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Bitdefender Antivirus named ‘Product of the Year,’ by AV-Comparatives

Full year of independent testing proves Romanian company makes world’s best antivirus 

SYDNEY/AUCKLAND January 15, 2012 – Bitdefender, the Romania-based designer of the world’s best antivirus software, won the ‘Product of the Year’ award from the prestigious AV-Comparatives independent analysis firm.

The award, again confirming Bitdefender as the best means to protect data and prevent viruses, further widens Bitdefender’s lead over the global anti-virus industry after it won the ‘Top Rated of the Year’ Award for 2011 from AV-Comparatives and the ‘Best Protection 2011’ from AV-TEST, the other major independent analysis firm.

“Bitdefender took the lead in the industry with a very effective mix of signature-based detection and behavioural detection,” said Andreas Clementi CEO of AV-Comparatives. “Bitdefender software is powerful stuff – and this was shown in test after test. Bitdefender clearly deserves this award.”

In eight of nine AV-Comparatives tests throughout 2012, Bitdefender scored a perfect three stars, while in the ninth test, the company scored two out of three. The tests covered issues from malware removal to anti-phishing results to file detection, real world performance and more.

Viorel Canja, head of Bitdefender Labs, credited Bitdefender’s stunning success of the past two years to a combination of the staff’s lengthy experience in the field and the company’s emphasis on agility in responding to new threats. The pace of development of malware and other e-threats is accelerating, leaving little room in the industry for slower antivirus technologies.

“The secret to our success is that a good mix of the automatized processes and human resources allows us to respond really quickly to all new threats,” Canja said. “Another key element is our flexible technology. We’ve developed and constantly improved over more than 15 years, and this depth of experience and history allows us to be proactive in the detection process.”

 
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MMD launches the Philips Gioco range, the world’s first Ambiglow PC displays.

Sydney, Australia, 14 January 2013 – For 3D gaming and viewing, full immersion is the key. That’s why MMD is introducing the new Philips 3D Gioco with much excitement. The first Philips LCD computer displays to be equipped with Ambiglow technology, the Gioco range promises to raise 3D experience to a higher level. The range consists of two 27 inch models, the 278G4DHSD/00 (G-Line 3D Ambiglow) and the 278C4QHSN/00 (C-line 2D Ambiglow) as well as the 23 inch 238C4QHSN (C-Line 2D Ambiglow).

Ambiglow: Excitement intensified

The innovative Philips Ambiglow technology adds a new dimension to the viewing experience. By creating an image matching halo of light on the surrounding wall from the rear of the display, Ambiglow visually enlarges the screen image and intensifies the viewing experience. The fast processor analyses the incoming image content and continuously adapts the color and brightness of the emitted light to match the image. With Ambiglow technology, your favorite 3D games and movies will become a far more immersive experience.

For optimum user comfort, choose the Smart Bias light function when viewing in a dark environment. A soft halo of static 6500k white light will be projected onto the surrounding wall. It reduces eye strain and offsets reflections and glare from room lights, preserving correct color perception. You can also adjust the ambiance to your liking to help reduce eye fatigue.

Viewing experience is further enhanced by the AH-IPS LED technology. Sharp, consistent images and vibrant colors are ensured by its uniform color temperature at almost all points. It also enables an extra-wide viewing angle.

“Ambiglow creates a completely engaging and immersive 3D experience,” said Mayank Christian, Director of Global Product Management, at MMD. “As the first Philips LCD display to feature Ambiglow, 3D games and movies literally come to life on the new Gioco line!”

Immersive 3D Made Easy

Enjoy long hours of 3D gaming with comfort and ease on the Gioco line with 3D. Its 3D technology ensures flicker free, low ghosting performance. 3D games can be enjoyed on your PC via the bundled DDD software. To switch from 2D to 3D imaging, simply push a hot key on the bezel and games instantly jump to life. Connect a Gioco display to a Blu-ray player and it can even auto-switch to 3D straight away! Now you can fine-tune the images with SmartImage. There are various modes to suit different gaming genres.

Hassle-free Experience Enhanced

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Gioco line can be easily adjusted to optimise your unique viewing experience. The HDMI-ready Gioco line with 3D accepts high quality digital and audio signals from multiple HDMI sources while the super speed USB 3.0 hub can deliver data 10 times faster than the USB 2.0 standard, saving you precious time.

Statement through Design

Style is a statement of who you are. Gioco’s minimalistic yet stylish design is quietly understated for a sophisticated impression.

Utilising the latest technology display panel, the Gioco line reduces outer bezel thickness allowing for minimal distraction and maximum viewing size. The unique diamond faceted back and special stand, combined with premium dark bronze or black cherry sparkle finish, exudes elegance.

Availability

The Philips Gioco Line with Ambiglow comes in two 27 inch models and one 23 inch model and are available now from Ingram Micro, exclusive distributor of Philips monitors in Australia.

Pricing

Manufacturer: Philips

 Product Name

 RRP

Availability

 278G4DHSD/00 (G-Line 3D Ambiglow)

 AU$499 inc.

 Now

 278C4QHSN/00 (C-Line 2D Ambiglow)

 AU$449 inc.

 Now

 238C4QHSN/00 (C-Line 2D Ambiglow)

 AU$249 inc.

 Now

Website: http://www.philips.com.au/
Warranty:  3 years, onsite pick up & drop off
Philips Monitors Service Centre: 1300 360 386

About MMD
MMD is a wholly owned company of TPV established in 2009 through a brand license agreement with Philips. MMD exclusively markets and sells Philips branded LCD displays worldwide. By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, MMD uses a fast and focused approach to bringing innovative products to market.
For additional information, please visit www.mmd-p.com.

 
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NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES NARUTO POWERFUL SHIPPUDEN TO BE RELEASED ON NINTENDO 3DS™

Upcoming NARUTO Game Brings Over-the-Top Characters and Lively Gameplay for Fans of All Ages 

Sydney, Australia– 14 January 2013 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe is pleased to announce that NARUTO Powerful Shippuden for Nintendo 3DS™ will be coming on March 7, 2013. NARUTO Powerful Shippuden was developed by Inti Creates with production support from CyberConnect2 Co., Ltd. and brings to the table a side-scrolling action fighting game with an anime twist. The game is based off of the new anime series NARUTO SPIN-OFF: ROCK LEE & HIS NINJA PALS, the latest series in the hit NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime franchise, allowing players to take the role of either whisker-faced Naruto Uzumaki or bushy-eyebrowed Rock Lee and enjoy lively ninja missions directly based off of their animated storylines.

Rock Lee’s eyebrows aren’t the only things that are oversized in NARUTO Powerful Shippuden. Similar to the NARUTO SPIN-OFF: ROCK LEE & HIS NINJA PALS art style,the comical animations in the game feature oversized caricature heads and humorous on-screen expressions and actions designed to entertain and appeal to gamers of all ages. The pick-up-and-play gameplay allows even casual and young gamers to enjoy busting out flashy moves and special attacks throughout the game’s various stages. Players will be able to take the ninja brawl from the training fields to the forests to the mountains during both night and day.

NARUTO Powerful Shippuden includes a Story Mode as well as an Endless Battle Mode so players can choose to either follow a progressive storyline or just pull out the punches for a sprightly ninja showdown. The action-packed gameplay allows players to earn experience points to power up their vivacious characters and also use the touch screen to strengthen special attacks. Fans will recognize their favorite characters from the NARUTO franchise such as Kakashi, Sakura, Gaara, and many more; all can be called upon as support characters in the midst of battle. With familiar friends at their sides and ninja moves up their sleeves, players will embark on the journey of becoming a powerful Leaf ninja to knock out opponents or even become a knock-out with sexy jutsu.

NARUTO POWERFUL SHIPPUDEN will be available for Nintendo 3DS™ on the 7th of March 2013. For more information on the game please visit www.facebook.com/Narutogames,

And Check the video on NARUTO channel:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL193BAFEF6BE62E9D

 
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Razer Edge Gaming Tablet Sweeps CES 2013 Awards, Wins CNET Best of Show

Razer dedicates awards to the PC gaming community of the world

LAS VEGAS (CES 2013) – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, swept CNET’s 2013 “Best of CES” awards for the Razer Edge, the world’s most powerful gaming tablet. The Razer Edge won all three categories for which it was nominated: Best Gaming, People’s Voice—as voted by the CNET audience—and the coveted Best of Show award.

The Razer Edge was recognized for taking the concept of a tablet PC and applying it to gaming, and for demonstrating where tablets, computing and entertainment are heading in the future. The Razer Edge will be available for purchase in Q1 2013.

“The fact that PC gamers were able to make critical engineering decisions in designing the most decorated device at CES 2013 is amazing on its own,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “Razer didn’t win these awards alone – the PC gamers of the world have won it together with us. We’ve emphatically said to the world at large: PC gaming is alive and kicking!”

Designed for PC gamers, the Razer Edge combines the best features of a tablet, PC and game console in one elegant touchscreen device. The Edge is the only tablet running true Windows 8 on both an Intel Core Processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GPU. PC gamers helped shape the Razer Edge by way of a massive crowdsourcing effort put into place by Razer, which targeted millions of gamers to help determine final specifications for the tablet.  Razer let its community decide the final chipset, weight, thickness, features and even price for the Edge, hosting the initiative on its social media pages, an unprecedented move for a hardware manufacturer.

The Razer Edge packs incredible performance in an ultra-thin, 2 lb. form factor with a gorgeous 10.1-in. touchscreen, DDDR3 RAM and a high-speed Solid State Drive for faster loading of Windows 8 and frequently-used games and programs.  Since the Razer Edge runs true Windows 8, there are more applications available at launch then there are for any other tablet, with thousands of applications and games running straight-out-of-the-box.  Additional accessories include a force-feedback gamepad controller, keyboard dock and docking station for gameplay on an HDTV.

The Razer Edge will be available in Q1, starting at $999.

CNET runs the official awards program at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the most recognizable technology tradeshows in the world.  The awards recognize the best and most innovative products at the show.  In addition to acknowledgements from CNET, TechRadar named the Edge winner of their coveted “Best of CES 2013” award, while GottaBeMobile awarded the Edge “Best Gaming Device.” It also won “Best Tablet” from LAPTOP Magazine and was recognized by Popular Science with the “Product of the Future” award.

For more information, check out Razer’s social media pages at www.facebook.com/razer and www.twitter.com/cultofrazer.

About the Razer Edge

It’s a tablet. It’s a PC. It’s a console. It’s all of the above: a full-feature PC and the most powerful tablet in the world. What’s more, it has four modes specially designed for gamers and is able to run all PC games and applications.

PC gamers ended up helping to design the most powerful tablet in the world today, the only system of its kind utilizing technology from both Intel and NVIDIA. Powerful 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors will help ensure even the most advanced, full-fledged PC games will function at full capacity, and NVIDIA GeForce graphics will offer striking visual clarity—a first for tablet gaming and a godsend for the world’s 300 million-plus PC gamers. 

For more information about the Razer Edge, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/edgepro.

 
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Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 Release date change Wii U release date announced

TECMO KOEI EUROPE[i] announced today that upcoming action title ‘Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2’, will be released across Australia and New Zealand on February 8th 2013 for the PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

A download only Wii U™ version will be available a day earlier, on the 7th of February.

‘Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2’ follows the storyline of the entire manga and offers players a variety of modes and new features:

  • Legend mode starts with a re-imagined version of ‘Raoh’ and covers ‘Celestial Emperor’ and ‘Land of Shura’. This way the game can be enjoyed by both existing fans of the manga and newcomers to Kenshiro’s post-apocalyptic world. Different characters will be controlled for each episode while ‘boss’ encounters will feature entire famous scenes from the manga.Additionally, ‘Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2’ also features an episode dedicated to Ken’s faithful companions, Bat and Rin. This chapter, although part of the original manga, has never before been visualised and provides a brand new, original experience for players.
  • Over 20 playable characters will be available, including Juda, Rei, Shew, Shin, Thouzer, Jagi, Raoh, Toki, Fudo, Juza, Mamiya, Ryuga, Ein, Falco, Hyou, Kaioh, Shachi, and more. 
  • Dynamic new moves.  The destructive power of the techniques of Hokuto Shinken and Nanto Seiken meet the intense action of the Warriors series to produce a thrilling experience. In addition to the signature moves of the first title, new actions such as ‘sprint’ and ‘dodge’ have been added to the move sets.
  • Dream Mode introduces new, original storylines to the Fist of the North Star Universe while bridging the gaps between parts of the main story, often focusing on some of the series’ minor characters.
  • Online Co-Op and Versus play. Four to eight players can use Dream Mode to enjoy online co-op or versus play.


[i] ABOUT TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD.

TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive® and Ninja Gaiden®series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information about TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.tecmokoei-europe.com.

 
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AVG’s Top 10 Tips for Back to School Preparations for Laptops and Phones

Bring Your Own Device to school is putting pressure on kids and familiesto have the latest gadgets and secure them.>
 

MELBOURNE – 14 January 2013 – Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has, until now, been an issue facing the business environment. Now schools are facing the same issue with both students and teachers using their own laptops, tablets and smartphones within the school network.  This increases the possibility of malware, hacking, lost data and personal identity invasions and makes setting and enforcing security policies highly problematic.

Starting this year Tasmania has introduced a BYOD policy into its schools, and elsewhere individual schools are scrambling to widen the security net to cater for student BYOD.

Michael McKinnon, Security Advisor at AVG Technologies AU, said: “With all these devices active in the playground, even primary school students are now exposed to the Wild West of malware. Sadly, any expectation that the laptops will only be used for school-related research and have only school work stored on them is just not workable. The onus is back on parents to take an active interest in what their children are taking to school and to apply strict security regimes for all Internet enabled devices they use.”

Here are AVG’s top 10 recommendations for your Back to School Technology Checklist:

1. First line of defence: your firewall

Turn on firewalls for both wireless and local area networks. If your operating system doesn’t have a firewall built in, look for a compatible third-party firewall solution. AVG Internet Security includes an enhanced two-way firewall that not only prevents hackers and malware from getting onto your computer but also prevents any infection already on your computer from spreading or sending information to the cybercriminals.

2. Upgrade to the latest versions of applications and operating system

The more regularly all your software is updated, the safer you are. Automatic updates are ideal. Always upgrade to the latest versions of applications, operating system, security and anti-virus software, as well as the browser and utility software you use online such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash.

3. Do a Back to School scan and clean up

Be sure to check and update computers with a full anti-virus scan for any that have been offline or used by visitors during the school holidays. Protect your home and devices with always on, automatically updating security software. Change default passwords on any new equipment acquired over the holiday season, and switch on every available security option embedded in your smart devices.

4. Age appropriate settings

Constant monitoring of nanny and privacy settings is essential so that children have age appropriate access to the Internet. Handy tools such as AVG’s free Family Safety Browser enable you to restrict access to inappropriate sites on Apple iOS and Windows phones.

5. Log out and lock up

You should constantly reinforce the log out, lock up message. To avoid problems, children need to learn the habit of logging out of web sites, social networks and PC accounts as they finish using them, both at home and at school. And they should never share passwords with friends. Turn on password-protected screen savers, preferably set to timeout in 10 or 15 minutes.

6. Have a backup plan — use an Internet-based remote backup solution.

Back to School will mean back to the drawing board if your child loses all their work through device loss, theft or damage. If students do lose their homework or assignments, an automated remote backup solution makes it easy to recover all their missing material.

7. Another important message: What goes online, stays online.

Remind your kids that whatever is posted online may be forwarded and published on social networks, Google and other search engine results. Even if you delete a post, others won’t. Think about who may read a message or see a photo — teachers, family members, friends, even future employers. If you don’t want them to see it — don’t post it. Take the time to go through each social network account with your children and select the highest privacy settings at every level.

8. Don’t leave your smartphone on the bus

Smartphones can easily fall out of pockets or tablets can be left on the school bus – AVG’s free AntiVirus for Android phones and tablets allows devices to be tracked using GPS location technology and remotely wiped.  Devices should also be secured with a PIN so they can’t be used without permission – and we suggest you change the PIN for the new school year.

9. USB memory sticks

While these are highly convenient for students to transport files, if lost or stolen the private data and assignments may end up in the wrong hands. It’s worth investing in a memory stick that allows you to put a lock/PIN or encrypt data to restrict access. Put all your sticks through regular anti-virus scans and keep backups of all files to avoid getting caught by stick corruption.  Attach memory sticks to brightly coloured, individual lanyards so they are not so easy to misplace or forget.

10. Which one’s mine?

As well as labelling uniforms, lunchboxes and books, also clearly label all gadgets and devices. Doing this can make returning misplaced items easier and help avoid confusion when classmates arrive with identical looking devices.

 
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JETPACK JOYRIDE LAUNCHES AS FREE DOWNLOAD ON PlayStation 3 & PS Vita

HD release adds PlayStation leaderboards and trophies

December 21st, Brisbane, Australia –
Halfbrick, creators of the worldwide phenomenon Fruit Ninja, today announced the launch of its smash-hit title Jetpack Joyride on PS3 and PlayStation Vita, developed by fellow Aussie studio Big Ant.

The fan-favourite flyer will be available as a free download on the Sony Entertainment Network from Friday December 21st in Europe and Monday December 31st in North America. This HD release will also include leaderboards and unlockable trophies, allowing players to battle it out with friends and compete for ultimate glory and bragging rights.

“Jetpack Joyride has come a long way in 2012, and we’re thrilled to bring it to PS3 and Vita,” said Phil Larsen, CMO at Halfbrick. “With the expertise of Big Ant and the huge player base on the Sony Entertainment Network, Barry Steakfries is reaching bigger heights and caps off the year in fine form.”

Down on his luck as a struggling gramophone salesman, Barry comes across the “secret” laboratory of Legitimate Research, a corporation dedicated to
developing crazy new technologies. Seizing the chance to become a hero, Barry begins his ride after commandeering a jetpack and making good his escape, where the player jumps in and guides his adventure with accessible one-button gameplay.

Along the way, players must avoid lasers, missiles and electro zappers, all the while grabbing coins and trying out even more ridiculous vehicles – Lil’
Stomper, Profit Bird and the robot dragon himself, Mr. Cuddles! Supporting the action is a robust Stash system, where everyone can track their progress, upgrade their gear and buy new gadgets for Barry. Grab one of many jetpacks including the classic Machine Gun Jetpack or the colourful Rainbow, suit up in a vast wardrobe of unique costumes and make sure Barry’s best friend Flash comes along for the ride!

For more information about Halfbrick please visit:

http://www.halfbrick.com

For more information about Big Ant, please visit:

http://www.bigant.com

 
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The Walking Dead – VIDEO – Robert Kirkman & Dave Fennoy in ‘Playing Dead 9’ plus BONUS EPISODE

 
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CRYSIS 1 FOR $1 24 HOURS ONLY SALE

CRYSIS 1 FOR $1 24 HOURS ONLY SALE

Up to 80% off Crysis 1 – Origin

The original Crysis is over 80% off for one day only – 12 January. Get the game that changed the shape of first-person shooters.

 
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Australia gets its first R18+ game and it’s published by Nintendo

Australia’s first R18+ game will be published by Nintendo on the family-friendly Wii U. A similar version of the game was released on other platforms last year under the MA15+ classification.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge has been granted an R18+ classification, after the new adults-only rating came into effect at the beginning of 2013.

The highest rating available for video games in Australia last year was MA15+. If a game wasn’t deemed acceptable for a 15 year old, it was banned from sale.

That’s why the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 version of Ninja Gaiden 3 was given the highest possible MA15+ rating when it was released in March, 2012.

However, it’s not quite the same game. The Wii U version is labelled as an “enhanced port” which means changes have been made.

It’s considerably more violent than the original release, prompting the classification board to restrict its sale to adults.

Director of the Classification Board Lesley O’Brien revealed that an R18+ rating had been selected because of “high-impact bloody violence”.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge contains violence that is high in impact because of its frequency, high definition graphics, and emphasis on blood effects,” said O’Brien.

Had it been released last year with the added violence, before the introduction of an R18+ rating for video games, it should have been banned from sale.

It is illegal for retailers to sell R18+ games to people under 18.