Getty Images signs deal with QOC

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Getty Images has signed a deal with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to create a bespoke digital archive system for the QOC’s heritage assets. Getty Images will partner with digital video systems designer EVS to build the archive management system, which will host videos, tapes, DVDs, photos and documents dating from 1979.

Getty Images’ web-based asset management service, Media Manager, will host the QOC’s photo and documental assets, while EVS will construct a Media Archive Director video system to ingest, manage and deliver all video content.

As part of the deal, Getty Images will also share best practice with the QOC photo team on capturing imagery at sports events and official appointments.

“Creating and managing content is the DNA of Getty Images,” says Lee Martin, Senior Vice President EMEA, Getty Images. “So we are delighted to provide this content solution for Qatar Olympic Committee, helping them ensure the preservation and longevity of their assets.”

H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General adds, “We know Getty Images to be a world leader in the content space, and see this collaboration as a way to help transfer knowledge to all QOC staff and secure the legacy and heritage of QOC’s assets for future generations.”

Benoit Février, Senior Vice President Media of EVS concludes, “Our integrated media archive management solutions are designed to offer full mastering over media workflows from ingest to delivery, guaranteeing the highest level of security, flexibility and video content accessibility. We are proud to partner with Getty Images to provide our technology and expertise to meet the Qatar Olympic Committee’s requirements.”

Vineetha Menon joins NPI Media

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Vineetha Menon has joined NPI Media as Editor of the Concierge portfolio. Having spent the previous two years at Mediaquest, Vineetha was Editor of Aficionado across its print, online and iPad editions, and was responsible for content across client-led titles including the monthly events guide for Dubai Tourism, Dubai Calendar and Mercedes Benz magazine. In her new role, Vineetha’s primary focus will be on the Abu Dhabi edition of the Concierge magazine.

“I’m excited to be joining the fantastic team at NPI Media,” says Vineetha. The Concierge magazine portfolio has such a wide reach in the region, and I look forward to contributing to its further success!”

Snapchat settlement resolves ownership dispute

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Messaging service Snapchat has ended a bitter dispute over the app’s origins in a private settlement. In a legal battle that has extended for over a year, Snapchat’s CEO Evan Spiegal and CTO Bobby Murphy have acknowledged that the idea for the company included ousted Co-Founder Frank Reginald ‘Reggie’ Brown IV.

With the company now valued at least $10 billion, Brown claimed to own one-third of the company alongside the two Founders as the original idea came when the three had been students at Stanford University, and that Spiegal and Murphy had kicked him out just one month before the app launched in July 2011.

“We are pleased that we have been able to resolve this matter in a manner that is satisfactory to Mr. Brown and the company,” says Evan. “We acknowledge Reggie’s contribution to the creation of Snapchat and appreciate his work in getting the application off the ground.”

Terms of the settlement have not been made public.

Apple Watch runs apps from third-party developers

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During the highly anticipated Apple event last night – which announced the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus – it was confirmed that the Apple Watch, set to be released early 2015, will be offering more than just a selection of Apple-designed apps; which include iMessages, Health, Calendar, Weather, Mail, Photos, Camera’s shutter button, Apple Maps and Siri, as well the expected dedicated fitness and workout apps in partnership with Nike.

Apple’s first wearable gadget, which will integrate with iOS 8 devices, has offered access to third-party developers by introducing WatchKit APIs, enabling developers to make their apps compatible with Apple Watch. During the event, Apple demonstrated a number of social media applications that will be available on the Apple Watch, including –

  • Facebook updates and notifications
  • Twitter notifications with favourite/retweet/dismiss buttons
  • The Twitter app, which allows you to read your timeline, see what’s trending and create a tweet
  • Posting to Pinterest, which offers up nearby sites

The Apple Watch will be available in three models – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition – with various sizing options and features on offer for each.

Twitter tests ‘buy’ button in the USA

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Twitter has introduced a ‘buy’ button to a limited number of users on its US service. A number of people on iOS and Android will start to see tweets which include an option to buy products directly from their timeline – shifting the social media platform into the e-commerce arena.

“We are beginning to test a new way for your to discover and buy products on Twitter,” says Tarun Jain, Group Project Manager, Twitter. “For a small percentage of US users (that will grow over time), some Tweets from our test partners will feature a ‘buy’ button, letting you buy directly from the tweet.”

According to Tarun in his blog announcement, an entire purchase can be completed with only a few clicks. Tapping the ‘buy’ button will lead to additional product information and you will be prompted to enter your shipping and payment details – which will be encrypted and stored after your first transaction. With that complete, the order will then be sent out for delivery.

To launch the new commerce system, Twitter has partnered with a small group of brands which includes shopping platform Fancy, click payments provider Stripe, e-commerce brand Gumroad and merchandise and ticketing company Musictoday.

Twitter is also starting the test with a group of artists, brands and nonprofit organisations, including Burberry, Eminem, (RED), Pharell and Panic! At The Disco.

Aziza Communications welcomes new team members

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Luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications has welcomed PR Executive Faye Jones and Junior PR Executive Janine Alyssa to its expanding team. Faye joins the team from London where she formed part of the Ted Baker Head Office team, Janine previously held the position of Marketing Executive and Content Writer at Pearl of Arabia Travel and Tourism.

“Joining Aziza Communications represents a strategic career move for me and I am thrilled to be working with such exciting brands,” says Faye. “I feel lucky to be part of such a great company and am very much looking forward to being involved in its future expansion.”

Janine adds, “I am over the moon at joining the dynamic team at Aziza Communications – I look forward to helping create exciting campaigns for our luxury brands!”

 

Promotions announced at The Qode

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Rania Kfoury and Shimaa Elsayed have been jointly promoted to Account Directors at The Qode. Both ladies have been with the agency since its launch and have played an integral role in developing the business. Collectively, Rania and Shimaa will oversee all of The Qode’s PR accounts, each managing a team of Account Managers and Account Executives, as well as liaising with clients and members of the media.

“Excelling at The Qode has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” says Shimaa. “Being a part of the agency from its inception and witnessing its steady growth and development into a leading luxury PR consultancy has been very fulfilling. I am very excited about what the future holds and feel extremely lucky to be a part of this very impressive structure.”

Rania adds, “I’ve been with The Qode since the very beginning and it’s very satisfying to see what it’s become today, to contribute to its success and be part of the growth. I am looking forward to more exciting challenges ahead!”