BLOG – Consort Partners http://consortpartners.com Behind the Scenes with Consort Partners Sat, 28 Apr 2018 22:06:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.17 FreedomPop Offers Unlimited Wi-Fi for $5 / Month http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-offers-unlimited-wi-fi-for-5-month/ Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:35:33 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2737 wifi coverage mapA big day for FreedomPop today as the company announced a new wi-fi network of 10 million hotspots available to users on an unlimited basis of $5 per month.  Coverage began this morning and has continued throughout the day, with more to come.  The team secured coverage from The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, GigaOm, CNET, PCMag and many more as you can see below.
Wi-Fi Release Coverage 1/21:
 
Wall Street Journal
Could This New FreedomPop Wi-Fi Service Be An Alternative To Wireless Bills?
By Ryan Knutson and Thomas Gryta
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop’s offering highlights a mini uprising of Quixotic efforts to carve out new, cheaper business models in the wireless business… Now, though, the ubiquity of Wi-Fi is making it more possible to use carrier service as a fallback or, for some earnest pioneers, to ditch it altogether.”
GigaOm
FreedomPop Cobbles Together a Wi-Fi Network of 10M Hotspots
By Kevin Fitchard
January 21, 2015
“On Wednesday it will turn on access to a Wi-Fi network of 10 million hotspots and an unlimited voice, SMS and Wi-Fi data plan for $5 a month – quite a deal if you don’t mind cutting the tether to the cellular network completely.”
TechCrunch
FreedomPop Turns On Unlimited WiFi In The US For $5/Month
By Ingrid Lunden
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop, the startup that is trying to steal users away from mobile carriers by offering free, basic cellular voice and data plans, is adding another string to its bow today… The service is potentially a shakeup for carriers that have been rolling out LTE services priced at a premium, and seems to fit usage patterns around already.”
 
CNET
FreedomPop rolls out unlimited Wi-Fi for $5 a month
By Lance Whitney
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop is aiming the service at a variety of users — those who don’t want to chew up their cellular minutes or data, those with a Wi-Fi-only tablet, and even those who have a cellular-deactivated phone but would still like to use it to get online via Wi-Fi.”
 
Tom’s Hardware
FreedomPop Launches ‘LTE Alternative’ Carrier-Independent WiFi Service, $5 Per Month
By Seth Colaner
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop really, really wants to punch the mobile wireless industry in the neck. (Or turn it on its head, whichever seems less violent to you.)”
FierceWireless
FreedomPop CEO: We’ll crack 1M subscribers in Q2 or Q3
By Phil Goldstein
January 21, 2015
“Sprint MVNO FreedomPop will cross 1 million total customers sometime in the second or third quarter of 2015, earlier than expected.”
PCMag
FreedomPop Launches $5 Wi-Fi Service
By Angela Moscaritolo
January 21, 2015
“If you constantly go over your smartphone data each month, FreedomPop has a new offer that might entice you.”
UberGizmo
FreedomPop Launches Unlimited Wi-Fi For $5 Per Month
By Adnan Farooqui
January 21, 2015
“The company is going down this part as major carriers continue with the rollout of their LTE networks in the U.S. Those data services come at a high price and FreedomPop is targeting their customers with a cheaper Wi-Fi service.”
Multichannel News
FreedomPop Launches $5 Wi-Fi Only Plan
By Jeff Baumgartner
January 21, 2015
“He also sees the model appealing to consumers on a tight budget or those who can’t afford cellular services. Stokols said WiFi product could also give FreedomPop a way to eat into the prepaid smartphone market.”
Wireless Week
FreedomPop Offers $5 Unlimited Access to 10M Wi-Fi Hotspots
By Ben Munson
January 21, 2015
“Customers will gain access to FreedomPop’s aggregated Wi-Fi network via an Android app that automatically connects and authenticates. The service is available to any Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or tablet regardless of compatible service provider.”
 
Telecompetitor
FreedomPop Wi-Fi Service Offers Unlimited Voice, Text and Data
By Joan Engebretson
January 21, 2015
“Stokols sees considerable pent up demand for the product from end users who have inquired about the company’s cellular offering but have not been able to switch to it because they have GSM phones and FreedomPop uses Sprint’s CDMA network.”
 
SlashGear
FreedomPop WiFi opens 10m hotspots in new carrier challenge
By Chris Davies
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop’s offer of auto-connection at a relatively low price could be one solution for those more interested in getting online than spending their time hunting for a free option.”
 
TWICE
FreedomPop Adds $5/Month Unlimited Wi-Fi Phone Service 
By Joseph Palenchar
January 21, 2015
“Many of the hot spots are closed to public access, the company contended.”
Lilyputing
FreedomPop’s $5 phone plans work on 10 million WiFi hotspots
By Brad Linder
January 21, 2015
“The company is positioning its nationwide WiFi network as a cheap alternative to 4G LTE networks. While the service will likely be far less reliable, it’s also far less expensive: you typically have to pay $50 or more per month for unlimited talk, text, and data on a cellular network. FreedomPop’s service will cost one tenth as much… I suppose paying $60 per year could look a lot better than paying $600 or more.”
InformationWeek
FreedomPop’s Unlimited WiFi Plan Challenges Carriers
By Eric Zeman
January 21, 2015
“That said, however, FreedomPop’s offering is a compelling option for tablets or spare phones. At $5 month, it’s certainly worth testing.”
The Consumerist
FreedomPop Launches $5 Unlimited Public WiFi Access, But Is It Worth It?
By Ashlee Kiefer
January 21, 2015
“Or if you are constantly using your wireless data and regularly come up against the limits of your monthly allotment, a service like this might be an alternative worth looking into rather than committing to a more expensive data plan.”
Christian Science Monitor
FreedomPop debuts $5 unlimited Wi-Fi plan in 200 cities
By Tess Daniels
January 21, 2015
“The success of FreedomPop’s new model has yet to be determined, but with its low prices and high promises, this cheap Wi-Fi service could find an audience among city dwellers.”
Digital Trends
Unlimited Wi-Fi service for $5 a month comes to FreedomPop
By Malarie Gokey
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop may be the biggest uncarrier of them all with its low-cost smartphone plans and Internet services. Now the game-changing startup will offer another intriguing service: connection to unlimited Wi-Fi for just $5 a month.”
SoCalTech
FreedomPop Opens National Wi-Fi Hotspot Network
January 21, 2015
“FreedomPop is not building out its own Wi-Fi network, but has tapped a number of un-named partners to help power the new service. “
Android Authority
FreedomPop debuts calling, texting and access to 10 million Wifi hotspots for $5 per month
By Jimmy Westenberg
January 21, 2015
“The carrier is taking the next step in cheap plans by introducing a new plan that offers unlimited calling, texting and data access for only $5 per month.”
Android Headlines
$5 a Month Will Get You Unlimited Text, Data and Voice on FreedomPop’s WiFi Network
By Tom Dawson
January 21, 2015
“You can use this $5 a month to save on your data plan, making that 5 or 8GB low-cost plan of yours run a little further for just 5 bucks a month on top.”
 
Headlines & Global News
Smartphone Startup FreedomPop Offers Users Unlimited Wi-Fi Across America for $5 Per Month
By Christopher Hutton
January 21, 2015
“The service certainly sounds neat and makes a lot of sense for FreedomPop’s clients, but it’s not clear if the service will attract users outside of FreedomPop’s customer base.”
Telecompaper
FreedomPop launches LTE Wi-Fi network in the US
January 21, 2015
“With auto-connect access to the Wi-Fi network, the company will offer any smartphone or tablet user, with any wireless carrier, unlimited voice, text and data on more than 10 million Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.”
TechSpot
FreedomPop rolls out $5/month unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot plan, works with any carrier
By Shawn Knight
January 21, 2015
“Another potential use is with abandoned phones; those that you may have lying around that aren’t signed on with a wireless carrier. FreedomPop’s plan could bring new life to those old devices, perhaps as a phone for your child or teen or again, as a way to cut back on data use on your primary plan.”
Latin Post
Wireless Wifi Internet Access Hotspots App: FreedomPop Allows Users to Buy Unlimited Wifi Network With Their Android Device
By Julia Harris
January 21, 2015
“Los Angeles-based startup FreedomPop is rolling out a low-cost WiFi service with automatic sign-on and unlimited use of 10 million hotspots across the U.S. for $5 a month.”
 
States Chronicle
Unlimited Voice, SMS and Wi-Fi with FreedomPp for $5/month
By Alicia Johnson
January 21, 2015
“Last year, the Wi-Fi only phone was victoriously release by FreedomPop, and the sales have been a blast. It was only one more step left towards a notorious success: that the mobile virtual network operator started promoting and selling Wi-Fi service.”
PhoneNews
FreedomPop Launches $5 Monthly Wi-Fi-Only Plan
By Humberto Saabedra
January 21, 2015
“The service will allow for unlimited voice and messaging through a new Android app that will automatically locate and allow subscribers to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots found in Starbucks, Home Depot and other major locations such as public squares in the new network. “
]]> A Snapshot of Thync in the News http://consortpartners.com/a-snapshot-of-thync-in-the-news/ Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:20:31 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2733 colalge

We are proud to present this snapshot of the media coverage secured around the funding news and launch of Thync.  The company emerged from stealth in October and shared the first details around the upcoming product – a consumer, lifestyle wearable that uses a neurosignaling algorithm to shift you into a state of calm or energy.  Watch for news in 2015 for more details.  But in the meantime, we’ve worked to secure coverage in the major media outlets in the U.S., U.K., and France.

John Shinal of USA Today wrote, “Thync has the potential to create the most transformative consumer technology to come out of Silicon Valley in a long time.”  The Guardian / Observer in the U.K. included Thync as one of the “Top 20 Innovations for 2015.”  We think they are onto something!

]]> Headline News: Declara http://consortpartners.com/headline-news-declara/ Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:59:57 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2729 December snapshot

The Consort Team is busy pulling together collages for our clients to showcase the coverage we’ve generated as their publicity partner.  We’re proud to share with you a collection of highlights from Declara, a company that has developed a platform to facilitate formal learning with informal learning – inspired by the incredible story of the founder Ramona Pierson and her experiences having to relearn and readapt to life after a near-death accident.

The company has been covered by print, online and broadcast media – in fact, hitting newsstands today is a feature story about Ramona in Entrepreneur Magazine.

We are deeply honored to be an extended part of the Declara team.

]]> Sharon loves FreedomPop http://consortpartners.com/sharon-loves-freedompop/ Tue, 14 Oct 2014 22:12:29 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2694 Sharon Osbourne The Talk FreedomPop October 2014A little birthday love to Sharon Osbourne – she and the audience of The Talk were presented with free voice, data and text from FreedomPop.  But you don’t have to be Sharon Osbourne or at The Talk to get free voice, data and text – everyone has the right to free Internet access with FreedomPop!

Related articles across the web

]]> Just in Time for the weekend – LifeTrak Brite 450 featured in Time http://consortpartners.com/just-in-time-for-the-weekend-lifetrak-brite-450-featured-in-time/ Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:02:36 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2713 TIME Magazine Oct 2014 Lifetrak Brite

The weekend is when we decompress, have some fun, and catch up on some sleep.  Make sure you’re getting enough sleep (and blue light – that’s important too), with the LifeTrak Brite 450 life tracker.  Just featured in Time Magazine.

 

Related articles across the web

]]> Thync Combines Neurosignaling and Consumer Technology in New Lifestyle Wearable Category http://consortpartners.com/thync-combines-neurosignaling-and-consumer-technology-in-new-lifestyle-wearable-category/ Thu, 09 Oct 2014 23:26:29 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2630 Thync co-founders Isy Goldwasser and Jamie Tyler, PhD

Thync co-founders Isy Goldwasser and Jamie Tyler, PhD

This week, Thync came out of stealth and announced funding of $13M led by Khosla Ventures.  Thync is the first company to combine neuroscience with consumer wearables to allow people to quickly and easily transition from a hectic day to a calm time with family, or from a late afternoon lull to an energized evening out. Neuroscientists and engineers from Harvard, MIT, ASU and Stanford have been quietly working on this technology for years.

Check out the release below and some of the press coverage so far.

LOS GATOS, Calif. – October 8, 2014 – Creating a new category of wearable products based on advanced neuroscience, Thync announced today it has raised a total of $13 million since inception from top-tier investors, including lead investor Khosla Ventures. Thync is engineering the first lifestyle wearable that uses neurosignaling algorithms– waveforms that signal neural pathways –to shift and optimize people’s state of mind in areas related to energy, calm, and focus.

“We share Thync’s belief that unlocking the power of the mind will be a great advancement and a frontier that consumers should have access to,” said Samir Kaul, Partner, Khosla Ventures. “We back the talented team at Thync because we see a revolutionary convergence at the intersection of neuroscience and consumer technology.”

Sales of products and services related to inducing energy and relaxed states exceed $400 billion per year globally. Recent market research indicates that in the U.S., energy drinks are a $12.5 billion per year industry, while coffee, alcohol and artificial stimulant use is at an all-time high. The wearables market is projected to top more than $7 billion in 2015, with an estimated 300 million wearables to be shipped. Thync encompasses all of these categories with a chemical free product that will tap directly into the source – the user’s brain.

Thync’s technology platform comprises neurosignaling algorithms, hardware, software and biomaterials.  The company is integrating the most advanced aspects of neuroscience and consumer electronics to create a new category of products that give individuals access to their own capabilities, without the need for chemicals or supplements.

“We created Thync to help people better access the power of their mind,” said Thync CEO and co-founder Isy Goldwasser. “We believe that when you conquer your mind, you can conquer your day.”

Thync was founded by engineering and neuroscience experts from Stanford, Harvard and MIT. They have advanced neurosignaling by leveraging decades of research and extensive testing to ensure a safe, effective, aesthetically designed lifestyle device that anyone can use.

“The Thync team is working hard on introducing neuroscience to 21st century engineering,” said Dr. Jamie Tyler, co-founder of Thync. “For the first time, we are able to target and optimize neural pathways and brain circuits for personal benefit. Thync technology converges on many of these same pathways to achieve positive effects.”

Those interested in hearing more about Thync or becoming part of the Thync community can visit www.thync.com.

About Thync

Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur and investor Isy Goldwasser and Dr. Jamie Tyler, Associate Professor of Biological and Health Systems Engineering at Arizona State University, Thync is dedicated to giving people access to the power of their minds. Since inception, the company has raised $13 million in funding. Thync is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with an office in Boston. Thync board members include Goldwasser, Tyler, Blake Krikorian and Samir Kaul. More information is available at www.thync.com.

Press Highlights:

]]> FreedomPop Commemorates Anniversary with its Own Line of Devices – Announces Sub-$100 Devices with Free Voice and Text http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-commemorates-anniversary-with-its-own-line-of-devices-announces-sub-100-devices-with-free-voice-and-text-2/ Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:50:35 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2626 Anniversary’s are a time to celebrate and FreedomPop chose to commemorate the occasion by introducing their first ever FreedomPop-branded mobile device and a price designed to make it affordable to the broadest audience as possible. Check out the release and highlights of the resulting coverage below.

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 1, 2014 – Celebrating FreedomPop’s one year anniversary of the world’s first completely free mobile service with free voice, text and data, the company continues its mission to bring free mobile to the masses with the introduction of its first FreedomPop-branded devices, all priced under $100 MSRP.

The device shipping today is the FreedomPop Liberty, a 6.7-inch, 4GB Android phablet with wi-fi at $89 MSRP. Coming in the next month is the FreedomPop Frenzy, a 10-inch, 4GB LTE Android tablet at $99; followed by an $89 LTE Android phone in the coming months; and an expansion of its high-end devices including the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Note 3 that will retail for almost half of the current MSRP available today.

The FreedomPop Liberty, FreedomPop’s entry level phablet, is larger than the Apple iPhone 6 Plus (6.7 inches for FreedomPop versus 5.5 inches for Apple) and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (5.7 inches), yet retails for a fraction of the price (FreedomPop Liberty with free voice and text at $89 versus $749 for Apple iPhone 6 Plus with 16GB, without contract, or Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on AT&T at $664.99 without contract). The FreedomPop Liberty was kept wi-fi-only to ensure the lowest price, but users looking to roam over cellular can bundle a FreedomPop hotspot with 500 MBs free data per month for a one-time cost of $49.

“While Apple and Samsung battle at the high end of the phablet market with the iPhone 6 Plus and Note 4 costing more than $600, FreedomPop is ensuring that anyone can get the same super-sized experience at a super-affordable price,” said Steven Sesar, FreedomPop’s COO. “We are focused on bringing low cost devices to accompany free mobile service to ensure no one is left behind.”

All devices come with FreedomPop’s 100 percent free text and voice service giving users 200 voice minutes and 500 texts free each month.

Sesar added, “FreedomPop will continue to sell its current product line of third-party phones and tablets with voice, text and data capabilities, but today marks the first step toward FreedomPop’s own low cost, private-labeled devices designed with our customers in mind.”

FreedomPop’s appeal spans users who want a low-cost way to access the mobile Internet through to users looking for an affordable, high-end device with free voice, data and text – either as a primary device or “+1”.

To order a FreedomPop Liberty, Frenzy, or any of the family of mobile devices, and to sign up for the FreedomPop service now, go to freedompop.com/liberty.

CNET
Crazy-big, stupid-cheap FreedomPop Liberty boasts 7-inch screen for $90
By Jessica Dalcourt
October 1, 2014
http://www.cnet.com/products/freedompop-liberty/

GigaOm
FreedomPop starts making its own low-cost smartphones, starting with a 7-inch phablet
By Kevin Fitchard
October 1, 2014
https://gigaom.com/2014/10/01/freedompop-starts-making-its-own-low-cost-smartphones-starting-with-a-7-inch-phablet/

Tom’s Hardware
FreedomPop Breaks New Ground, Begins Making Own Tablets And Smartphones
By Seth Colaner
October 1, 2014
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/freedompop-making-own-tablets-smartphones,27797.html

TheNextWeb
Budget carrier FreedomPop gets into branded hardware with sub-$100 smartphones and tablets
By Josh Ong
October 1, 2014
http://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2014/10/01/budget-carrier-freedompop-gets-branded-hardware-sub-100-smartphones-tablets/

FierceWireless
FreedomPop launches its own branded $89 Android phablet, targets low-cost device market
By Philip Goldstein
October 1, 2014
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/freedompop-launches-its-own-branded-89-android-phablet-targets-low-cost-dev/2014-10-01

WirelessWeek
FreedomPop Selling Branded Sub-$100 Phones to Keep Up with Demand
By Ben Munson
October 1, 2014
http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2014/09/freedompop-selling-branded-sub-100-phones-keep-demand

PhoneScoop
FreedomPop Trots Out $89 Liberty Tablet
By Eric Zeman
October 1, 2014
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=14680

MultiChannel News
FreedomPop Uncorks Its Own Low-Cost Mobile Product Line
By Jeff Baumgarten
October 1, 2014
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/freedompop-uncorks-its-own-low-cost-mobile-product-line/384328

Liliputing
FreedomPop launches a $89 tablet
By Brad Linder
October 1, 2014
http://liliputing.com/2014/10/freedompop-launches-a-89-tablet.html

TWICE
FreedomPop To Add Private-Label Phones, Tablets
By Joseph Palenchar
October 1, 2014
http://www.twice.com/news/smartphonestablets/freedompop-add-private-label-phones-tablets/54201

Geeky Gadgets
FreedomPop Liberty And Frenzy Tablets Unveiled Starting At $89
By Julian Horsey
October 1, 2014
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/freedompop-liberty-and-frenzy-tablets-unveiled-starting-at-89-01-10-2014/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+geeky-gadgets+(Geeky+Gadgets)

Ubergizmo
FreedomPop Delivers Brand New Devices Without Breaking The Bank
By Edwin Kee
October 1, 2014
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/10/freedompop-delivers-brand-new-devices-without-breaking-the-bank/

Tablet News
FreedomPop Debuts an $89 Tablet Called Liberty
By Radu Iorga
October 1, 2014
http://tablet-news.com/2014/10/01/freedompop-debuts-an-89-tablet/

Prepaid Phone News
FreedomPop adds Liberty phablet for $89, first of its own branded low-cost devices
October 1, 2014
http://prepaidmobilephonereviews.com/freedompop-adds-liberty-phablet-89-first-branded-low-cost-devices/

Android Headlines
Freedom Pop, America’s Free Carrier, to Launch Own-Brand Devices for Under $100
By David Steele
October 1, 2014
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2014/10/freedom-pop-americas-free-carrier-to-launch-own-brand-devices-for-under-100.html

SocalTech
FreedomPop Launches Branded Devices
By Ben Kuo
October 1, 2014
http://www.socaltech.com/freedompop_launches_branded_devices/s-0057200.html

]]> FreedomPop Commemorates Anniversary with its Own Line of Devices – Announces Sub-$100 Devices with Free Voice and Text http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-commemorates-anniversary-with-its-own-line-of-devices-announces-sub-100-devices-with-free-voice-and-text/ Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:25:30 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2559 Anniversary’s are a time to celebrate and FreedomPop chose to commemorate the occasion by introducing their first ever FreedomPop-branded mobile device and a price designed to make it affordable to the broadest audience as possible.  Check out the release and highlights of the resulting coverage below.

Liberty-SetUpLOS ANGELES, CA – October 1, 2014 – Celebrating FreedomPop’s one year anniversary of the world’s first completely free mobile service with free voice, text and data, the company continues its mission to bring free mobile to the masses with the introduction of its first FreedomPop-branded devices, all priced under $100 MSRP.

The device shipping today is the FreedomPop Liberty, a 6.7-inch, 4GB Android phablet with wi-fi at $89 MSRP.  Coming in the next month is the FreedomPop Frenzy, a 10-inch, 4GB LTE Android tablet at $99; followed by an $89 LTE Android phone in the coming months; and an expansion of its high-end devices including the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Note 3 that will retail for almost half of the current MSRP available today.

The FreedomPop Liberty, FreedomPop’s entry level phablet, is larger than the Apple iPhone 6 Plus (6.7 inches for FreedomPop versus 5.5 inches for Apple) and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (5.7 inches), yet retails for a fraction of the price (FreedomPop Liberty with free voice and text at $89 versus $749 for Apple iPhone 6 Plus with 16GB, without contract, or Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on AT&T at $664.99 without contract).  The FreedomPop Liberty was kept wi-fi-only to ensure the lowest price, but users looking to roam over cellular can bundle a FreedomPop hotspot with 500 MBs free data per month for a one-time cost of $49.

“While Apple and Samsung battle at the high end of the phablet market with the iPhone 6 Plus and Note 4 costing more than $600, FreedomPop is ensuring that anyone can get the same super-sized experience at a super-affordable price,” said Steven Sesar, FreedomPop’s COO. “We are focused on bringing low cost devices to accompany free mobile service to ensure no one is left behind.”

All devices come with FreedomPop’s 100 percent free text and voice service giving users 200 voice minutes and 500 texts free each month.

Sesar added, “FreedomPop will continue to sell its current product line of third-party phones and tablets with voice, text and data capabilities, but today marks the first step toward FreedomPop’s own low cost, private-labeled devices designed with our customers in mind.”

FreedomPop’s appeal spans users who want a low-cost way to access the mobile Internet through to users looking for an affordable, high-end device with free voice, data and text – either as a primary device or “+1”.

To order a FreedomPop Liberty, Frenzy, or any of the family of mobile devices, and to sign up for the FreedomPop service now, go to freedompop.com/liberty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Zuli Announces Partnership with Logitech http://consortpartners.com/zuli-announces-partnership-with-logitech-4/ Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:38:24 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2620 This week, Zuli announced a milestone partnership with Logitech, bringing the reality of a truly smart and intuitive home to the masses a huge step forward.

Zuli’s smartplugs are now integrated into the Logitech Harmony Living Home products. What this means is that you will be able to simply walk through your home and the connected devices and appliances will respond to your presence and your preferences. The TV will turn on and tune into ESPN while the lights come up and the heating comes on. If you move from the living room to the kitchen, the TV programming will pause as the lights go on and the coffee pot begins to percolate. It sounds futuristic and magical, but it’s possible today with Zuli and Logitech’s family of connected partners.

logitech-zuli-event

Mark de la Vina and I attended the Logitech announcement event this week along with Zuli co-founders Taylor Umphreys and Sid Bhargava (in the photo at the top). In attendance were members of the press, Logitech partners, and executives. The event took place in the penthouse of The Battery, a swanky seen-and-be-seen private club in the heart of San Francisco and afforded us some spectacular views and the sun went down (Mark and I are showing the way to the TransAmerica Pyramid).

logitech-harmony-zuli

Don’t forget to pre-order your Zuli Smartplug now, for delivery in early 2015.

Media Highlights:

New Logitech Harmony remotes, apps control smart home devices too (hands-on)
CNET
David Carnoy and David Katzmaier
17, 2014
http://www.cnet.com/news/new-logitech-harmony-remotes/

LOGITECH TURNS THE TV REMOTE INTO A SMART HOME CONTROLLER
Fast Company
Alice Truong
17, 2014
http://www.fastcompany.com/3035887/internet-of-things/logitech-turns-the-tv-remote-into-a-smart-home-controller

Logitech invests in the smart home with Harmony remote and hub
GigaOM
Stacey Higginbotham
17, 2014
https://gigaom.com/2014/09/17/logitech-invests-in-the-smart-home-with-harmony-remote-and-hub/

Logitech extends Harmony line to control more of your home
Engadget
Ben Drawbaugh
17, 2014
http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/17/logitech-extends-harmony-to-control-your-home/

Control Your Home With Logitech’s New Harmony Remotes
PC World
Will Greenwald
17, 2014
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2468691,00.asp

Logitech outs new Harmony remotes as smart home expands
Slash Gear
Chris Davies
17, 2014
http://www.slashgear.com/logitech-outs-new-harmony-remotes-as-smart-home-expands-17346771/

Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home remote will control your whole home
The Slanted
John Stewart
17, 2014
http://theslanted.com/2014/09/16810/logitech-harmony-ultimate-home-remote-will-control-your-whole-home/

ONE REMOTE TO RULE THEM ALL. LOGITECH’S HARMONY REMOTES CONTROL YOUR HOME
News Ledge
Alex Chavers
17, 2014
http://www.newsledge.com/one-remote-rule-logitechs-harmony-remotes-control-home-9614

Logitech’s new Harmony remotes can be used to control homes
Delhi Daily News
18, 2014
http://www.delhidailynews.com/news/Logitechs-new-Harmony-remotes-can-be-used-to-control-homes-1410978527/

Logitech debuts harmonious command hub for the home
Tech Times
Quinten Plummer
17, 2014
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/15833/20140917/logitech-and-its-harmonious-command-tool-for-the-home.htm

Logitech Debuts Harmony Home Automation with Harmony Living Home
Electronic House
17, 2014
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/logitech_debuts_harmony_home_automation_with_harmony_living_home/

Logitech Expands into Home Automation with New Harmony Living Home Remotes and App Enhancements
Big Picture Sound
Rachel Cericola
17, 2014
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/Logitech-Expands-into-Home-Automation-with-New-Harmony-Living-Home-Remotes-and-App-Enhancements.shtml

Logitech introduces its DIY Harmony Living Home automation system
Technology Tell
Joe Paone
17, 2014
http://www.technologytell.com/hometech/107343/logitech-introduces-diy-harmony-living-home-home-automation-system/

New Logitech Harmony Remotes Out Now
States Chronicles
Evan Roberts
17, 2014
http://stateschronicle.com/new-logitech-harmony-remotes-now-8428.html

Logitech presenta Harmony Home Control
WebNews
Cristiano Ghidotti
17, 2014
http://www.webnews.it/2014/09/17/logitech-harmony-home-control/

Zuli and Logitech Team Up to Make Smart Phones Into Home Automation Sensors
Green Tech Grid
Jeff St. John
18, 2014
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/closing-the-feedback-loops-for-the-presence-enabled-smart-home

]]> Zuli Announces Partnership with Logitech http://consortpartners.com/zuli-announces-partnership-with-logitech-2/ Fri, 19 Sep 2014 23:20:58 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2546 10647009_951699438190126_5143733810701422901_nThis week, Zuli announced a milestone partnership with Logitech, bringing the reality of a truly smart and intuitive home to the masses a huge step forward.

1978679_951699454856791_3162245700910973479_nZuli’s smartplugs are now integrated into the Logitech Harmony Living Home products.  What this means is that you will be able to simply walk through your home and the connected devices and appliances will respond to your presence and your preferences.  The TV will turn on and tune into ESPN while the lights come up and the heating comes on.  If you move from the living room to the kitchen, the TV programming will pause as the lights go on and the coffee pot begins to percolate.  It sounds futuristic and magical, but it’s possible today with Zuli and Logitech’s family of connected partners.

10648943_10154643220670437_3167909144200208708_oMark de la Vina and I attended the Logitech announcement event this week along with Zuli co-founders Taylor Umphreys and Sid Bhargava (in the photo at the top).  In attendance were members of the press, Logitech partners, and executives.  The event took place in the penthouse of The Battery, a swanky seen-and-be-seen private club in the heart of San Francisco and afforded us some spectacular views and the sun went down (Mark and I are showing the way to the TransAmerica Pyramid).

Don’t forget to pre-order your Zuli Smartplug now, for delivery in early 2015.

Media Highlights:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> FreedomPop launches tablets with phone capability and free LTE data, voice and text http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-launches-tablets-with-phone-capability-and-free-lte-data-voice-and-text-3/ Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:31:02 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2618 FreedomPop continues to stir up the market to the benefit of consumers by launching a new line of tablets, including free LTE voice, data and text. Media scooped up the story, as shown in the line up of stories listed below. Congrats to the team!

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2014 – FreedomPop – the free mobile service company offering free voice, text and data – today announced that it is now offering discounted LTE tablets with free data plus expanding tablet functionality to include phone capabilities: a unique phone number, voice and texting. Specifically, users will be able to associate a unique phone number with any FreedomPop tablet and make free calls and texts. This functionality does not currently exist for tablets offered by large carriers, partially because of the potential to cannibalize high margin phone plans.

“The line between smartphones and tablets continues to blur,” said Steven Sesar, FreedomPop Co-Founder and COO. “As a result, people want to use the device they’re most comfortable with, in a way that is most useful to them. We felt it was important to offer an expanded FreedomPop tablet experience by including telephony, and not just to enable calls but also for using apps like WhatsApp or Uber that require a device phone number to integrate seamlessly.”

Sesar added, “Whether it’s the integration of the ‘internet of things’ or increasing one’s productivity on the road, people are just beginning to tap into the potential of what tablets can do. With this platform becoming increasingly important to customers, they shouldn’t be harnessed by phone carriers’ restrictions.”

At issue for many has been the cost of adding data to a second device like a tablet. Less than 70 percent of new tablets are purchased with LTE. With FreedomPop’s new tablet and data options, consumers now have the luxury of free data plans for both phones and tablets.

In addition to the popular iPad mini and Samsung Tab 3 tablets, users with existing LTE tablets can also move their existing tablets to FreedomPop and get the same 500 MBs of LTE data, 200 voice minutes and 500 texts absolutely free. Users can bring their own iPad or Tab device or purchase one from FreedomPop. The iPad mini will sell for $319 and the Samsung Tab 3 for $199.

These popular LTE tablets join the growing list of mobile phones and devices available to FreedomPop users since its launch, which include the iPhone 5, several of the top-selling Android smartphones and portable Wi-Fi hotspots. To order a smartphone or tablet from FreedomPop and to sign up for service now, go to FreedomPop.com.

About FreedomPop

FreedomPop provides disruptive mobile services so that no one is left off the “connected grid.” Launched in 2012, FreedomPop is rewriting the rules of the telecoms industry and is backed by Mangrove Capital, DCM and Skype Founder Niklas Zennstom’s Atomico. The company offers consumers access to free high-speed Internet and mobile phone services nationwide.

SAMPLE COVERAGE

CNET
FreedomPop brings free voice, data, and texting to tablets
By Rick Broida
http://www.cnet.com/news/freedompop-brings-free-voice-data-and-texting-to-tablets/#ftag=CAD590a51e

Endgadget
FreedomPop’s free data and voice are now available on tablets
By Jon Fingas
http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-tablet-support/

The Next Web
FreedomPop expands its free US mobile service to tablets, landing first on iPad Mini and Samsung Tab 3
By Kaylene hong
http://thenextweb.com/us/2014/07/30/freedompop-expands-free-mobile-service-tablets-landing-first-ipad-mini-samsung-tab-3/

re/code
FreedomPop Adds iPad mini, Galaxy Tab 3 to Its Lineup
By Ina Fried
http://recode.net/2014/07/30/freedompop-adds-ipad-mini-galaxy-tab-3-to-its-lineup/

FierceWireless
FreedomPop brings free calling, texting and data to tablets, will sell the iPad mini, Samsung Tab 3
By Phil Goldstein
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/freedompop-brings-free-calling-texting-and-data-tablets-will-sell-ipad-mini/2014-07-30

VentureBeat
FreedomPop brings free voice and data plans to tablets
By Simon Cohen
http://venturebeat.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-brings-free-voice-and-data-plans-to-tablets/

GigaOM
FreedomPop starts selling tablets with free data and voice plans
By Kevin Fitchard
http://gigaom.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-starts-selling-tablets-with-free-data-and-voice-plans/

AppAdvice
FreedomPop adds iPad mini, Samsung Tab 3 to its free no-contract plans
By Bryan Wolfe
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2014/07/freedompop-adds-ipad-mini-samsung-tab-3-to-its-free-no-contract-plans

Cult of Mac
Get totally free talk, text and data on your iPad, thanks to FreedomPop
By John Brownlee
http://www.cultofmac.com/289328/get-totally-free-talk-text-data-ipad-thanks-freedompop/

Gizmodo
You Can Now Get Totally Free Talk, Text and Data on an iPad
By Eric Limer
http://gizmodo.com/you-can-now-get-free-talk-text-and-data-on-an-ipad-mi-1613246032

9to5 Google/9to5 Mac
FreedomPop brings its free voice, text & data plans to tablets including a $199 Samsung Galaxy Tab 3/#319 iPad mini
By Jordan Kahn
http://9to5google.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-brings-its-free-voice-text-data-plans-to-tablets-including-a-199-samsung-galaxy-tab-3/
http://9to5mac.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-brings-its-free-voice-text-data-plans-to-tablets-including-a-319-ipad-mini/

Twice
MVNO FreedomPop Adds Tablets With Voice Calling
By Joseph Palenchar
http://www.twice.com/news/tablets/mvno-freedompop-adds-tablets-voice-calling/49698

Übergizmo
FreedomPop Delivers Free Data for Tablets
By Edwin Kee
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/07/freedompop-delivers-free-data-for-tablets/

TUAW
FreedomPop offers free data and voice to iPad
By John-Michael Bond
http://www.tuaw.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-offers-free-data-and-voice-to-ipad/

Tom’s Hardware
FreedomPop Brings Free Calling And Data To 4G LTE Tablets
By Seth Colaner
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/freedompop-tablet-4g-lte-free,27347.html

Wireless Week
FreedomPop Selling LTE Tablets with Free Voice, Text, and Unique Numbers
By Ben Munson
http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2014/07/freedompop-selling-lte-tablets-free-voice-text-and-unique-numbers

Liliputing
FreedomPop adds tablets to its free data, voice, text network
By Brad Linder
http://liliputing.com/2014/07/freedompop-adds-tablets-free-data-voice-text-network.html

Digital Journal
FreedomPop, the free mobile provider, now offers LTE tablets
By James Walker
http://www.digitaljournal.com/technology/freedompop-the-free-mobile-provider-now-offers-lte-tablets/article/393186

]]> FreedomPop launches tablets with phone capability and free LTE data, voice and text http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-launches-tablets-with-phone-capability-and-free-lte-data-voice-and-text-2/ Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:28:52 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2540 IncomingCall-app-Ipad-Mini-Front-1FreedomPop continues to stir up the market to the benefit of consumers by launching a new line of tablets, including free LTE voice, data and text.  Media scooped up the story, as shown in the line up of stories listed below.  Congrats to the team!

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2014 – FreedomPop – the free mobile service company offering free voice, text and data – today announced that it is now offering discounted LTE tablets with free data plus expanding tablet functionality to include phone capabilities: a unique phone number, voice and texting. Specifically, users will be able to associate a unique phone number with any FreedomPop tablet and make free calls and texts. This functionality does not currently exist for tablets offered by large carriers, partially because of the potential to cannibalize high margin phone plans.

“The line between smartphones and tablets continues to blur,” said Steven Sesar, FreedomPop Co-Founder and COO. “As a result, people want to use the device they’re most comfortable with, in a way that is most useful to them. We felt it was important to offer an expanded FreedomPop tablet experience by including telephony, and not just to enable calls but also for using apps like WhatsApp or Uber that require a device phone number to integrate seamlessly.”

Sesar added, “Whether it’s the integration of the ‘internet of things’ or increasing one’s productivity on the road, people are just beginning to tap into the potential of what tablets can do. With this platform becoming increasingly important to customers, they shouldn’t be harnessed by phone carriers’ restrictions.”

At issue for many has been the cost of adding data to a second device like a tablet. Less than 70 percent of new tablets are purchased with LTE. With FreedomPop’s new tablet and data options, consumers now have the luxury of free data plans for both phones and tablets.

In addition to the popular iPad mini and Samsung Tab 3 tablets, users with existing LTE tablets can also move their existing tablets to FreedomPop and get the same 500 MBs of LTE data, 200 voice minutes and 500 texts absolutely free. Users can bring their own iPad or Tab device or purchase one from FreedomPop. The iPad mini will sell for $319 and the Samsung Tab 3 for $199.

These popular LTE tablets join the growing list of mobile phones and devices available to FreedomPop users since its launch, which include the iPhone 5, several of the top-selling Android smartphones and portable Wi-Fi hotspots. To order a smartphone or tablet from FreedomPop and to sign up for service now, go to FreedomPop.com.

About FreedomPop

FreedomPop provides disruptive mobile services so that no one is left off the “connected grid.” Launched in 2012, FreedomPop is rewriting the rules of the telecoms industry and is backed by Mangrove Capital, DCM and Skype Founder Niklas Zennstom’s Atomico. The company offers consumers access to free high-speed Internet and mobile phone services nationwide.

SAMPLE COVERAGE

CNET
FreedomPop brings free voice, data, and texting to tablets
By Rick Broida
http://www.cnet.com/news/freedompop-brings-free-voice-data-and-texting-to-tablets/#ftag=CAD590a51e

Endgadget
FreedomPop’s free data and voice are now available on tablets
By Jon Fingas
http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-tablet-support/

The Next Web
FreedomPop expands its free US mobile service to tablets, landing first on iPad Mini and Samsung Tab 3
By Kaylene hong
http://thenextweb.com/us/2014/07/30/freedompop-expands-free-mobile-service-tablets-landing-first-ipad-mini-samsung-tab-3/

re/code
FreedomPop Adds iPad mini, Galaxy Tab 3 to Its Lineup
By Ina Fried
http://recode.net/2014/07/30/freedompop-adds-ipad-mini-galaxy-tab-3-to-its-lineup/

FierceWireless
FreedomPop brings free calling, texting and data to tablets, will sell the iPad mini, Samsung Tab 3
By Phil Goldstein
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/freedompop-brings-free-calling-texting-and-data-tablets-will-sell-ipad-mini/2014-07-30

VentureBeat
FreedomPop brings free voice and data plans to tablets
By Simon Cohen
http://venturebeat.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-brings-free-voice-and-data-plans-to-tablets/

GigaOM
FreedomPop starts selling tablets with free data and voice plans
By Kevin Fitchard
http://gigaom.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-starts-selling-tablets-with-free-data-and-voice-plans/

AppAdvice
FreedomPop adds iPad mini, Samsung Tab 3 to its free no-contract plans
By Bryan Wolfe
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2014/07/freedompop-adds-ipad-mini-samsung-tab-3-to-its-free-no-contract-plans

Cult of Mac
Get totally free talk, text and data on your iPad, thanks to FreedomPop
By John Brownlee
http://www.cultofmac.com/289328/get-totally-free-talk-text-data-ipad-thanks-freedompop/

Gizmodo
You Can Now Get Totally Free Talk, Text and Data on an iPad
By Eric Limer
http://gizmodo.com/you-can-now-get-free-talk-text-and-data-on-an-ipad-mi-1613246032

9to5 Google/9to5 Mac
FreedomPop brings its free voice, text & data plans to tablets including a $199 Samsung Galaxy Tab 3/#319 iPad mini
By Jordan Kahn
http://9to5google.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-brings-its-free-voice-text-data-plans-to-tablets-including-a-199-samsung-galaxy-tab-3/
http://9to5mac.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-brings-its-free-voice-text-data-plans-to-tablets-including-a-319-ipad-mini/

Twice
MVNO FreedomPop Adds Tablets With Voice Calling
By Joseph Palenchar
http://www.twice.com/news/tablets/mvno-freedompop-adds-tablets-voice-calling/49698

Übergizmo
FreedomPop Delivers Free Data for Tablets
By Edwin Kee
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/07/freedompop-delivers-free-data-for-tablets/

TUAW
FreedomPop offers free data and voice to iPad
By John-Michael Bond
http://www.tuaw.com/2014/07/30/freedompop-offers-free-data-and-voice-to-ipad/

Tom’s Hardware
FreedomPop Brings Free Calling And Data To 4G LTE Tablets
By Seth Colaner
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/freedompop-tablet-4g-lte-free,27347.html

Wireless Week
FreedomPop Selling LTE Tablets with Free Voice, Text, and Unique Numbers
By Ben Munson
http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2014/07/freedompop-selling-lte-tablets-free-voice-text-and-unique-numbers

Liliputing
FreedomPop adds tablets to its free data, voice, text network
By Brad Linder
http://liliputing.com/2014/07/freedompop-adds-tablets-free-data-voice-text-network.html

Digital Journal
FreedomPop, the free mobile provider, now offers LTE tablets
By James Walker
http://www.digitaljournal.com/technology/freedompop-the-free-mobile-provider-now-offers-lte-tablets/article/393186

 

]]> Dean Karnazes Presents “Silicon Valley’s Tech Secrets to Summer Fitness” http://consortpartners.com/dean-karnazes-presents-silicon-valleys-tech-secrets-to-summer-fitness-3/ Wed, 11 Jun 2014 18:28:08 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2616 Dean Karnazes, named by Time magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World” and Men’s Health Magazine as the “Fittest Man on the Planet” is a world-recognized expert on technology and fitness. He’s best known for pushing human limits including running 350 continuous miles, without sleep, in three days; winning the Badwater Ultramarathon covering 135 miles in Death Valley in the middle of summer with temps up to 120 degrees; and for completing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.

The world-recognized expert on technology and fitness, and member of The North Face ambassador team, will help you look and feel your best by showing you how the latest fitness gadgets and smartphone can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Dean will share his tips and secrets for living healthier using technologies, ranging from free apps to the latest gadgets.

We’ll have free technical t-shirts, Clif Bars and ZICO coconut water, and a chance to win a free Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone ($649.99 MSRP), or a Fitbit Flex wireless activity and sleep wristband ($99.95 MSRP).

Following Dean’s presentation, he’ll be on hand to sign autographs and meet attendees. Full details can be found at Facebook.

]]> Dean Karnazes Presents “Silicon Valley’s Tech Secrets to Summer Fitness” http://consortpartners.com/dean-karnazes-presents-silicon-valleys-tech-secrets-to-summer-fitness-2/ Wed, 11 Jun 2014 21:18:22 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2536 Dean flyerDean Karnazes, named by Time magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World” and Men’s Health Magazine as the “Fittest Man on the Planet” is a world-recognized expert on technology and fitness.  He’s best known for pushing human limits including running 350 continuous miles, without sleep, in three days; winning the Badwater Ultramarathon covering 135 miles in Death Valley in the middle of summer with temps up to 120 degrees; and for completing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.

The world-recognized expert on technology and fitness, and member of The North Face ambassador team, will help you look and feel your best by showing you how the latest fitness gadgets and smartphone can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Dean will share his tips and secrets for living healthier using technologies, ranging from free apps to the latest gadgets. 

We’ll have free  technical t-shirts, Clif Bars and ZICO coconut water, and a chance to win a free Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone ($649.99 MSRP), or a Fitbit Flex wireless activity and sleep wristband ($99.95 MSRP).

Following Dean’s presentation, he’ll be on hand to sign autographs and meet attendees.  Full details can be found at Facebook.

 

]]> Behind-the-scenes with Paofit, the app that makes treadmill running fun and social http://consortpartners.com/behind-the-scenes-with-paofit-the-app-that-makes-treadmill-running-fun-and-social/ Tue, 27 May 2014 21:19:41 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=644 http://consortpartners.com/?p=644

]]> Behind-the-scenes with Paofit, the app that makes treadmill running fun and social http://consortpartners.com/behind-the-scenes-with-paofit-the-app-that-makes-treadmill-running-fun-and-social-2/ Tue, 27 May 2014 19:31:20 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2514 Dean Karnazes runs while Marc Hardy of Paofit and Jon Swartz of USA Today look on

Dean Karnazes runs while Marc Hardy of Paofit and Jon Swartz of USA Today look on

Last week we welcomed Marc Hardy, CEO and co-founder of Paofit, to both San Francisco and New York.  We started the week with a demo of the app, which works with your treadmill and lets you run real routes in real locations like the Virgin Money London Marathon, Sequoia National Forest and Bali. The speed of the video matches your running speed as the app uses the accelerometer in your iPad or iPhone to determine how fast you are running.  And because it’s essentially a virtual world, you can even run with friends in real time – you’ll see their avatar in the app! This short video shows nicely how it works.

First up was a demonstration of the app with NY Times best-selling author and ultra-runner, Dean Karnazes, running on a treadmill in SF, and Hugh Brasher, director of the Virgin Money London Marathon running in London.  The two ran together, live, on the London Marathon course and enjoyed a bit of a race along the way.

Here’s the story in USA Today:  Paofit wants to turn dreadmill into treadmil again

Marc also met with reporters in New York, accompanied by our own April Mayrath.  You can catch her in the background on the NY1 News clip as she demonstrates the app on the treadmill.

Download the app now and give it a spin.  It will make dreadmill running, I mean, treadmill running, so much more enjoyable!

Related articles
]]> Freedompop Expands To High-End LTE Phones With Samsung Smartphones And New, Unlimited Everything Plan For $20 http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-expands-to-high-end-lte-phones-with-samsung-smartphones-and-new-unlimited-everything-plan-for-20-2/ Thu, 22 May 2014 19:06:58 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2506 S4-White-Frost_SetUp_3_ContactsFreedomPop also launches new OTT (over-the-top) Android app that provides free calls, texts and voicemail to the millions of U.S. Android device users

FreedomPop, America’s free mobile service company, today announced its official shift to Sprint’s LTE network with the launch of its LTE phone lineup including the Samsung Victory, Galaxy S3, and the Galaxy S4. All new LTE devices will come with the same free service that hundreds of thousands of Americans already enjoy, which includes 500 MB of data, 200 voice calls and 500 texts free each month.

In addition, the company also announced the launch of its new “Unlimited Everything” plan for $20 per month providing unlimited talk, text and data. Free tethering will also be included on all new LTE phones so that they can easily and affordably be used as hotspots as well. After 1GB of data has been used for the month, LTE speeds will be limited to 3G speeds.

The company also announced the launch of its free, over-the-top (OTT) communications app on Android. The app allows any android user to take advantage of FreedomPop’s free voice and text services, while providing a new phone number, voice calls and texts – free. It is also the first OTT app that will allow users to port an existing number. Get the new Android app here http://fpop.co/app.

“Now that we have complete access to the most expansive wireless network, we are able to fully upgrade our device portfolio to the high-end smartphones that our customers want,” said Steven Sesar, FreedomPop’s COO.

The high-end Samsung smartphones join the growing list of mobile phones and devices available to FreedomPop users since its launch including the iPhone 5 and a number of other Android smartphones and wifi hotspots. To order one of the newly offered Samsung phones on FreedomPop and to sign up for service now, go to http://www.freedompop.com

Coverage Highlights

CNET
Free phone service FreedomPop unveils $20 ‘Unlimited’ plan
By Lance Whitney
May 22, 2014
http://www.cnet.com/news/free-phone-service-freedompop-unveils-20-dollar-unlimited-plan/

FierceWireless
Sprint MVNO FreedomPop launches $20 LTE plan, adds Samsung phones to lineup
By Phil Goldstein
May 22, 2014
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/sprint-mvno-freedompop-launches-20-lte-plan-adds-samsung-phones-lineup/2014-05-22

TWICE
FreedomPop Expands LTE, Adds Unlimited Everything Plan
By Joseph Pelanchar
May 22, 2014
http://www.twice.com/news/smartphones/freedompop-expands-lte-adds-unlimited-everything-plan/45366

GigaOm
FreedomPop joins the ranks of carriers offering limited “unlimited” data plans
By Kevin Fitchard
May 22, 2014
https://gigaom.com/2014/05/22/freedompop-joins-the-ranks-of-carriers-offering-limited-unlimited-data-plans/

Engadget
$20 FreedomPop ‘Unlimited Everything’ plan includes 1GB of Sprint LTE, limits
By Zach Honig
May 22, 2014
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/22/freedompop-unlimited-everything

The Next Web
FreedomPop approaches 250000 subscribers for its free mobile service
By Josh Ong
May 23, 2014
http://thenextweb.com/insider/2014/05/23/freedompop-approaches-250000-subscribers-free-wireless-carrier-service/

PhoneScoop
FreedomPop Adds Three LTE Samsung Phones to Lineup
By Eric Zeman
May 22, 2014
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=14113

WirelessWeek
FreedomPop Launches $20 Unlimited Everything Plan, LTE Phones, Android App
By Ben Munson
May 22, 2014
http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2014/05/freedompop-launches-20-unlimited-everything-plan-lte-phones-android-app

Telecompetitor
FreedomPop unveils new LTE phones, unlimited mobile plan
By Joan E.
May 22, 2014
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/freedompop-unveils-new-lte-phones-new-unlimited-mobile-plan–1015425

Gizmodo
You Can Now Get Totally Free Voice, Texts, and Data on a Galaxy S4
By Ashley Feinberg
May 22, 2014
http://gizmodo.com/you-can-now-get-totally-free-voice-texts-and-data-on-1580021339

MultiChannelNews
FreedomPop Adds LTE Phones To Arsenal
By Jeff Baumgartner
May 22, 2014
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/freedompop-adds-lte-phones-arsenal/374712

AndroidPolice
FreedomPop Unveils Free Voice And Text App, New $20 ‘Unlimited’ Plan With Access To Sprint LTE, And More
By Bert King
May 22, 2014
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/05/22/new-app-freedompop-unveils-free-voice-text-app-new-20-unlimited-plan-access-sprint-lte/

]]> LiveOak Venture Partners Closes Largest Tech Fund in Recent Texas History http://consortpartners.com/liveoak-venture-partners-closes-largest-tech-fund-in-recent-texas-history-3/ Wed, 21 May 2014 18:46:54 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=2624 Texas’ leading early-stage tech VC, LiveOak Venture Partners, announced this morning that it has closed the largest tech VC fund in recent TX history. As its inaugural fund, the all-senior VC team is aiming to close the disparity between capital availability and level of entrepreneurship in the nation’s second largest tech employment and innovation market.

The firm’s founding partners have a collective 40 years of experience, have created more than $1.5 billion of enterprise value and hail from Austin Ventures – breaking away to focus on one of TX richest resources, early stage tech startups. They are now seeking to create opportunity for TX and Silicon Valley investors by bridging the resource gap between the two.

Here’s a sample of some of the early morning coverage with even more still anticipated. Congratulations to Consort Partners’ newest client and the team!

Wall Street Journal
LiveOak Venture Partners Closes First Fund To Boost Investments In Texas
By Deb Gage
May 21, 2014
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2014/05/21/liveoak-venture-partners-closes-first-fund-to-boost-investments-in-texas/

Wall Street Journal
The Daily Startup: Tech Startups Compete to Make You Take Your Medicine
By Zoran Basich
May 21, 2014
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2014/05/21/the-daily-startup-tech-startups-compete-to-make-you-take-your-medicine/

Dow Jones Venture Wire
LiveOak Venture Partners Closes First Fund To Boost Investments In Texas
By Deb Gage
May 21, 2014
https://pevc.dowjones.com/Article?an=DJFVW00020140521ea5laxo5v&cid=32135016&ctype=ts&pid=32&ReturnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fpevc.dowjones.com%2fArticle%3fan%3dDJFVW00020140521ea5laxo5v%26cid%3d32135016%26ctype%3dts%26pid%3d32

Fortune
LiveOak raises more than $100 million to back Texas startups
By Dan Primack
May 21, 2014
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/21/liveoak-raises-more-than-100-million-to-back-texas-startups/

Reuters peHub
LiveOak Venture Partners beats targets on debut fund with $109 mln
By Chris Witkowsky
May 21, 2014
http://www.pehub.com/2014/05/liveoak-venture-partners-beats-targets-on-debut-fund-with-109-mln/

Dallas Morning News
Austin-based Live Oak Venture Partners is looking for opportunities in Dallas with its $109 million fund
By Hanah Cho
May 21, 2014
http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/austin-based-live-oak-venture-partners-is-looking-for-opportunities-in-dallas-with-its-109-million-fund.html/

Austin Business Journal
Tech startup specialist LiveOak Venture Partners closes fund, ready to invest
By Christopher Calnan
May 21, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/techflash/2014/05/tech-startup-specialist-liveoak-venture-partners.html

PandDaily
LiveOak Venture Partners raises a $109M fund, deepens Austin’s early stage capital pool
By Michael Carney
May 21, 2014
http://pando.com/2014/05/21/liveoak-venture-partners-raises-a-109m-fund-deepens-austins-early-stage-capital-pool/

TexasTechPulse
LiveOak Venture Partners Raises $109M Venture Fund
By Ben Kuo
May 21, 2014
http://www.texastechpulse.com/liveoak_venture_partners_raises___9m_venture_fund/s-0055147.html

VatorNews
LiveOak Venture Partners closes $109M fund
By Steven Loeb
May 21, 2014
http://vator.tv/news/2014-05-21-liveoak-venture-partners-closes-109m-fund

Veooz
LiveOak Venture Partners beats targets on debut fund with $109 mln
May 21, 2014
http://www.veooz.com/news/sHCaQxB.html

WN.com
Austin-based Live Oak Venture Partners is looking for opportunities in Dallas with its $109 million fund
May 21, 2014
http://article.wn.com/view/2014/05/21/Austinbased_Live_Oak_Venture_Partners_is_looking_for_opportu/

Latest VC News
LiveOak Venture Partners raises a $109M fund, deepens Austin’s early stage capital pool
May 21, 2014
http://latestvcnews.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/liveoak-venture-partners-raises-a-109m-fund-deepens-austins-early-stage-capital-pool/

]]> LiveOak Venture Partners Closes Largest Tech Fund in Recent Texas History http://consortpartners.com/liveoak-venture-partners-closes-largest-tech-fund-in-recent-texas-history-2/ Wed, 21 May 2014 17:31:58 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2495 ​Texas’ leading early-stage tech VC, LiveOak Venture Partners, announced this morning that it has closed the largest tech VC fund in recent TX history. As its inaugural fund, the all-senior VC team is aiming to close the disparity between capital availability and level of entrepreneurship in the nation’s second largest tech employment and innovation market.

The firm’s founding partners have a collective 40 years of experience, have created more than $1.5 billion of enterprise value and hail from Austin Ventures – breaking away to focus on one of TX richest resources, early stage tech startups. They are now seeking to create opportunity for TX and Silicon Valley investors by bridging the resource gap between the two.

Here’s a sample of some of the early morning coverage with even more still anticipated.  Congratulations to Consort Partners’ newest client and the team!

Wall Street Journal
LiveOak Venture Partners Closes First Fund To Boost Investments In Texas
By Deb Gage
May 21, 2014
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2014/05/21/liveoak-venture-partners-closes-first-fund-to-boost-investments-in-texas/

Wall Street Journal
The Daily Startup: Tech Startups Compete to Make You Take Your Medicine
By Zoran Basich
May 21, 2014
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2014/05/21/the-daily-startup-tech-startups-compete-to-make-you-take-your-medicine/

Dow Jones Venture Wire
LiveOak Venture Partners Closes First Fund To Boost Investments In Texas
By Deb Gage
May 21, 2014
https://pevc.dowjones.com/Article?an=DJFVW00020140521ea5laxo5v&cid=32135016&ctype=ts&pid=32&ReturnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fpevc.dowjones.com%2fArticle%3fan%3dDJFVW00020140521ea5laxo5v%26cid%3d32135016%26ctype%3dts%26pid%3d32

Fortune
LiveOak raises more than $100 million to back Texas startups
By Dan Primack
May 21, 2014
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/21/liveoak-raises-more-than-100-million-to-back-texas-startups/

Reuters peHub
LiveOak Venture Partners beats targets on debut fund with $109 mln
By Chris Witkowsky
May 21, 2014
http://www.pehub.com/2014/05/liveoak-venture-partners-beats-targets-on-debut-fund-with-109-mln/

Dallas Morning News
Austin-based Live Oak Venture Partners is looking for opportunities in Dallas with its $109 million fund
By Hanah Cho
May 21, 2014
http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/austin-based-live-oak-venture-partners-is-looking-for-opportunities-in-dallas-with-its-109-million-fund.html/

Austin Business Journal
Tech startup specialist LiveOak Venture Partners closes fund, ready to invest
By Christopher Calnan
May 21, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/techflash/2014/05/tech-startup-specialist-liveoak-venture-partners.html

PandDaily
LiveOak Venture Partners raises a $109M fund, deepens Austin’s early stage capital pool
By Michael Carney
May 21, 2014
http://pando.com/2014/05/21/liveoak-venture-partners-raises-a-109m-fund-deepens-austins-early-stage-capital-pool/

TexasTechPulse
LiveOak Venture Partners Raises $109M Venture Fund
By Ben Kuo
May 21, 2014
http://www.texastechpulse.com/liveoak_venture_partners_raises___9m_venture_fund/s-0055147.html

VatorNews
LiveOak Venture Partners closes $109M fund
By Steven Loeb
May 21, 2014
http://vator.tv/news/2014-05-21-liveoak-venture-partners-closes-109m-fund

Veooz
LiveOak Venture Partners beats targets on debut fund with $109 mln
May 21, 2014
http://www.veooz.com/news/sHCaQxB.html

WN.com
Austin-based Live Oak Venture Partners is looking for opportunities in Dallas with its $109 million fund
May 21, 2014
http://article.wn.com/view/2014/05/21/Austinbased_Live_Oak_Venture_Partners_is_looking_for_opportu/

Latest VC News
LiveOak Venture Partners raises a $109M fund, deepens Austin’s early stage capital pool
May 21, 2014
http://latestvcnews.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/liveoak-venture-partners-raises-a-109m-fund-deepens-austins-early-stage-capital-pool/

 

 

]]> Dictionary.com reveals your city in a word http://consortpartners.com/dictionary-com-reveals-your-city-in-a-word/ Fri, 16 May 2014 21:39:37 +0000 http://consortpartners.com/?p=656 http://consortpartners.com/?p=656

]]> Dictionary.com reveals your city in a word http://consortpartners.com/dictionary-com-reveals-your-city-in-a-word-2/ Fri, 16 May 2014 19:54:06 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2486 YWIC Collage image

The team at Dictionary.com wondered whether different cities look up different words and discovered that indeed they do!  Their analytics team looked at the trending data from February to March this year and analzyed the national averages against top looked-up words in specific cities.  You can check out their findings on their blog here – plus several media picked up on the story as well, illustrated in our coverage collage above.

]]> FreedomPop launches the first free voice, text and data service for the iPhone http://consortpartners.com/freedompop-launches-the-first-free-voice-text-and-data-service-for-the-iphone/ Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:24:47 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2473 iphone5_setup2LOS ANGELES, CA – April 29, 2014 – FreedomPop, America’s fastest growing mobile service company, today introduced the first free mobile service plans for the Apple iPhone. FreedomPop, which launched the world’s only free mobile phone service late last year on select Android devices, is now adding the popular iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 models to its growing portfolio of smartphone service plans. The company also announced the launch of its new iOS app, FreedomPop Free Voice and Text, which will provide any iOS device user free voice, text and voicemail.

“With iPhones now making up almost 50 percent of the US smartphone market and their users burdened by expensive service plans, supporting iOS is a top priority for us,” said Steven Sesar, COO of FreedomPop. “Adding the iPhone and launching our iOS app allows us to deliver our free service to a market desperate for a break from high-cost plans.”
Since launching its free mobile service plan, FreedomPop has experienced a momentous response, signing up hundreds of thousands of new customers. The company also offers customers the ability to bring their own device, and is continually adding eligible phones to its device portfolio, including the iPhone 4 and 5 models announced today. FreedomPop will sell the iPhone 5 directly through its website for $349. Customers can bring their existing iPhone 4 device and activate on the website upon signing up for service. Both devices are offered the same low-cost, disruptive pricing plans as its other smartphones. The free plan will include 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 MBs of data per month. Unlimited voice, text and data plans will start at under $5 per month.
With the launch of its new iOS app, FreedomPop allows any iPhone user stuck in an existing contract to save hundreds of dollars per year by downgrading their voice plans and leveraging FreedomPop’s free voice and text service directly from their existing phone. Today, any iPhone, iPad or iPod user can download FreedomPop’s new communication app, which provides free calls, texts and voicemail. Customers also have the option to port their existing number to FreedomPop or select a new one. For the new iOS app, visit our page on the iTunes store (http://fpop.co/ios).
To order the iPhone 5 or activate your current iPhone 4 on FreedomPop and to sign up for service now, go to www.FreedomPop.com/iphone

Here are some of the articles that appeared around the news:

CNN Money
Virtual operator FreedomPop brings its freemium service to the iPhone
April 29, 2014
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/gigaom/articles/2014_04_28_virtual_operator_freedompop_brings_its_freemium_service_to_the_iphone.html 

WFTV – Clark Howard Show
Smartphone and Data Plan Guide for 2014
By Clark Howard
May 1, 2014
http://www.wftv.com/news/business/consumer-advice/smartphone-and-data-plan-guide-2014/nfmzH/

 

re/code
FreedomPop to Sell First Apple Devices, Offering iPhone 5 With Its Free and Low-Cost Plans
By Ina Fried
April 28, 2014
http://recode.net/2014/04/28/freedompop-to-sell-first-apple-devices-offering-iphone-5-with-its-free-and-low-cost-plans/ 

USA Today
FreedomPop goes to China to upend U.S. smartphone market
By John Shinal
April 28, 2014
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/shinal/2014/04/28/freedom-pop-goes-to-china-to-upend-us-smartphone-market/8124559/ 

USA Today
Smartphone refurbishing is going mainstream
By John Shinal
April 28, 2014
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/shinal/2014/04/28/ebay-masayoshi-son-brightstar-smartphone-market/8418491/ 

PC Magazine
FreedomPop Adds iPhone to Lineup
By Chloe Albenesius
April 29, 2014
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2457255,00.asp

CNET
Free iPhone use? FreedomPop proves it’s possible
By Don Reisinger
April 29, 2014
http://www.cnet.com/news/free-iphone-use-freedompop-proves-its-possible/ 

GigaOm
Virtual operator FreedomPop brings its freemium service to the iPhone
By Kevin Fitchard
April 29, 2014
http://gigaom.com/2014/04/28/virtual-operator-freedompop-brings-its-freemium-service-to-the-iphone/ 

TheNextWeb
FreedomPop’s free mobile service comes to the iPhone
By Roberto Baldwin
April 28, 2014
http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2014/04/29/freedompops-free-mobile-service-comes-iphone/ 

LifeHacker
FreedomPop Unveils New Free iPhone Voice, Text, and Data Plans
By Alan Henry
April 29, 2014
http://lifehacker.com/freedompop-unveils-new-free-iphone-voice-text-and-dat-1568944798?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifehacker%2Ffull+(Lifehacker) 

Engadget
You can now use the iPhone for free, as long as you don’t mind old gear
By Jon Fingas
April 29, 2014
http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/29/freedompop-iphone/?ncid=rss_truncated 

CIO
Get Free Data, Talk and Text When You Buy an iPhone from FreedomPop –
By Bill Snyder
April 29, 2014
http://blogs.cio.com/mobilewireless/18551/freedompop-apple-iphone-sprint-data-plan

ZDNET
FreedomPop announces free voice and data plans for iPhone
By Jason O’Grady
April 29, 2014
http://www.zdnet.com/freedompop-announces-free-voice-and-data-plans-for-iphone-7000028860/

GizModo
Now You Can Get Totally Free Voice, Texts, and Data on Your iPhone
By Jamie Condliffe
April 29, 2014
http://gizmodo.com/now-you-can-get-totally-free-voice-texts-and-data-on-1569143815

FierceWireless
FreedomPop to sell refurbished LTE iPhone 5 for $349
By Mike Dano
April 28, 2014
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/freedompop-sell-refurbished-lte-iphone-5-349/2014-04-28?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

FierceWireless
FreedomPop to sell refurbished LTE iPhone 5 for $349
By Mike Dano
April 28, 2014
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/freedompop-sell-refurbished-lte-iphone-5-349/2014-04-28 

Light Reading
FreedomPop Gets LTE iPhone, Free iOS App
By Dan Jones
April 28, 2014
http://www.lightreading.com/mobile/devices-smartphones/freedompop-gets-lte-iphone-free-ios-app/d/d-id/708818?_mc=RSS_LR_EDT

TWICE
FreedomPop Extends Free And Low-Cost Service To iPhones
By Joseph Palenchar
April 29, 2014
http://www.twice.com/articletype/news/freedompop-extends-free-and-low-cost-service-iphones/110761

BGR
You can now get completely free calling, texting and data on your iPhone
By Zach Epstein
April 29, 2014
http://bgr.com/2014/04/29/iphone-5-freedompop-free-data/

RCRWireless
FreedomPop adds iPhone 5, taps into Sprint’s LTE network
By Dan Meyer
April 29, 2014
http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20140428/carriers/freedompop-adds-iphone-5-taps-sprints-lte-network/

TelecomPaper
FreedomPop offering iPhone on free service plan
April 29, 2014
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/freedompop-offering-iphone-on-free-service-plan–1010850

SlashGear
FreedomPop launches refurbished iPhone 5 on its calling plans
By Shane McGlaun
April 29, 2014
http://www.slashgear.com/freedompop-launches-refurbished-iphone-5-on-its-calling-plans-29326822/

MacLife
Overnight Recap: MacBook Air Price Cut, FreedomPop iPhone, Re/code Event
By J.R. Bookwalter
April 29, 2014
http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_macbook_air_price_cut_freedompop_iphone_recode_event

9to5 Mac
FreedomPop now supports iPhone 4/5 on its free wireless plans, launches iOS app for free voice & text
By Jordan Kahn
April 28, 2014
http://9to5mac.com/2014/04/28/freedompop-now-supports-iphone-45-on-its-free-wireless-plans-launches-ios-app-for-free-voice-text/ 

AppAdvice
FreedomPop Adds iPhone 5, iPhone 4 To Its Free No-Contract Plans
By Joe White
April 29, 2014
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2014/04/freedompop-adds-iphone-5-iphone-4-to-its-free-no-contract-plans

]]> Declara Raises $16M Series A Funding http://consortpartners.com/declara-raises-16m-series-a-funding/ Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:59:30 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2460 ramona-portrait-jpg-20140327Congratulations to Ramona Pierson and the team behind Declara on the recent $16M Series A round led by GSV Capital, with participation from Data Collective, Founders Fund, and Catamount Ventures.   In addition, GSV Asset management co-managing partner Mark Flynn joined the board.

Media coverage highlights are listed below.  Well done to all involved!

Declara Raises $16M for Personalized Continuing Education
Re/code
Liz Gannes
April 23, 2014
https://recode.net/2014/04/23/declara-raises-16m-for-personalized-continuing-education/ 

Declara Raises $16M at $100M Valuation for Predictive Learning in the Enterprise 
Dow Jones VentureWire
Lizette Chapman
April 23, 2014
http://pevc.dowjones.com/Article?an=DJFVW00020140423ea4navwhq&cid=32135016&ctype=ts&pid=32&ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fpevc.dowjones.com%2fArticle%3fan%3dDJFVW00020140423ea4navwhq%26cid%3d32135016%26ctype%3dts%26pid%3d32 
(full text below)
 
Deals of the day: Pure Storage raises $250 million
Fortune/CNN Money
Dan Primack
April 23, 2014
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2014/04/23/deals-of-the-day-pure-storage-raises-250-million/?iid=HP_River 

Declara’s social enterprise network is making teams smarter — and now it’s $16M richer
Kia Kokalitcheva
April 23. 2014
http://venturebeat.com/2014/04/23/declaras-social-enterprise-network-is-making-teams-smarter-and-now-its-16m-richer/

Declara raises $16 million in venture funding for personalized learning
San Jose Mercury News
Heather Somerville
April 23, 2014
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_25620623/declara-raises-16-million-personalized-learning 

GSV Capital leads Series A round for personalized learning platform Declara
Reuters/PE Hub
Iris Dorbian
April 23, 2014
http://www.pehub.com/2014/04/gsv-capital-leads-series-a-round-for-personalized-learning-platform-declara/ 

Declara raises $16M to apply machine learning personal learning
GigaOM
Derrick Harris
April 23, 2014
http://gigaom.com/2014/04/23/declara-raises-16m-to-apply-machine-learning-personal-learning/ 

Social learning platform Declara raises $16M
Vator News
Steven Loeb
April 23, 2014
http://vator.tv/news/2014-04-23-social-learning-platform-declara-raises-16m 

Declara Raises $16M For Personalized PD
April 23, 2014
https://www.edsurge.com/n/2014-04-23-declara-raises-16m-for-personalized-pd

Declara lands $16,000,000 Series A funding
Xconomy
April 23, 2014
http://www.xconomy.com/san-francisco/2014/04/23/declara-lands-16000000-series-a-funding/ 

Software Company Declara To Expand Its Boise Office
KBSX NPR Boise – news also broadcast
Adam Cotterell
April 23, 2014
http://m.boisestatepublicradio.org/?utm_referrer=#mobile/43986 

Tech firm Declara looking to hire more software developers in Boise
Idaho Business Review
Brad Iverson-Long
April 23, 2014
http://idahobusinessreview.com/2014/04/23/tech-firm-declara-looking-to-hire-more-software-developers-in-boise/ 
(full text below)

Education startup Declara raises $16 million for Asian expansion
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Richard L. Brandt
April 23, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2014/04/23/education-startup-declara-raises-16-million-for.html 

StrictlyVC: April 23, 2014
StrictlyVC 
Connie Loizos
April 23, 2014
http://www.strictlyvc.com/2014/04/23/strictlyvc-april-23-2014/ 

Gateway to Innovation, SixThirty winners; Amazon scores HBO: TechFlash 7 things
St. Louis Business Journal
Joe Dwyer
April 23, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/biznext/2014/04/gateway-to-innovation-sixthirty-winners-amazon.html 

Declara raises $16M to apply machine learning personal learning 
CNN Money/Fortune (from GigaOM)
Derrick Harris
April 23, 2014
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/gigaom/articles/2014_04_23_declara_raises_16m_to_apply_machine_learning_personal_learning.html 

Declara raises $16 million in venture funding for personalized learning
Inside Bay Area (from San Jose Mercury News)
Heather Somerville
April 23, 2014
http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_25620624/declara-raises-16-million-personalized-learning 

Declara raises $16 million in venture funding for personalized learning
Contra Costa Times (from San Jose Mercury News)
Heather Somerville
April 23, 2014
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_25620624/declara-raises-16-million-personalized-learning 

Education startup Declara raises $16 million
Pulse 2.0 (from Re/code)
April 23, 2014
http://pulse2.com/2014/04/23/education-startup-declara-raises-16-million-107927/ 

]]> Introducing the Digital Virgin Money London Marathon, brought to you by Paofit http://consortpartners.com/introducing-the-digital-virgin-money-london-marathon-brought-to-you-by-paofit/ Mon, 14 Apr 2014 22:09:45 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2433 Paofit London 3

The world’s greatest marathon goes digital next year as runners everywhere in the world are invited to line up on a virtual start line at 10:00 on Sunday, April 26, 2015 to run the Digital Virgin Money London Marathon.

The Virgin Money London Marathon, in partnership with Paofit, has created a unique interactive 3D running experience that combines HD video of the famous London course with virtual reality avatars, making the unique experience of running the London Marathon available to treadmill runners everywhere.

“Imagine lining up in Greenwich and hearing the cheers of the crowd as you run past the famous London landmarks of the CuttySark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace to the finish on The Mall, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the day without ever leaving your home or gym,” says Race Director Hugh Brasher.

Paofit iPad1Participating runners will download the Paofit app to an iPad(iPhone shortly and Android later in the year) and set it on a treadmill.The vibration generated by running on the treadmill makes the course ahead speed up, slow down or come to a complete stop, reflecting the runner’s step count. Runners will see their own running avatar and the avatars of the other participants in real-time and can overtake – or be overtaken – on screen.

Runners using Life Fitness Track+ or Discover console treadmills will experience the treadmill incline as it automatically matches the real terrain of the course on the video.Runners can participate as individuals or as a relay team.

The new technology was demonstrated today (Friday) at the Virgin Money London Marathon Expo in the ExCeL centre as runners tried out the Digital Showcase experience which features four miles of the London course.

“Over the years, nearly two million people have been unable to get a place in London Marathon through our ballot,” says Brasher. “Now, with our digital partners Paofit, we are opening the greatest marathon in the world to treadmill runners, everywhere. We hope it will inspire many more runners to take up the marathon challenge and, by doing so, raise even more money for charitable causes.”

“The Digital Virgin Money London Marathon will make the world’s greatest marathon accessible to people across the world, 365 days of the year,” says Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group.

“Paofit is the first and only company to combine HD video of running courses with virtual reality avatars to make treadmill running fun and social,” says Marc Hardy, CEO of Paofit. “We’re excited to be able to give any indoor runner the chance to experience the course, from novice runners to experienced racers.”

To register for the 2015 Digital Virgin Money London Marathon, visit www.digitallondonmarathon.com . Full registration information will be sent out later in the year.

Try it out now! Log on to www.paofit.com to download the app and a free sample of one mile of the Digital Virgin Money London Marathon course.

Runner’s World
Run the Virtual London Marathon
April 11, 2014
http://www.runnersworld.com/electronics/run-the-virtual-london-marathon?page=single

BBC Sport
London Marathon launches ‘Digital Marathon’
April 11, 2014
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/athletics/26989649

Reuters 
Virtual reality opens London Marathon to all
April 11, 2014
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/04/11/uk-athletics-marathon-virtual-idUKBREA3A18320140411

Huffington Post
Now You Can Run the London Marathon From Your Treadmill, Thanks to Virtual Reality
April 11, 2014
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/11/london-marathon-virtual-reality_n_5133309.html?ir=Technology

Inside the Games
Guaranteed entry for the London Marathon – through virtual reality
April 11, 2014
http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/summer/athletics/1019421-guaranteed-entry-for-the-london-marathon-through-virtual-reality

Runner’s Web
Athletics: Virgin Money London Marathon Goes Digital
April 11, 2014
http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news_2014/rw_news_20140411_London_Marathon.html

The Malaysian Insider
Virtual reality opens London Marathon to all
April 11, 2014
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sports/article/virtual-reality-opens-london-marathon-to-all

FanSided
‘Virtual reality’ London Marathon coming in 2015
By Stu White
April 12, 2014
http://fansided.com/2014/04/12/virtual-reality-london-marathon-coming-2015/#!D4EP3

MedCity News
Travel the world on a treadmill (and beat the boredom) with a virtual reality exercise app
By Deanna Polgorelc
April 11, 2014
http://medcitynews.com/2014/04/wow-week-virtual-reality-meets-treadmill-beat-exercise-blues/

]]> The Hunt Secures $10 Million Series B; Khosla Ventures Joins Javelin in Round http://consortpartners.com/the-hunt-secures-10-million-series-b-khosla-ventures-joins-javelin-in-round/ Thu, 10 Apr 2014 23:03:04 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2455 Weingarten_040113_088_editSAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 10, 2014 – The Hunt (www.thehunt.com), the app that sits at the nexus of ecommerce and photo sharing for millennials, today announced that Khosla Ventures is joining previous investor Javelin Ventures in bringing the company’s total Series B funding to $10 million. The funding follows the recent $5.5 million Series A investment with the total funding amounting to $15.5M million.  Proceeds will be used for hiring, as the company has doubled its staff since mid-2013, and plans to continue building its team to accommodate its rapidly growing user base.

Also announced today, Ben Ling, Investment Partner at Khosla Ventures, will join The Hunt’s board. Ling has an extensive track record as a senior executive at Google, YouTube and Facebook, helping these companies scale their users and revenues. Ling is also an angel investor in Square, Quora, Fab, Palantir, and PracticeFusion, with advisory roles at Pinterest and Pulse.

“In the last ten years, Google scaled its search revenue by understanding intent through text queries,” said Ling. “Today, The Hunt is changing the way that people shop online by identifying intent on the visual web. Monetizing the visual web is the next big opportunity, and we are looking forward to being a part of The Hunt’s success.”

Since its launch in January 2013, The Hunt has connected the inspiration and discovery of the visual web with intent, and ultimately purchase, on e-commerce sites by making photos “shoppable.” Today, over half a million monthly active users (MAU) and 100,000 daily active users (DAU) on mobileengage with The Hunt as a fun, quick way to turn shopping into entertainment. The average user spends nine minutes per session on The Hunt, rivaling engagement levels usually only seen in social and gaming spheres. More than 2 million Hunts are started and followed per week.

“Try typing ‘little black dress’ in Google and you get 331 million results. Try finding the perfect one (conservative or edgy or silky or flowing) and you’ll see how time-consuming this task can be,” said Tim Weingarten, CEO and co-founder of The Hunt. “The Hunt is the first solution to shoppers’ deep-rooted frustration in trying to find exactly what they’re looking for, fast. If you have a photo of a dress you really like but can’t find, chances are our  community of like-minded shoppers will have a suggestion for you, probably within a day.”

The Hunt taps into existing passion for fashion, the camaraderie of community, and the enticement of an ongoing, fun, but achievable challenge. Unlike online fashion marketplaces that are limited by size of catalog, extent of index or automated approaches to nuanced searches, the fast-growing and altruistic community of shoppers that makes up The Hunt provides a place to get suggestions for coveted fashions that match a shopper’s taste at the at their specified budget.

“We’ve been inspired by stories from our users, like Rachel Talbott, who has a great lifestyle and beauty You Tube channel called Check In The Mirror, who was searching for a pair of metallic silver heels but couldn’t find them anywhere. She posted a picture of the heels on The Hunt, and told the community that she wanted them for under $100. The community immediately identified the original shoes and also provided Rachel with a few budget friendly options, completing her quest for the perfect pair of heels,” Weingarten added.

The Hunt is available for iOS at www.thehunt.com/iphone and on the web at www.thehunt.com.

About The Hunt

Founded in 2011 by Tim Weingarten and Simon Peck, The Hunt is a global community of shoppers centered on bringing together fashion images that inspire with the ecommerce sites that make the attainable. The company is backed by Khosla Ventures, Javelin Ventures, among others. For more information about the San Francisco-based startup, please visit www.thehunt.com.

WWD
The Hunt Closes on $10M Series B Round
By Vicki Young
April 10, 2014
http://www.wwd.com/business-news/financial/the-hunt-closes-on-10m-series-b-round-7636916

FashInvest
Photo Sharing App, The Hunt, Secures $10 Million in Series B Funding
By Ashley Paintsil
April 10, 2014
http://www.fashinvest.com/phot-sharing-app-hunt-raised-15-million-series-funding/

VC Post
The Hunt takes in new funds valued USD10 million
April 10, 2014
http://www.vcpost.com/articles/23267/20140410/the-hunt-raises-10m-from-khosla-for-crowdsourced-shopping.htm
 
re/code
The Hunt Raises $10M to Help People (Mostly Young Women) Track Down Products They Covet
By Liz Gannes
April 10, 2014
http://recode.net/2014/04/10/the-hunt-raises-10m-to-help-people-mostly-young-women-track-down-products-they-covet/

wochit
The Hunt Raises $10M From Khosla For Crowdsourced Shopping (VIDEO)
April 10, 2014
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nc1hh_the-hunt-raises-10m-from-khosla-for-crowdsourced-shopping_tech
 
TechCrunch
The Hunt Raises $10M From Khosla For Crowdsourced Shopping
By Leena Rao
April 10, 2014
http://techcrunch.com/2014/04/10/the-hunt-raises-10m-from-khosla-for-crowdsourced-shopping/
*Note: also listed in CrunchBase Daily

Fashionista
The Hunt Raises $10 Million, With New Backing From Khosla Ventures
By Eliza Brooke
April 10, 2014
http://fashionista.com/2014/04/the-hunt-raises-10-million-with-new-backing-from-khosla-ventures/

PandoDaily
“Like fantasy football for shopping.” The Hunt grabs $10M to spin social shopping into intent-based gold
By Michael Carney
April 10, 2014
http://pando.com/2014/04/10/like-fantasy-football-for-shopping-the-hunt-grabs-10m-to-spin-social-shopping-into-intent-based-gold/

Cloud Consulting International Blog
San Francisco-based community-driven shopping app The Hunt has raised a $10 million
By Jarrett Neil Ridlinghafer
April 10, 2014
http://cloudwiser.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/san-francisco-based-community-driven-shopping-app-the-hunt-has-raised-a-10-million/

Dow Jones Venturewire
The Hunt Captures $10M Series B for Online Shopping App
April 10, 2014
http://pevc.dowjones.com/article?an=DJFVW00020140410ea4aplbqd&from=alert&pid=32&ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fpevc.dowjones.com%2farticle%3fan%3dDJFVW00020140410ea4aplbqd%26from%3dalert%26pid%3d32
 
Reuters peHUB
Khosla Ventures invests in The Hunt, bringing Series B round to $10 mln
April 11, 2014
http://www.pehub.com/2014/04/khosla-ventures-invests-in-the-hunt-bringing-series-b-round-to-10-mln/
 
WSJ Venture Capital Dispatch
The Daily Startup: Wall Street Unease Dragging Startups Down
April 11, 2014
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2014/04/11/the-daily-startup-wall-street-unease-dragging-startups-down/
 
Vator TV
Funding roundup – week ending 4/11/14
April 11, 2014
http://vator.tv/news/2014-04-11-funding-roundup-week-ending-4-11-14

Strictly VC
StrictlyVC: April 11, 2014
April 11, 2014
http://www.strictlyvc.com/2014/04/11/strictlyvc-april-11-2014/

SiliconTap
The Hunt Finds $10 Million
April 11, 2014
http://www.silicontap.com/the_hunt_finds_million/s-0054514.html

PYMNTS.com
Crowdsourced-Shopping Site The Hunt Nabs $10 Million in Investment From Khosla
April 11, 2014
http://www.pymnts.com/news/social-commerce/2014/crowdsourced-shopping-site-the-hunt-nabs-10-million-in-investment-from-khosla/#.U0xcvChfdss

Website Magazine
Crowdsourced Shopping Site “The Hunt” In Focus
April 11, 2014
http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/archive/2014/04/11/crowdsource-shopping-site-the-hunt-in-focus.aspx

]]> Azumio Snapshot http://consortpartners.com/azumio-snapshot/ Wed, 26 Feb 2014 19:52:52 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2427 azumio

Azumio is a real pioneer in the health and wellness category.  Last year they announced a cool app that essentially transformed an iPhone into a Fitbit, for free.  Here is a snapshot of the coverage we generated, including a nice print piece in The New York Times, plus big stories in Reuters, USA Today, and several broadcast hits.

We generated all this without breaking a sweat, as most of us are athletic anyway 😉

 

]]> FreedomPop’s disruption moves markets http://consortpartners.com/freedompops-disruption-moves-markets/ Wed, 12 Feb 2014 02:16:53 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2419
You know that AT&T TV commercial for the new Mobile Share Value plan for unlimited talk and text for $45/month?  The customer asks, “What’s the catch?” and the salesperson says “There is no catch.”  There is a big catch – the $45 doesn’t include a phone. A new iPhone 5S from AT&T will cost you $650. If you choose to buy it on installments, your monthly bill soars to $77.50 a month. And, by the way, the data plan in question limits you to 300 megabytes of data a month.

FreedomPop has declared war on the carriers, on behalf of consumers who are tired of getting exploited.  This week they launched a new plan that provides unlimited data and voice for $4.58 a month.  To put that into context, if you were to buy the equivalent plan on AT&T for one month, you could have gotten two years of service with FreedomPop.  That’s a huge difference.

So is this the reason that AT&T and others are lowering their prices?  To compete with the underdog gaining the headlines?  Maybe so.

Here are some print and online reports.  There were over 80 broadcast stories today alone.

USA Today (Print & Online)
For consumer cellular prices, look out below!
By John Shinal
February 10, 2014
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/shinal/2014/02/10/att-family-data-plan-sprint-t-mobile-new-tech-economy-john-shinal/5279941/

CNN
FreedomPop adds unlimited voice and SMS plan for $4.58 a month, with 500 MB free
February 10, 2014
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/gigaom/articles/2014_02_10_freedompop_adds_unlimited_voice_and_sms_plan_for_4_58_a_month_with_500_mb_free.html

CNBC
For consumer cellular prices, look out below!
February 10, 2014
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101404127

MSNBC
Word on the Street – Mobile Prices
February 11, 2014
http://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=205&DateTime=2%2F11%2F2014+5%3A39%3A45+AM&Term=Freedom+Pop&PlayClip=TRUE

PC Magazine
FreedomPop Adds $5 Plan, Galaxy S II
By Stephanie Mlot
February 10, 2014
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2452983,00.asp

Engadget
FreedomPop lets you save more by paying up front for cheap cellphone service
By Chris Velazco
February 10, 2014
http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/10/freedompop-cheap-plan-upfront/

WirelessWeek
FreedomPop Intros Unlimited Talk, Text Plan for $4.58/Month
By Ben Munson
February 10, 2014
http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2014/02/freedompop-intros-unlimited-talk-text-plan-458/month

TheNextWeb
Budget carrier FreedomPop offers a new $5 wireless plan with unlimited voice and text
By Josh Ong
February 10, 2014
http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2014/02/10/budget-carrier-freedompop-offers-new-5-wireless-plan-unlimited-voice-text/

Fierce Wireless
FreedomPop releases $169 Galaxy S II, drops unlimited calling, texting to $4.58/month
By Mike Dano
February 10, 2014
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/freedompop-releases-169-galaxy-s-ii-drops-unlimited-calling-texting-458mont/2014-02-10?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

TWICE
FreedomPop Launches $4.58/Month Unlimited Voice, Text Plan
By Joseph Pelanchar
February 10, 2014
http://www.twice.com/articletype/news/freedompop-launches-458month-unlimited-voice-text-plan/109953

GigaOm
FreedomPop adds unlimited voice and SMS plan for $4.58 a month, with 500 MB free
By Kevin Fitchard
February 10, 2014
http://gigaom.com/2014/02/10/freedompop-adds-unlimited-voice-and-sms-plan-for-4-58-a-month-with-500-mb-free/

IntoMobile
FreedomPop Launches $5 a Month Plan, Adds Samsung Galaxy S II to Lineup
By Ian Kersey
February 10, 2014
http://www.intomobile.com/2014/02/10/freedompop-launches-5-month-plan/

RCR Wireless
FreedomPop launches data-free plan for less than $5 per month
By Dan Meyer
February 10, 2014
http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20140210/carriers/freedompop-launches-data-free-plan-for-less-than-5-per-month/

]]> The world’s first commercially available driverless vehicle – Navia by Induct http://consortpartners.com/the-worlds-first-commercially-available-driverless-vehicle-navia-by-induct/ Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:33:35 +0000 http://www.consortpartners.com/blog/?p=2361 Induct snapshotJanuary was a busy month for Consort with launches and announcements from our clients to kick in the new year.  Three of us – Paul Brady, April Mayrath, and myself – were on hand at CES in Las Vegas for the launch of Induct’s Navia driverless vehicle.  When preparing for the announcement, our anticipation built, hoping to delight our client with significant coverage that would help them generate new business leads and elevate their presence in the world of autonomous vehicles.  We sat on pins and needles as our embargo time approached and breathed a collective sigh of relief when the first stories began to appear.  And then they kept coming – on TV, on radio, the internet, in print, in awards.  We were thrilled to see the smile our the faces of the Induct team as the media gathered around the Induct tent in the parking lot outside of CES.  Next to us was Bosch and down the way was Ford, but it seemed we had become the story to cover.  What an absolute honor.

Above is a snapshot of some of the stories.  To date, we’ve generated over 200 broadcast stories and over 2,000 online and print stories.  We were the happiest when our client told us this far exceeded their expectations.  Priceless.

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