paid search for positive and negative public relations. Remember that what people are talking about drives search trends on a daily basis. Janel Landis Laravie Founder, Chacka Marketing, offers this social PR tip: Everyone knows that they need to incorporate special offers and promos into their paid search campaigns, but don’t forget about positive and negative PR. If you are in the spotlight for good or bad reasons, utilize paid search to make your response the first result searchers are seeing on the results page and drive traffic to a dedicated page or blog post about it. Bidding on related terms to a recall or a community event will also let you assess just how big of a deal the subject is to your customers, because you will see how many impressions and clicks there actually were on the related keywords.Pay to play for social publicity! All Facebook community managers should be familiar with Facebook ads and take advantage of the second degree visibility opportunities advised aimClear’s Manny Rivas. Facebook Page Post ad units are the most underused type of Facebook ad yet are extremely powerful in driving cheap traffic to external sites (like a blog).
  Social PR Don’ts
  

• Don’t have OCD with what your competition is doing. “Find what's different about your brand and promote that...it's going to come across as much more sincere than doing a zombie infographic,” said Julie Joyce, owner and director of operations, Link Fish Media.

• Don’t let Google run (or ruin) your life. Google isn’t the only form of digital muscle. There are other sources of protein to build up marketshare strength. Joyce noted that the key is to win the popularity contest on other networks and build out a content marketing system across a multitude of digital channels and platforms.

• Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter

• Bing, DuckDuckGo

• Quora

• Other quality niche websites

• Don’t ignore the local SEO opportunity. Brands that understand that local organic search results is a public relations opportunity will win the local marketing race. “The smartphone essentially becomes a local discovery machine, and that fact is driving skyrocketing numbers of local searches. The two dots that many brands have not yet connected is that once people are out and about with an always on internet device, a large part of what they do is related to searching for things around them. Google is increasingly favoring local results in the SERPs that are personalized to the user’s exact geo location. If you are a digital marketer connected in any way to driving results in local markets, you need to begin orienting your brain toward the unique set of local seo best practices that help you rank high in local search results,” noted Denny.

• Just say no to useless content and get focused! Stop overdoing guest posts on low-trafficked sites and trying to get a giant variety of thin content posted all over the web,” said Joyce. “Start building up content equity on a few great sites.”

• Focus on writing one great article a month and promoting the article versus focusing on a higher quantity of articles per month but less quality and less promotions.

• Find authority sites in your niche and ask to do a guest post there, then promote the heck out of it and if it goes well, ask if you can turn it into a series or become a regular columnist.

Get Fit for 2013!

So how can brands get stronger and stay fit in 2013? Bulk up on a healthy content strategy and load up on exercises that help create brand longevity and vitality. Avoid toxic social media influences and unnecessary SEO indulgences.

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