SYMANTEC AND LOWNDES LEAD THE SECURITY RACE
SYDNEY, Australia – June 10, 2009 – Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC), makers of Norton security software, today joined with V8 Supercar champion Craig Lowndes and the Australian Government as part of National E-security Awareness Week to discuss online safety with more than 200 students at St Joseph’s College in Brisbane.
Lowndes, who is the Norton Internet Safety Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand, provided the Year 10 students with tips about the safest way to use the Internet via a Symantec-designed quiz show called Norton Cyber Smackdown.
Students played the quiz show, going head-to-head with peers and teachers to test their cybersmarts. The game not only reinforced Internet safety issues, but allowed Lowndes to draw on his personal experiences as a parent in dealing with online safety.
“The Internet develops at such a rapid rate that it’s difficult for parents to keep up with the changes, let alone monitor what their children are actually doing online,” said Lowndes.
“As a father I can relate to this problem, so hopefully sessions like these help young people make the right decisions about how they behave online, so they can enjoy learning and communicating with their friends.”
According to the recent Norton Online Living Family Report conducted by Symantec, parents are now more concerned about online security threats than illegal drugs.
This study revealed that 56 percent of parents are concerned their kids may come across Internet dangers, including online predators and cyberbullies as opposed to drug-related threats (44 percent).
Symantec’s consumer spokesperson Pacific, David Hall, who joined Lowndes at St Joseph’s College, discussed the dangers of posting personal information and images via social networking websites or mobile phones.
“Symantec and the Australian Government believe it is important to provide students with the knowledge they need to be smart about online safety issues,” Mr Hall said.
“Children need to understand that everything they post online is permanent and could come back to haunt them for years to come – limiting their education, employment and social prospects.”
According to Mr Hall the latest trend of ‘Sexting’ – sending suggestive or sexual photos via mobile phone – is a practice that can quickly get out of hand and may also have legal implications.
Symantec is participating in National E-security Awareness Week (5-12 June) activities around Australia as part of its global corporate commitment to generate awareness around Internet security. Students at St Joseph’s were provided complementary copies of Norton 360 Internet security software.
The Australian Government has launched a free online education program called Budd:e which aims to increase e-security awareness of Australian primary and secondary school students. It can be accessed via: www.staysmartonline.gov.au
To further online education and assist parents, Symantec has also recently launched a new free family safety service called OnlineFamily.Norton that takes a different approach to protecting kids online. OnlineFamily.Norton acts differently from traditional parental control products by enabling parents to set age-appropriate security settings for their children while also facilitating honest and open communication between parents and children.
Symantec is offering OnlineFamily.Norton free of charge until January 1, 2010. It is available at http://onlinefamily.norton.com subject to online terms and conditions.
OnlineFamily.Norton Microsite | OnlineFamily.Norton available at http://onlinefamily.norton.com |
Online education program Budd:e |
Sony companies celebrate ongoing success of Blu-ray Disc format, as local production commences
NSW-based Sony DADC Blu-ray Disc plant, the only one in the southern hemisphere, set to support the continued growth in Australia’s demand for Blu-ray content
Sydney – 10 June, 2009 – The opening of a new, multi-million dollar Sony DADC Blu-ray Disc plant in Huntingwood, New South Wales, will be collectively celebrated tonight by the Managing Directors of Sony companies; Michael Ephraim, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, Carl Rose, Sony Australia and Kim Overall, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Set to be joined by Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Peter Colby, Managing Director of Sony DADC Australia, the occasion will mark a significant milestone in the adoption of the storage format, reflecting the continued growth in consumer confidence and demand for Blu-ray content, with disc production beginning in Australia for the very first time.
Launched in Australia in February 2007, Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium that is able to store up to 50GB of data on each disc, the equivalent of six standard DVD movies. This storage capacity allows more information to fit onto a single disc, enabling far greater picture and sound quality to deliver high definition entertainment in the home.
The new Blu-ray Disc plant is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere and includes three Blu-ray lines; one dedicated solely to the production of PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) games and two for movie and other content, with a production capacity between them of 12 million discs per year.
Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand, speaking on behalf of the Sony group of companies, commented, “Australian consumers are already adopting Blu-ray faster than DVD, pushing Australia forward as one of the global leaders of the format growth, with the third highest per capita attachment rate behind the USA and UK. Research shows that as a brand, Sony is by far the most associated with Blu-ray technology, leading the market. The opening of this local production plant should send a clear message to consumers that Blu-ray is now a permanent fixture on the format landscape and that their investment in Blu-ray hardware will be relevant for many years to come.”
Ephraim continued, “From a Sony Computer Entertainment perspective, PLAYSTATION 3 has played a critical part in the success of the format, both locally and globally, and has demonstrated its value in over half a million Australian living rooms as a true entertainment hub offering. Blu-ray games, only available on PS3, have shown consumers what an amazing experience the larger storage format can deliver and to date over 3.5 million have been sold in Australia. In addition, PS3 hardware has enjoyed numerous accolades for its capability as a Blu-ray movie player.”
Kim Overall, Managing Director of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE), said, “From a movie perspective, consumers are continuing to discover the benefits that the Blu-ray format brings to their home entertainment experience. SPHE is the number one distributor in the Blu-ray market, having enjoyed some great successes with recent titles like Twilight. In addition, once consumers understand that a Blu-ray player will not only play their current DVD collection, but will also upscale the picture quality, their investment in Blu-ray technology delivers some clear benefits.”
Carl Rose, Managing Director of Sony Australia, commented, “One in every three households now owns a high definition LCD TV and this growth has really helped drive Blu-ray player uptake. After investing in a high definition TV, consumers should make the most of this by enjoying the best possible content on their TV. Blu-ray delivers this rich experience.”
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About Sony
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Sony Australia Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sony Corporation of Japan. With a wide range of products across three main segments, consumer products, broadcast & professional and information technology products, Sony has become a leading electronics company in Australia.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Australia
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) is responsible for the distribution, marketing, sales and network support of PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®Network software and hardware in Australia and New Zealand. SCE Aust. commenced trading in 1995.
About Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment distributes Sony Pictures Entertainment and acquired third-party theatrical and non-theatrical product on DVD and on Blu-ray Disc™ to the home entertainment market. www.sonypictures.com
About Sony DADC
Sony DADC is a leading disc and digital solution provider for the entertainment, education and information industries, offering world-class optical media replication services, digital and physical supply chain solutions, printing and software services. Sony DADC is part of Sony Disc and Digital Solutions, the world’s largest optical media production network which consists of 14 manufacturing facilities including sites in UK, United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, India, Hong Kong, Japan and China.
Apple Announces the New iPhone 3G S—The Fastest, Most Powerful iPhone Yet
Apple Releases Safari 4—The World’s Fastest & Most Innovative Browser
Apple Updates MacBook Pro Family with New Models & Innovative Built-in Battery for Up to 40 Percent Longer Battery Life
ACTIVISION UNVEILS BATTLE FOR THE ALLSPARK V2 ONLINE GAME ON ITS TRANSFORMERS™: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN WEB SITE
Sydney Australia – June 5, 2009 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is recruiting gamers to join the battle for world domination in the Battle for the AllSpark V2 web game, launching today at www.TransformersGame.com, the official web site of the Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen video game, developed under license from Hasbro, Inc. Fans that answer the call can join the AUTOBOTS® or DECEPTICONS® and compete in real time challenges online against other players worldwide for control of the AllSpark and the fate of the world.
“Players create their very own Transformers character, customising the character to suit their play style. Players then battle online in this game of strategy, choosing from a number of attacks and defences in real time, round-by-round combat. In addition, secret codes that allow players to upgrade their characters will be hidden online.”
“The Battle for the AllSpark V2 delivers even more challenges and fun than before for our ever-growing and fervent Transformers gaming community that spawned in 2007 – we are thrilled to invite fans to join the battle again and immerse themselves in all that is Transformers,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “In Battle for the AllSpark V2, players can play as an AUTOBOT or a DECEPTICON, picking their favourite character and customising their abilities on their way to global domination online.”
The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is based on the upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, which opens nationwide on June 24, 2009.* The game lets players take on the role of their favourite AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS, picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers – each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.
The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is currently in development by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and is rated “M” (Violence); the Windows PC version is being developed by Beenox Studios and is also rated “M” (Violence); the distinct Wii™ version is being developed by Krome Studios and is rated “M” (Violence); two unique AUTOBOT® and DECEPTICON®-specific Nintendo DS™ versions are being developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated “PG” (Mild Violence).
* In the highly anticipated “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” debuting June 24, 2009, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again joins with the Autobots® against their sworn enemies, the Decepticons®. Michael Bay directs from a screenplay written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present In Association with Hasbro A di Bonaventura Pictures Production A Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production A Michael Bay Film “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay from a screenplay written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures. Produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been rated.
About HASBRO
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.
VISIT PLANET 51 AT E3 WITH SEGA & PYRO STUDIOS
Witness your very own alien invasion of the human kind!
Friday 5th June 2009 — SEGA® Europe, Ltd., SEGA® of America, Inc., and Pyro Studios® today announced more details on the upcoming Planet 51 videogame, based on the anticipated animated film of the same name. Planet 51 The Game will be available in November 2009 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the home video game system, Wii™ and the Nintendo DS™ system.
In close keeping with the storyline of the film, Planet 51 The Game gives players the chance to immerse themselves in the amazing world of Planet 51 whilst helping bumbling astronaut, Chuck and his new found alien friend, Lem, find their way back to Chuck’s spaceship. Not only will Planet 51 The Game relive memorable moments from the movie, but it also expands the vibrant Planet 51 universe with the inclusion of characters, environments and vehicles exclusive to the videogame. The free roaming world of Planet 51 The Game allows the characters to explore on foot, before commandeering vehicles to complete numerous missions enabling Chuck to return home to Earth. Chuck and Lem can take control of hover bikes, taxis, cars, trucks and more to take part in missions involving police chases, cutting grass and even driving angry gorillas to the circus. Planet 51 The Game will also allow friends to compete in head to head races in the multiplayer versions of the game.
Planet 51 the film is a galactic sized alien adventure comedy from the writer of “Shrek” and “Shrek 2”. American astronaut Captain Charles “Chuck” Baker lands on Planet 51 thinking he’s the first person to step foot there, only to find the world is actually inhabited by little green people happily going about life in a way reminiscent of the innocent 1950s America. Their only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders…like Chuck! With the help of his robot companion “Rover”, and his new friend Lem, Chuck must navigate his way through the dazzling, but bewildering, landscape of Planet 51 in order to escape becoming a permanent part of the Planet 51 Alien Invaders Space Museum.
Planet 51 is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on November 20, 2009 by Sony Pictures, and around the world by leading independent distributors.
Planet 51 The Game will be in stores November 2009. For more information please visit www.sega.com/planet51. For press assets please visit www.sega-press.com.
About SEGA® Europe Ltd.:
SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distributor arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. The SEGA Europe Web Site is located at www.sega-europe.com.
About SEGA® of America Inc.:
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com.
About Pyro Studios
Pyro Studios was founded in 1996 with the main objective of creating and producing the best and highest quality videogames in the market. Nowadays, it is one of the leading companies of videogame development in the world, and has a team of more than 150 of the best professionals in the industry .”Commandos”, the videogame launched by Pyro Studios in 1998, has sold more than 5 million copies, and has become one of the most important videogames in the world in more than 25 countries. Pyro Studios Web site is located at www.pyrostudios.com
About Ilion Animation Studios
Ilion Animation Studios was founded in 2002 to create state-of-the-art computer animated movies for worldwide theatrical release, using its own purpose-built cutting-edge technology to achieve a unique visual animation experience. 250 highly talented and experienced artists, program developers, high-tech engineers and other professionals, from over 20 nations, work together at Ilion on “Planet 51”; the studios’ first CGI animated movie. Ilion’s second movie is scheduled for release in 2011. The international web site can be located at www.ilion.com
Tobin Bell returns as Jigsaw in SAW video game Movie series actor lends voice to Konami’s forthcoming horror classic
– June 4th, 2009 – Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in partnership with Atari Australia today announced that renowned actor Tobin Bell is to reprise his role as the infamous Jigsaw, in the forthcoming video game adaptation of the most successful horror franchise of all time: SAW.
SAW is being developed for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360® and PC. The game will be released this Spring, and is timed to coincide with the theatrical release of Saw VI from Lionsgate®.
The video game version of SAW invites players to engage in a horrific game inside the treacherous corridors of an abandoned insane asylum that has been transformed into a gauntlet of terrors by Jigsaw, the movie’s maniacal antagonist. The game will expand the survival horror genre by pitting players against Jigsaw, his brutal traps and the mind-bending puzzles that have become synonymous with the film franchise.
Developed by Zombie Studios and based on the successful film franchise from Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, SAW uses the incredible graphic capabilities of the next generation consoles, to create a terrifying experience that offers truly unique gameplay features that will allow players to pit their wits against Jigsaw and make their choice… live or die.
Tobin Bell has enjoyed a long and stellar career, and is now renowned for playing Jigsaw, and even captured a 2006 MTV Movie Award nomination for ‘Best Villain’, and a nomination for ‘Best Butcher’ in the Fuse/Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. As Jigsaw, he creates deadly tests for his subjects who are often a symbolic representation of what could be seen as the biggest flaw in the victim’s life.
Jigsaw labeled these tests as ‘games,’ and would tell his subjects the rules via audio or videotape by using a puppet to deliver the message. These ‘assignments’ were the tasks that the victim must perform in order to survive. Tobin’s vocal skills will add further menace and authenticity to this most exciting of movie licenses.
SAW will be released in Europe for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC in the Spring.
For more information on Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.au and log on to the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers and online screenshots.
What’s On at Melbourne Museum May to July 2009
A Day in Pompeii: Melbourne Winter Masterpieces
The drama and tragedy of ancient Pompeii will be showcased in the Melbourne Winter Masterpiece exhibition A Day
in Pompeii, on display at Melbourne Museum from 26 June to 25 October 2009. Exclusive to Melbourne, A Day in Pompeii is developed by Museum Victoria in partnership with the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei (SAP), and will feature over 250 objects from daily life in Pompeii and surrounds, as well as a number of body casts.
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces is a Victorian Government initiative and is exclusive to Melbourne, Australia. A Day in Pompeii is presented in association with the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei (SANP).
Date: 26 June to 11 October 2009
Cost: $20 adult, $14 concession, $12 child, $54 family (includes Museum entry)
A Salve’s Eye View: an introduction to the people and places of Pompeii
Meet the people and see the sights of Pompeii through the eyes of a slave during this 20 minute presentation.
Join your slave guide at the Porta Marina, visit the baths, a thermopolium (fast food outlet) and walk along the Via dell’Abbondanza. Along the way encounter people from every strata of Pompeii society and ready yourself for a fine dinner at the slaves residence.
Date: 27 June to 12 July 2009
Time: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm
Cost: Free entry with A Day in Pompeii exhibition ticket
Lecture: The Archaeology of Pompeii with Dr Patrick Greene
In 2007 and again in 2008 Dr Patrick Greene visited Pompeii as part of the preparations for the A Day in Pompeii exhibition at Melbourne Museum. As an archaeologist he was given full access to sites at Pompeii itself, at Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae that are not normally accessible to the general public. This talk will take the audience ‘behind the scenes’ of one of the world’s greatest archaeological landscapes, with vivid reminders of the Vesuvian destruction of AD79.
Presented by the University of Melbourne.
Date: Thursday 16 July 2009, 6pm
Cost: $35 adults, $24 concessions and MV members (includes entry to A Day in Pompeii exhibition)
Lecture: Pompeii and Gold-Rich Victoria with Dr Patrick Greene
In late-19th century Victoria, at the height of prosperity that resulted from gold mining, the ancient town of Pompeii held as much fascination as it does today. Dr Patrick Greene uncovers the evidence and reveals Pompeii’s continuing legacy in Victoria, with remarkable survivals in Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne.
Presented by the University of Melbourne.
Date: Thursday 23 July 2009
Cost: $35 adults, $24 concessions and MV members (includes entry to A Day in Pompeii exhibition)
Beware the Dog: Mosaic Workshop with David Jack
The theme that often occurs in early Roman works is a mosaic that is a public warning at the entrance of a house. David Jack, Australian mural and mosaic artist, will show you the mosaics of Pompeii and provide a short history of Australia’s mosaics. David will give participants an understanding of the steps involved in creating a mosaic, recreating an image from Pompeii and material handling and traditional methods.
The workshop program is a partnership between Melbourne Museum and the International Specialised Skills Institute
Date: Thursday 16 July, 5.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday 18 July, 2pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $75 (includes entry to A Day in Pompeii exhibition)
The Ornate and Formal Gardens of Pompeii: perfume, water, hedges and porticos Garden Workshop with
John Patrick
Decorative and functional water features formed the gardens of Pompeii with elements of air-conditioning and sustainability. The gardens embraced pleasure and purpose with decorative and functional water features such as ponds and fountains. Voluptuous sculptures, ornamental plants, perfumed flowers, herbs, hedges and vegetables were characteristic of gardens both then and today. John Patrick’s illustrated lecture will be followed by a project whereby participants can create their own garden in the style of the Pompeian villa. John will discuss colour, texture, size, position, water-wise plants and types of water features. There will be an opportunity for individual and group discussion.
The workshop program is a partnership between Melbourne Museum and the International Specialised Skills Institute.
Date: Thursday 23 July, 5.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday 25 July, 2pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $75 (includes entry to A Day in Pompeii exhibition)
Ngarjun and Nakun: Our eyes, our footprints
This exhibition explores the powerful collective story of the Mullet family, a Victorian Aboriginal family. Featuring paintings, textiles and objects from four generations of family members, the exhibition demonstrates the knowledge of culture and family connections that have been instilled through the generations by grandparents Albert and Rachel Mullett.
Date: 10 July to 10 October 2009
Dinosaur Walk
Get ready to walk among, around and even above the Museum’s collection of dinosaur skeletons in Dinosaur Walk. Come face-to-face with Amargasaurus and Protoceratop, as well as Quetzalcoatlus, the largest flying animal of all time. Dinosaur fans can touch displays of dinosaur teeth, bones and fossilised poo and discover how dinosaurs moved, what they ate and how they survived in their changing environments. Dinosaur Walk is the first permanent exhibition to be opened as part of Museum Victoria’s Science and Life Gallery redevelopment.
Date: Now showing
Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton. Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm. Admission: Adult $8, children and concession FREE. For further details phone 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum