Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

Wireless Philadelphia has been saved by a group of local investors, according to an article on Philly.com.

The group has formed a new for-profit company that will replace Earthlink as the network’s operator, saving it from imminent shutdown.

Although details are still unclear, the new company will consider an advertising-based business model that would provide free Internet access wherever the network is available. Earthlink had charged $20 per month.

Little if any tax dollars were used in the deal. The investment group includes local businessmen Derek Pew and Mark Rupp. Pew served briefly as interim CEO of Wireless Philadelphia, the non-profit created by former Mayor John Street while the network was under Earthlink.

Photo courtesy of EHow.com.

An advertisement for the Philadelphia Soul arena football team inside of a store inside suburban station will have a camera, according to an article on KYW1060.com.

The camera, installed by Moto Media, will be able to measure points on people’s face determining if people looking are male or female, their approximate age, and for how long they are looking at the ad.

This kind of technology is already used in Europe, but this ad will make Philadelphia one of the first U.S. cities to use it. The camera, which will not actually record anything, is drawing a lot of criticism and many are calling for a disclaimer to be placed on the advertisement.

Photo courtesy of KYW1060.com.