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PlayStation continues to build excitement as it is confirmed that PlayStation 4 will launch from 29th November 2013 in Europe, Australia & New Zealand

At the gamescom trade fair in Cologne, Germany, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd. (SCEE) today revealed that the highly anticipated PlayStation®4 (PS4™) computer entertainment system will be arriving in SCEE regions, including Australia and New Zealand, from 29th November 2013. A huge range of software and entertainment services were also unveiled, including five all-new PS4 titles from SCE Worldwide Studios – Rime, Hell Divers, Shadow of the Beast, Resogun™ and Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture.

Showing a clear commitment to delivering gamers fresh new experiences, the conference featured a non-stop series of announcements for new games across PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and the upcoming PS4. As promised by Jim Ryan, President and CEO of SCEE, at the opening of the presentation: “We have always been committed to making next generation products but now we’re increasingly focused on making those products for next-generation gamers.”

In addition to the PS4 excitement, fans were also delighted to learn of a price drop on PS Vita, Memory Card for PS Vita and PS3 12GB model. As of 2nd September 2013, in Australia, the recommended retail price for PS Vita Wifi and 3G models will be reduced to AUD$269.95 and the PS3 12GB model will also retail with a recommended retail price of AUD$269.95.

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Batman: Arkham Origins – Nowhere to Run gamescom 2013 Trailer Reveals New Character

Kicking things off for Gamescom 2013, today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment unveiled a new trailer for Batman™: Arkham Origins titled “Nowhere to Run.” The trailer showcases the indomitable super villains hell-bent on taking down the Bat and gives a first look at Firefly, one of the eight assassins featured in Batman: Arkham Origins, capable of raining fire from above.

You can view the Batman: Arkham Origins – Nowhere to Run trailer here.

 
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MAN OF STEEL Home Entertainment Release

The fate of mankind is in the hands of one man when “Man of Steel”Ô arrives onto Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on November 6th from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. In “Man of Steel,” Clark Kent is forced to confront his extraterrestrial past and embrace his hidden powers when Earth is threatened with destruction.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes “Man of Steel,” starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Kal-El under the direction of Zack Snyder.

The film also stars four-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams (“The Master,” 2012), Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road,” 2008), Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves,” 1990), Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (“Unfaithful,” 2002), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It,” 1993), Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator,” 1992).

“Man of Steel” is produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters served as executive producers.

SYNOPSIS
A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

“Man of Steel” will be available in the following skus:

SKU
RRP
Notes
DVD
$39.95
The DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition.

Blu-ray
$49.95
The Blu-ray pack includes both a theatrical version of the film in hi-definition as well as a standard definition copy of the film on DVD.

Special Features include:

Strong Characters, Legendary Roles – Explore the legendary characters of the Superman mythology and how they have evolved in this new iteration of the Superman story.

Action Made Super – a 30 minute feature on the action and special effects of “Man of Steel”.

Krypton Decoded – Dylan Sprayberry (Clark Kent, age 13) gives the lowdown on all the amazing Krypton tech, weapons and spaceships featured in “Man of Steel.”

Blu-ray 3D
$ 54.95
The Blu-ray 3D Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition as well as a second hi-definition copy of the film on Blu-ray.

Special Features include:

Strong Characters, Legendary Roles – Explore the legendary characters of the Superman mythology and how they have evolved in this new iteration of the Superman story.

Action Made Super – a 30 minute feature on the action and special effects of “Man of Steel”.

Krypton Decoded – Dylan Sprayberry (Clark Kent, age 13) gives the lowdown on all the amazing Krypton tech, weapons and spaceships featured in “Man of Steel.”

Digital Download
EST:
$24.99 SD
$29.99 HD

VOD:
$5.99
“Man of Steel” will be available for download in HD or standard definition from online retailers.

The film will also be available digitally in High Definition (HD) VOD and Standard Definition (SD) VOD from subscription television providers, and on select gaming consoles and broadband operators.

UltraViolet

The Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Pack and DVD all include UltraViolet* which allows consumers to download and instantly stream the standard definition theatrical version of the film to a wide range of devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

 
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World of Warplanes Soars to Release

August 20, 2013 — Wargaming, the leading free-to-play MMO developer and publisher, announced today that the highly anticipated flight combat MMO title, World of Warplanes, will be officially released in CIS countries on September 25th, 2013. Players from North America and Europe will get the launch version on September 26th.
“In the two months since the launch of Open Beta, we’ve made a huge amount of progress,” said Oleg Gotynyan, development director of World of Warplanes. “We are extremely thankful for the feedback and data our testers provided to us through both Closed and Open Beta. They contributed a great deal to the process of helping scale the game, and we expect it to offer a deep and polished experience to both MMO fans and flight combat enthusiasts alike.”

Having amassed close to three million beta registrants and seen more than 202 million total combat flights to date, World of Warplanes will go live with over 100 different aircraft models across the United States, Germany, Russia, Japan, and the recently announced line of the British planes.

Visitors of Wargaming booth at gamescom 2013 (August 21–25, 2013) will be able to get hands-on experience of World of Warplanes and win exclusive prizes from J!NX and Nvidia.

 
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The Bureau: XCOM Declassified launch trailer

With the release of The Bureau: XCOM Declassified only a day or two away it’s only fitting that we put out a launch trailer.

Check it out here

 
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LifeProof introduces new nüüd case for iPhone 5 and fr? case for iPad mini

Please see below a media release from LifeProof today announcing its latest range of products offered in Australia, the LifeProof nüüd case for Apple® iPhone® 5 and the LifeProof fr? case for Apple® iPad® mini.

LifeProof cases protect your phone or tablet from the rigors of everyday life, and the all protective nature is designed to endure drops, shocks and spills. Whether used on a job site, around the office or at home with the kids, LifeProof products provide peace of mind and protection to your devices, giving you the freedom to take them anywhere.

LifeProof nüüd for Apple iPhone 5
· First water proof, all-protective smartphone case without a screen cover.
· Allows users touch the actual screen while their smartphone stays totally protected, providing the ultimate touch-screen experience.
· Available at Dick Smith stores at a suggested retail price of $99.95.

LifeProof fr? case for Apple iPad mini
· Ultra-slim, sleek design with full screen protection and total access to all device functions.
· Lightweight case providing all the protection consumers have come to expect from LifeProof, including water, dirt, snow and Sydney, Australia – 20 August 2013 – LifeProof, the award-winning maker of all-protective, everyday cases for smartphones and tablets, today announced its latest range of products offered in Australia, the LifeProof nüüd case for Apple® iPhone® 5 and the LifeProof fr? case for Apple® iPad® mini.

LifeProof nüüd for Apple iPhone 5, is the first water proof, all-protective smartphone case without a screen cover. The LifeProof nüüd lets users touch the actual screen while their smartphone stays totally protected from water, drops, sweat, dirt and other hazards of daily living. By providing a completely uncovered screen, the LifeProof nüüd design gives users the ultimate touch-screen experience.

LifeProof’s patent-pending Screenless Technology uses a compression lock system that forms a waterproof seal between the case and the device touchscreen – delivering complete water, dirt, snow and shock proof protection, while maintaining perfect clarity and touch. The first of its kind, the LifeProof nüüd case is screen-free, yet is still waterproof, with an IP-68 rating[1] for submerging two metres underwater for one hour. The new case is also built to survive a drop of up to two metres. It can handle shock, drop and vibration, and meet the United States Military Standard 810F-516[2].

The first nüüd smartphone case offered, cases for the Apple iPhone 5 will be available at Dick Smith stores at a suggested retail price of $99.95.
In addition to the nüüd case for Apple iPhone 5, LifeProof has also announced the release in Australia of the LifeProof fr? case for Apple iPad mini. Featuring an ultra-slim, sleek design with full screen protection and total access to all device functions, the iPad mini’s 7.9 inch size is a perfect match for the sleek and slim LifeProof case. The lightweight case provides all the protection consumers have come to expect from LifeProof, including water, dirt, snow and shock.

Accessories to be available later this year include a floating LifeJacket, a portfolio cover and a mounting cradle. LifeProof fr? for iPad mini will be available at Dick Smith stores in black or white, at a suggested retail price of $119.95.

[1] IP-68 is the international standard for water and dust ingress protection. IP stands for Ingress Protection. 6 is the highest rating for solid particles. 8 is the highest rating for liquids. IP-68 rated enclosures can withstand circulating talcum powder for 8 hours, and water immersion to 2m for 1 hour.
[2] MIL STD 810F-516 is the United States Military Standard that addresses the functional drop. This standard requires that a tested item can physically and functionally withstand the relatively infrequent, non-repetitive shocks encountered in handling, transportation and service environments.

LifeProof Resources

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LifeProofCases
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lifeproof
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/LifeProofCases

About LifeProof
LifeProof’s company mantra is Freedom; LifeProof designs, manufactures and markets an entirely new category of products designed to give people more freedom from environmental constraints. Based in San Diego, LifeProof offers elegant and protective cases for Smartphones and Tablet PCs that enable full functionality and interactivity under any condition encountered in daily life. The registered brand name ‘LifeProof’ is inspired by the protection and fully functional convenient operation of the device in water, mud, dirt, or snow. For more information, visit www.lifeproof.com.

[1] IP-68 is the international standard for water and dust ingress protection. IP stands for Ingress Protection. 6 is the highest rating for solid particles. 8 is the highest rating for liquids. IP-68 rated enclosures can withstand circulating talcum powder for 8 hours, and water immersion to 2m for 1 hour.

[2] MIL STD 810F-516 is the United States Military Standard that addresses the functional drop. This standard requires that a tested item can physically and functionally withstand the relatively infrequent, non-repetitive shocks encountered in handling, transportation and service environments.

 
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Ubisoft Rolls Out Panzer General Online

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – August 20, 2013 – Ubisoft has announced development of Panzer General Online, a turn-based strategy game playable in Web browsers. Panzer General Online is based on the well-known Panzer General franchise and is the latest addition to Ubisoft’s free-to-play line-up.

Panzer General Online is being developed by Ubisoft’s Blue Byte studio, in close collaboration with Funatics Software. As the studio’s fifth free-to-play, browser-based game, Panzer General Online provides comprehensive control of all the elements involved in the theater of war, including airplanes, infantry, tanks and more. The game allows players to command units based on historically-inspired battles.

Focusing on intense strategic battles, players are able to play in both single-player and multiplayer modes. The single-player campaign functions as an advanced tutorial and lets the player take part in battles such as Omaha Beach and Monte Cassino. Meanwhile, the multiplayer mode offers the toughest challenge for every player to discover which general best knows how to control their units. Panzer General Online also incorporates elements of trading card-based games: players can collect and trade virtual miniatures of tanks, infantry and artillery to create their own personalised army.

“We are happy to celebrate our 25th studio anniversary with the announcement of a new entry in the beloved Panzer General franchise” said Odile Limpach, Managing Director of Blue Byte. “Panzer General Online is a game where tactical skill beats the luck of the cards, and will appeal to new and old strategy fans alike.”

Blue Byte, a Ubisoft studio, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Blue Byte was founded in 1988 in Germany and was acquired by Ubisoft in 2001. In 2009, Blue Byte stepped into the online gaming world, and thanks to the success of The Settlers® Online was able to establish a complete online division inside the studio. To find out more about life at Blue Byte today, visit: http://youtu.be/2ACp6pVo1PA

Panzer General Online is scheduled to go into closed beta this year. Players can pre-register for the game at www.panzergeneral.com.

 
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Despicable Me 2 – October 31, 2013

Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing Despicable Me 2 on Blu-ray™, DVD and UltraViolet™, available to own from October 31, 2013.

Prepare yourself for Minion Mayhem! Your favourite yellow troublemakers are back in the highly anticipated sequel to the popular animated blockbuster, and this time they’re bigger than ever!

Starring Hollywood favourites Steve Carrell, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig and Miranda Cosgrove, Despicable Me 2 is the highest grossing Universal Pictures title in Australia. With nation-wide box office figures coming in at $34.8 million and international box office figures at $396,000,000+, Despicable Me 2 is the third highest grossing film of 2013, behind and Fast and Furious 6.

Once again directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, Despicable Me 2 finds Gru (Carrell) in the throes of domestic, fatherly bliss tending to his three adopted girls: Margo (Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher). But things take an unexpected turn when Anti-Villian League agent Lucy Wilde (Wiig) pays Gru a visit, kidnapping him and two of his minions in the process.

 
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PLUS7 Extends to iOS

Sydney, Australia, August 20, 2013 –Yahoo!7 this week announced the availability of its catch-up TV service PLUS7 on iOS devices.

PLUS7 offers video streaming full-length episodes of Channel Seven programs such as Home and Away, The X Factor, Winners and Losers, and Better Homes and Gardens. PLUS7 also offers over 100 hours of 3rd party content including Dawson’s Creek, An Idiot Abroad, Life’s Too Short and The Fuzz.

PLUS7, which initially launched on desktop in 2010, is Australia’s number one ad-supported catch-up TV service and is visited by 1.2 million people every month enabling 24.2 million streams this year to date.

Since launching on Friday, August 16, PLUS7 has risen in the iOS free entertainment category sitting at number 1 for iPad (number 4 in all categories) and in the top 10 for iPhone. The launch of PLUS7 on iOS devices follows the successful launch in March on Samsung apps, including having PLUS7 preloaded on selected smartphone and Samsung GALAXY devices.

A recent study of PLUS7 users* found that PLUS7 drives incremental reach to the broadcast television audience for a television show.
· 60% of people watching on PLUS7 had not seen the episode before
· Nearly half (48%) were watching on PLUS7 as they had missed the chance to see the episode on broadcast.
· 70% of people said they were ‘definitely’ or ‘very likely’ to watch future episodes on broadcast television

To download the new PLUS7 app go to: http://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/mobile/get-the-app/

* Source: Video on demand / Plus7 Survey May 2013, Audience: All Respondents, n = 1609
* Internet connection required. Data and subscription charges may apply. Content is subject to availability.

 
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The Mindy Project – DVD

Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing The Mindy Project on DVD from October 2, 2013.

Emmy® Award-nominated writer/producer and best-selling author Mindy Kaling is known for her unique brand of comedy and was brought to fame in one of television’s most loved shows, The Office. Mindy’s quick wit and willingness to poke fun at herself makes for an energetic and kooky TV comedy, The Mindy Project.

Kaling plays a single obstetrician/gynecologist, Mindy Lahiri, who is a little too fond of glitter. She’s smart and successful, and rules in her professional life, but when it comes to finding true love, she is a work in progress.

Desperately trying to break the bad habits of her personal life, whilst also attempting to secure herself a man, sees Mindy in some truly offbeat and quirky dating situations. The Mindy Project is smart, funny, and aimed at everyone whose life is a work in progress.