News Headline
Norway’s Mobile Media acquires Rubberduck Media Lab
MUMBAI: The Norway-headquartered Mobile Media Company, one of the global providers of wireless interactive entertainment services and marketing applications, has acquired the UK-based Rubberduck Media Lab Limited.
The move strengthens Mobile Media’s presence in the TV to mobile arena and will present broadcasters and content providers with a fully-featured platform, to provide the best possible streaming television experience to mobile device users across the globe, stated an official release.
As a Mobile Media Company, Rubberduck will form a key building block in the company’s global launch programme for mobile TV channels. Rubberduck was started by key members of the mobile division of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). Its pioneering experiences will prove to be highly valuable as services are extended across new markets. Its work with Norwegian broadcaster NRK to create Europe’s first live television service to wireless subscribers, to the delivery of streamed motion picture content for Twentieth Century FOX in the US, including recent trailers for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Fantastic Four, are just the beginning, the release added.
Rubberduck’s operator-agnostic service will give mobile phone owners around the world the choice to watch their favourite programmes and other video content in a manner that matches their lifestyle.
“The Mobile Media Company is committed to the future of mobile as the 4th screen for information and entertainment,” commented CEO of The Mobile Media Company Karsten Hauge. “Mobile devices will be as important as a source of information and entertainment as the television set currently is, and our acquisition of Rubberduck reiterates our commitment to the future of mobile entertainment, and our own evolution as The Personal Broadcaster.”
Remaining as director of Rubberduck Media Lab, Gavin Whyte noted; “Our market and technical experience has made Rubberduck a frontrunner when it comes to developing mobile TV projects for major broadcasters and content providers. The strength of the combined companies enables us to fulfil our belief in the future of mobile television, reaching a global audience on the move, anywhere and at any time.”
Rubberduck enables broadcasters and content owners to launch, manage and control their own B2C mobile video portals offering live TV, streamed video and downloadable on-demand clips. Rubberduck’s solution utilises software already pre-installed in most 2.5 and 3G phones, therefore reaching the maximum number of mobile users.
“The world is finally waking up to the tremendous possibilities of an interactive television that you can carry in your pocket,” Mobile Media North America EVP & GM Steinar Svalesen. “Branded downloadable content and streaming video services for the wireless mass market are now a reality. With the acquisition of Rubberduck Media Lab, Mobile Media expects to see further significant growth across all geographies this year, especially in North America.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
