PR Newswire's Business Technology Round-up, 9th October 2012

LONDON, October 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Universal Apps launches Netflix control, Allscripts announces innovation award and Alphabird buys ViDM

Universal Apps, a leading provider of popular iPad and iPhone titles, has announced the launch of the new "Rated G for Netflix" app, designed to make using the increasingly popular movie and TV streaming service safer for children.

The new app works in tandem with the existing Netflix app, although only films rated as suitable for young viewers will be searchable. Children can then add them to their viewing list, and launch straight into the dedicated Netflix app when they are ready to view the content. The streaming service currently has over 25million subscribers, with adults tending to share accounts with their children without applying parental controls. Using this app allows parents and children to keep separate viewing lists, ensuring safe viewing.

Allscripts, a company specialising in technological solutions for healthcare institutions, has announced the start of its "Open App Challenge", in order to find the best new technology to add to its growing range of Health Records software.

The originator of the winning idea will receive an impressive $250,000 prize and see their app released to healthcare providers across the world. The company is hoping to create a "Connected Community of Health", using cutting-edge technology to help doctors, nurses and other professionals to carry out their duties in an efficient, patient friendly manner.

The winning app will focus on the management of "high cost chronic diseases", with Allscripts keen to provide a solution for multiple patient management. According to CEO Glen Tullman, the company intends to "inspire developers to start a revolution by pushing the boundaries of what IT can do to improve quality of care for patients".

Alphabird, a company focused on audience development for online media content, has completed the purchase of Ventures in Digital Media (ViDM), a digital media and advertising company based in Australia.

The acquisition will allow Alphabird to enhance the services that it currently offers to clients using the wealth of digital advertising experience held by ViDM. Alphabird will use its new subsidiary to provide high-profile clients with access to innovative digital advertising products.

ViDM's services will now be made available outside of Australia for the first time, with Alphabird's CEO, Chase Norlin, noting that "this transaction marks a very important addition to Alphabird's IP and audience development offerings worldwide". The company will also gain control over ViDM subsidiaries Amplify and Emerge Digital, two leading providers of niche digital advertising in the Australian market.

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