iSpring Solutions announces the release of version 3.2 of iSpring Free, a no-cost solution for converting PowerPoint presentations into Flash. A few clicks get the job done. The tool makes high quality conversions and helps to publish converted files on the Web right away.

The benefits of converting PowerPoint files to Flash are apparent. Flash makes files smaller in size and with better compatibility, so it’s far more convenient for delivering your projects to a target audience. However, PowerPoint itself doesn’t provide you with such a valuable conversion feature, so you need a separate tool for this purpose. The problem is that many specially developed tools, even those that cost a lot of money, may fail to satisfy you with conversion results. iSpring Solutions invites you to try iSpring Free, a proven PowerPoint to Flash converter that provides outstanding quality conversion at no charge.

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The BraunPrize is an internationally recognised design competition open to young industrial designers who are still studying or who have graduated within the last two years. This year, the BraunPrize 2009’s theme is, “Envision conscious design.” Current industrial design students as well as recent graduates have until January 31, 2009 to submit their product concepts to Braun (the participation is free of charge).

The total prize money amounts to EUR 36,000. The winner of the BraunPrize will receive EUR 12,000 in prize money and a (paid) six-month internship in the Design Department at Braun. The other finalists will each receive a prize of EUR 5,000. The remaining prize money will be distributed in the form of special recognition awards at the discretion of the jury. Visit the site to learn more.

A heads up for those of you in the Los Angeles area - The Second Annual Animation Book Look, a unique author/artist signature book signing event, will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 in Sherman Oaks, CA. Co-hosted by Van Eaton Galleries and The Creative Talent Network, Animation Book Look is a gathering of authors and artists from the animation industry. MyToons.com and Animation Magazine are co-sponsoring the event.

Animation Book Look provides an opportunity for professionals from the publishing and animation industries to promote themselves and their art to fans, collectors, and art aficionados. This festival of book signings and art(ist) sightings is the only event of its kind in the country, featuring appearances by well-known visual and literary artists, as well as, “undiscovered” animation authors.

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DVDVideoSoft, an independent software vendor, announces the bulk update of its free video editing software. This site also provides a free video converter and multimedia software guides and tutorials. Unlike software and shareware catalogs collecting third-party products, DVDVideoSoft carefully designs, develops and releases all free software titles under its own name and makes them available to computer users without any hidden fees, subscriptions or registrations. The new versions features the batch mode, more supported input and output formats, 9 new optimized presets for Apple players: iPod, iPhone and iTouch and numerous interface and internal engine improvements.

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While Chicago is well known for its architecture, theatre, fine art, public landscaping, and music scenes, there is a significant lack of applied visual arts in public spaces. By focusing on making this exhibition an outdoor one, Chicago hopes to accomplish two important objectives. First, they want posters to be realized as the quintessential public art form, because they engage citizens at street level, requiring an emotional and intellectual response. They also stimulate dialogue and articulation of important issues—social, political, and economic. Secondly, they want to help the City of Chicago craft its international reputation as a proponent of international cooperation and communication—and as a strong civic advocate of design.

All entries must be designed and printed between 1 January, 2006 to 1 March 2008. All entries must be received at the committee office of the Biennial address by post on or before 27 May 2008. Participants must submit TWO copies of each poster. Visit the site to learn more.

Design Book Magazine is now accepting entries for their T-shirt design competition. The winning design will be become their official shirt for the 2008 season. Winning designer’s bio and work will be shown in the Summer issue along with a link to his or her website.

Entries will be judged on creativity and originality. There is no entry fee or limit to the number of entries per designer. All designs must be original. Submit your entry by 20 June 2008 deadline. Visit the site to learn more.