| | New York - News Corp. is expected this month to lay off more than half of the staff at MySpace, its social network-turned entertainment portal, and sell the site off by mid-2011, CNBC reported on Monday, citing sources. [more..] Cambridge, Mass. - U.S. sales of tablet computers -- such as Apple's iPad -- reached an estimated 10.3 million units in 2010, and projected to more than double in 2011 to 24.1 million and eventually hit 44 million by 2015, according to a revised forecast from market research firm Forrester. [more..] New York - Total U.S. ad spending grew 6.4% in the first nine months of 2010, and Internet display ads had the second-largest growth rate among media sectors at 7.7%, according to a report from Kantar Media. [more..] Los Gatos, Calif. - Netflix announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with a number of consumer electronics firms to place a Netflix button on remote controls, to provide subscribers with one-click access to Netflix streaming on supported devices. [more..] McLean, Va. - Publisher Gannett's USA Today said on Tuesday it has acquired Boston-based Reviewed.com, a group of 12 product-review websites focused on technology products such as digital cameras, camcorders and high-definition televisions. [more..] Chicago - Centro, a provider of digital media services, has raised $22.5 million in new financing from FTV Capital. [more..] New York - Ziff Davis, an online publisher of technology news and information, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired LogicBuy.com, a provider of tech-related deals and coupons that counted over 10 million visitors in 2010. [more..] Boston - SCVNGR, a developer of mobile software technology used in games and other applications, has raised $15 million in new financing, led by Balderton Capital. [more..] San Francisco - trueAnthem, a social marketing firm that offers brand-sponsored free music, video and other content, has raised $2.9 million in a first round of venture capital financing, VentureBeat reported, citing a regulatory filing. [more..] Portland, Ore. - Rentrak, a provider of media audience measurement services, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Media Salvation, a provider of sales and financial reporting systems and services to movie studios. [more..] New York - Exit activity for venture-backed companies in 2010 moved closer to levels seen prior to the economic downturn, according to new figures from Dow Jones VentureSource. [more..] Littleton, Mass. - Movik Networks, a developer of technology for delivering mobile multimedia content, has raised $3 million in venture debt, according to a recent filing by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. [more..] Mountain View, Calif. - Wild Needle, a start-up developing social gaming technology, has raised $2.5 million of an expected $3 million first round of funding, VentureBeat reported, citing a regulatory filing. [more..] | Technology Council of Southern California: Digital Media Society Event - January 12, 2011 - Los Angeles, CA Content World Turned Upside Down: Can Traditional Media Adapt? To register: www.tcosc.org. January 12, 2011 from 6-9pm Sheraton 4 Points, Culver City, CA: Dinner Included Panelists: Richard Berger, SVP Global Digital Strategy: SONY; Scott Brovsky: Director Global Marketing: DISNEY Interactive; Eric Garland: CEO Big Champagne; Richard Neff, Neff Law Firm. Moderator: Ned Sherman: CEO: DigitalMediaWire. Traditional media is under assault by disruptive business models. From GoogleTV to iTunes and YouTube to the rise of social networks to e-book readers to cloud computing and free software, the worlds of newspapers, books, music, games, film, television and even software have seen revenues plummet. Can they survive and thrive? Register TODAY! | | Briefly Noted | Las Vegas - Verizon is expected to introduce a number of 4G handsets and debut its 4G wireless network this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, according to published reports. [more..] New York - Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" may be returning to the Hulu video portal, after being removed in early 2010 when terms for streaming couldn't be agreed upon, The New York Times reported. [more..] Los Angeles - RealD, a developer of 3D cinema projection systems, announced on Tuesday that it is working with Samsung Electronics on new 3D display technology called RDZ, which supports the same 3D glasses used in RealD-equipped movie theaters. [more..] Oakland, Calif. - Streaming radio service Pandora said on Tuesday that carmaker Toyota will integrate the personalized Internet radio service into its Entune in-car multimedia system. [more..] | | Executive & Editorial Team | Ned Sherman: CEO, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: ned@digitalmediawire.com Paul Sherman: Co-Founder & Executive Editor: psherman@potomactechwire.com Tinzar Sherman: VP, Marketing & Events: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com Mark Hefflinger: DMW Newsletter Editor: mark@digitalmediawire.com Joakim Baage: VP, Content and Business Development: jay@digitalmediawire.com Duan Li: Assistant Marketing Manager: duan@digitalmediawire.com Cameron Granger: Marketing and Events Coordinator: cameron@digitalmediawire.com Questions, Comments & Suggestions: feedback@digitalmediawire.com News Tips & Press Releases: editorial@digitalmediawire.com Telephone: 310.855.0033 Post a job, click here. To advertise and receive a media kit, click here. For more information about event sponsorships, click here. For a free subscription to the DMW Daily Newsletter, click here. To hold the newsletter on Vacation or to Unsubscribe, click here. | |  11th Annual Digital Music Forum - February 24, 2011 - New York City, NY We are pleased to announce the addition of Dermot McCormack, EVP of Digital Media, MTV Networks Music & Logo Group as a keynoter for the event. McCormack will speak on the topic of "More Than Music Videos: Why todays music fan wants a 360 curated music experience that includes a diversity of music content and digital products". We are currently offering sponsor/exhibit opportunities. Please contact Event Director Jay Baage via email jay@digitalmediawire.com for more information. To submit a speaker, please click here. Don't miss the chance to register at the special New Year rate - ends on Jan 5! Register Now! Extras | | |