World’s Top-Selling External Storage Solution Gets Capacity Boost, Premium New Design, Improved Signature Features of Security and Automatic Backup

Sydney, Australia – March 27, 2012 – Western Digital® today announced the next generation of its top-selling My Passport® line of portable hard drives, offering consumers a  fresh new enclosure design and the first-ever 2 TB capacity in a portable drive. The new My Passport drives offer WD SmartWare™ automatic backup software and WD Security™ for password protection and hardware encryption.

With the addition of premium finishes, specially-engineered to make the outer shell more resistant to scratches and fingerprints, the new My Passport portable drives feature ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity; USB 2.0 compatibility; continuous, automatic backup software; and password protection with hardware encryption. The included software offers the flexibility to customise the drive to a user’s storage preferences: installing all features, just the components needed, or using the drive without the software.  The new 2 TB model offers massive capacity in an amazing pocket-sized enclosure, affording plenty of secure storage for all of one’s photos, video, music and other important files.

Given the small form factor and easy portability of My Passport drives, the built-in security features of password protection and hardware encryption help protect files from unauthorized use, making the drives safe data repositories for data while offering peace of mind to busy consumers on the go.

“More than money, jewelry and other valuables, the item most missed if ever lost or stolen is ones computer – and everything on it – so our goal in launching the next-generation of the popular My Passport drives is to encourage more consumers to protect their data before something happens,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “The new My Passport makes backing up and preserving one’s digital life easier, reliable and more secure than ever – it’s the perfect blend of monstrous capacity, reliability and user-friendly technology in a sleek form factor.”

Pricing and Availability
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: My Passport
RRP for 2TB – A$299.99,  NZ$399.99
Australia Distributor: Synnex
New Zealand Distributors: Synnex/Ingram Micro
Warranty: 3 years
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wdaust

About WD
WD, a storage industry pioneer and long-time leader, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users’ data accessible and secure from loss. Its storage technologies serve a wide range of host applications including client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own storage systems. Its home entertainment products enable rich engagement with stored digital content.
WD was founded in 1970. The company’s products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital®, WD® and HGST™ brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company’s website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

Experience the white-knuckle arcade driving thrills before it launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade and Sony Entertainment Network 

Twain Harte, CA – March 26, 2012 – Before you can get behind the virtual wheel yourself with Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad, coming soon to both Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Sony Entertainment Network, we offer the next best thing – an intense trailer comprised entirely of in-game footage!  This brand-new video shows off the full HD presentation, the dynamic obstacles and destructible environments, the customization and RPG elements and more that are all set to make Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad the definitive digitally-downloadable racing title of 2012. 

Check out the Trailer at YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRAeKcaBzNQ 

In Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad, players race four-wheeled, 800-horsepower offroad race trucks with tons of options, as well as a wide load-out of vehicle classes including Rally Cars, Pro Buggies and Pro Lite Trucks.  Eight-player multiplayer boasts dynamic interactions between all competing vehicles so players can see and feel the impact of mid-race collisions.  Career mode follows Jeremy’s bid for the Pro2 championship within the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.  All this arcade racing action takes place inside a persistent game world that presents challenge after challenge at 60 frames per second in crispy 1080p. Published by D3Publisher for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad will be available for both Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network in Q2 of 2012 and can be purchased for 800 Microsoft Points from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 or $9.99 on PSN. For more information, visit www.raceroffroad.com, or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

SYDNEY (Mar. 26, 2012) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and across PAL territories, and BioWare® today announced Mass Effect® 3 will be lending one of its armour designs to FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2. 

The N7 Armour worn by Commander Shepard, the main character in Mass Effect 3, will be available as optional outfits for Serah Farron and Noel Kreiss, the main characters of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, via downloadable content. 

The outfits will be available on March 28 via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft priced at 240 Microsoft Points each and via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at AUD$3.45 / NZD$3.90 each.

What’s wrong with Daria…? The people of Lawndale just don’t get Daria Morgendorffer.  She’s cool with that. See, Daria was born alienated, and now she’s just trying to make it through high school with as little human contact as possible.  Popularity, friends, activities…whatever. Daria lacks enthusiasm, but she makes up for it with her sarcasm and take on popular culture and social class.

On the 2^nd May, 2012 you can get your very own Daria: The Complete Animated Series with a rare collectable Daria T-shirt, available exclusively at JB HIFI.  Retailing for only $49.95, the title features all five seasons plus both movies, “Is it Fall Yet” and “Is it College Yet”.  The DVD collection also comes with special features including:

• Pilot episode “Sealed with a Kick:
• Mystik Spiral music video “Freakin’ Friends”
• Daria Day intros
• Top Ten Video Countdown hosted by Daria & Jane
• Never-before-seen Mystik Spiral Spin-off script; and
• Cast and crew interviews.

Originally airing on ABC during the mid-to-late 1990’s, Daria is considered a cult classic and currently has more than a million fans on Facebook and continues to have a strong fan base. 

TITLE RELEASE DETAILS:

Title: DARIA: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES + T-SHIRT

Release Date: 2^nd May, 2012

No. of Discs: 8

Running Time: 1586 Minutes

RRP: $49.95

Warren Spector Pays Further Tribute to Disney History with Sequel 

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Debut in a Co-Starring Role and Make His First Ever Appearance as a Playable Video Game Character  

Melbourne, VIC  –– (March 23, 2012) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced the development of “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Disney Epic Mickey” video game.  In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery. Created by video game industry luminary Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’s Junction Point game development studio, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns the franchise to the Wii™ system from Nintendo, and expands it to new HD consoles including the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. 

“As a life-long Disney fan, working with Mickey Mouse in the original ‘Disney Epic Mickey’ was a truly humbling experience,” said Warren Spector, creative director and vice president, Junction Point. “Millions of fans fell in love with Mickey as a video game hero and I know they’ll experience similar emotions when they get to interact with and actually play as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.’” 

“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.  But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.   This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players dynamically tackle different challenges in order to explore all possibilities and storylines, but with consequences for their chosen actions. 

Staying true to Disney’s rich musical heritage, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is the first video game that can be described as a “musical.” At many points throughout the adventure, characters will advance the plot by expressing themselves in song, with all-original music and lyrics.  In addition to this distinctive musical approach to storytelling, players will hear tunes and instrumentation that change based on their personal choices, ultimately allowing each player to “conduct” their own unique soundtrack.  Disney Interactive has enlisted the help of Emmy award-winning composer James Dooley and noted lyricist Mike Himelstein to create these musical gameplay elements. 

The magic of Disney will not only resonate through the game’s musical numbers, but also through the introduction of authentic Disney Character Voices talent who provide player direction through genuine character dialogue.  In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” all characters—most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time—will communicate by speaking to the player. 

“In the first ‘Disney Epic Mickey title,’ fans embraced Mickey as a true video game hero and welcomed Oswald back into the Disney family with open arms,” said John Pleasants, co-president, Disney Interactive Media Group. “Now, as the vision for the “Disney Epic Mickey’ franchise advances, fans and gamers across all platforms will experience completely new ways to embrace the immeasurable vault of Disney characters and attractions.” 

Development for “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is being led by Disney Interactive’s Junction Point.   Supporting the latest technology, the game will also feature full support for the PlayStation Move.  Art assets are available at www.dis-press.com. 

About The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand 

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, interactive media and consumer products. Disney is a Dow 30 Company, had annual revenues of over US$40.9billion in its most recent fiscal year. 

The Walt Disney Company has been active in Australia since 1988 and in 1992, the first office officially opened. There are now three offices in the region – in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland. Today, The Walt Disney Company is one of the most active and largest foreign entertainment companies in Australia with diversified business in consumer products, publishing, mobile content, television and family entertainment programs. 

For more information about The Walt Disney Company please visit: http://corporate.disney.go.com/ 

About Junction Point

Junction Point is Disney Interactive Studios’ Austin, Texas-based developer of console games with a focus on games where “playstyle matters.” Junction Point games offer strong, player-driven narratives, opportunities for problem-solving rather than puzzles, and choices with significant consequences. The studio’s goal is to tell stories with players, not to them, allowing each player to craft their own, unique experiences. Junction Point was founded in 2005 and joined Disney Interactive Studios in July 2007. For more information on the studio, go to www.junctionpoint.com. 

Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Our latest feature on the weaponry from Max Payne 3’s devastating arsenal highlights the submachine guns (SMGs) – lightweight automatic weapons that can hose their targets with bullets within seconds. With the weightlessness of a pistol and the rapid-fire rate of a much bulkier machine gun, these spray and slay weapons make short work of enemies at close quarters as the holder maintains slick maneuverability throughout. 

You can dual-wield the lighter SMG models such as the M10 and the Micro 9mm to let these slug slingers take out opponents in double-time. Prefer a little more kick in your SMG? Then pick up the heavier SAF .40 with two hands and rip through the armor of your foes.  

Explore the video above to see more of the SMGs unrivaled speed, mid-range accuracy and surprisingly powerful punch in action, along with detailed 360-degree renders that show off all of its individually modeled components and a selection of new screenshots.

See more weapons from Max Payne 3:
Revolvers: The 608 Bull  I  Rifles: The Mini-30

Formerly a console exclusive, Blades of Time Limited Edition will come to Steam April 18; preorders open now

Gaijin Entertainment is pleased to announce that Blades of Time: Limited Edition can now be preordered on Steam. PC and Mac players will be able to don the persona of the gorgeous treasure hunter, Ayumi, starting on April 18, 2012.

In Blades of Time, step into the shoes of the gorgeous treasure hunter, Ayumi—deadly with both guns and swords. On the hunt for treasure, Ayumi finds herself in a remote land of lush trees and majestic landscapes, but she quickly learns that she’s not alone on this island. Armed with her dual katanas and an arsenal of rifles, she’ll battle gargoyles, monsters, and other sinister forces to uncover the secrets of this dangerous place. As she carves a path of destruction through Dragonland, she accumulates more powers and better weapons that make for a thrilling and rewarding game experience.

Blades of Time turns the hack-and-slash genre on its ear by introducing a revolutionary game mechanic, “Time Rewind,” that lets players clone themselves and travel back in time to attack enemies and solve puzzles. Add in a beautiful heroine, and you’ve got one of the most fun and high-energy games to come along in a long time.

The Blades of Time: Limited Edition for PC and Mac includes the game itself (formerly console-only), along with an exclusive new pack of additional content. Blades of Time: Limited Edition includes a hefty amount of bonus material as well as the all-new Dismal Swamp add-on. In this exclusive new content, players get to complete Ayumy’s challenge as a secondary character, Michelle, who rushes into the Temple of Dragons to prevent Ayumy from joining the Keeper of Chaos when her shuttle suddenly crashes in the middle of Dismal Swamp. Accompanied by her unfailing friend Zero and a small squad of Skyguards, Michelle faces hordes of deadly beasts: the creatures of Chaos. The rescue mission suddenly turns into a desperate struggle for survival.

Blades of Time: Limited Edition on Steam includes:

·         The full Blades of Time game (formerly a console exclusive)

·         The Dismal Swamp mission add-on

·        Sky Islands map for Outbreak mode (exclusive to PC/Mac)

·        Downloadable art book

·        Blades of Time-inspired HD wallpapers

·        Original Blades of Time soundtrack

For more details about the challenges and monsters that await in the exciting treasure-hunting experience of Blades of Time: Limited Edition players, and for more info on where to preorder the game, please visit the game’s official website at www.BladesofTime.com.

WASHINGTON / WARSAW, Poland (March 22, 2012) PlayWay and National Geographic Games announce the development of  Titanic: Unsolved Mystery,  an interactive video game that will transport players to 1912, the year the Titanic sank, to explore the ship virtually and search for hidden objects. The game, coming to PC, Mac, iOS and Android in the second quarter of 2012, allows players to learn about the sinking of the Titanic and see what the famous ship looked like inside.

Play begins with the opening of the world s first ocean-floor museum. Gamers can jump between the present and past as they help the game s heroine, Lillian, discover the Titanic s mysteries and get closer to unveiling the truth behind the disaster that took her great-grandmother s life 100 years ago. The game, intended for casual adult gamers, will be available for purchase and download for PC and Mac on BigFishGames.com, for iOS on the Apple App Store and for Android on Google Play. A demo, screenshots and more information are available at www.TitanicTheGame.com.

  National Geographic is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in a big way, and this game, which will allow players to experience what life was like on the ship, is a key part of the broader effort,  said Chris Mate, National Geographic s vice president and general manager, Games.

 We are proud to work with National Geographic and be a part of the Society s comprehensive effort to commemorate this important historical event,  said Krzysztof Kostowski, CEO of PlayWay.

 Titanic: Unsolved Mystery  features sophisticated visuals and design, including historically accurate images of the ship s exterior and interior, and beautiful hidden-object scenes. In addition to imagery, the game includes a high-quality soundtrack with atmospheric ambient sounds.

The 100th anniversary of the Titanic s sinking is the focus of a major National Geographic cross-divisional effort in the coming months. In addition to a National Geographic Museum exhibition, the cover story for the April issue of National Geographic magazine will focus on Titanic. The National Geographic Channel will air two new specials:  Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron,  on April 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and  Save the Titanic with Robert Ballard,  on April 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Also available will be digital books and home videos. Information on all of National Geographic s Titanic offerings will be posted at www.natgeotv.com/titanic.

23 March 2012 – As part of National Fraud Week, Telstra has issued a list of security steps businesses can take to reduce the risk of their phone systems being hacked.

Telstra Business has taken the step of sending warnings out to its one million customers, following an increase in cases where hackers have gained unauthorised access to business phone systems.

Darren Kane, Director, Telstra Corporate Security and Investigation, said Private Automated Branch Exchange (PABX) units and voicemail systems were the most common fraud targets.

“Customers have been shocked to suddenly find themselves liable for debts worth tens of thousands of dollars – this is on top of the hassle and disruption to business these attacks can cause.

“While most businesses are aware of the risk of cyber-security and have taken measures to protect their business, the potential for a security breach of telephone equipment is often not considered,” Mr Kane said.

“Unfortunately there are scammers who use all sorts of means to steal other people’s property including telephone access, so customers really need to be thinking smart about ensuring their security measures are up to date.

“As with most equipment, the phone systems people use relies on PINs and passwords, and if they are not up to date or regularly changed, it’s like leaving the key in the door for a thief,” he said.

Telstra’s top 5 essential security for tips for business are:

1. Conduct regular security audits of all voicemail, telephone and PABX systems. Cancel or disable features not required including old voice mailbox accounts.

2. Regularly check both inbound and outbound call records, especially to unusual destinations, and calls made and received at unusual times. Don’t wait for your Telstra bill to check calls and costs. Use Online Billing to check call records at any time.

3. Make sure access to phone or PABX systems is strictly limited, controlled and secured. Prepare a contingency plan and be ready to put it into action when a security breach occurs.

4. Treat phone PINs as seriously any other financial or computer access code. Ban employees from using easy-to-guess PIN numbers and make sure they are secure, not written anywhere, and changed regularly.

5. Make sure computer security is up to date. Use firewall rules to block undesirable internet activity and close unused IP ports

Business Customers needing more information should contact a Telstra Business Systems dealer, or the Telstra Business Systems Helpdesk on 1800 022 218.

23 March 2012 – Last night, the FIFA Interactive World Cup Australian Live Event for 2012 kicked off with pre-qualifying heats staged at EB Games stores in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Gold Coast and Rockhampton.

For the very first time, FIFA and presenting partners EA SPORTS™ and PlayStation® have given participants from all over the country the chance to compete taking the heats to five states across Australia.  The winner from each heat will now be flown to Sydney on April 4 for the FIWC 2012 Australian Grand Finale event at the Australian Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, to compete against each other and determine Australia’s best player. 

And the heat winners from around the country are…roll the drums please:

Sydney (Top Ryde):   Mikko Quilala, 27y.o. from Green Valley, NSW.

Sydney (Miranda):      Adam Kharman, 17y.o. from Bankstown, NSW.

Melbourne:                  Kieran Murray, 21y.o. from Beaumaris, VIC.  

Adelaide:                     Charles Woodham, 20y.o. from Wattle Park, SA. 

Perth:                          Irshad Zamir, 21y.o. from Alexandra Heights, WA. 

Gold Coast:                 Todd Sekli, 17y.o. from Robina, QLD. 

Newcastle:                  Samuel Lage Liberato, 23y.o. from Brazil.

Rockhampton:            Matthew Ouston, 18 y.o. from Cooee Bay, Yeppoon, QLD. 

The Australian champion will then be invited to compete at the international Grand Final event later in the year, for their chance to win US$20,000 as well as being awarded their FIWC trophy at the annual FIFA Players Gala alongside such football luminaries as David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Ricardo Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Tim Cahill and many more.

The virtual football tournament loved by football fans across the globe, has now surpassed one million players participating in the annual tournament. Following the first ever FIWC in 2004, the tournament has grown significantly and in 2011 secured its place in the Guinness World Records as the largest online gaming tournament in the world. This year’s FIWC has already attracted over 130,000 more players than last year’s event, tipping it over the 1 million player mark for the first time in the tournament’s history.

As part of the celebrations, there will be a limited number of tickets for people to win to attend the Australian Grand Finale Event and witness the crowning of the Australian 2012 FIWC Champion.  To find out more on how you can win, visit:  http://facebook.com/fiwcaustralia,

 http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU  or http://www.facebook.com/FIFAaus

The FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) combines online and offline football tournaments played with EA SPORTS™ FIFA 12 on PlayStation®3 (PS3™).