On September 16, living room legends will rock any way they want in Guitar Hero® 5. Elevating the Guitar Hero® series to new heights with unmatched social gameplay, an enhanced style, new in-game artists and more rock legends, Guitar Hero® 5 features new surprises and challenges that will fire-up long-time fret board fanatics and create a new generation of addicts. 

Guitar Hero® 5 features an epic 85 song set list and, featuring genre-defining hits from some of the biggest rock artists and bands of all time, including Tom Petty, Kings of Leon, The White Stripes, Stevie Wonder, and Iron Maiden. 

Now available, we are pleased to announce footage of the RockFest gameplay mode whereby, players can choose from various gameplay types including Elimination, Momentum, Do or Die, Streakers, Perfectionist and Pro Face Off, for how they want to dominate their competition.   

If you are interested in taking a look please visit gh5.guitarhero.com

Fans of All Ages Will Sing and Play Their Way to Superstardom with the Chart-Topping Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist This November

Fan Sweepstakes Will Award Tickets and Opportunity to Meet Taylor Swift in Person

Sydney, Australia – August 5, 2009 – Taylor Swift, global music sensation and best selling artist of 2008, will ascend an all-new virtual stage this November in Band Hero™, the ultimate party game featuring a wide assortment of today’s popular hits and most recognisable pop anthems, created by Guitar Hero® and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  Budding music stars, their families and friends, will all live their musical fantasy on the Band Hero stage, playing as Taylor Swift or alongside the singer/songwriter and guitarist, as she performs her smash-hits “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” from her latest album Fearless as well as “Picture to Burn” from her self-titled debut record.

“Anything that encourages people to pick up an instrument and play, I’m fully behind. And, I’m really excited about Band Hero, because not only are fans getting to play my songs, but I’m actually in the game,” said Swift. “There are so many awesome things that go into being in Band Hero, like getting to customise my band to look like my touring band, and it’s so cool for people to feel like they are experiencing one of my concerts.  This is one of the closest things out there to going to see me perform!”

Taylor Swift and Band Hero will award 20 lucky fans the opportunity to see a Taylor Swift Concert and four of those fans will win the opportunity to meet Taylor Swift in person. Watch for more details on this sweepstakes this summer at www.bandhero.com.

“Taylor Swift’s impressive rise to the top of multiple music genres, along with the broad appeal of her songs, makes her a great example of the type of experience we are bringing to music fans with Band Hero,” said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Guitar Hero. “We’re thrilled to announce her as the very first of several playable in-game artists and showcase her many talents in our game.”

This November, family and friends will come together to ascend the virtual stage and rock their way to superstardom with Band Hero.  Brought to you by the makers of Guitar Hero®, one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, Band Hero features the hottest chart-topping hits from everyone’s favourite acts including Taylor Swift, No Doubt, Lily Allen, The All-American Rejects and Jackson 5.  Headlined by some of the biggest names in music as in-game artists and playable characters, Band Hero is the ultimate party game where players of all ages will be able to experience the signature, easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master Guitar Hero gameplay.  Band Hero allows fans to create the band they always dreamed of using any combination of guitar or drum controllers and vocals, providing rockers and performers of all ages the chance to experience and interact with their favourite music.

Published by Activision Publishing, Inc., Band Hero is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, by Vicarious Visions for the Wii™ system from Nintendo and by Budcat for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.  The game is rated E10+ (mild lyrics, mild suggestive themes).  For more information about Band Hero, please BandHero.com.

VidZone® success demonstrates user demand for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) entertainment beyond gaming

Sydney, 5th August 2009: Just under eight weeks since VidZone®’s June launch, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that over one million music lovers have now downloaded the new music video streaming application to their PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™). The result has seen over 100 million music videos streamed via PS3, across the seven launch territories where the service is available, as people tune into their favourite artists and create their very own music video jukebox on their TV.

In Australia alone, VidZone is already a massive hit with PS3 users. Since the VidZone application launch on 11th June, VidZone is now ranked as the number one most popular download from PlayStation®Network in Australia. This high rate of uptake shows how Australians are increasingly enjoying access to non-gaming and entertainment based services on PS3, alongside gaming content.

Sydney Australia – August 5, 2009 – HP today announced the HP SimpleSave external hard drive series for customers needing simple and automatic backup for photos, video, music and data.

Protecting personal content with SimpleSave is as easy as plugging the drive into a USB connection, so families can feel confident that their precious memories are safe.

“With SimpleSave, once connected, backup is automatic and virtually hands-free,” said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager, Personal Systems Attach Group, HP. “As the worldwide leader in personal computing, our goal is to make technology simple and useful, ensuring no learning curve and no complicated choices to make.”

The new SimpleSave hard drive family consists of two products: SimpleSave Portable, available in 320- and 500-gigabyte capacities, and SimpleSave Desktop, available in 1- and 2-terabyte capacities. Both devices feature preinstalled backup software. SimpleSave software automatically finds and backs up the data on the PC, and after the first backup, automatically updates the backup with file changes whenever the computer is idle.

A single SimpleSave drive can be used to back up all the PCs in the home, with data from each PC clearly identified by name on the drive to make finding and restoring a specific PC’s data a snap.

The SimpleSave hard drives are designed with heat-dissipating cases that stay cool and run quietly without a fan. The SimpleSave Portable is powered by the PC’s USB 2.0 port and does not require an external power supply. In addition, the 2.5-inch portable model is designed with a shock-resistant case to protect the drive from the bumps and jolts of everyday usage. 

Other features include
• Hundreds of file formats supported: Supports the most common file types for photo, music and documents including AAC, BMP, DOC, GDF, GIF, JPG, MP3, MPEG, PPT, PDF, TAX, TIFF and XLS.  
• Frequent backup update: Backs up new and changed files every time the PC is idle for five minutes.
• Plug-and-play storage: Ready to use when connected to a USB port.
• Support for large files: NTFS file system offers improved support for metadata and use of advanced data structures, improving performance, reliability and disk space.
• Two-year warranty.

Pricing(1) and availability
SimpleSave external hard drives will be available in August.
Manufacturers suggested list prices are:
SimpleSave Portable: 320GB, A$139; 2.5-inch hard drive, 500GB, A$199
SimpleSave Desktop: 1TB hard drive, A$179; 2TB hard drive, A$449

Download High Resolution Images
http://www.gapmarketing.com.au/press_images/HP/HPSimpleSave_Portable.zip
http://www.gapmarketing.com.au/press_images/HP/HPSimpleSave_Portable2.zip
http://www.gapmarketing.com.au/press_images/HP/HPSimpleSave_External3.zip
http://www.gapmarketing.com.au/press_images/HP/HPSimpleSave_External.zip

About HP
HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

(1) Estimated Australian list price. Actual price may vary.

This news advisory contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the achievement of expected operational and financial results; and other risks that are described in HP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2009 and HP’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

© 2009 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Only The First Copies of The Videogame Will Include This Exclusive Toy – Pre-order So You Don’t Miss Out!

Sydney, Australia – Aug 5, 2009 – Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today an exclusive Bakugan collector’s ball will come packaged into the Nintendo DS™ Collector’s Edition of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers videogame. This Collector’s Edition will be available at key retailers the week of the game’s release, but since the battle ball is being produced in limited quantities, Bakugan fans are advised to pre-order the videogame to ensure they get it.

The Bakugan ball that players will get in the Nintendo DS™ Collector’s Edition is Naga, a rogue Bakugan who wants to control all the power in Vestoria. Naga is most recognisable for his skeletal body and split nose. Conniving and greedy, he tried to absorb the two energy cores, Infinite and Silence, but only absorbed the Silent Core, and in the process exploded Vestroia. In the hit animated TV show, he is Hal-G’s Bakugan.

“One look on eBay will show you how fanatics obsess over rare Bakugans – we’re sure the Naga battle ball will become one of the most prized of all,” said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Bakugan players and gamers are getting the opportunity to score something special while picking up the most entertaining Nintendo DS™ game of the year!”

Bakugan™ is based on the story of Dan and his friends whose lives were forever changed when mysterious cards fell from the sky. Creating a game from the cards where powerful creatures known as Bakugan battle, it isn’t long before they discover that their hobby is much more than just a simple pastime. Utilising special game cards Bakugan battle masters roll spheres onto the cards, which activate and transform into Bakugan “battle brawling” action figures. The toy line, developed by Spin Master Ltd., has won three “Toy of the Year” awards from the Toy Industry Association. Bakugan is also an animated cartoon series airing on Cartoon Network in the United States, TELETOON in Canada and many international broadcasters.

Bakugan is scheduled for release on the Nintendo DS™ on October 28, 2009.  For more information on Bakugan and how to pre-order the Collector’s Edition, visit http://www.bakugan-videogame.com.

· When combined with AMD Athlon™ II processors, the resulting platform delivers an excellent Windows 7 experience that is ideal for HD entertainment, gaming and managing a digital lifestyle.

· The AMD 785G chipset is the first AMD chipset with ATI Stream technology for amazingly fast video transcoding and application performance.

New AMD Chipset to Serve as Foundation for Exceptional Windows® 7 Mainstream Platform

— AMD 785G chipsets designed for cost-conscious consumers looking for advanced gaming, entertainment and multi-tasking experiences —

What:  AMD (NYSE:AMD), an industry leader in chipset technology, today announced the AMD 785G chipset. Designed to be at the core of the ultimate mainstream PC for Windows® 7, it features ATI Radeon™ HD 4200 graphics technology for vibrant colors and life-like visuals, stunning DirectX® 10.1 gaming, and multi-core processing for a seamless experience on Windows 7-capable systems.

Why: Strong Windows 7 pre-order sales shows consumers are looking to change their existing PC experience. When combined with AMD Athlon™ II processors, the resulting platform delivers an excellent Windows 7 experience that is ideal for HD entertainment, gaming and managing a digital lifestyle.

Benefits: PC platforms with the new AMD 785G chipset strike an excellent  balance between performance, features and stability to help consumers fully take advantage of what Windows® 7 can offer. This platform includes the following features:
•DirectX 10.1 support for the latest games
•UVD2 for accelerated, GPU-enabled, decoding
•First AMD chipset with ATI Stream technology for amazingly fast video transcoding and application performance
•Advanced technology to keep your PC running cool and quiet
•Latest support for HDMI 1.3 and DisplayPort
•SidePort Memory support for DDR3/DDR2 performance cache
•Hard disk performance improvements with RAID support
•Broad partner availability

Resources
•Download the entire media presentation here for additional details
•Follow all news from the AMD Desktop team on Twitter at @AMDDesktop
•Read more from AMD bloggers about AMD at Home
•Check out what they have to say about AMD at Play
•Product logo can be found at the AMD Unprocessed Flickr page

About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and technology partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) proudly opens the Vault to release ‘the one that started it all,’ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, for the first time ever on Diamond Edition Blu-ray and 2-Disc DVD on 14 October 2009. 

The highly-anticipated release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs fittingly launches a spectacular all-new product line specific to the Blu-ray format – Disney’s Diamond Collection.  Poised to transform home entertainment, just as the movie itself transformed the entire motion-picture industry upon its debut in 1937, the revolutionary new Diamond Collection brings audiences the most immersive and high-level viewing experience including unparalleled features, exclusive high-definition content, superior picture and sound and much, much more. 

Celebrated as an entertainment landmark for over 70 years, the first full-length animated film ever made, and still the ‘fairest of them all,” Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ world premiere represented a major milestone for the world of animation and a giant leap forward for The Walt Disney Company. Presented with a 1939 honorary Academy Award® for ‘significant screen innovation which has charmed millions, and pioneered a great new entertainment field,’ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is one of the most beloved and most watched films in history.

As one of the first ever films earmarked for preservation by the Library of Congress, it has been entertaining moviegoers and critics alike for decades. It was also the first film ever to have a motion picture soundtrack, as well as the first film to use music to advance the story. To date, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been released theatrically a total of nine times.

SYNOPSIS:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the time-honoured story of a beautiful princess whose blossoming beauty disturbs her stepmother the Queen. Each day the Queen asks a mysterious magic mirror the quintessential question: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”  As long as the mirror answers the Queen’s name, all is well. However, when one day the mirror replies with Snow White’s name, the evil Queen begins her quest to kill the young girl, so she may once again be “the fairest of them all.”

Snow White’s escape from the evil Queen’s plan leads her deep into the forest and to a small cottage where she meets the Seven Dwarfs, in one of the most famous scenes in motion picture history. One day – when “off to work” they go – the wicked Queen persuades Snow White to take a bite of a poisonous apple that places a powerful sleeping curse on the young beauty. Heartbroken, the dwarfs make a glass coffin for their dear friend, because she is too beautiful to bury. Only when a handsome Prince – who had previously fallen in love with Snow White – finds her and kisses her, does she awaken to “live happily ever after.”

PRODUCTION OVERVIEW

Director:                                 David Hand (supervising)

William Cottrell

Wilfred Jackson

Larry Morey

Perce Pearce

            Ben Sharpsteen

Producer:                               Walt Disney

Written by:                             Brothers Grimm (fairy tale)

Ted Sears

Richard Creedon

Otto Englander

Dick Rickard

Earl Hurd

Merrill De Maris

Dorothy Ann Blank

Webb Smith

Music:                                    Frank Churchill

Paul Smith

Leigh Harline

Character designers:            Albert Hurter

Joe Grant

Voice talent:                           Adriana Caselotti (Snow White)

Lucille La Verne (The Queen / Witch)

Roy Atwell (Doc)

Pinto Colvig (Grumpy)

Otis Harlan (Happy)

Pinto Colvig (Sleepy)

Scotty Mattraw (Bashful)

Billy Gilbert (Sneezy)

Eddie Collins (Dopey)

Moroni Olsen (The Magic Mirror)

Stuart Buchanan (Humbert the Huntsman)

Harry Stockwell (The Prince)

Genre:                                    Animation/family/fantasy

Rating:                                    TBC

Release date:                         14 October 2009

RRP:                                       $39.95 – 2-Disc DVD;

$49.95 – 3-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD)

ABOUT DISNEY ‘COMBO PACKS’ (BLU-RAY + DVD IN A SINGLE PACKAGE):

To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney classics, in 2008 WDSHE pioneered the Combo Pack – Blu-ray Disc(s) plus a DVD in a single package. Current Disney Platinum Edition titles available as Combo Packs include Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio.

EXCLUSIVE DVD BONUS FEATURES: 

• The Princess and the Frog sneak peek;
• Snow White returns;
• Deleted scenes – including ‘Soup eating sequence’ and ‘Bed building sequence’.
• The one that started it all;
• ‘Someday my Prince will come’ by Tiffany Thornton;
• Dopey’s wild mine ride game;
• Animation voice talent;
• Disney through the decades;
• Heigh-ho sing-along; and
• Heigh-ho karaoke.

EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND EDITION BLU-RAY BONUS FEATURES: 

The Diamond Collection debut of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will keep audiences spellbound for hours with exciting content exclusive to this historic release, presented with spectacular newly restored picture and 7.1 Digital Theater System Hi-Def Surround Sound.  Utilising the latest in technology, possible only through the power of Blu-ray, the release includes Disney Smart Navigation, allowing the magic and personality of Disney characters to come to life as never before.  Disney Family Play, the ultimate interactive Hi-Def experience, offers a variety of engaging games, activities and unprecedented levels of personalisation and customisation features, to transform how families experience home entertainment together. The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition is a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack (2 Blu-ray discs + DVD).  

·        Hyperion Studios – Audiences are digitally transported to 1937 to discover first-hand the Hyperion Studios, the original studio Walt Disney himself built and where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was conceived and developed.  Viewers will virtually walk the halls of this historic landmark experiencing life at Hyperion Studios back in the 1930’s. This amazing ‘Backstage Disney’ feature contains newly dimensionalised archival photos, animator recordings, archival transcripts and rare footage of Walt himself revealing how Disney’s gifted filmmakers crafted the very first animated feature.

·        Magic Mirror – Using the latest in Blu-ray technology, the iconic Magic Mirror guides the audience through the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition features with ease serving as the ‘host’ for an incredibly immersive experience. The Mirror will recognise viewing patterns, knows where the audience has left off and will even suggest where to navigate next. This marks the first use of artificial intelligence in a Disney Blu-ray™ release and provides viewers the control to personally create a customised Snow White experience.

·        DisneyView – Disney’s pioneering animated feature is brought to the modern era of widescreen high definition viewing by allowing the user to expand their viewing experience beyond the original aspect ratio of the film.  Utilising Disney Blu-ray™ technology, acclaimed Disney artist Toby Bluth was able to ‘draw’ beyond the borders of classic full frame cinema and fill the otherwise dark edges of the screen with beautiful custom imagery, giving audiences a new view of their animated classic favorite. 

·                                About Toby Bluth – Disney artist Toby Bluth tells how the movie inspired him to create the superb DisneyView art. 

·        What Do You See? – To win this exciting interactive game, players must untangle scrambled images.

·        Jewel Jumble – Players put jewels from the Dwarfs’ mine in the proper order to win this game.

·        Scene Stealer – Allows viewers to upload a personal photo and experience life as one of the Seven Dwarfs—on-screen in the actual film

In 2008, audiences around the globe re-discovered and fell in love with one of the world’s most iconic characters when Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment launched Tinker Bell, the debut film in the exciting new ‘Disney Fairies’ movie series.

Releasing on 11 November 2009, the enchanting pixie-dusted magic and fun continues as Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure takes Tink far beyond Pixie Hollow in an all-new adventure on Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray +DVD) and standard definition DVD.

In the original Tinker Bell fans heard Tink’s voice for the very first time, and through her fabulous fairy friends explored the world of Pixie Hollow. Produced by DisneyToon Studios, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is the highly anticipated second film in the continuing Disney Fairies Franchise and a captivating story that builds on Tinker Bell’s popular adventures through breathtaking animation, spectacular music and an all-star cast of voice talent.

More heart, more friendship, more excitement! Never a dull moment, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is engaging from the first frame and never lets up. Highly entertaining, adventurous, funny and emotional, the second Tinker Bell movie features timeless Disney storytelling, filled with magic and a little pixie dust.

In Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Tinker Bell debuts a fabulous new look establishing herself as a Fashionista Fairy.  Taking tips direct from nature, green is the new black as Tinker Bell tops off her iconic fairy frock with a stylish new ensemble for her latest adventure, inspired by the Autumn palette.  Leggings, Gladiator-inspired Husk Boots and cozy natural wraps are essential to Tink’s functional eco-fashion look.   Accessories fashioned with a natural approach include seed-clasps, braided belts, pixie hobo-bags and a clever skiff hat to top it all off.   Each piece is a must-have for every fashion-forward, adventure-seeking fairy. 

These clever fairy fashions can be seen in action as Tinker Bell’s enchanting adventures continue in an even more action-packed journey, this time taking Tink far beyond Pixie Hollow. Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is an exciting adventure featuring a cast of favourite and all-new characters to delight audiences of all ages in this once-in-a-blue-moon experience for the entire family to enjoy.

PLOT

In Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Tinker Bell’s greatest adventure yet takes place in autumn, as the fairies are on the mainland changing the colours of the leaves, tending to pumpkin patches, and helping geese fly south for the winter.   The rare Blue Moon will rise, and when its light passes through the magical Fall Scepter that Tinker Bell has been summoned to create, Pixie Hollow’s supply of pixie dust will be restored.  But when Tinker Bell accidentally puts all of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, she must venture out across the sea on a secret quest to set things right. Along her journey Tink reunites with all her fairy friends – including Rosetta, Silvermist, Iridessa and Fawn – and meets new friends, Terence, a boy fairy; and Blaze, a cute and courageous firefly; who help Tinker Bell complete her mission.

FAIRY PROFILES

TINKER BELL – A Tinker fairy

She is spirited, rebellious, impatient, impulsive, determined and persistent yet, always charming and loveable. She has a talent for tinkering, and when she is called on to save the day, Tink discovers the importance of her own true talents.

TERENCE – A Boy Fairy

Tink’s best friend from the Sparrow Men, Terence is a Pixie Dust Fairy, meaning he distributes the daily ratio of Pixie Dust to all fairies in Pixie Hollow. Terence tries to help Tinker Bell build the scepter which leads to her quest to find the Lost Treasure. Terence is an integral part of the adventure and friendship themes in the story.

BLAZE – A Firefly

Blaze is a young firefly; he’s mischievous, inventive and enthusiastic and uses his light as a flashlight, spotlight or SOS. Despite his diminutive size, he is courageous and supremely loyal to his friends. Blaze is part of Tinker Bell’s exciting adventure and they become friends who go on a thrilling journey together to find the Lost Treasure.

First Expansion Pack to Global Phenomenon – The Sims 3
4 August 2009, Australia – The Sims are off on an adventure to famous destinations around the world! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that The Sims™ 3 World Adventures, the first expansion pack* to the #1 best-selling PC and MAC game in June 2009**, The Sims 3, is in development and will ship to retailers in Australia on 19 November.

“We’re thrilled with the global success of The Sims 3 over these last few months and are looking forward to expanding on the gameplay experience with one of the most robust expansion packs to The Sims yet,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims at EA. “Players will be able to take their Sims on the adventure of a lifetime and explore lands outside of Sunset Valley and Riverview, pursue thrilling new life destinies in locations around the world inspired by famous destinations, and immerse themselves in the open-ended gameplay where they’ll discover new cities in China, France and Egypt and share new stories.”

Players can take their Sims on new journeys to famous real-world inspired destinations around the globe for the first time ever and seek out new adventures. While exploring the landmarks of an exotic city, there is no telling what the Sims will find. From mastering martial arts in Shang Simla, China, discovering rich culture and famous landmarks on a romantic getaway to Champs Les Sims, France or exploring the depths of ancient tombs in Al Simhara, Egypt, players can take their Sims on a journey that will change their Sims’ lives. Players can accept challenges to search for secret treasures, learn new skills and chase down new personal opportunities, meet new Sims with unique personalities, share their culture and bring them home, discover new styles on their travels, and share everything they encounter on their adventures with the world through personal photographs, movies and stories. Additionally, players will receive 1,000 SimPoints to be used online in The Sims 3 Store*** for the PC/MAC versions of the game. Exclusive online content, available only for the expansion pack at launch, will be revealed soon.

The Sims 3 World Adventures will also be available for mobile phones, the iPhone™ and iPod touch® in early 2010 from EA Mobile™. These versions will have customised mobile gameplay features which will be revealed in the coming months. For information on carrier availability and pricing for all EA Mobile games, please visit www.eamobile.com.

For more information about The Sims 3 World Adventures or The Sims 3, please visit www.TheSims3.com. Developed by The Sims Studio, The Sims 3 World Adventures has not yet been rated by the OFLC. To download artwork, please visit www.info.ea.com.

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/MAC to play.
**According to NPD data.
**INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED, see product pack or digital distribution rules for details

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA –AUGUST 4, 2009 – On August 6th Xbox 360® fans will be praising a higher power as Xbox delivers another blockbuster console bundle to Australian shelves. For a limited time, two games from the smash hit Halo® franchise, Halo Wars™ and Halo 3, will come bundled with Xbox 360 Pro consoles through participating retailers.

Since its introduction in November 2001, the Halo franchise has grown to epic proportions, delivering blockbuster titles one after the other. Halo 3 and Halo Wars, the latest additions to the Halo universe, are among the highest selling Xbox games of all time for their genre, delivering action packed game play time and time again.

With Halo 3: ODST set to hit stores on September 22nd, the unconverted have no excuses not to get their hands on an Xbox 360.

The Xbox 360 Pro console comes with a 60GB hard drive, Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 headset, component High Definition AV cable and an Ethernet Connectivity Cable.

The Xbox Pro Halo bundle is available while stocks last at participating stores for a recommended retail price of AU$449*

With a broad selection of exclusive blockbuster games, and now this amazing bundle, there has never been a better time to own an Xbox 360.