DIGITAL

Xtreme Media becomes Samsung Smart Signage Platform partner

Xtreme Media has seen its XMDSS system approved for use on the Samsung Smart Signage Platform. A cloud-based offering, XMDSS supports multiple formats, including Flash, animation, RSS feeds and live streaming of video content.

Medium Multi-Taction iWall to make its début in Dubai

MultiTouch will use Gitex 2014 in Dubai as the platform to launch a smaller version of its MultiTaction iWall. Composed of nine 22.8cm x 140cm panels, the videowall reflects customer demand for a reduced size for use in boardrooms and other locations where space is limited.

Amscreen turns the spotlight on the undead at UK petrol stations

In anticipation of the new season of The Walking Dead, Now TV has partnered with Amscreen to bring zombies to UK petrol stations. The advertising uses live CCTV footage and overlays zombies shambling over the footage, making it look like the forecourt is being overrun with the undead.

Microspace releases Velocity router service for digital signage networks

US broadband services provider Microspace Communications has extended its product portfolio for the digital signage sector with its new Velocity Cellcast router. Key features in the system include network management and monitoring tools, which allow the user to quickly identify and resolve any issues within their network. A simplified setup and install process is designed to enable users to start displaying content with a minimum of fuss.

Paywalls are coming down as publishers look to capitalise on mobile

A study by the Association of Online Publishers （AOP） suggests that the number of publishers charging for online content will fall significantly over the next year.

53 percent of respondees confirmed that they will continue to run paywalls over the coming year, a nine percent drop on last year, as mobile and behavioural targeting becomes the central focus for publishers.

Google takes on German media as digital content stand-off continues

Google has taken action in a long-standing dispute over content usage rights with several major German publishers, including Axel Springer, which prints the country's most popular news title, Bild. The internet giant has declared that it will cease to display text summaries and thumbnail images from the newspapers' websites.

PRINT

New tool looks to eliminate pre-press woes for publishers

Agfa has released a new set of tools aimed at facilitating pre-press operations at publishing houses. Based on ISO standards and regulations with a focus on training, consultancy and system integration, eXpert Services aims to ensure a minimum level of quality control throughout a pre-press workflow.

Second time around for Sistrade at Grafima

Sistrade is to return to print and packaging exhibition Grafima, which takes place on 15th – 18th October 2014 in Belgrade, Serbia, following a successful first outing in 2013. The company will focus on its MIS, ERP system, while it will also present a talk on cost savings as part of the show's supporting schedule.

Local show attendance for Guandong as it confirms Viscom Italy place

Guandong has announced its presence at Viscom Italy 2014, where it will highlight its textil materials for use on the HP Latex 300 series. The canvas products on show will include a 360g Canvas Super White material, along with a 390g Natural Black and 300g Polypropene Super Green, all available in a range of sizes.

Fujifilm announces first sale of complete Inca Onset corrugated solution

UK packaging company DS Smith has finalised a purchase of an Inca Onset S40i, along with Fujifilm's Uvijet low-odour inks and automated handling device, making it the first to purchase the entire system from the manufacturer. The inclusion of the automated handler is expected to save operator time while completing jobs on the machine.

3D

3D print it, grow it and eat it: designer unveils organic food prototype

Dutch designer Chloé Rutzerveld has produced edible 3D-printed bite-size biscuits with live bio-cultures enclosed within the food. A mixture of printable biscuit ingredients form a base, with seeds, live bacteria and yeast enclosed in the biscuit mixture. As the creation is left to grow, the micro-organisms alter the texture and flavour of the mixture. The final result is ready to eat within five days.

DESIGN

Quality mark implementation to be discussed at Design Industry Roundtable

The MBC's proposal that there should be a design quality watermark is to be discussed by the Design Council at its next Design Industry Roundtable event. In a statement highlighting the pros and cons of such a statement, chief executive John Mathers invited an open discussion on the future regulation or otherwise of the industry.

MANUFACTURING

Second Sign Manufacturing Day a 'rousing success', claim organisers

The sign-making industry has been put to the forefront of US students' minds with the second Sign Manufacturing Day, co-sponsored by the International Sign Association and National Association of Manufacturers. The event, which takes place on the first Friday of October, saw sixteen companies in different locations around the country open their facilities to local schools, with the aim of showcasing the different career opportunities available within the sector.