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Fastest Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with AC Technology Available for Purchase Starting Today

Sydney, Australia, 16 October 2012 – Cisco today announced the availability of the first Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with 802.11ac technology accompanied by a compatible Universal Media Connector to connect devices such as Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and game consoles at Gigabit speed, wirelessly. The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro has the best Wi-Fi performance in the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router portfolio and is now available through retail and online stores while the Linksys AC Universal Media Connector will be available in late November.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro is powered by the industry’s next-generation wireless technology, 802.11ac, delivering powerful performance with Wi-Fi speeds up to 450+1300 Mbps1. It can reach speeds approximately three times faster than existing 802.11n products but also offers better range and reliability and helps to improve power consumption of mobile devices. Its peak performance combined with the new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi2 platform allows consumers to take control of their home network and devices through Smart Wi-Fi Tools and Apps.

“Designed to meet the explosive increase in video consumption and the rise of Wi-Fi enabled devices in the home, the new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router with AC technology delivers incredible speed and simplicity while changing the way consumers interact with their electronics and HD content – allowing them to manage their devices remotely using easy-to-use apps on their mobile device,” said Brett Wingo, Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Home Networking. “We are combining top-of-the-line Wi-Fi performance with unmatched usability and intelligence to deliver a better customer experience.”

To open this world of opportunities, consumers can create an optional Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account during product set-up. After creation, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account can be accessed securely from any web browser or through the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App on a smartphone or tablet. This enables anytime, anywhere access and control of the home network and its connected devices, which combined with mobile apps, enables completely new experiences for consumers. Parents, for example, now have more control over what content their children see on the Internet with the Block the Bad Stuff and Netproofer app, or business travelers can see what is happening at home with the Gemini IP Camera Viewer app. A variety of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi apps are available today and additional apps are coming soon from app developers that have joined the Linksys Developer Community.

To simplify connecting devices to the network, SimpleTap™ has been introduced with the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers. SimpleTap lets consumers connect devices to the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with as little as one tap of a button or with a quick swipe or scan of a device or tag, making it easier than ever to add devices to their Wi-Fi network.

Beyond making products available through retail and online stores, Cisco also collaborates with service providers to offer this type of solutions to consumers. Qatar Telecom (Qtel) in the Middle East is the first service provider globally that is rolling out AC-enabled Linksys Smart Wi-Fi products to its fiber broadband customers. Qtel provides a full range of telecommunications services in Qatar and across its presence in 17 countries.

“We share a vision for the connected home with Cisco Linksys, and see 802.11ac as a key technology for delivering the benefits of this vision for the people of Qatar. With improved range and the capacity to reach Gigabit speeds over Wi-Fi, we will be able to roll-out richer and more agile video services to our customers, enabling them to watch content effortlessly on almost any connected device,” said Waleed Al-Sayed, Chief Operating Officer, Qtel. 

Pricing and Availability:

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro (model EA6500) is available for AUD 359.95 (MSRP) at retailers listed on www.linksys.com.au. The compatible Linksys AC Universal Media Connector (model WUMC710) will be available for AUD 199.95 (MSRP) in late November.

About Cisco 
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco’s vision for the consumer is to transform the home network into a solutions and services platform that delivers great customer experiences. Further information about Cisco and its full line of consumer products including Linksys can be found at www.linksys.com.

 

 
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WARNER BROTHERS INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND TURBINE LAUNCH THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™: RIDERS OF ROHAN™

Follow Up to 2011 MMO Expansion of the Year

Now Available Across North America, Europe & Australia On PC 

SYDNEY, Australia – October 16, 2012 — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Turbine announced today the launch of The Lord of the Rings Online™: Riders of Rohan™, the next expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG)Players across North America, Europe & Australia can purchase and play Riders of Rohan for PC starting today by visiting http://rohan.lotro.com/

To watch the launch video click here!

“We are really excited to launch Riders of Rohan, our fourth major expansion to the game,” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online.  “This is our biggest expansion yet and we’re very excited about the introduction of the industry’s best mounted combat system, which brings a whole new form of gameplay to  MMO players.” 

THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE: RIDERS OF ROHAN FEATURES: 

  • Explore Largest Landscape Yet — Join with the Rohirrim and ride across the sprawling plains of Eastern Rohan. Raise high your sword to fight for honour and glory in the name of Théoden King! Experience hundreds of new quests, earn new favour, get new gear, achieve new deeds and more! 
  •  Experience Mounted Combat — Ride into combat atop your loyal War-steed as you defend the people of Rohan from the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Charge into battle using strategic maneuvers to outflank and defeat your opponents. Team up with a fellowship to challenge groups of enemies and use the combination of varied skills to triumph. Stomp, trample, kick, and charge your enemies in all new mounted combat throughout the plains of Rohan.
  • Master New War-steeds — Enter the lands of the Rohirrim upon a new War-steed to aid you in mounted defence of King Théoden’s land! Hailing from a long line of majestic, highly intelligent, and kingly creatures known as the Mearas, War-steeds are faster, stronger, and more trained for battle than normal mounts.  Advance your War-steed’s skills over time and customise your mount with unique appearances. 
  • Continue The Epic Story — The Fellowship is on the move once again and must achieve their task at all costs. It falls to you to clear the path and turn the Eye of the Enemy away from their progress as you aid the Rohirrim in their own struggle close by. Witness the breaking of the Fellowship at Amon Hen; forge alliances with the Ents of Fangorn; and aid Éomer, adopted son of Théoden, as he seeks to protect his homeland from the growing Shadow. 
  • Advance to Level 85 — Learn what it means to be Rohirrim as you face new challenges throughout the Riddermark on your journey to level 85. Continue your legend as you grow in power with new skills and deeds and get new armour and gear to aid you in the battles to come.

The Lord of the Rings Online™ is the ultimate adventure! This award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places, and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time.  For more information, visit www.lotro.com.

 
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Football Manager 2013 Video Blog – Misc 1

 
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Official Call of Duty Elite Video: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Integration

Call of Duty® Elite now offers players the ability to connect, compete and improve like never before.  Call of Duty Elite features for the blockbuster game Call of Duty®: Black Ops II, which launches worldwide on November 13, 2012, will be free. Call of Duty Elite for Call of Duty: Black Ops II will include a host of new and improved features, including both Player and Clan HQ, Zombies support, Call of Duty Elite TV, social sharing and notifications, and more!

Sign up today and join millions of Call of Duty fans worldwide (http://www.callofduty.com/elite)

 
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“The #1 Sci-Fi Film of All Time” – BLADE RUNNER 30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION Out on Blu-ray November 14

New Collectible Memorabilia, Including 72-Page Production Art Book, Hi-Definition Photo Gallery with Never-Before-Seen Scene Sketches, New Commemorative Spinner Car Replica and More 

The Blu-ray™ Collector’s Edition is available to own for $49.95RRP

from November 14. 

Sir Ridley Scott’s (Alien, Hannibal and a three-time Oscar® nominee, Best Director, for Gladiator, Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down) Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, is one of the most important science-fiction movies of the 20th century. Blade Runner has had immeasurable influence on society, and its futuristic depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world makes it a film that is perhaps more powerful and relevant today than when it was made. The film, in fact, has appeared on more ‘Top Five’ sci-fi lists than any other film.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Warner Home Video (WHV) will end the film’s moratorium with the debut of a beautiful new commemorative 3-Disc Blu-ray™ Collector’s Edition. This comprehensive gift set edition includes The Final Cut version of the feature as well as the other four versions: 1991 Director’s Cut, 1982 Original and International Theatrical versions, and the rare Workprint feature version. The set also boasts never-before-seen production photos with more than 1,000 newly discovered sketches from the director all presented in hi-definition, a 72-page production art book with printed versions of the newly discovered art and a collectible Spinner car replica from an official concept sketch conceived by Blade Runner’s visual futurist Syd Mead.

The 3-disc Blu-ray™ Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition will be available for $49.95 RRP.

 
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Borderlands 2 – Mechromancer trailer

 
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Top 10 Signs Your House May Be Haunted

Top 10 Signs Your House May Be Haunted 

We’ve all curled up on the sofa late at night, watched a scary movie and afterwards been paranoid about every little creak of a floorboard or the call of a bird but how do you know when your house really is haunted?

Well with the release of Paranormal Activity 4 on the horizon (in cinemas 18th October) we take a look at the top 10 signs that could indicate a haunted house.  From hearing footsteps in the hallway to unexplainable door slammings, we cover them all.

1.      Unexplained noises

These can occur frequently in houses without them being an indication of a haunting BUT if you start to hear footsteps, knocks or scratching sounds on a regular basis then this could be a good indication that something is afoot.

2.      Doors / cupboards opening or closing

Find yourself thinking ‘I’m sure I shut that door’ when you come back to find it wide open? This type of phenomena is rarely seen directly, but if you are sure you are not losing your marbles and you didn’t actually shut the door, then this could be a good indication that you are in fact, not alone. 

3.      Unexplained Shadows

Do dark shapes lurking in corners sometimes catch your eye but when you take a closer look there’s nothing there?  The regular sightings of shadows with a human-like appearance could suggest there really is something lurking in the shadows. 

4.      Listen to the animals

Animals often have a sixth sense us humans don’t have.  If you see your pet behaving strangely whether it’s barking at the unseen or they refuse to enter a room, think carefully before you scold them.  It could be a warning.

5.      Temperature fluctuations

Feeling a little bit chilly? Rather than just put on another layer, take a moment to think as a sudden drop in temperature could indicate the presence of the supernatural.

6.      Don’t touch me!

If you have an unruly spirit in your house, it is likely that you will sometimes cross paths.  Similar to walking along a crowded street, crossing paths with a spirit can result in the feeling of brushing past something or can go as far as feelings of being nudged.

7.      Did you hear that?

Apart from the movement of objects or the closing / opening of doors unexpectedly, spirits can sometimes try and communicate with us through sound.  Common noises include muffled voices, whispering or crying.  Next time you hear such noises, it might not be your neighbours…

8.      The writing’s on the wall

Spirits can also leave more physical evidence indicating their presence.  This can include unexplained writing on the wall or notes left on counter-tops.  Taking physical evidence to an extreme, ghosts can leave footprints or handprints as they roam your halls.

9.      I was watching that!

Some spirits like to disturb your everyday activities such as watching the TV or listening to the radio.  If you start finding the signal starts to flicker or you have regular interference with your radio waves, this might be an indication there is something else wanting your attention.

10.   ‘Say cheese!’

Think there’s something wrong with your camera because orbs have started to appear in your photographs?  Think again.  This could be a spirit trying to sneak in on the family photograph.

These are just some indicators of paranormal phenomenon, but to find out what happens when the spirits really decide to haunt check out PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4, in cinemas October 18….if you dare! 

Trailer: http://youtu.be/P5qBWu93frk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParanormalActivityAU 

History Recap Featurette

Clip 1 – ‘Running Through The House’

Clip 2 – ‘Levitate’

 
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Australia’s Top 10 – HAUNTED LOCATIONS

Australia’s Top 10 – HAUNTED LOCATIONS 

With a history of convicts passed and numerous shipwrecks to its name, it can come as no surprise that Australia has its own fair share of haunted locations.  So with the newest in the Paranormal Activity franchise hitting cinemas on the 18th October and bound to give us a fright we thought we would compile a list of the top 10 haunted locations in Australia….for those who want to bring horror to life, outside of the cinema. 

1.      Beechworth Lunatic Asylum (Beechworth, Victoria)

As a decommissioned lunatic asylum it isn’t the greatest surprise that this building is haunted by the ghosts of long departed patients.  With only two medical signatures needed to admit you to the asylum and eight required to let you out, it was a lot harder to get out than get in which could be the reason why several ghosts are known to still wander the halls.

2.      Princess Theatre (Melbourne, Victoria)

Not all hauntings are thought to be bad luck and the Princess Theatre in Melbourne is a prime example.  Theatre companies believe that seeing the appearance of their inhabitant ghost Frederick Baker (stage name ‘Federici’) during rehearsals is a good omen.  Committed to his trade and respected by patrons of the theatre, Frederick, a talented bass-baritone singer who died during a performance of Mephistopheles in Faust, often has a seat in the dress circle reserved for him

3.      Ballarat Gaol (Ballarat, Victoria)

A former maximum security prison, Ballarat Gaol which closed in 1965, can unfortunately no longer be found in its former form with any remaining buildings being used by the University of Ballarat.  During its heyday thirteen prisoners were executed at the gaol but it is the remains of seven criminals left on the grounds that could be to blame for the regular haunting and chilling sensations felt by those in the town.

 4.      Quarantine Station (Sydney, NSW)

The first port of call for those arriving from the colonies, this place ended up being a hub of disease and illness with many never leaving the site….and it seems this is true to this day with a reported 55 spirits still roaming the halls.

5.      Monte Cristo Homestead (Junee, NSW)

A harmless-looking country house during the day, Monte Cristo Homestead isn’t a place you would think of as being haunted.  But it is.  It is in fact, a house that has held the record of ‘Australia’s most haunted private residence’ for decades.  From unseen forces on the stairs, to strange whisperings and flickering lights, this certainly isn’t a place you would want to remain long after dusk. 

6.      Sydney Airport (Sydney, NSW)

One of the more recently haunted locations in Australia, reported sightings of the spirits roaming the airport have only been recorded in the last 20 years.  That doesn’t make a deserted airport, at night any less scary though does it?   

7.      The Alkimos (Nr. Perth, WA)

From day one it definitely wasn’t smooth sailing for The Alkimos.  From construction workers being welded into the hull of the ship, to when it became stranded off the coast of Perth the ship, it seemed, was cursed.  With several supposed sightings and eerie goings on it is clear the ship and its inhabitants haven’t found their final resting spot just yet. 

8.      National Film and Sound Archive (ACT)

This building used to be the National Institute of Anatomy so it isn’t a surprise that the place has its fair share of spirits making their presence felt.

9.      Redback Range Tunnel (Picton, NSW)

Reports suggest a woman was mown down by a train in the tunnel in 1916 and it is her spirit who allows this small town the reputation of “most haunted town”.

10.   Richmond Vale Rail and Mining Museum (Kurri Kurri, NSW)

Now a rail and mining museum, Richmond Vale was a mine which operated from 1910 to 1967.  During operation over 54 lives were lost and it is the voices and screams of these lost souls that remain in the still visible mine shafts.

If you’re an avid scare seeker then you won’t be disappointed if you choose to visit any of Australia’s most haunted sights…but if you’re like the rest of us; happy to be terrified in a cinema with friends, being able to return to the comfort, and safety, of our own homes afterwards, then we suggest you just go and check out Paranormal Activity 4 on October 18th. 

Trailer: http://youtu.be/P5qBWu93frk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParanormalActivityAU

History Recap Featurette

Clip 1 – ‘Running Through The House’

Clip 2 – ‘Levitate’

 
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Kingston Technology Celebrates 25 Years as the Leading Third-party Memory Manufacturer in the World Company Founded in 1987

Sydney, Australia – October 16, 2012? Kingston, the independent world leader in memory products, announces that tomorrow marks 25 years in the business as the largest third-party manufacturer of computer and device memory. Kingston was founded on October 17, 1987 by CEO and co-founder John Tu, and COO and co-founder David Sun.

The entrepreneurial spirit of both owners and the success of the company have been recognised globally through the years. Kingston’s core tenets of respect, loyalty, flexibility and integrity have created an exemplary corporate culture; one that guides its relationships with customers, partners and vendors, and to which Kingston owes its success.

“It is a great and humbling feeling to be a part of this company. The best aspects of the last 25 years here have been the people who work here, our partners and all of the great relationships we have been a part of,” said John Tu, CEO and co-founder, Kingston. “I am truly amazed by the thought of where we started and where we are today, and look forward to the next 25 years.”

“In 1987, Kingston entered the market with a single product. Today, Kingston has grown to be the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products.” said Scott Chen, Vice-President of APAC region, Kingston. “Kingston believes that each individual employee is a vital part of the company’s success. Our common goal is to satisfy multiple consumers’ demands by offering different products. In the past 25 years, Kingston has been recognised as the best memory brand in both technology and innovation; in the future, Kingston intends to keep its sole leadership in this severe competitive market.” Scott added.

A series of quotes from Kingston executives around the world as well as more from John Tu is available at Appendix A below. The 25th anniversary video can be found at http://www.kingston.com/en/company/25_years. For more information including a timeline of Kingston’s history, please visit www.kingston.com.

 
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MEDIA ALERT: PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale beta kicking off

Sony Computer Entertainment today announced that the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale beta will open this week, on 17 October, for PlayStation Plus subscribers on PlayStation 3. The beta will expand to everyone else from 24 October.

Further to this, PlayStation Vita owners will be able dive right into the multiplayer beta starting tomorrow – no Plus subscription required. The beta will support Cross-Play, so PS3 and PS Vita owners will be able to fight with and against each other

Accessing the beta will give you the opportunity to explore the following:
·         Play as Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Colonel Radec, Sly Cooper, PaRappa and Fat Princess.
·         Play in both the Metropolis and Hades stages.
·         Try out four-player online tournaments and 2 vs 2 online tournaments. For the 2 vs 2 games we’ll be supporting friend invites, so you and a friend can fight another team online.

Be sure to access the beta soon as it closes on 30 October!

For more information visit:  http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2012/10/15/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-beta-kicks-off-this-week/