On January 15, professional services firm Deloitte & Touche released its annual Technology, Media and Telecommunications Predictions list for the coming year. Some of the more hot-button trends emerging in Canadian information and communication technologies according to the consulting firm include an increasing move toward eco-friendly technology, more widespread adoption of biometric-based security, and a push to take digital user-generated content into the corporate world. The list also homed in on some more esoteric subjects, such as the rise of "power-scavenging" technology that would see electronic devices be able to recharge their batteries through kinetic energy and other means, and the growing influence of "virtuanomics," or the economic systems found within online game environments and other virtual worlds.

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now.

The 2006 iteration of the ambitious mobile short film project spearheaded by marblemedia, the National Film Board and CHUM Television’s BravoFACT will be making its way to Barcelona next month after being nominated for a leading mobile industry award. Shorts in Motion: The Art of Seduction picked up a nomination in the Best Made-For-Mobile Service category at the upcoming Global Mobile Awards, presented by the GSM Association at its annual conference. This year’s field of entries included 10 short films, directed by such Canadian notables as Guy Maddin, Mark McKinney and David Villeneuve, on the subject of seduction.
But it’s not the first time the project has garnered international acclaim. "Last year’s Shorts in Motion project – which involved only four filmmakers – received the only two Canadian official nominations at Cannes’ MIP Mobile Awards, bringing the project worldwide attention and recognition," Judy Gladstone, executive director of BravoFACT, said in a media release.

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now.

The Department of Canadian Heritage has released new guidelines for applications to its New Media Research Networks Fund through to 2009. The fund aims to build capacity for cultural projects in the new media sector by investing in research and development programs, and is open to partnerships between public- and private-sector companies fitting at least one of the following descriptions: small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) active in the cultural new media sector; not-for-profit organization active in the cultural or other relevant sectors; non-governmental research institute active in the cultural or other relevant sectors, and; post-secondary educational institution with a research mandate. Expressions of interest are due by February 12, 2007; those chosen to submit a full application afterwards will be contacted by the department.

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now.

Crash Addicts Interactive (www.crashaddicts.com) is a unique and rich media online experience that builds on the new Crash Addicts television series, currently airing on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN). The series follows the real lives of small-town Canadian characters like Joe "Hot Rod" Kemp, Tammy "Bubbles" Bruce, Team "Sweet-leaf", The "Berminator" and more, on their raucous quest to claim the national demolition derby title.

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now.