You have to see it: Seed at the McMichael Gallery!

January 26, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Events

Beginning January 28, take part in an ongoing interactive, cell phone-driven initiative that lets you plant a SEED and grow a virtual tree! Come see what it’s all about!

SEED was developed in 2005 as a project by Toronto-based artist Napoleon Brousseau and his two technologist friends, Gabe Sawhney and Galen Scorer, and co-produced by the Canadian Film Centre. It has been presented at several venues around the world and the McMichael is SEED’s very first public art gallery appearance.

Seed explores the convergence of rich media and wireless technology in the creation of a collaborative and evolving work of art. Through sound and imagery, users create and populate a forest together. By dialing a particular number on the screen, each participant receives a “seed” on the public screen. By using the keypad on the cell phone audiences have the ability to grow their seeds, choose the type of trees they want to plant, and change their texture and color.

This winter and spring, the McMichael celebrates the artistic, cultural, and natural aspects of the tree with two breathtaking exhibitions, special installations, and variety of Tree-related activities for all ages, every weekend! It’s all part of The McMichael Tree Project.

Details:
When: January 28th, 2012 – April 22, 2012
Where: McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario
(Islington Avenue north of Major Mackenzie Drive on the east side)
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Download It Now: Herd.fm

January 25, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > News

Herd.fm is back and better than ever!

The application delivers best in-app music sharing, discovering and listening experience with API integration from top music services: Last.fm, Songkick, SoundCloud and YouTube!

Herd.fm promises to be the new standard for music sharing and discovery on mobile devices. As phones have become the heart of a person’s music collection, the ability to share songs with others has remained difficult. The new Herd.fm is customized for mobile devices and provides a user-friendly, streamlined experience that makes connecting people through meaningful songs and playlists simple and fun.

HERD.FM was conceived at the CFC Media Lab’s NBC Universal Multiplatform Matchmaking Program where co-founders Romeo Candido (2010), Davin Lengyel (2010) and James Milward (2010) challenged themselves to find a new way to share music.  Herd.fm welcomed David Nam as an executive team member and the vision of the product grew from being a geo-locative music discovery tool to a mobile service that solves the problem of sharing and discovering meaningful music in a fun, and easy way on the mobile platform.  Nam is the former VP of Product and Marketing at MXP4 and former Head of Marketing at Last.fm.

Details:
What is it: Music Discovery App
Platform: iOS, iPhone device
Download Now: http://bit.ly/herdfminstall
More Information: https://herd.fm/about
Follow: @herdfm
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Job Posting: Mobile Application Developer

January 25, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Jobs

Job Description: Mobile Application Developer, Toronto

EDAC is looking for a highly skilled multi-platform mobile application developer to build the first version, and potentially future versions, of Quinzee a mobile application that makes energy use relevant. This is a contract position that will last the duration of the development of the first version of Quinzee.

This project would be a good opportunity for someone already programming in Sencha Touch 2 to add a very exciting application to his or her portfolio. It would also be a great way for an experienced Adobe Flash, and specifically Adobe Flex, developer to retrain and build a best-in-class application for their portfolio on a fast-growing crossplatform development tool.

Responsibilities

  1. Understand application’s objectives through discussion with the founders and by interpreting the already completed design brief, wireframes, and graphics.
  2. Develop, from the ground up, the application on the Sencha Touch 2 platform (for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry), including design, development and debugging
  3. Test the application on all platforms and outline limitations and potential issues
  4. Be available for product maintenance for a reasonable amount of time upon completion of the project

Knowledge And Skill Requirements

  • Experience working with PhoneGap or Sencha Touch 2 or other multi-platform development tools
  • If not the above, experience developing in Adobe Flash, and particularly Adobe Flex
  • Experience with social media APIs and API structure language
  • Familiarity with relational database concepts

Education And Experience

  • Undergraduate degree, preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering or a related field
  • Masters degree in computer science or a related field preferred
  • At least two years developing mobile applications, at least one of which is awesome
  • Experience designing simple and compelling user experiences on a mobile

Good Qualities To Have

  • Attention to detail
  • A desire to build a game changing application that users will love
  • An appreciation for the visual arts, social networking and mobile social gaming

Compensation

Compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s level of experience and the work schedule agreed upon.

About Environmental Data Analytics & Communications (EDAC)

EDAC is a software-as-a-service company that builds systems that educate and influence individuals to improve resource management and system efficiencies.

If you are interested, please email:

Lee Bremer, Director, Systems Design, lbremer@edacglobal.com or
Faizal Karmali, Director, Commercial Development, fkarmali@edacglobal.com

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Tristan Perich at MUTEK: 1-Bit Symphony

January 23, 2012 | Aylwin Lo | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Events

In our final post of the MUTEK interview series, we talk to Tristan Perich about classical music, low-level microprocessor programming, interactivity, (pseudo-)randomness, and the imperfection of logical systems.

A composer, musician, programmer, and visual artist, Perich has explored the intersections of these disciplines for the past decade through sculpture, installation, and performance. Last year, he released 1-Bit Symphony: a 5-movement work delivered in a CD jewel case containing not an optical disc, but a circuit centred around a tiny Atmel microcontroller that “performs” his symphony through a standard headphone jack.

Atmel microcontrollers are at the heart of the Arduino open-source electronics platform commonly used to prototype creative hardware projects. But while Arduino programmers use a C++-like language, Perich programs his Atmel chips in assembly language – low-level language specific to the hardware it runs on.

Software developers usually program in higher-level languages like C++ and use a compiler to automatically translate their code into machine-executable assembly code. Assembly languages are typically more verbose than their higher-level counterparts and can be cryptic and non-portable.

If writing a symphony in assembly code sounds like a painstaking and laborious process, that’s because it is. However, Perich found something compelling in the process and has built up an appreciable body of work pairing low-level electronic and computer hardware with visual and aural expression.   Read More »

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Upcoming Events: Dx3 and Sprout Up!

January 20, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Interactive Industry > News & Events

Dx3 is the Canadian Trade Show Where Business Gets Digital.

When it comes to the digital landscape, there’s a ton of confusion. Luckily, Dx3 can help. Their educational, informative, and hands-on content sessions will deliver practical advice and help you to move your business and your career forward. Everything from early stage introductory sessions to advanced classes for the seasoned professional is covered.

Dx3 Canada will also have a wide array of companies exhibiting on the trade show floor, as well as unique interactive features that will inform, inspire, and intrigue. You can find our more about these under show features.

Details:

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
When: January 25-26, 2012
Register Here: https://www.microspec.com/reg/dx32012/index.htm

 

Sprout Up is a monthly event for forward-thinking entrepreneurs to gather and mind-meld.

A great chance for startups around the to get friendly, discuss current trends, and network in a casual, open, and focused setting. Sprout Up events have been held in cities around the world including Toronto, Montreal, NYC and London, and regularly have over 300 attendees.

Sprout Up is excited to announce the details of Sprout Up Toronto, taking place Tuesday, January 31st at The Courthouse. The guest speaker will be Dan Martell, an investor and serial entrepreneur. Most recently Dan was the founder of Flowtown, which was acquired in October 2011.

Details:

Where: The Courthouse (57 Adelaide St. E, Toronto, ON)
When: Tuesday January 31, 2012, 6:00pm.
Register Here: http://www.meetup.com/SproutUpTO/events/44210192/

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HIGHRISE/ONE MILLIONth TOWER on the TTC

January 17, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in Alumni Successes > CFC Media Lab

Toronto’s re-imagined vertical suburbs animate and take shape on subway screens and platforms across the city from January 2 – February 29, 2012.

Developed by curator and CFC Media Lab alumna, Sharon Switzer, this two-fold art installation is a site-specific version of the most recent edition of the NFB’s HIGHRISE project. Presenting the beautifully imagined transformation of a rundown Toronto highrise tower, with landscapes inspired by its inhabitants, the TTC installation asks Torontonians to envision a more livable city.

Reaching more than one million commuters, HIGHRISE/ONE MILLIONth TOWER on the TTC can be found across Toronto’s subway system, as a series of specially designed subway platform posters in 59 stations, and 30-second animated videos that play every 10 minutes all day on the entire network of Pattison Onestop screens.

The NFB’s HIGHRISE project, directed by Katerina Cizek, is a multi-year, multimedia, collaborative documentary experiment about the human experience in global vertical suburbs. ONE MILLIONth TOWER is set in an HTML5 virtual landscape that re-imagines the urban landscape, using the magic of cinema, architecture, animation and cutting-edge open-source web technology to transform a dilapidated highrise neighbourhood into a vibrant resident-led community.

Find HIGHRISE/ONE MILLIONth TOWER online…

Presented by Pattison Onestop, Art for Commuters, and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB).

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Who Wants to Attend Lean Startup Machine Toronto?

January 14, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in Calls for Submission

The <stabletalk> perks keep on coming!  We’re asking you to send a pitch of a project you would like to present at Lean Startup Machine Toronto and we will send you and your team to the amazing weekend long event!

What is Lean Startup Machine?

Lean Startup Machine is a metrics-driven startup competition where teams learn to identify the key risks in their business model through hands-on mentorship and our framework of tools. Over the course of the weekend you will do the following:

  • Ideate a startup or work on the one you have now
  • Practice Customer Discovery
  • Research your Target Market
  • Practice Customer Development
  • Test your Assumptions in Iterations
  • Understand your Business Model
  • Iterate and Pivot (when necessary)
  • Build something you can Launch
  • Present your Validated Learnings
     

How to win free passes:

Send me (amallozzi@cfccreates.com) a one-pager of the idea you would like to pitch at Lean Start-Up Machine Toronto by Friday January 20, 2012 and the best pitch will be awarded free passes for their team to attend!

Be sure to include the following in your submission:

  • An outline of your idea (include the platform for your project and the audience you wish to target)
  • Your team (include brief bios of your team members and their role)
  • Any mock-up images you may have (not required but always nice!)
Details:

Date: January 26, 2012- January 29, 2012
Location: The Burroughes Building, 639 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Register: http://lsm-toronto.eventbrite.com/
More Information: http://theleanstartupmachine.com/events/toronto-january-26/

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Put This In Your Calendar – GameON: Finance

January 9, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Events

What is GameON: Finance?

GameON: Finance 2012 returns to the Design Exchange (DX) on January 17 and 18, 2012. GameON: Finance is Canada’s top business forum for the interactive entertainment industry connecting developers, innovators, investors and industry leaders. Delegates will gather in downtown Toronto for two days of keynotes, case-studies, lectures and panel discussions which will provide insight on topics like:

  • Emerging opportunities in game project financing
  • The bottom line on equity investments
  • Deal making across platforms
  • Tips and tricks to optimize public finance opportunities
Details…

Where: The Design Exchange
When: January 17 & 18, 2012
Register online here: http://gameonfinance.com/register
Find out more details about this event: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=cf01cb7786c882d1bdfeaaf97&id=cd537acfc9

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Merging Media TO: Transmedia Seminar+Lab

January 6, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Events

Is your New Year resolution to keep up with the latest media trends and to obtain the tools and skills to keep you on the cutting edge? With multi-platform production on the rise and convergence being a significant game changer in our industry, you won’t want to miss this one of a kind opportunity to attend the Merging Media TO: Transmedia seminar+lab by International Transmedia Guru Anita Ondine, on Jan 19-20 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

The MMTO LAB application deadline has been extended to January 7th, so you have just 3 days left to apply for this unique professional development experience. During the 2 full days of learning and collaborating with professionals from both digital + conventional media, you’ll be part of a team that will build and pitch a transmedia project before an expert Jury of funders and broadcasters. This is a rare opportunity to work as a group under the guidance of Transmedia expert Anita Ondine & collaborate with key executives from SHAW, TELEFILM, BELL and CBC, to explore the business and creative essentials of transmedia while upgrading your skills & knowledge!

Don’t wait! Submit this application form by January 7, 2012 to Jennifer at coordinator@mergingmedia.ca or register here for MMTO’s half day seminar with Anita Ondine.

Special Offer!

MMTO is pleased to extend a discount of 15% to members of the CFC Media Lab community, in order to take advantage of this discount please email Andrea at amallozzi@cfccreates.com to get the discount code!

What can you expect from the MMTO Transmedia seminar & lab? Watch the video here and read the testimonials here.

Join in on the conversations on Facebook & Twitter – the MMTO community is growing rapidly and there is always room to discuss, collaborate & share!

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Interaxon is Hiring: Two Amazing Positions!

January 5, 2012 | Andrea Mallozzi | Posted in CFC Media Lab > Interactive Industry > Jobs

Who’s hiring you: A small, well-honed team that have muscled our way to the front of the race to bring thought-controlled computing to the mass market. With limited resources and no small amount of pluck we have created groundbreaking applications that show up in places like CNN, The Wall Street Journal and WIRED.com . We travel a lot, we work hard, we make great stuff, and we take tremendous pleasure in blowing people’s minds. More than anything, we’re out to change the way people interact with technology and move the needle of human-computer interfaces.

Apply to: jobs@interaxon.ca

Job Title: Rock-Star Developer and Team Lead

Summary: We need an exceptional coder who loves challenges and makes insanely good things that people love and use often. You’ll be building and leading a tight team of genius developers in creating the applications that will make thought-controlled computing a part of people’s everyday lives.
Compensation:  Salary & Equity

When Hired: ASAP

Description of role and tasks:

  • Development of a cross-platform applications (including iOS and Android) using a revolutionary new human-computer interface
  • Executing a complex software development project from planning through delivery and maintenance and upgrades
  • Working closely with interaction & interface designers to create magnetic, engaging experiences on the mobile platform
  • Working closely with engineering, research and neuroscience teams to ensure that all aspects of the product are fully integrated
  • Building a flexible team of developers to handle future software development effort
  • Managing all software developers and development efforts.
  • Reporting directly to CTO & Executive team

Qualities and experience of hire:

  • Strong Coder in all languages: Python, C, Ruby, Objective C, C++, Java, Android, iPhone, etc.
  • Experience with the following:
    • cloud-based applications
    • real-time signal processing
    • mobile application development
    • encryption
    • mobile gaming
    • user-interface & interaction development
  • Loves programming and programming languages
  • Strong understanding of how to deliver magnetic, engaging experiences on the mobile platform
  • Exceptional track record creating solid, successful applications

Job Title: Interaction designer

Summary: You are a white hot designer who eats sleeps and breathes user experience. You have a track record of creating (and shipping!) beautiful, emotionally resonant designs that people actually use, and have experience in interaction design, user interface design, graphic design. mobile app design on iphone, ipad and android platforms. You are going to be creating the language of brainwave-based interaction, and working with a team of genius developers and engineers to realize that language in innovative, magnetic products.

Compensation:  Salary & Equity

When Hired: ASAP

Description of role and tasks:

  • Responsible for the end-to-end development of the user experience from the purchase through to the product including
  • Assets
  • Experience Flow
  • Metaphors & inconography
  • Audio / Music
  • Product Management – understanding target markets and developing features that appeal to those markets
    • Developing a language that will define all future brainwave interactions
    • Work with external collaborators to realize your vision

Qualities and experience of hire:

  • White hot designer
  • Have designed multiple successful applications for mobile platforms
  • Extraordinary graphic design skills
  • Outstanding  ability in motion graphic design
  • Skilled in communication in all media (web, video, print, product, applications)
  • Passionate about human-computer interaction and how technology can enhance and improve the experience of self
  • Experienced in developing winning applications that connect with targeted markets
  • Has the ability to create products with the power to significantly change consumer behaviour
  • Portfolio of magnetic, emotional, compelling designs and applications that have gone to market and shown traction

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