FAN-MADE” FELLOWS HEADED TO SILKROAD ONLINE
Tons Of New Updates, Spooky Halloween Events And More All Going On Now In Silkroad Online
October 26, 2012 – Joymax, a leading online game developer and publisher widely known for Digimon Masters and Knight Age, announced today that three new player-designed Fellows have been added in its world-renown MMORPG, Silkroad Online. October’s end will also see plenty of new updates including Halloween events and a variety of wacky new prizes to win. Players should register now at the official site to take part in all of the exciting activities at http://www.joymax.com/silkroad/.
One of the most anticipated updates this week is the three newly added Fellows! Not only are Fellows, a unique mount that also acts as a battle companion, rarely added to the game but these new Fellows are all player designed. Players can ride into battle with their mount who also acts as a fighting parnter as well as train them and even teach them new sets of skills.
“Earlier this spring, Silkroad Online took a creative step by allowing players to input their creative ideas into the game through this contest,” said Nam-Chul Kim, CEO of Joymax. “Hundreds of entries were submitted and players voted on six winning designs, and after months of preparation we are pleased to offer the final work of all six designs now available for purchase.”
Silkroad Online has just wrapped-up its player-designed Avatar contest and is planning to open up other possibilities for players to add their imprint and input into the game. Players, who would like to see the “fan-made” designs roam the vast Silkroad Online world, should visit the game now at http://www.joymax.com/SilkroadOnline.
Dishonored Add-on Packs Announced!
Bethesda is pleased to announce three upcoming add-on packs for Dishonored, the critically-acclaimed first-person action game developed by Arkane Studios. All of the Dishonored add-on packs will be released simultaneously on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Dishonored: Dunwall City Trials, being released in December for AUD$8.45 (or 400 Microsoft Points), will include 10 challenge maps that will test and track your combat, stealth and mobility skills. Ten distinct trials await challengers – including an arena battle against waves of enemy AI, a gravity-defying run of drop assassinations, and a race against the clock. Dunwall City Trials also features a whole new set of achievements and trophies as well as a global online leaderboard that will establish the greatest assassins for each challenge.
The second and third add-ons for Dishonored will be coming in 2013 and will each feature story-driven campaigns. Pricing on these two packs will be revealed closer to launch.
Daud, the leader of a group of supernatural assassins known as ‘The Whalers’, will be the focus of the second add-on pack, scheduled for release in early Spring 2013. Make your way through new Dunwall locales and discover Daud’s own set of weapons, powers and gadgets in this story-driven campaign. How you play and the choices you make will impact the final outcome…
Additional story details on the third add-on pack will be revealed closer to its launch next year.
For more information on Dishonored visit www.Dishonored.com.
Sony Foundation’s Wharf4Ward event raises $520,000 for youth cancer
Sydney, 26 October, 2012 – The stars were out in force yesterday for Sony Foundation’s annual Wharf4Ward fundraising lunch. Woolloomooloo Wharf has never looked better, hosting 850 guests to a day of fine food, wine and entertainment all the while raising a staggering $520,000 for Sony Foundation’s charity campaign ‘You Can’ – a national fundraising and awareness campaign set up by Sony Foundation and CanTeen to raise much-needed funds for specialised youth cancer care and services around the country.
Sony Music artists including Justice Crew, Timomatic and US band Hot Chelle Rae blew the guests away. A surprise performance from Jessica Mauboy ended the day and got everyone up and dancing. The X Factor finalists also put on a spectacular show which proved all of them are worthy of star status.
The event was hosted by supporters from each major network: Channel Seven’s Samantha Armytage, James Tobin, Natalie Bassingthwaite and Luke Jacobz; Nine Network’s Peter Overton, Richard Wilkins and Georgie Gardner and Network Ten’s Natarsha Belling and Hamish Macdonald. Peter Garrett made a surprise entrance at the end of the day, arriving in time to see Jess Mauboy perform and to thank everyone for coming.
Plenty of celebrities attended at the lunch, including Nikki Phillips, Charlotte Dawson, Kerri-Ann Kennerly, Ben Fordham, Nikki Phillips, Didier Cohen and Karl Stefanovic.
Sophie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Foundation Australia, said: “800 guests, six restaurants, 200m of wharf, five live music acts and 11 hosts – the recipe for an amazing day. It was also a great example of how people can come together to raise more than half a million dollars for a much-needed cause.
This money goes to Sony Foundation’s ‘You Can’ campaign to help young Australians survive cancer and we’re ecstatic with the result. This money will make a measurable difference to the lives of young Australians with cancer”.
Guests enjoyed a sparkling Pommery reception followed by lunch at some of Sydney’s most celebrated restaurants: Aki’s, China Doll, Manta, Otto Ristorante, Criniti’s and Kingsley’s Steak & Crabhouse. The party continued into the evening at the VodkaO After Party at the Tilbury Hotel.
Apple Reports Fourth Quarter Results
26.9 Million iPhones Sold; Record Fourth Quarter Revenue and Profit
Board Declares Quarterly Dividend of $2.65 per Common Share
CUPERTINO, California—October 25, 2012—Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2012 fourth quarter ended September 29, 2012. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $36.0 billion and quarterly net profit of $8.2 billion, or $8.67 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $28.3 billion and net profit of $6.6 billion, or $7.05 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 40.0 percent compared to 40.3 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 60 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
The Company sold 26.9 million iPhones in the quarter, representing 58 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 14.0 million iPads during the quarter, a 26 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 4.9 million Macs during the quarter, a 1 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 5.3 million iPods, a 19 percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter.
Apple’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $2.65 per share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on November 15, 2012, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 12, 2012.
“We’re very proud to end a fantastic fiscal year with record September quarter results,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We’re entering this holiday season with the best iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod products ever, and we remain very confident in our new product pipeline.”
“We’re pleased to have generated over $41 billion in net income and over $50 billion in operating cash flow in fiscal 2012,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the first fiscal quarter of 2013, we expect revenue of about $52 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $11.75.”
Apple will provide live streaming of its Q4 2012 financial results conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PDT on October 25, 2012 atwww.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq412. This webcast will also be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.
This press release contains forward-looking statements including without limitation those about the Company’s estimated revenue and diluted earnings per share. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive and economic factors, and the Company’s reaction to those factors, on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to the Company’s products; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the ability of the Company to deliver to the marketplace and stimulate customer demand for new programs, products, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the effect that product introductions and transitions, changes in product pricing or mix, and/or increases in component costs could have on the Company’s gross margin; the inventory risk associated with the Company’s need to order or commit to order product components in advance of customer orders; the continued availability on acceptable terms, or at all, of certain components and services essential to the Company’s business currently obtained by the Company from sole or limited sources; the effect that the Company’s dependency on manufacturing and logistics services provided by third parties may have on the quality, quantity or cost of products manufactured or services rendered; risks associated with the Company’s international operations; the Company’s reliance on third-party intellectual property and digital content; the potential impact of a finding that the Company has infringed on the intellectual property rights of others; the Company’s dependency on the performance of distributors, carriers and other resellers of the Company’s products; the effect that product and service quality problems could have on the Company’s sales and operating profits; the continued service and availability of key executives and employees; war, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters, and other circumstances that could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products; and unfavorable results of other legal proceedings. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011, its Forms 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2011; March 31, 2012; and June 30, 2012; and its Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2012 to be filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Penélope Cruz Plays Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
26th October 2012
Penélope Cruz sets her own priorities when solving a gentlemans puzzle with her sister Mónica Cruz on set. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask will be in stores and available via Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL from Saturday, 27th October 2012.
Visit the official Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask teaser site, and warm up your puzzle-solving skills with some mind boggling demo puzzles:
http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask/
Master Windows 8 quickly with a free starter pack from Acer
An invaluable service to help make learning and support easier
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – October 26, 2012 – With any new product it can take time to learn the ins and outs and how to take full advantage of all it has to offer. This is especially true for the release of Windows 8, which comes with a wealth of new features to master including an entirely new touch-enabled interface. For the first time, Acer Australia is offering an accelerated introduction program by including a free Windows 8 Starter Pack (valued at $150) as a bonus with every new Acer product running Windows 8.
“Windows 8 is an exciting shift in the way our customers will interact with their PCs but like all new operating systems, we understand it can take time to learn”, says Nigel Gore – Director of Product Management, Acer Australia, “With the Windows 8 Starter Pack, we want to accelerate that process and feel our invaluable online resources and phone support will be useful to novices and experts alike.”
Available following the launch of Windows 8 on October 26, the pack includes access to a 7 day priority response telephone help line, Coach [Live] webinars and online tutorials designed to assist Acer customers in learning how to use, setup and customise the new operating system.
The comprehensive service will not only add value to all new Acer PCs but also reduce the learning curve usually associated with the release of a new Windows product. Through the webinars and online tutorials, customers will quickly learn how unlock the potential of Windows 8 to improve their personal computing experience and the help line assistance will give them peace of mind knowing that expert advice is available any time they need it, for the price of a local phone call.
Windows 8 Coach [Live]
The Coach [Live] service is a live training session comprised of two webinars held each week on Monday and Wednesday. The sessions are conducted by a live professional coach who will work step by step through Windows 8 issues and features which can be followed live by the viewers. Each session will cover a wide range of topics from beginner to advanced Windows 8 use and is scheduled to launch in late November. On launch, there will be four Coach [Live] webinars , two topics per week on a bi-weekly rotation, with new webinar topics to be introduced every 6 to 8 weeks.
Windows 8 Online Tutorials (from 3pm on the 26th October 2012 )
In addition to the live webinar service, Acer Australia will also provide a comprehensive online tutorial resource as part of the Windows 8 Starter Pack. Using a standard web browser, it will allow customers to learn at their own pace with easy to follow tutorials complete with index markers for easy navigation within each course. The tutorial program will cover topics ranging from a basic introduction to Windows 8 concepts and interface navigation through to in-depth instruction on using services such as the Windows Store, SkyDrive and Acer applications. There will be eight courses in total which can be completed in any order and available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Windows 8 Help Line
Customers will receive personal expert advice and instruction on Windows 8 at the cost of a local call. The extended phone support offered by the help line is available seven days a week with priority response for critical issues giving customers peace of mind knowing that help will always be available when they need it most. The Acer staff are highly trained in giving concise and easy to follow solutions for all levels of computing knowledge and will be available 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday or 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday , EST.
“The Windows 8 Starter Pack not only adds great value to our Windows 8 products but will also let our customers get the most out of their Windows 8 devices by learning in a hassle-free online environment. The great thing about this kind of customer service program is it not only benefits our customers but it also gives us a chance to engage with them on a whole new level.” Mr. Gore said.
To find out more about the Windows 8 Starter Pack visit http://www.acer.com.au/win8starterpack
Availability
Vendor: Acer Computer Australia
Product Name: Acer Windows 8 Starter Pack
Price: Free
Website: http://www.acer.com.au/win8starterpack
Retailers: All major Australian retailers
Availability: October 26, 2012
About Acer
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has broken barriers between people and technology, enabling users to explore, create and grow. Acer ranks No. 2 for notebook PCs globally (Gartner data 2011). The Acer Group employs 8,000 people across the globe, and revenues for 2011 reached US$15.7 billion.
Acer’s channel business model is instrumental to the company’s success, while its multi-brand approach integrates Acer, Gateway, and Packard Bell brands in worldwide markets. Acer designs environmentally friendly products and, with its vendors, has established a green supply chain.
Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement. That includes supporting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and London 2012 Olympic Games.
More information is at www.acer-group.com.
FIRST KNIGHT AGE SIEGE FINDS COURAGEOUS GUILD VICTORIOUS
Excitement Runs Through the Knights for the Next Glorious PVP Battle!
October 26, 2012— Joymax, leading online game developer and publisher known for a plethora of online titles, cheers for a successful weekend Siege Warfare in their newest MMORPG, Knight Age. Siege Warfare has added an exciting and frantic new dimension to gameplay and presents a unique PVP challenge for players. Players can prepare for this weekend’s upcoming grudge match by visiting http://www.joymax.com/knightage/
Siege warfare broke out for the first time in Knight Age on October 21st. Seven major Orders of Knights (guilds) stepped up to the gates of Tintagel Town and launched a full scale assault on each other and NPC targets in order to win the ultimate prize: the coveted title “Lord of Tintagel Castle”! As each team battled for points by retaining contact with the magical Crystal of the Castle, it was up to their fellow knights of the Order to defend their vulnerable teammates.
A hectic fight filled with death, sweat, riding and of course, excitement as the Orders battled through both trolls and bosses guarding the castle (as well as each other) filled Tintagel for a mere 40 of the allotted 60 minutes. The winning Order, whose name shall go down in the annals of history, was comprised of 33 hardened members who fought with both skill and finesse, showing marvelous teamwork.
Players have already expressed their excitement both in-game and on the Knight Age Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/officialknightage) on how marvelous the battle was to watch! Predictions on whether the current Lords will hold the castle or a new Order will rise to the occasion have already begun. The next Siege Warfare is scheduled to take place on October 28th.
During a Siege, all participating Knights will transfer to a unique map called Tintagel Town. The warfare lasts an hour; it is up to the players to earn as many points within this allotted time. Points are earned by touching the Crystal – the longer a team maintains contact with the Crystal, the more points they are awarded. The ultimate reward for winning the Siege is becoming the Lord of Tintagel Castle. Within the fortress is an exclusive merchant found nowhere else in the kingdom, who sells high level items found only inside Tintagel!
Participating in the rumble from conquering castles to gearing up for the fight ahead, Knight Age is swarming with activity. Knight Age’s hopping community can be accessed via the game’s forums or on the official Knight Age Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/officialknightage with over 20,000 fans, or on Twitter @KnightAgeOnline. The more “likes” Facebook receives, the more events players will be able to participate in, so follow today.
AeroSystem Black L Edition
A marriage of innovation and craftsmanship, born from a meeting between Silvio Denz, CEO of the prestigious house of LALIQUE, and Jean Michel Jarre, the genius of electronic music.
Two worlds, which on the surface seem to be completely opposite of each other, have come together in their quest for excellence.
To further their pursuit for innovation, these two men have combined their values and talents. Together, they have created an object that combines their expertise: the AeroSystem Black L Edition by LALIQUE.
In one respect, Jean Michel Jarre created the AeroSystem Black L Edition for Jarre Technologies, as the embodiment of a unique experience known for its unbeatable sound quality.
In the other respect, LALIQUE cultivates its tradition of excellence and innovation by seeking new forms in new worlds.
From these two worlds, AeroSystem Black L Edition by LALIQUE was born, a speaker with extraordinary acoustic qualities, enhanced by crystal.
LALIQUE crystal, which decorates this speaker, reveals sparkling jets of water which emerge from the intriguing Masque de Femme, an iconic motif of this prestigious crystal house. This Art-Deco style mask reveals the face of a mysterious woman, with
subtle features, surrounded by aquatic wildlife.
Like a fingerprint, the face seems perfectly captured in the crystal.
To create this piece of work, 13 master glass-blowers blow, cut and black polish crystal with their expert hands into a design that is so emblematic of LALIQUE.
The AeroSystem Black L Edition is a limited edition of 999 numbered pieces.
Website: www.jarre.com