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BELKIN BRINGS iPAD CONTENT TO LIFE WITH NEW THUNDERSTORM HANDHELD HOME THEATRE™

Tuggerah, Australia – April 17, 2013 – Belkin Australia today announced the launch of a new portable, full-range speaker dock system for the iPad, the Belkin Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the iPad, the Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater enhances movies, music and games with advanced digital sound technology for a rich, powerful audio experience.

Powered by mobile sound leader Audifi, the Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater features high-efficiency, front-facing speakers that project cinematic-quality sound. Ported speakers and integrated air channels in the design allow optimal airflow so bass frequencies come alive. The free, downloadable Thunderstorm App provides extended control with customize soundscapes for music, movies and games so your content always sounds its best.

Designed to fit flush around an iPad, the Belkin Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater connects directly through the iPad dock connector for a seamless experience. A direct connection eliminates the possibility of dropping the connection to the speaker and provides optimal calibration for the audio sound effects. It also features a multifold cover for a variety of comfortable viewing angles and screen protection.

“We wanted the audio quality to match the brilliant, high definition visual experience that the iPad’s retina display is known for, and provide an immersive powerful audio solution so you can experience content the way it was meant to be.” said Brendan Sparks, Head of Marketing and Product Management Belkin ANZ.

“Belkin tapped us to engineer the sound performance of the Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater from the inside out and we’re happy to see end results. Through the design of core circuits, sound processing, custom speakers and a surprisingly thin acoustic enclosure, Audifi engineered a level of sonic depth and precision that was, until now, impossible to achieve in mobile devices.” said Bruce Lancaster, general manager and vice president at Audifi.

The Belkin Thunderstorm (G3A1000) is available now for 30-pin connectors (iPad 2, 3rd generation) for $249.95, with a model for Lightning connector available in the near future.

Features at a glance:

  • Integrated,      front-facing, landscape-oriented, stereo speakers
  • Ported      speakers for rich bass and depth
  • Low-distortion,      high-efficiency amplifier
  • Magnetically      attached folding soft cover with multiple stand configurations
  • 30-pin      docking interface is compatible with iPad 2 and iPad 3rd generation
  • Pass-through      access for iPad rear camera, headset jack, microphone, speaker, charging,      lock switch, volume control, and mute/rotation lock toggle
 
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Social Media Users Most Hit by Scams Offering to View ‘Stalkers’

Empty promises of Rihanna sex tape take second place

Sydney Australia, 17 April, 2013 – Almost a quarter of scams on Facebook offer users a bogus method to see who has viewed their profile, according to a study by antivirus software creator Bitdefender.

Based on six months of research, the study also showed a firm desire among users to see Rihanna sex tapes. Used in almost one in five Facebook scams, this empty promise tricks users into giving away private data and installing malware.

“Scammers have a keen interest in piquing users’ curiosity and they feel no compunction about outright lying,” said Bitdefender Chief Security Strategist Catalin Cosoi. “A curious click can cost the user dearly in terms of privacy invasions or worse. The frequency of certain themes in social media scams can teach us how to avoid scams. It can also offer us a glimpse into the hidden desires of many Facebook users.”

The Bitdefender study showed Rihanna and Taylor Swift were the celebrity names most used by scammers in the last half year. Over 17 per cent of all social media scams analysed by Bitdefender lured users to click on dubious links with a promise of sex videos with Umbrella’s singer.

Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Chris Brown were the next most-abused celebrity names used by scammers. Most recently, American wrestler John Cena was used in a hoax claiming he died of head injuries during a practice stunt.

English and Spanish speaking Facebook users are likely to fall for scams promising to show them potential stalkers and ex-lovers checking their profile, according to the Bitdefender research.

The French are most interested in changing the social network’s design. More than 10,000 French speakers were infected with the scam that claimed it would make their timeline more colorful. Over 4 per cent of all scams circulating in the last six months had the “Dites au revoir au Facebook bleu” hook.

Though users still fall for these threats, the Facebook security team has made a lot of improvements to reduce the complexity and number of scams. In several countries, Bitdefender has noticed a drop of fraudulent and malicious links spreading on the social network.

Top 10 Facebook Scams:

 

1. Total profile viewers (see who has viewed your profile) – 23,86%

 

2. Rihanna sex tape – 17,09%

 

3. Encontre la forma de ver quien ve mi perfil – 5,31%

 

4. Check if a friend has deleted you – 5,18%

 

5. Dites au revoir au Facebook bleu – 4,16%

 

6. Taylor Swift sex tape – 3,76%

 

7. “Free” Disneyland tickets – 2,55%

 

8. Enable your dislike button here – 2,15%

 

9. I can actually see who is spying – 1,67%

 

10. Estou tirando onda de facebook coloridao! – 1,64%

 

Other – 32,53%

 
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ACTIVISION & TREYARCH’S CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS II UPRISING DLC MAP PACK – ONE OF THE MOST CREATIVE AND AMBITIOUS DLC OFFERINGS YET – LAUNCHES FIRST, EXCLUSIVELY ON XBOX LIVE

Legendary Hollywood Actors Ray Liotta, Chazz Palminteri, Joe Pantoliano and Michael Madsen Unite as Four Prohibition-Era Mobsters Battling the Undead on Alcatraz, the World’s Most Inescapable Prison, in the Groundbreaking, All-New Zombies Experience, “Mob of the Dead” 

Sydney, Australia – 17 April, 2013 – Coming out right on the heels of the inaugural Call of Duty® Championship, presented by Xbox, which set records as the biggest live event ever streamed on Xbox LIVE®, and the largest concurrent viewership for a live streamed console game tournament on Twitch, Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Uprising, is available today, exclusively on Xbox LIVE for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, with other platforms to follow.  The second Downloadable Content (DLC) Map Pack from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), and its award-winning studio Treyarch, Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising includes four new, diverse multiplayer maps and the groundbreaking “Mob of the Dead” Zombies experience, featuring legendary Hollywood actors Ray Liotta, Chazz Palminteri, Joe Pantoliano, and Michael Madsen as four mobster inmates trying to escape a zombie infested Alcatraz.

Uprising is equal parts creativity and passion, all rolled into four amazing multiplayer maps, and entirely new and ambitious ‘Mob of the Dead’ Zombies experience,” said Mark Lamia, Treyarch’s Studio Head.  “We’ve packed a ton of gameplay into the multiplayer maps, including game-changing environmental challenges and opportunities.  And with ‘Mob of the Dead,’ the team has pushed the boundaries of the Zombies fiction into new territory, anchored by top Hollywood talent.”

Following tradition of the original Call of Duty: Black Ops fan-favourite Zombies mode “Call of the Dead,” Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising’s chilling new “Mob of the Dead” Zombies experience puts players in the shoes of four prohibition-era mobsters, Billy Handsome (Liotta), Al “The Weasel” Arlington (Pantoliano), Salvatore “Sal” DeLuca (Palminteri), and Michael “Finn” O’Leary (Madsen), serving time in Alcatraz Prison only to discover that being behind bars is the least of their problems.  In order to survive, players must work their way through the steel cells and aging concrete buildings while fighting off a multitude of zombified prisoners and guards trapped on the island with them.

Uprising also debuts four new, exotic and unique multiplayer maps set around the globe:  “Magma” is a modern Japanese village with volcanic eruptions carving multiple paths throughout the town; “Encore” takes place in the aftermath of a deserted London music festival and leaves numerous opportunities for plenty of run-and-gun, close quarters combat; “Vertigo” is a futuristic high-rise mega-structure located in India and features dizzying vistas and multi-tiered pathways; finally, “Studio” is a contemporary re-imagining of “Firing Range,” the fan-favourite multiplayer map from the original Call of Duty: Black Ops.  “Studio” is a Hollywood movie back lot with a variety of cinematic themes that range from Sci-Fi to the Old West.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising is out now first, exclusively on Xbox LIVE for a suggested retail price of $20.00 or 1200 Microsoft Points.  The Uprising DLC Map Pack is also included in the Call of Duty: Black Ops II DLC Season Pass*, where fans can purchase all four epic DLC Map Packs planned for the year, and also receive the Nuketown Zombies bonus map, and an exclusive in-game calling card as part of the discounted bundle offered at a suggested retail price of $69.95 / 4000 Microsoft Points – a discount of 800 Microsoft Points off the individual purchase of all four DLC Map Packs**.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is rated “MA15+” (Strong Violence and Coarse Language) by the Australian Classification Board.  More information on Call of Duty: Black Ops II can be found at http://www.callofduty.com/blackops2 or on www.facebook.com/codblackops.  Fans can also follow @Treyarch on Twitter.

 
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AVG Technologies Introduces Free AVG TuneUp for Android

AVG Technologies AU has today announced that AVG TuneUp for Android™ is now available free for Android smartphones and tablets.

Built to help users get improved performance from their Android smartphones and tablets, AVG TuneUp for Android combines several tools to increase device performance, including a task killer, battery saver and storage space manager, and also allows users to monitor their data usage. The application enables users to fine-tune their device’s performance to keep it running as  smoothly as possible.

“Smartphones and tablets are increasingly integral to our business and social lives. Being able to reply to email, edit documents, search the web and connect with our friends while on the move is something that many of us take for granted,” said Yuval Ben-Itzhak, Chief Technology Officer at AVG Technologies. “Given this, it can be incredibly frustrating when your device runs out of battery suddenly or when multiple applications are leading to a sluggish user experience. AVG TuneUp for Android offers a range of easy-to-use smart tools that work together to ensure that your Android device can keep up with your busy schedule.”

AVG TuneUp for Android builds on an existing mobile presence from AVG Technologies, which provides award-winning AVG mobile security to millions of users worldwide. AVG’s suite of mobile products frees users to do the things that they really want to do, without having to worry about malware, virus or performance issues.

For more information about AVG TuneUp for Android and to download the application directly please visit: AVG TuneUp.

 
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FORGE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL SHIELD DESIGN AND SECURE YOUR LEGEND FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE IN DARK SOULS II

Popular Shield Design Contest Returns Offering Players Another Chance of Immortality in Dark Souls II 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA  – April 17th, 2013 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe announce announces that a DARK SOULS™ II shield design contest will begin today on the game’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/darksouls.

Channel your inner medieval craftsman and create the best shield design; showing off your skills as a warrior artist. Then, submit your works of art, and watch the votes tally up from every corner of the globe from fellow Dark Souls II fans.

The submission and voting period for shield designs will begin on April 15th and run through May 13th. Beginning May 14th no further submissions will be taken and the contest enters into a “voting only” phase until May 20th. On May 20th the shield designs that receive the most fan votes will be submitted for a final round of judging by the Dark Souls II development team at FromSoftware in Japan. The FromSoftware development team will select the final six winning shield designs to be included within the final Dark Souls II game. The winners will be announced at San Diego Comic Con taking place from July 18th through the 21st.

The six lucky winners will be able to engage in battle with their friends online while proudly bearing the shield of their own design. Other players will also be able to carry the shields designed by their compatriots into battle.

How to enter the Dark Souls II Shield Design Contest:

  • Become a fan on the official Dark Souls II Facebook page at www.facebook.com/darksouls
  • Check out the Shield Design Facebook application
  • Download the blank shield template
  • Create up to three original masterpieces of heraldic design
  • Submit your finished designs via Facebook before May 14, 2013

Sign up today for this unique opportunity and carve your name indelibly in Dark Souls II.

Dark Souls II will be available on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PCs. For more information on Dark Souls II, please visit http://www.darksoulsii.com/ or http://www.namcobandaigames.eu.

 
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WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES NEW FIGHTING GAME FRANCHISE INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US

Experience an Epic Original Story and Battle as DC Entertainment’s

Favourite Heroes and Villains

SYDNEY, Australia –April 17, 2013 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced the Australian launch of Injustice: Gods Among Us for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

Developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Injustice: Gods Among Us introduces a new franchise in the fighting game genre and a brand new story created in collaboration between NetherRealm Studios, DC Entertainment and comic book writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti.  As the story unfolds, players will experience the power, gadgetry and unparalleled strength of some the most popular DC Comics heroes and villains, such as Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Aquaman, The Joker and others, as they engage in epic battles in a world where the line between good and evil is blurred.

“NetherRealm Studios was dedicated to making Injustice: Gods Among Us   an immersive, action-packed  experience,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios.  “We’ve created an original game with an all-new story filled with iconic characters DC Comics and gaming fans will appreciate.”

Injustice: Gods Among Us features numerous locales pulled from DC Comics lore including Arkham Asylum, Metropolis, Atlantis, and more.  The arenas are multi-tiered, destructible, interactive playgrounds in which players can unleash each character’s unique super powers, individual move-sets and environmental interactions to beat their opponents.  Fans can also extend their experience by playing the S.T.A.R. Labs missions, which offer players a wealth of additional content and unique gameplay that are outside of the game’s story mode experience.

Bringing these characters to life is a cast of actors, including Stephen Amell, star of the Nine Network’s upcoming new action show, Arrow, who reprises his role as the Green Arrow in the game as an unlockable “Arrow” version of the character, which players can choose to use in-game.  Also featured are Kevin Conroy, as Batman; Tara Strong, as Harley Quinn and Raven; Neal McDonough as The Flash; George Newbern as Superman; Adam Baldwin as Green Lantern; and Alan Tudyk as Green Arrow (regular version).

Fans looking for the ultimate package can purchase Injustice: Gods Among Us Collector’s Edition for Xbox 360 and PS3, which includes the game disc in a steelbook , an exclusive DC Collectibles statue featuring Batman and Wonder Woman, a special Collector’s Edition of the first print issue of the Injustice: Gods Among Us DC Comics series and three exclusive skins based on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman from DC COMICS – THE NEW 52.  The Collector’s Edition is priced at $109.95 RRP and available in limited quantities.

Players looking to extend their gameplay experience can buy the Injustice: Gods Among Us Season Pass now for Xbox 360 and PS3 and receive four upcoming downloadable characters for the price of three, as well as a bonus Flashpoint Skin Pack featuring alternate costumes for Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Deathstroke. The Season Pass is available on the Xbox LIVE® Game Store for 1200 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation®Network for $21.95 RRP.

An Injustice: Gods Among Us free-to-play mobile game for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store and debuts original combat gameplay made special for the platform and connectivity to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game.  It features a collectible card mechanic and engages players in 3-on-3 tag team combat that pits many of DC Comics most popular icons such as Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Aquaman and more against one another.  Fans who also own the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions will be able to unlock content in the console versions that will be available in the mobile game, and vice versa, by registering for a Warner Bros. ID (WBID) account and playing the game.  The Injustice: Gods Among Us mobile game is available from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at AppStore.com/Injustice.

Injustice: Gods Among Us for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U is rated MA 15+, and priced at $79.95 RRP. The Injustice: Gods Among Us Collector’s Edition is available for Xbox 360 and PS3 only in limited quantities.

For more information and the latest updates, visit www.injustice.com or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/injusticegame.

 
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Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall Now Available!

Bethesda is pleased to announce that Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall, the second add-on pack for Arkane Studios’ critically-acclaimed first-person action game, is now available worldwide via Xbox LIVE and Steam and will be available later today on PlayStation Store for AUD $14.45 (or 800 Microsoft Points).

In The Knife of Dunwall you take on the role of Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress, and access his weapons, gadgets, allies and supernatural abilities. After assassinating the Empress, and forever changing the fate of Dunwall, you embark on a search for redemption. The Outsider reveals the key to your atonement, but who—or what—is Delilah? Accompanied by the Whalers, your loyal band of mercenary assassins, your search will take you through never-before-seen districts of Dunwall as you face off against new and terrible foes. Employ a unique arsenal of new weapons and powers that enhance Dishonored’s dynamic combat, mobility and stealth systems. In the struggle to hang onto the last shred of your humanity, the choices you make will ultimately determine your fate.

 
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EA’s The Sims Reveals Information and Details for the Latest Products Stemming from The Sims 3 Franchise

The Sims Hosts Live Broadcast Featuring Exclusive Reveals, Producer Q&As and a Live Gameplay Demo

Today, The Sims hosted a live broadcast where viewers tuned in to hear exciting news and get an in-depth look at the franchise’s newest video games releasing this year. Included in the show was a live gameplay demo of the newest expansion pack from The Sims 3 – Island Paradise, as well as the reveal of the next stuff pack, The Sims 3 Movie Stuff and the all-new world from The Sims 3 Store, Dragon Valley. Additionally the audience was able to interact with members of The Sims development team through Q&A sessions, comment boards, polls and giveaways.

The Sims 3 Island Paradise kicked-off the show with a deep dive demo featuring resort management, a brand new feature appearing for the first time in The Sims 3 PC gaming franchise. Players will now be able to build, own and manage their own resort, while making a little money on the side. In order to run a successful resort, players will need to impress their guests while maintaining their bottom line. In addition to owning and managing resorts, The Sims 3 Island Paradise also gives players the ability to take the helm of a houseboat and live on the water, dive beneath the waves and explore the underwater world, take to the beach and jet set to new islands and more. The Sims 3 Island Paradise is currently available for pre-order. Players who pre-order will receive the Limited Edition version of the game that includes the Island Survival Pack – a new set of content that offers players all the necessities needed for their Sims to scrape an existence on a deserted island. The Sims 3 Island Paradise drops anchor June 27 in Australia and June 28 in New Zealand, 2013. Learn more at http://thesims.com/the-sims-3-island-paradise.

Also revealed during the show was The Sims 3 Movie Stuff, the newest stuff pack that releases this September. With various themes like Western and horror, players will be able to set the stage to tell unique stories with lots of distinctively themed décor, furnishings and clothing. More information on this new stuff pack will be released in the coming weeks and months.

The Sims 3 Store also took the spotlight and unveiled The Sims 3 Dragon Valley, the newest digital world to join The Sims 3 franchise. In The Sims 3 Dragon Valley, life is full of legendary surprises. This world features new Sims, locations and exclusive clothing and objects, including the beloved baby dragon! The Sims 3 Dragon Valley will be released on The Sims 3 Store, Origin and in retail stores worldwide later this year. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and at http://store.thesims3.com/ for more information to release about this exciting new world.

If you missed The Sims Live Broadcast or would like to see it again, you can view the archived video at http://www.origin.com/ts3_april_livebroadcast.

 
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See the Dark Elves Corruption in Neverwinter’s Rothe Valley

 
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New “Superman” Man of Steel Images

With just a few more months to go, Entertainment Weekly has been given a sneak peak into the new Superman Movie, The Man of Steel! A new trailer is scheduled to be released tomorrow!

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