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Smith Micro Software Updates on Avatar Challenge [Professional Services Close - Up](Professional Services Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Smith Micro Software reported the launch of its Avatar Challenge Student Portal. In a release, the Company noted that Wacom has joined as the official Tablet Sponsor for the Avatar Challenge, and will provide its Intuos Pro tablets as prizes for student winners. Studica will be the official Distribution Sponsor, donating scholarship money for student winners. "Mobile messaging is a hot market, and the Avatar Challenge gives students a chance to be on the leading edge of this market," said Carla Fitzgerald, Chief Marketing Officer at Smith Micro. "Wacom tablets are the premier tools used by our vast community of professional graphic designers, and many budding student artists are getting their first exposure to Wacom tablets and our digital animation software through Studica.com as a leading supplier to the education market. We're so pleased to have these partners join the Avatar Challenge, and they're equally excited to see the Avatar submissions as we launch the contest portal to students." Through the Avatar Challenge, students in secondary schools and higher education can use Smith Micro's Anime Studio software to create animated Avatar characters designed for mobile messaging. Contest winners will have their creations viewed and used by millions through Sprint's Visual Voicemail service. The program includes free software licenses for teachers and students to use Anime Studio in the classroom, with training and curriculum guides available from Smith Micro. The free software program began on Aug. 1, and ends Oct. 31. Students can register and submit their Avatars to the contest through Dec. 31. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from the sponsor companies. "At Wacom, creativity and imagination are core values, and we're excited to support Smith Micro in its mission to enrich art and design skills among the next generation of our workforce," said Don Varga, Director of Creative Products Marketing at Wacom. "Our Intuos Pro tablet will offer a great advantage to Avatar Challenge winners, providing the precision and control they need to fully explore and realize their potential." "Studica has been partnering with innovative companies like Smith Micro and Wacom to provide exceptional software and technology products at affordable prices to schools, educators, and students for almost 30 years," said Frank Nanfara, President & CEO at Studica. "Graphic design is an important part of STEAM education, and the ability to promote their works at a national level is a great opportunity for these students. The Avatar Challenge will help students fulfill their dreams, and we're happy to support the program." ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |