World Chess Championship 2013 Viswanathan Anand vs Magnus Carlsen at Chennai Hyatt Regency: Search results for brand ambassador
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Showing posts sorted by date for query brand ambassador. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query brand ambassador. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Sunday, December 1, 2013

'Because there is No Shame in Admitting that I'm a Fan of Magnus Carlsen...'

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Sunday, December 1, 2013
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in Chennai at the closing ceremony of the World Title Match versus Viswanathan Anand. Photo: official website



Times of India sports editor in Pune, Amit Karmakar declares all the reasons why Magnus Carlsen is so special! (This post first appeared: Times of India blogs dated Nov 28, 2013). 


WHY MAGNUS CARLSEN IS SO SPECIAL

  • Because there is no shame in admitting that I'm a fan of Magnus Carlsen. Outrageous young talent has this tendency to 'normalise'!

  • Because the way he plays the game: Uncompromising! When asked why he didn't offer a draw to Anand in the 10th game of the World championship match which could have sealed his title, he told his father and manager: "I'm a chess player. I'm supposed to PLAY chess!"

  • Because there can't be a more powerful slap than the above quote for those who play agreed, spineless, fightless, disgraceful draws at the top level. Agreed draws is the biggest threat to the game of chess after lack of corporate sponsorship.

  • Because the distribution of seven draws in the Anand-Carlsen match was thus: two with three-fold repetition, two dead draws; two insufficient material, one agreed draw. It came as an oasis after last year's Anand-Gelfand match.

  • Because he has openly said that opening preparation is a bit over-rated.

  • Because in his hands black or white pieces aim to attain the same terrain: equality (opening), quality (middlegame), superiority (endgame).

  • Because he has proved that majority of players agree for half-baked draws because they are mutually not confident about their endgame skills!

  • Because he is a pathbreaker. He can bypass opening preparation of the best opposition. And that may suggest that his understanding of openings is better than those who 'scholarise' it.

  • Because he calculates better than the computer in endgame.

  • Because he gives hope to all those by proving that one can excel in chess with smart work, not necessarily hard work which kills creativity, confidence and ability to fight till the end.

  • Because being an outgoing, sporty and fun person, he is the best brand ambassador for the game if you want to attract youth to the sport. 

  • Because he plays on equal, or slightly minus positions, as if nothing has happened. When others psychologically suffer due to lack of initiative on the board, he maintains his composure and plays with confidence.

  • Because he is the "most undisputed" world champion since Garry Kasparov. Of course, Kramnik and Anand proved their credentials beyond doubt. But they got a shot at the matchplay titles in dubious circumstances. Kramnik didn't prove before his 2000 match against Kasparov that he was a worthy challenger. And when Anand became the challenger through Mexico win in 2007, Topalov was not eligible to play that tournament.

  • Because he is undisputed world No. 1 and won a right to challenge Anand though a proper candidates tournament. It's a poetic justice that one win there counted for more than Kramnik's two draws. 

  • Because he defeated Anand 3-0. Not via tie-breaks or not with +1 score. He showed his strength and deep understanding of the game on the highest stage.

  • Because Anand responded to a somewhat irritating question after losing his title (would he have chosen a better challenger to his throne than Carlsen?): "I didn't choose him." Well, Anand is spot on. Magnus was chosen by the bigger force.


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Viswanathan Anand Remains NIIT Brand Ambassador

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Tuesday, November 26, 2013
His failure to defend the World Chess Championship title notwithstanding, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand will continue to be the brand ambassador of premier IT education institute NIIT.

Anand, a five-time world chess champion, lost the crown to Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen last week in the match conducted in his home city of Chennai.

The setback triggered speculation that Anand would be dropped as brand ambassador of NIIT, a brand he has promoted for quite a few years.

But NIIT Chairman Rajendra S Pawar said the iconic Grandmaster would remain on board.

"We salute Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, for placing India prominently on the world chess map. A true sporting legend and a national hero, Anand continues to inspire young Indians to embrace the game of chess," he said in a statement.

"Anand has made chess a national movement by initiating 1.65 million students into the game of Chess through our joint initiative – the NIIT MindChampions' Academy. Together, NIIT and Anand will continue to work towards taking Indian chess to greater heights," he added.


* Brand ambassadors: Anand and Carlsen

Monday, November 18, 2013

Heinz India makes World Champion Vishy Anand Brand Ambassador for 'Complan with Memory Chargers'

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Monday, November 18, 2013
Heinz India, an affiliate of H.J. Heinz Co., has announced that it is signing up World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand as brand ambassador for Complan with Memory Chargers. The announcement comes during the World Chess Championship that is being held in Chennai.

This association will include Anand sporting the Complan with Memory Chargers logo during all professional commitments starting with the World Chess Championship.

A Globosport Platinum Rye deal, the association signifies a partnership of excellence as one of the country's one of the leading brands, backs one of the India's iconic and trusted names in sport, said V. Mohan, Director-Corporate Affairs Heinz India. While the World Champion takes on the challenger and India watches with a bated breath, the team at Globosport Platinum Rye and Heinz India have made their winning move.

He said, "Vishwanathan Anand personifies hard work, strategic and smart thinking and a sustained quest for excellence - traits that we as a company are eager to encourage in every young Indian child."

Anand in a statement said, "I am selective about the brands I partner with. I would like to be associated with brands that I can trust personally. Heinz, over the years has commanded confidence and trust across the globe and I am delighted to be part of this globally well-trusted company."

The H.J. Heinz Company, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA provides nutritious and convenient foods for families in 200 countries around the world. Heinz came to India in 1994 and over the years has built strong local products like Complan (Milk Food Drink), Glucon-D (Glucose Powder), Nycil (Prickly Heat Powder), and Sampriti Ghee apart from its iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Complan is a premium health beverage scientifically designed to maximise the growth and development potential of children within their genetic potential. It is a leading brand and nutrition expert in the "milk food drink" category. Complan with Memory Chargers is a delicious chocolate flavoured drink which helps provide key nutrients required for children's cognitive development.





Thursday, November 14, 2013

Crocin Cold Flu Max Chess Challenge via Facebook: Winner gets to Play with Viswanathan Anand

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Thursday, November 14, 2013



GSK Consumer Healthcare’s Crocin Cold & Flu Max, a variant from the healthcare brand Crocin, provides chess players across India with an opportunity to meet their idol – five-time World Chess Champion and Padma Vibhushan Viswanathan Anand. 

The campaign has been conceptualised by Grey Digital. Consumers can participate in the Chess Challenge on Crocin’s Facebook page and stand a chance to win. Players can register on the Crocin Chess Challenge Facebook app and begin to earn points by playing against the computer. All games against the computer are timed. 

Players can also earn points by taking the quiz which has chess-based questions or inviting friends to the Chess Challenge. The pecking order of the players on the game’s leader board is constructed classifying players as Brilliant Bishops, Relentless Rooks, Knowledgeable Knights and the Chess Champion based on increasing order of their performance and points. 

While five Relentless Rooks stand to win Viswanathan Anand merchandise every day, top 10 Knowledgeable Knights will get a chance to meet the legend himself. One chess champion will be crowned from among the top 10 performers who will get to play a game of chess with Viswanathan Anand. 

Speaking about the contest, Jayant Singh, EVP-Marketing, GlaxoSmithKline India, said, “Over the years, Crocin has been trusted by millions of consumers in India to get effective relief from pain. New Crocin Cold & Flu Max not only provides effective relief from 5 signs of Cold and Flu but also helps bring back your focus. Chess is one such game that epitomizes focus and concentration. We are glad to host the ‘Chess Challenge’ with the brand ambassador for Crocin Cold & Flu Max Vishwanathan Anand. We wish him a great championship ahead!” 

Viswanathan Anand, said, “Chess is a unique game that truly tests the player’s ability to strategize and foresee. I am glad to be a part of the Crocin Cold & Flu Max ‘Chess Challenge’; the contest provides a platform for chess lovers to enjoy the game and also showcase their knowledge about the game through the quiz. What is interesting is that the game can also be enjoyed by inviting friends to join. I am looking forward to being challenged by the contest winner; it will certainly be an exciting game of chess!” 

Sudhir Nair, Sr VP & Head – Grey Digital, said, “We were sure that the championship will create good social chatter and we were tracking what people had to say through listening services. We are already seeing good traction for the game and are confident that this will play an important role in building Crocin in the digital space.” 

The Chess Challenge is supported by an extensive campaign consisting of display banners, YouTube video pre-rolls and stamp ads. The campaign duration is from November 7 to November 28, 2013. To participate, click here for access to the Crocin Facebook page.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

World Chess Championship: Anand's Sponsor NIIT begins Social Media #Wish4Vishy Campaign; Win Prizes

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Tuesday, October 29, 2013


A National Movement by NIIT Takes Off Ahead of the World Chess Championship!

NEW DELHI, October 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

- A unique initiative to enable every Indian to cheer for Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand as he fights to defend the crown for India at the World Chess Championship, 2013 in Chennai -

NIIT Limited, leading Global Talent Development Corporation and Asia's largest IT trainer, today unveiled#Wish4Vishy http://www.wish4vishy.com - a national movement to enable every Indian to cheer for reigning World Chess Champion and NIIT MindChampion Viswanathan (Vishy) Anand, as he prepares to take on challenger world number oneMagnus Carlsen, at the World Chess Championship 2013, to be held between November 7 - 28, 2013 in Chennai.

In his glorious career spanning over 25 years Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has taken Indian chess to great heights. Born in Chennai, Anand is acclaimed to be the Fastest Brain in the world. Five times World Champion, Vishy is the only person in Chess history to have won a World championship title in all formats - match, knock-out and tournament. It is his success in the world scene that has made this ancient Indian game, a mass sport in India.

NIIT offers a unique opportunity to every Indian to take pride in Vishy's achievements and wish him good luck before the forthcoming World Chess Championship. The best entries stand a chance to win free ticket during the World Chess Championship 2013 and special gifts on every alternate day, for the best wish expressed.

Vishy has been associated with NIIT for nearly 15 years now. NIIT MindChampions' Academy (MCA), a not-for-profit joint initiative that was started by NIIT & Vishy to promote Chess in schools, has today touched 1.65 million children in over 17,000 schools cumulatively, across the country. Over the years, MCA has not only enabled schools to use Chess as an academic tool but has also made it possible for Vishy, personally, to take the legacy of Chess to children across India.

Speaking on the #Wish4Vishy initiative, World Chess Champion and NIIT MindChampion, ViswanathanAnand said, "I would like to thank everyone for the amazing wishes. To all the friends who have sent intheir wishes for me through NIIT's Wish4Vishy initiative, I would like to say that every single wish means a lot to me. Thank you for the fantastic support and your love."

G Raghavan, Chief Executive, Career Building Solutions, NIIT Limited said "It is a matter of immense pride for every Indian that five-time World Champion and NIIT MindChampion Vishy Anand will be defending his World title at his home ground inChennai, this November. Therefore, we have specially put together the #Wish4Vishy movement to give every Indian an opportunity to cheer for Vishy and be a part of this excitement."

The unique initiative involves sending in best wishes to Vishy over NIIT's social platforms for the World Chess Championship. These include: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Vine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NIIT4u
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wish4vishy
Vine: On twitter Page

Instagram: http://instagram.com/wish4vishy


The Microsite http://www.wish4vishy.com would be the hub of all the wishes pouring in. There is an Instagram Feed, Twitter Feed, Facebook feed as well as wishes coming in straight from the microsite that would be visible.

About NIIT MindChampions' AcademyThe NIIT MindChampions' Academy (MCA), a not-for-profit initiative has been set up as a joint initiative by Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand and NIIT Limited with the objective of promoting Chess in schools to enable development of young minds. Studies have shown that Chess improves concentration and diligence thus helping students perform better academically.

Established in 2002, MCA has touched 1.65 million children in over 17,000 schools cumulatively, across India. Over the last 11 years MCA has organized more than 16,000 school level tournaments and over 5,500 District level & State Level tournaments. World Chess Champion and NIIT MindChampion Viswanathan Anand has personally travelled to various parts across Indiaand has visited countries like Africa & China, spreading the message and motivating the school students to start playing Chess.

NIIT MindChampions' Academy conducts the hugely popular Annual Event, known as ChessMaster for school children acrossIndia within the NIIT network of schools where it provides IT education. It is also the first institution in India to launch a certificate program in Chess under a Central Government University umbrella- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

NIIT now offers the unique opportunity to wish World Chess Champion and NIIT MindChampion Viswanathan Anand on the eve of the World Chess Championship at Chennai through #Wish4Vishy (http://www.wish4vishy.com), initiative powered by NIIT Cloud Campus. Wishes can be submitted online with applicants standing a chance to win free ticket to the World Chess Championship.

NIIT Cloud Campus[TM]is a pioneering initiative from NIIT to help take high quality educational programs to the remotest corners of the country. NIIT Cloud Campus[TM]is based on a revolutionary educational paradigm which takes students beyond the traditional classroom teaching. Further, NIIT has set up http://www.niitcloudcampus.com asa student gateway to help them identify trends in new age skills and offermore information on NIIT Cloud Campus[TM].

About NIIT

Established in 1981, NIIT Limited, a leading Global Talent Development Corporation and Asia's premier IT trainer, offers learning and knowledge solutions across 40 countries. Leading IT journal Dataquest has conferred upon NIIT the 'Top IT Training Company' award successively for the past 20 years, since the inception of this category.

NIIT's Individual Learning Business offerings include industry-endorsed programs for students seeking careers in IT - GNIIT and Edgeineers, and GlobalNet+ for IT professionals. The company has introduced "India's first cloud campus", through its new-age GNIIT program. This offers students a higher mobility as they can access courseware using Netbooks to connect seamlessly to NIIT's Cloud Campus network.

NIIT's Corporate Learning Solutions offers Managed Training Services including integrated learning solutions (strategic consulting, learning design, content development, delivery, technology, assessment and learning management) to Fortune 500 companies, Universities, Technology companies, Training corporations and Publishing houses.

a joint venture between NIIT and NSDC, offers vocational skills training programs to enhance employability of youth acrossIndia.

NIIT provides computer-based learning to around 15,000 government and private schools. The futuristic NIIT nGuru range of learning solutions for schools comprises Interactive Classrooms, Math Lab, IT Wizard programs and Quick School (Education Resource Planning software).

- Centre for Advanced Learning, offers Executive Learning Programs in association with leading Business schools in India, KPMG, Google India and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), using the synchronous learning platform.

NIIT Institute of Finance Banking & Insurance (NIIT IFBI), formed by NIIT with equity participation from ICICI Bank, offers programs for individuals and corporates in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance.

NIIT Institute of Process Excellence Limited, a NIIT-GENPACT venture (NIIT Uniqua), offers complete training outsourcing services to the Business Process, Knowledge and Technology Services industry to create business models that enhance productivity and lower costs.

In recognition of its people centric policies, which foster an environment of growth and career development, NIIT has been ranked as the 4th Best company to work for in India 2013, by Great Place to Work Institute®.


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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

When World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand Played Cricket... and Supported Sachin Tendulkar!

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Do you remember when World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand picked up the cricket bat, only to leave it? Thankfully, at that! It was for an advertisement video that you will like.




Hope you did not miss our complete post on how World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand is considered a dependable brand ambassador?

Meanwhile, these days, India is abuzz with the announcement of cricket star Sachin Tendulkar. The Little Master's final two Tests will clash with the World Chess Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and his Norwegian challenger Magnus Carlsen scheduled to be held in Chennai from November 7 to 28.


The first Test against the Caribbeans will be played in Kolkata from November 6 to 10 and the second - Tendulkar's 200th - will  be held in Mumbai from November 14 to 18.

Hopefully, a cricket fan himself, Viswanathan Anand won't be distracted from the cricket happenings as he plays chess against the World No. 1.

It was last year when Sachin Tendulkar was struggling with his form that he  received support from five-time World Chess Champion  Viswanathan Anand who urged him to continue playing as long as he wanted.

“Criticism is fine, but if you still like playing it’s crazy to stop for no reason. In sport there is no question that it favours young people in general. But I really want to play chess still,” the 43-year-old Anand had told reporters here at a promotional event.

“I am lucky to have the chance to play and I intend to use it. I imagine the same for him (Tendulkar),” India’s first Grandmaster (1988) said.

Terming 40 as just a number, Anand had said it’s funny when one is questioned about age.

“The first question people ask is when are you going to retire? And if both of you want to retire, can one of you retire... It’s a little bit funny. In my case, I don’t think there is any fundamental change from December 10, 2009 to December 11, 2010. But it seems to affect the way people see you,” Anand, who turned 43 on December 11, said.

The chess wizard clubbed Tendulkar, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, tennis veteran Leander Paes as three top icons he had seen.

“In general I have seen a lot of Leander Paes... I might have started a few years earlier but Sachin and I have been there for quite a long time. Sourav was there for quite a good part there as well. I think most of our careers we share together,” he said.

Asked whether age was a factor, he said, “I don’t think the number 40 has any particular significance with chess. In chess, you definitely get more time.”

“There is a certain wear and tear in physical sport.

There are sports like football and tennis, where people would be amazed if you continue beyond 32-33.”

However, Anand said he did not wish to play beyond 50.

“I think 50 is kind of a barrier. For me, I don’t expect to be playing top chess when I am 60. But still there are a few years left. In the meantime, I want to enjoy as much as possible.

But Anand said he would like to win as many world titles as possible.

“I have not fixed any number to it. It’s as many as they will let me in,” he had remarked with a smile.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand the 'Credible' Brand Ambassador - Commercial Videos

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Wednesday, September 4, 2013

World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has starred in at least four commercial advertising campaigns. His wife Aruna has been a part of two of these advertising films as well. Vishy Anand has been a brand ambassador for NIIT (global IT services company) for 14 years now. Brands he has associated with include AMD India, Union Bank of India, Parle-G, Crocin, etc.

These brands have tried to leverage not only Anand’s intelligence quotient, but also his image of the "likeable, quiet powerhouse" champion and dependability. Anand epitomises determination, intelligence and resilience. His brand image in India is all about credibility. 

NIIT’s 13-year long relationship with Anand has been built on the basis of the similarities between the game of chess and the brand personality of NIIT. Explaining the powerful synergy between the two, Prateek Chatterjee, Associate Vice President & Head- Corporate Communications, NIIT says, “Just as chess helps to develop the young mind and enhance lateral thinking skills; NIIT has also been shaping minds by bringing people and computers together.”


Among the various marketing campaigns with the chess master, the prominent ones include an NIIT mind champion’s academy, a joint initiative between Anand and NIIT with the objective of promoting chess among school students. Its direct connect based marketing strategy for this ten-year-old academy, that boasts of 15 lakh members, focuses on on-ground activities like mentoring, and lectures by Anand. Its latest campaign ‘Turning Point’ will also see similar interactive activities by Anand.

Most experts agree that NIIT has benefited tremendously from its association with Anand, who has a hard appeal which goes well with the brand’s intended positioning and career oriented outlook.

According to Dr Prashant Mishra, Associate Professor IIM Calcutta, besides NIIT, AMD’s association with Anand is also a correct fit since AMD talks of performance, stability, and technical intelligence; traits that perfectly match Anand’s personality.


Real estate developer TVH also took on World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand as brand ambassador late last year. N. Ravichandran, Chairman, TVH Group, said the company had created a niche by being a customer-centric real estate brand. “The credibility factor associated with Mr. Viswanathan Anand, as a result of his impressive track record, prompted us to have him as our brand ambassador. We wanted to bring in a Chennai boy into our fold,” he added. Mr. Viswanathan Anand said he himself was a customer of TVH and that his experience was good. “We will do some interesting things together, including chess,” the chess champion said. The association with TVH would grow in strength in the years to come, he added.

Anand also represents Vidyasagar (formerly known as the Spastics Society of India) as its global ambassador, without charging a fee and hosts an annual fundraiser for Vidyasagar each year.


Here are five commercial advertising videos with World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand that you are sure to enjoy - particularly the first one which chess 'wins' for Vishy Anand in a cricket-crazy country! -- Zainab Raza Undulusi






Tuesday, August 13, 2013

World Chess Championship Challenger Magnus Carlsen's new Sponsors: Nordic Semiconductor

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Magnus Carslen, the youngest ever chess world number 1, shakes hands on a three-year sponsorship deal with Nordic Semiconductor CEO Svenn-Tore Larsen (right). Photo: Moment Studio

Described as 'a perfect match' by Nordic Semiconductor's CEO, Svenn-Tore Larsen, the leading manufacturer of ultra low power wireless technology teams up with the world's number one chess player.

Oslo, Norway 2013/08/13: Ultra low power (ULP) RF specialist Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OSE: NOD) today announces it is sponsoring Magnus Carlsen, the youngest player to be ranked number one in world chess and the highest ranking points holder in the history of the game, in a three-year deal.

Norwegian Carlsen rose to the top of the world rankings in January 2010, just after his 19th birthday. In December 2012, Carlsen broke the 13-year ranking point record held by Gary Kasparov by gaining 2861 Elo rating system points against Kasparov's best of 2851. He has so far peaked at a record high of 2872, earning him the right to be called the best player in chess history. In 2013, Time magazine ranked Carlsen among the 100 most influential people in the world. Carlsen takes on the reigning world champion, Vishy Anand, in a 12-match playoff for the world championship title in Chennai, India, later this year.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor Magnus Carlsen. His presence will boost staff motivation and help us recruit the best people, but we will gain much more than that from this exciting association," says Nordic's CEO, Svenn-Tore Larsen. "The core value of this sponsorship is the ability of Magnus to act as a Nordic ambassador and open doors at the very highest level. He has access to people and events normally reserved for dignitaries such as Presidents."


With the signing of the Nordic deal, Carlsen has completed his sponsorship portfolio. "We kept one sponsorship position open for a while in order to find the best partner," comments Carlsen's manager Espen Agdestein. "For Magnus it`s not just a question of money, but of finding sponsors with values and beliefs that he can relate to."

"There are great benefits to our brand in the association with Magnus," adds Svenn-Tore Larsen. "Just like him, Nordic has succeeded in a very competitive global sector. While Magnus' business is chess and Nordic's is ultra low power wireless technology, both have to be continuously creative, while still being totally reliable. There is no room for mistakes in either environment."

Carlsen is enthusiastic about the partnership. "Nordic is the leading company in a market that is about to boom, with a cascade of new products and services being developed all over the world," he comments. "I look forward to being part of this revolution."

Having succeeded in pioneering the ultra low power wireless technology sector with its proprietary technology, Nordic Semiconductor was part of the group that developed Bluetooth® low energy, a hallmark element of the Bluetooth v4.0 Core specification. The company has also collaborated with ANT Wireless of Cochrane, Canada--the company behind ANT RF protocol software and ANT+ Managed Networks--for over a decade.

The latest smartphones from major manufacturers incorporate chips and software supporting Bluetooth v4.0 or ANT+ that can communicate with Bluetooth Smart devices or ANT+ peripherals equipped with Nordic's nRF51 Series Systems-on-Chip. (See "About nRF51 Series" below). This functionality is yielding many new opportunities for wirelessly-connected products, powered by coin cell batteries, such as handset accessories, sports & fitness monitors, and toys. (See "About Bluetooth low energy wireless technology" and "About Nordic ANT wireless connectivity" below.)