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ASUS 3G Nexus 7 Model Retails in Australia

Sydney, Australia (6th December, 2012) — ASUS is pleased to announce the 3G version of its Nexus 7 tablet will be available in Australian and New Zealand retail stores from December 2012. With the addition of the 3G version, ASUS brings even more mobility to the popular 7inch, quad-core tablet featuring Google’s Android Jelly Bean operating system.
The Nexus 7 is designed to go wherever you go – and now with the option to connect to mobile data networks, the Nexus 7 can take users even further. The Nexus 7 32GB with 3G will be available for purchase at the recommended price of AUD$369 and NZD$499. For pricing details on the Nexus 7 range, please see below.

The Nexus 7 with mobile capability will be able to connect to Australian and New Zealand 3G networks. The device will not be locked to any one carrier.

The Nexus 7 range is available for purchase from selected retailers including Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, Dick Smith Electronics, The Good Guys, Bing Lee, Radio Rentals, Office Works, EB Games, BSR, authorised ASUS channel resellers and the Google Play store. All models will continue to be distributed by Synnex and Dicker Data.

In New Zealand, the Nexus 7 is distributed by Synnex, and will be available at Harvey Norman, Dick Smith and authorised ASUS resellers.

Pricing

Nexus 7 32GB (3G) – AUD$369/NZD$499

Nexus 7 32GB (WiFi only) – AUD$319/NZD$439

Nexus 7 16GB (WiFi only) – AUD$269/NZD$359

About the Nexus 7

Nexus 7 combines premium hardware designed by ASUS with the Android Jelly Bean and all of the entertainment from Google Play. Jointly developed between ASUS and Google, Nexus 7 is the world’s first 7” quad-core tablet, built to bring consumers the best of Google in a slim and portable package that fits perfectly in the hand. It comes with a NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor so everything is faster – pages load quickly, gameplay is smooth and responsive, and running multiple apps is a breeze. A 12 core GeForce® GPU delivers advanced graphics while the patented 4-PLUS-1™ CPU design gives you maximum performance when you need it and power efficiency when you don’t.

Nexus 7 was made for Google Play. Everyone’s favourite selection of entertainment is right in their hands: the world’s largest collection of eBooks, thousands of movies and a growing selection of magazines – plus over 600,000 apps and games. Nexus 7 already comes preloaded with content so users can start enjoying the Nexus experience right away.

 
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Bitdefender 2013 takes no. 1 place on debut in AV-TEST Trials

Bitdefender’s new generation leads industry in protection after stunning success of 2012 products 

SYDNEY/AUCKLAND – December 6, 2012 – Bitdefender, the innovative provider of antivirus solutions, maintained its solid lead on the rest of the industry as it concluded a highly successful 2012 and debuted its 2013 products in AV-TEST trials.

Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 won the top place in independent testing by AV-TEST, the leading security software analysis firm, through September and October. According to results released in November, Bitdefender scored a near perfect 17 out of 18 possible points, beating all other 23 leading antivirus producers in the latest round of testing.

“Bitdefender software is a regular feature at the top of our testing here at AV-TEST and we were particularly looking forward to testing the 2013 products,” said AV-TEST CEO, Andreas Marx. “We were not disappointed. The experience and dedication of the Bitdefender team shows through in all of its products we test. As always, we look forward to the next round of testing.”

“This is the AV-TEST round the industry was eagerly awaiting – the first tests of the most popular 2013 products,” said Bitdefender Chief Security Strategist, Catalin Cosoi. “We had a stunningly successful run with the 2012 generation of products that shot us firmly into world leadership spot of the industry. Now, after the first tests based on our 2013 generation of products, it looks like we’re going to advance even more.”

With the latest win, Bitdefender products have claimed the top spot in AV-TEST trials eight times, more than any other antivirus provider, and won AV-TEST’s prestigious annual Best Protection 2011 award. Bitdefender in the past year has also repeatedly won in trials by AV Comparatives, another independent testing firm, winning the organisation’s Advanced+Award and its overall Top Rated Award for 2011. Bitdefender has also won top certification from VB 100 and was named Editor’s Choice by both PC Mag and CNET.

In the latest round of AV-TEST trials, Bitdefender scored a perfect 6 of 6 in the Protection category, detecting 100 per cent of “widespread and prevalent malware” and offering 100 per cent protection against zero-day malware attacks, according to the AV-TEST results. It also scored a perfect 6 in the category of “cleaning and repair of a malware-infected computer.”

 

 
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TRIALS EVOLUTION – RIDERS OF DOOM UNLEASHED JUST BEFORE THE WORLD ENDS

Trials Evolution reached over 1 million downloads on XBLA 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – December 6, 2012 – Ubisoft® and RedLynx have announced the forthcoming release of Trials Evolution – Riders of Doom, the second downloadable content (DLC) for the wildly popular Xbox LIVE® Arcade game, Trials Evolution. The DLC will be available this December for download for 400 Microsoft Points.

The Riders of Doom builds on the successes of Trials Evolution offering 40 new tracks set in The Big Sand Lands – a new environment inspired by the end of the world, that gamers will see build up and tear down throughout levels – and a powerful motorbike dubbed the Banshee to add to the Trials garage. The new downloadable content will also feature hundreds of new editor objects expanding the already robust level editor. Gamer’s mettle will also be put to the test in ten brand new Skill Games, including an endless series of generated extreme obstacles.

Widely played and critically acclaimed, Trials Evolution features multiplayer competition, single player challenges, and user-generated content for almost endless gaming possibilities. To date, more than 200 000 player-created tracks have been made available through its in-game content sharing system. Riders of Doom will only add to the possibilities of what players can build within the game.

For more information on Trials Evolution, please visit the official website: http://trials.ubi.com/trials-evolution/en-GB/home/

 
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CRYTEK AND RENOWNED FILMMAKER ALBERT HUGHES ANNOUNCE “THE 7 WONDERS OF CRYSIS 3”

Famed Director Set to Unveil the Secrets of New York City’s Urban Rainforest in Crysis 3, the Premiere Sandbox Shooter Coming February, 2013

SYDNEY, Australia. – Dec. 6, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and award-winning developer Crytek GmbH today announced a creative partnership with renowned filmmaker Albert Hughes to produce an online video series inspired by the upcoming sandbox shooter, Crysis 3. Entitled, “The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3”, this cinematic series will set the stage for this latest installment in the Crysis series and introduce weapons, enemies, and gameplay features new to the franchise. These cinematic shorts will also showcase the stunning visuals, dynamic environments of the urban rainforest and intense adaptive warfare fans can expect when Crysis 3 ships February 2013 in Australia and New Zealand.

“When EA and Crytek approached me about being involved in creating ‘The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3’ video series, I liked the idea of creating emotional stories using only computer generated images,” stated Albert Hughes. “The challenge of producing something intensely human without ever seeing a human on screen was incredibly compelling, and the technology of the CryENGINE that Crytek developed enabled me to do that and venture into a completely unique medium of storytelling.”
At 20 years old, filmmaker Albert Hughes shot to stardom when he and his twin brother, Allen, wrote and directed the seminal film, Menace II Society. Albert then went on to co-direct such critically-acclaimed films including Dead Presidents, From Hell and Book of Eli. For “The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3” video series, Albert was intimately involved with the development team at Crytek, writing the scripts, storyboards and shot plan for each video that was created entirely using in-game assets powered by Crytek’s revolutionary CryENGINE® 3 technology.

“The goal with ‘The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3’ video series is to reveal the incredible world we have been building for Crysis 3 and to let CryENGINE take center stage to highlight the power of our state-of-the-art game engine,” said Cevat Yerli, Chief Executive Officer of Crytek. “We’ve worked closely with Albert on this project and think that the 7 Wonders series will show the leaps and bounds that Crysis 3 is making over its predecessors.”

Powered by Crytek’s proprietary CryENGINE, Crysis 3 advances the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and dynamic shooter gameplay. Players take on the role of ‘Prophet’ as he returns to New York only to discover that the city has been encased in a Nanodome created by the corrupt Cell Corporation. The New York City Liberty Dome is a veritable urban rainforest teaming with overgrown trees, dense swamplands and raging rivers. Within the Liberty Dome, seven distinct and treacherous environments become known as the 7 Wonders. This dangerous new world demands advanced weapons and tactics, including the Nanosuit. Equipped with superhuman powers including cloaking, armor and enhanced visor abilities, the Nanosuit is the ultimate tool that allows players to assess, adapt and attack whatever the 7 Wonders throws at them. In addition to the Nanosuit, players will wield the powerful Predator bow and devastating alien weaponry to become the deadliest hunter on the planet.
The debut episode of “The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3” entitled “Hell of a Town” will debut on December 14, 2012. Developed by Crytek and powered by the proprietary cutting edge CryENGINE technology, Crysis 3 will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For more information on Crysis 3, please visit http://www.crysis.com/au, and for the latest news visit www.facebook.com/crysis or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/crysis.

 
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What Happened to the Humans? Find Out Today in Primordia, a Cyberpunk Adventure for PC

Retro-styled adventure game from Wormwood Studios and Wadjet Eye Games now available from PrimordiaGame.com, GOG.com, and Steam

NEW YORK – December 5, 2012 – Primordia, a cyberpunk adventure game from indie developer Wormwood Studios and publisher Wadjet Eye Games, is now available for PC download. A point-and-click adventure in the same vein as the classic Beneath a Steel Sky, Primordia takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where robots have inherited the earth. It can be purchased from http://www.primordiagame.com as a $19.99 limited edition DVD (offer ends December 9) or a $9.99 download. Primordia can also be downloaded from GOG.com and Steam.

Primordia is a sci-fi adventure with an in-depth story and a philosophical bent. Stoic android Horatio Nullbuilt lives with his robot companion Crispin in the deserted dunes beyond the city of Metropol. His existence is a peaceful one: he combs the landscape for machine parts to repair his rundown airship and ruminates upon the Book of Man, which teaches of the humans who came before him. But this solitary life is shattered when a rogue robot breaks into the airship and steals the power core Horatio and Crispin need to survive. Now the pair must travel outside the relative safety of their remote home to Metropol, where the search for power will yield unexpected discoveries about Horatio’s origins, his purpose, and the world he thought he understood.

The Wormwood Studios team has been working on Primordia for three years. “Primordia is the product of our lifelong love of adventure games and everything that goes into them: hand-drawn art, clever puzzles, compelling stories, memorable music,” says Mark Yohalem, Primordia‘s writer/designer. “To finally see the game out the door is a little like raising a lion up from a cub and releasing it into the wild: you have to let it go before it kills you, you rejoice to set it free, and yet you can’t help but feel sorry to have it gone. Now, we just have to wait to see if it becomes a vicious man-eater. If so, then mission accomplished.”

This anticipated indie game recently shot up the Steam Greenlight chart, becoming one of the fastest games to be greenlit by the service. Primordia joins several Wadjet Eye-published games on Steam, including Independent Game Festival winner Gemini Rue, the acclaimed interactive narrative Resonance, and Wadjet Eye’s ongoing series of Blackwell mysteries.

 
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How to Have a Relaxed Christmas, Protected from Scammers, Spammers and Hackers

Melbourne, 5 December 2012.  At this time of year everyone is looking forward to being able to get through Christmas and put their feet up. But before you flick the lever on the recliner or jump in the packed car for the holiday house, AVG Technologies AU provides your wish list of online protection measures to bring you peace of mind.

Michael McKinnon, Security Advisor at AVG, said: “Every Internet-connected mobile device holds valuable and private information and should be consciously treated as the powerful computers they are. They need to be secured as you would your desktop.”

The 8 best ways to protect your online activities these holidays are:

1. Inside the wrapping paper

As soon as the wrapping paper comes off your new smartphone, tablet or gaming console, change every default setting to a strong individual password, review all privacy settings, and switch on every security option available on the device.

2. Keep your new toy safe

Before you leave the house for the first time with your new smartphone or tablet, make sure you’ve installed and activated options for Remote Tracking and Remote Wiping. The risk of physical loss or theft of shiny new and coveted gadgets is very high. We all know how easy it is to leave items in a taxi, on a plane or in a cafe – particularly those that our brains have not yet added to the list of things to pick up. Specifically designed security software for smartphones, laptops and tablets such as AVG AntiVirus for Android and its built-in phone locator, phone locker and remote wipe facility can save you considerable time and effort in the recovery of your phone and most importantly, protection from third party use of your data.

3. Don’t get more than you bargained for

If you buy a new mobile device this Christmas, be sure to disable In-App purchases, particularly for devices used by children, so you can’t be automatically charged to your credit card.

While many Apps are initially free, they often want you to buy extra functionality or in-game currency like “Gems” and “Berries” to enjoy them fully.  And at regular intervals during the year, there can be fees for In-App upgrades, such as Christmas editions of popular games.

4. Beware of being too friendly

Switch off geo tagging.  The precise time, date and location metadata now being automatically captured when you take photos using your smartphone can be easily lifted from Facebook and other social networking pages. At best you’ll only reveal your secret fishing spot, at worst you may be telling the world you’re not home or inadvertently reveal you were somewhere you shouldn’t have been.

5. Prepare for unexpected guests

There are also risks to your home systems with the arrival of friends and family over the holidays. If you leave yourself logged in and your desktop open, their “Could I just use your computer to …” or “Do you mind if the kids use your computer to…” could result in the inadvertent downloading of malware. Protect your devices and information by running the latest applications and operating systems; plus always on, automatically updated security software on every networked device; and set up a ‘guest’ login for your home WiFi.

6. Should your ‘friends’ be on your Christmas card list?

As we would once have filtered our address book each year to decide who was still a friend and who should be sent a Christmas card, we should also review our social networking friends list. If you’ve drifted away from someone then ‘unfriend’ them; it’s a silent operation and they aren’t notified, so don’t feel obligated to keep divulging personal information to these people.

7. New Year resolution to be a good digital citizen

Cybercrime affects us all and is so insidious because it doesn’t have witnesses, it only has victims. People can feel isolated as they’re attacked via their devices in the privacy of their own homes.

By immediately reporting any instance of suspicious online activity or a direct scam to the organisation being used as a cover – be it a bank, retailer or government agency – the faster these disruptive, costly criminal pursuits can be shut down. All the major companies have dedicated security teams to take action often with direct access to Google, Firefox and so on.

The Government’s SCAMWatch and Stay Smart Online sites are also excellent resources for checking the current status of emerging scams and improving your own awareness of issues.

8. Scammers’ Little Helpers will find you

Just because you’ve joined the Do Not Call Register, don’t lower your guard.  You’re not protected from scammers just by signing up as it’s only adhered to by legitimate organisations. People are continuing to fall for the “Microsoft” Technical Support (MTS) scam, often because they believe the Do Not Call Register affords them a measure of safety; all unsolicited calls should be viewed with caution.

There are even reports of people who’ve fallen for the MTS scam now being contacted by criminals purporting to be from an Indian Government Department, claiming they’ve arrested and jailed the original scammers and offering “compensation” to those who provide their credit card details!

Have a merry and safe Christmas.

Keep in touch with AVG Technologies AU

AVG (has a comprehensive range of security tips on its web site at http://www.avg.com.au/resources/security-tips/. For video tips from AVG, see http://www.youtube.com/user/avgaunz.

 
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Razer Carcharias Headset redesigned for the xbox 360

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Dec. 5, 2012 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced its new and improved Razer Carcharias gaming headset for the Xbox 360®. Building on the ergonomic and aural standard set by the original Razer Carcharias for the PC, this new gaming headset from Razer brings pro audio fidelity to console gaming with extraordinary comfort.

From beach landings and storming the enemy fort to blasting undead in outer space, the full over-ear coverage of the Razer Carcharias ensures a comfortable fit. It boasts a fully adjustable, padded head rail, 1.25 in/3.18 cm on either side, to accommodate a wide range of head sizes, with its soft, pliable, removable ear cups.

Keeping superior clarity and deep, thumping bass of high-quality drivers, the Razer Carcharias for Xbox 360/PC is now amplified for even greater, more powerful sound. It also comes with a new inline remote control to adjust bass and voice levels versus game volume, ideal for Xbox LIVE play. The headset works out of the box with legacy and current-gen Xbox 360 systems and required cables and adapters are included to ensure that gamers can connect to any Xbox 360.

“Xbox gamers – get ready to experience extreme comfort with circumaural ear cups and interchangeable ear cushions with the new Carcharias,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, president of Razer USA. “This fan favorite of ours is now redesigned for the Xbox 360 and gamers are going to love it.”

About the New Razer Carcharias for Xbox 360®/PC

The Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset for Xbox 360® is a circumaural gaming headset designed for extended hours of gameplay with superior gaming audio, clarity, and bass. Get ready to experience extreme comfort with circumaural ear cups and interchangeable ear cushions.
Just like its ferocious predecessor, the original Razer Carcharias, the all-new Razer Carcharias for Xbox/PC delivers superior, realistic audio with clarity and deep, thumping bass. 

Price:

AU $99.95 

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Order Now

Worldwide – December 2012 

Product Features

  • Extended comfort circumaural design
  • Adjustable voice and game volume balance
  • Connectivity to all Xbox 360® systems
  • Noise filtering microphone
  • Ambient green glow on headset logo 
  • Headphones
    • Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
    • Impedance: 32 O at 1 kHz
    • Sensitivity (@1 kHz, 1 V/Pa): 102 ± 4 dB at 1 kHz max
    • Input Power: 200 mW
    • Drivers: 40 mm, with Neodymium Magnets
    • Inner Ear Cup Diameter: 50 mm / 1.97 in.
    • Cable Length: 3 m / 9.84 ft.
    • Approximate Weight: 300 g / 0.66 lbs.
  • Microphone
    • Frequency Response: 50 – 16,000 Hz
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB
    • Sensitivity (@1 kHz, 1 V/Pa): -37 ± 4 dB
    • Pick-up Pattern: Unidirectional
    • Cable: 3 m / 9.84 ft, Rubber Sheath
    • Connector: 2x 3.5 mm Headphone and Mic Jacks, 1x USB Connector

For more information about the new Razer Carcharias for Xbox 360, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/carcharias

 
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World of Warcraft: Support Superstorm Sandy Relief Efforts – Adopt a Cinder Kitten Today!

The previously announced Cinder Kitten pet is now available to World of Warcraft players, with the full amount of the adoption fee going to the American Red Cross.

SUPPORT SUPERSTORM SANDY RELIEF EFFORTS – ADOPT A CINDER KITTEN TODAY!

Now up for adoption in the Pet Store: the Cinder Kitten, a fiery little feline looking for a home to warm. Adopt this adorable rascal, and you’ll help bring relief to the victims of Superstorm Sandy in the process.

From now until December 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST (January 1, 2013 at 6:59 PM AEDT / 8:59 PM NZDT), 100% of the $10 USD adoption fee will be donated to the American Red Cross’s Superstorm Sandy relief efforts. This support will enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of this disaster.

The Cinder Kitten doesn’t just have good looks — this kitty has claws, and makes a purrfect addition to any Pet Battle team. The Cinder Kitten has Rare-quality stats and is a part of the Elemental family. This not-so-cool cat uses many Beast abilities in addition to Dragonkin and Elemental, and can also Prowl, Leap, and Rend its way to a 3-hit combo against its foes—and look good doing it.

To learn more about the Pet Store, please visit the Pet Store FAQ.

The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion, or political position. For more information about the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org.

 
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Dragonborn | Now Available

Bethesda is pleased to announce that Dragonborn™, the next official add-on for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim®, is now available worldwide for download for 1600 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE®

With Dragonborn™, journey off the coast of Morrowind, to the island of Solstheim. Encounter new towns, dungeons, and quests, as you traverse the ash wastes and glacial valleys of this new land. Become more powerful with shouts that bend the will of your enemies and even tame dragons. Your fate, and the fate of Solstheim, hangs in the balance as you face off against your deadliest adversary – the first Dragonborn.

For more information on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim® or Dragonborn™, please visit www.elderscrolls.com.

 
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The Maps of the Max Payne 3 Painful Memories DLC Pack

Available today across all platforms, the Painful Memories multiplayer DLC for Max Payne 3 packs plenty of punch with four new maps, two new avatar factions plus a host of new items for your arsenal. The pack is now available for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE and $9.99 on PlayStation Network and PC. Players who purchased the Max Payne 3 Rockstar Pass can download the pack free of charge. The Rockstar Pass is currently available for 2400 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE) or $29.99 on PSN/PC. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect in the pack:

NEW MAPS: CANAL DE PANAMÁ, MARTY’S BAR, ROSCOE STREET SUBWAY & SHOOT FIRST
Four new multiplayer maps that hark back to Max’s blood-stained past, including the subway station from the original Max Payne, a new Hoboken-based location that contains the full layout from Marty’s Bar and the surrounding areas and two new maps from the Panama chapter with an all new Gang Wars scenario.
NEW AVATAR FACTIONS: DE MARCOS ABROAD & UNITED SOULS OF THE PEOPLE
Members of the ruthless De Marco crime family (featuring the faces of the four lucky Social Club members from our DLC Casting Event and the vicious Panamanian paramilitary group The United Souls of The People.
NEW WEAPON: THE UAR-21 ASSAULT RIFLE + SUPPRESSOR & RED DOT SIGHT
The standard military issue UAR-21 is durable, lightweight and can withstand any urban combat scenario. The rapid-fire release will increase your mobility while still providing you with the accuracy to cover the distance of the sprawling new maps.
NEW WEAPON: THE IMG 5.56 ASSAULT RIFLE + RED DOT SIGHT
The IMG 5.56 can squeeze of 45 rounds at a clip and is even more accurate than an AK-47. Throw in its use by military and police around the world and this is a no-brainer upgrade for your current Assault Rifle Loadout.
NEW BURST:
NEW ITEMS
There are three new items in the Painful Memories pack will help you with kills, cash flow and protection:
  • Much more than an adding machine, the Calculator turns your assists into kill stats and pads your kill stats by earning one kill for every two assists that you tally.
  • Earn money for kills by your teammates with the Betting Slip. Each time one of your teammates logs a successful kill you will add funds to your coffers.
  • The Hip Flask protects you from sniper fire and stops all effects of the Hangover Burst. Each time you spawn you’ll be protected from a single round from an enemy’s sniper rifle.
Make sure to check out the Painful Memories page at the official Max Payne 3 site for all the details on the new Multiplayer Achievements/Trophies and Grinds as well as some new screenshots.
 
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