THQ AND CRYTEK COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP NEXT HOMEFRONT TITLE

Legendary FPS Developer Set To Take THQ’s Successful Original IP To New Heights

MELBOURNE, Vic., September 21, 2011 – THQ Inc., (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that the next title in its Homefront^® franchise will be developed by multi-award winning FPS veterans Crytek.

“Selecting Crytek to take Homefront forward underscores our strategy of working with the industry’s best talent,” said Danny Bilson, EVP Core Games, THQ.

“Homefront’s unique setting and storyline captivated gamers the world over. With Crytek’s industry leading technology and legendary experience in the FPS genre, we’re supremely confident that the next Homefront will deliver that AAA-quality experience that players demand.”

“We see Homefront as a really strong universe that has a lot of potential and that has been expertly created and marketed by THQ,” said Cevat Yerli, Founder, CEO and President of Crytek.  “We believe that bringing our level of quality, creativity and production values to the next Homefront title, creates an opportunity for both THQ and Crytek to deliver a truly blockbuster game.  It’s really important to us that THQ has the faith in giving us a lot of creative freedom over one of its most important properties to allow us to bring the Homefront world to life in a new and innovative way.” 

The first Homefront title was released in March 2011, and proved to be a commercial success for THQ. The yet to be named sequel is scheduled for release in THQ’s fiscal year 2014 on console and PC platforms.

About Homefront

The year is 2027. The world as we know it is unraveling after fifteen years of economic meltdown and widespread global conflict over dwindling natural resources.

A once proud America has fallen, her infrastructure shattered and military in disarray. Crippled by a devastating EMP strike the USA is powerless to resist the ever expanding occupation of a savage, nuclear armed Greater Korean Republic.

Abandoned by her former allies, the United States is a bleak landscape of walled towns and abandoned suburbs.  This is a police state where high school stadiums have become detention centers, and shopping malls shelter armored attack vehicles. A once-free people are now prisoners … or collaborators … or revolutionaries.

Meanwhile, the splintered nations of Europe struggle to maintain peace at home, as the global economy continues its downward spiral, and civil order disintegrates. The world is teetering on the brink of ruin …

About Crytek GmbH

Crytek GmbH (“Crytek”) is one of the world’s leading independent development studios for interactive entertainment. It is based in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) and has additional studios in Kiev (Ukraine), Budapest (Hungary), Sofia (Bulgaria), Seoul (South Korea) and Nottingham (UK). Crytek is dedicated to creating exceptionally high-quality video games for next-generation consoles and PC, powered by their proprietary cutting-edge 3D-Game-Technology, CryENGINE^®.

Since its foundation in 1999, Crytek has created the multi-award winning PC titles Far Cry^®, Crysis^® (awarded best PC Game of E3 2007 and Best Technology at the 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards), Crysis Warhead^® (awarded Best Graphics Technology at IGN Best of 2008 Awards) and Crysis^® 2 (awarded Best Shooter of E3 2010 and Gamescom 2010).

Crytek, Crysis and CryENGINE are registered trademarks or trademarks of Crytek GmbH in the USA, Germany and/or other countries.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices and the internet. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ, Homefront, Kaos Studios and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox LIVE logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Creative Artists Agency, which represents Crytek, brokered the deal.

BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT BEGINS CLOSED BETA TEST FOR DIABLO^® III

IRVINE, Calif. — September 20, 2011 — Blizzard Entertainment announced today that the closed beta test for Diablo^® III, its highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Diablo action role-playing game series, has begun. The company has started issuing the first wave of invitations to participate in the testing process and is planning to add more participants over the course of the beta test. While enjoying an early look at the game, beta testers will provide valuable feedback as they help Blizzard Entertainment test server stability and hardware.

In the Diablo III closed beta test, participants will be able to fight their way through part of Act I as any of the five hero classes — barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk, and demon hunter — and go head-to-skull against the Skeleton King, taking him on alone or playing cooperatively with other adventurers. They’ll also get to meet up with some of the artisans, followers, and other key characters from Sanctuary, and try out the game’s skill and crafting systems.

“This closed beta test is an important milestone for us as we enter the final stages of development on Diablo III,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “Our goal is to create the best action role-playing game experience to date, building on everything we’ve learned since the release of Diablo II and incorporating the powerful features of the new Battle.net^® platform. We hope players enjoy participating in the beta test and we look forward to hearing their feedback.”

Diablo III will continue the epic Diablo storyline, with players playing their role in the ongoing struggle to save the world of Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells. Diablo III will also be the definitive action role-playing game, with players adventuring through rich and varied settings, engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, growing in experience and ability, and acquiring items of incredible power. As the sequel to Diablo II, the game will feature the easy-to-use interface, fast-paced action, and visceral gameplay that Diablo players have come to expect and enjoy. Designed from the ground up to leverage the power of Battle.net, Diablo III will also provide gamers with industry-leading matchmaking and communication tools; convenient character- and inventory-management options; and the Diablo III auction house, which will support a robust player-driven economy. 

Diablo III will be localized and released in multiple languages; however, the beta will be English-only. Release timing and region-specific details such as pricing and supported languages will be announced at a later date. For more information on Diablo III, please visit the official website at http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/. To set up a Battle.net account and sign up for a chance to participate in the Diablo III beta test, please visit the official Battle.net website at http://www.battle.net/.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

Sydney, Australia, 21 September 2011 – MOBOTIX, the world’s largest manufacturer of megapixel network video surveillance systems, today unveiled a major update to MxControlCenter, its network video management platform.

Focusing on operator usability, MxControlCenter 2.5 introduces a host of new features, including; saved search profiles to make user defined common search queries a single-click operation, unlimited users and groups rights management control with full action audit log, and video motion search on recorded footage to identify critical events quickly.

Playback has been improved, putting common functions in user friendly locations. MxControlCenter 2.5 also improves initial system setup, allowing recording paths for multiple cameras to be configured in a single operation.

Graham Wheeler, MOBOTIX Business Development Director for Asia Pacific, said the new software provided yet another compelling reason to choose the MOBOTIX system.

“Other vendors charge tens of thousands of dollars for their video management platforms. We provide this software to our customers with no per-server or per-camera licenses, no installation fees, unlimited instances, plus phone and e-mail support for the life of the system.

“We’ve introduced some really great features that we think our customers are going to find very useful. Feedback from our customers worldwide has been key in creating the 2.5 release.

“ControlCenter allows users to easily manage and monitor their cameras and footage on-the-fly. This new release cements ControlCenter’s position as a market leader and strengthens the overall MOBOTIX offering,” Mr. Wheeler said.

These new features build on MxControlCenter’s already strong offering, including; alarm notification and management, system and software configuration management and backup, automatic camera discovery and setup using built-in Bonjour services, and flexible grid and background layouts.

MxControlCenter 2.5 integrates features for managing video walls and public display monitors using cheap and readily available thin client PCs & LCD screens, making command centre setups simple and cost efficient.

The new software has an improved export function, with additional container formats. Live recording of camera streams – even different cameras – as one clip on the local archive, means that someone tracking suspicious persons in an MxCC layout across several cameras can track that group or individual and record it as one clip.

Adam Lewis, Operations Manager at Canada Bay Club in Sydney is already using the new software.

“The new MxControlCenter update from MOBOTIX has made my day-to-day use of the system much easier. I’ve always loved this software, and the new features make it an even more powerful tool for managing our security system,” Mr. Lewis said.

To see MxControlCenter 2.5 in action, please visit the image database or product page:

https://picasaweb.google.com/mobotixau/MxCC2X#

http://www.mobotix.com/eng_AU/content/view/full/1723

MxControlCenter at a glance:
• No licenses, no installation fees, unlimited instances
• Automatic discovery and setup of cameras
• Alarm handling and management
• Unlimited grid and map/background layouts
• Camera status display
• Software and firmware management
• Future proof – free upgrades for life
• IP messaging and remote control of system
• Footage playback, search, and export
• Time synchronised playback of unlimited cameras
• Visual camera configuration
• Environment export, backup, and retrieval
• Virtual PTZ and image improvement, and hemispheric image correction
• Customisable user interface
• Integration of third-party cameras

2.5 Update at a glance:
• Users & groups rights management
• Full actions audit logging, including user notes
• Predefined search profiles for common functions (e.g., all movement on entrance cameras last hour)
• Video motion search on recorded footage (post-vm)
• Expanded API options and features
• “Four-eyes” support – supervisor confirmation on sensitive tasks such as video export
• Manage storage configuration with camera groups
• Local archive recording
• Improved usability

Designed for SMBs, new product delivers more and demands less

MELBOURNE and AMSTERDAM, 21 September 2011 — AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the distributor of the award-winning AVG Internet and mobile security software in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, today announced AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2012, a robust-protection, resource-friendly security software for today’s small- and medium-size businesses. This new version is faster, lighter, easier to use and is available now.

AVG believes SMBs need more than a stripped-down version of enterprise security: they need software designed especially for them. In a nutshell, AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2012:

• Delivers more — with respect to speed, protection, cost savings and time to focus on the day’s tasks
• Demands less — by way of smart scanning, fewer interruptions and ease of use that makes for a smaller footprint on users, administrators, PCs, servers and the overall budget
• Minimises threats — via award-winning anti-virus and Internet security protection across multiple touch-points, from e-mail and the Web to emerging threats such as information theft, social engineering and the risks involved with using social media as a marketing tool
• Reduces hassle — with an uncluttered management console

Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist at AVG (AU/NZ), said: “More than ever businesses need to be aware that the potential impact of cybercrime must not be underestimated. With our increased dependency on information technology, not protecting your business could mean the end of your business.

“After the 2008 financial crisis, the OECD began to re-examine today’s potential ‘global-shocks’. Alongside the expected threats: financial crises, pandemics and social unrest, the OECD also included ‘cyber risks’ for the first time. AVG’s recent Cybercrime Futures report highlights the increasing risks we all face and provides a call to action for businesses to protect themselves.”

Businesses must:

• Equate online security with corporate governance and brand protection, and make it a boardroom issue. This is not just a technology debate
• Protect, and keep protection updated for all computers and mobile computing devices that are brought in or taken home by staff, contractors, clients and visitors
• Promote strong password management, with password and username combinations that are not easy to guess and which include a combination of letters and numbers

AVG Business Edition products rated first in ease of use by Tolly Independent Testing Labs and AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition 2011 was awarded five stars in value for money by SC Magazine.

“AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2012 aims to be the simplest, most tailored security software for SMBs available,” Borrett said. “For businesses looking for protection without impeding performance, AVG is the most compelling solution on the market. With enhanced ergonomics and cost savings, customers can essentially set and forget — with peace of mind that we will take care of the rest while they interact in the connected world.”

In addition to security technology, AVG’s information-packed Business Resource Centre provides customers with guidance to stay up to speed on the latest security trends. Security needs are rarely the same for every organisation. AVG helps SMBs select the protection that is right for their business via an easy-to-use online security audit tool. After a short questionnaire about their business, customers receive a detailed report containing hints and tips to better protect their data.

Availability and Pricing

The complete AVG 2012 family of SMB products (including AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2012 and AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition 2012) is available now at www.avg.com.au, as well as through a large network of independent software resellers throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2012 and AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition 2012 are available in five-seat increment multi-packs with one and two year licence periods. Pricing for a one-year, five-seat license for AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2012 is A$317.20. A one-year, five-seat licence for AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition 2012 is A$199.99.

Paid AVG products come complete with free telephone support from the AVG (AU/NZ) support centre in Melbourne, backed up by free technical support by e-mail.

Keep in touch with AVG (AU/NZ)

• For breaking news, follow AVG (AU/NZ) on Twitter at twitter.com/avgaunz
• Join our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/avgaunz
• For security trends, analysis, follow the AVG (AU/NZ) blog at resources.avg.com.au

Series of HDD, SSD, card readers and flash drives with SuperSpeed USB 3.0

Sydney, Australia, September 21, 2011 – Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend®), a worldwide leader in storage products is lighting the way with its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 product portfolio which includes an array of external hard drives, solid state drives, card readers and flash drives.

StoreJet external hard drives

Equipped with lightning fast USB 3.0, the StoreJet 35T3, 25H3P and 25M3 are high capacity, powerful storage devices that allow users to enjoy speedy file transfers. The StoreJet 35T3 external hard drive offers an enormous two terabytes (2TB) of storage space for large files, while the the StoreJet 25H3P and 25M3 portable external hard drives are available in capacities up to one terabyte (1TB) – users can transfer an entire DVD movie in less than a minute and save approximately 200 or so DVD movies.

The StoreJet 35T3 is also an eco-friendly drive which can conserve up to 70% in energy consumption with its power-saving sleep mode which goes into effect after 10 minutes of inactivity. Alternatively, the StoreJet 25H3P and 25M3 are portable hard drives designed for durability. Providing a premier level of protection against accidental bumps and drops, the StoreJet 25H3P and 25M3 are housed in strong and sturdy shockproof cases with anti-slip and robust rubber enclosures that also look smart and offer sizeable storage for more downloads and files.

Solid state drive – SSD18C3

Combining the benefits of USB 3.0, the SSD18C3 1.8” USB 3.0 portable solid-state drive (SSD) encompasses all the performance and durability advantages of solid-state technology. Providing unparalleled speed and stability, the SSD18C3 is a true solid-state drive based on high quality NAND flash memory and features Turbo mode to boost data transfer speeds up to an incredible 260MB/s when connected to a USB 3.0 port.

The SSD18C3 also incorporates a One Touch auto-backup button to backup and synchronise data instantly, and Transcend’s exclusive JetFlash Elite software for productive data management. Housed in a strong yet striking exterior that can survive excessive bumps and bangs, the SSD18C3 is also compatible with USB 2.0, the SSD18C3 ensures that users will be able to transfer files on computers not yet equipped with a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port.

Multi-card reader – RDF8

Armed with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connection interface, the RDF8 delivers transfer speeds up to 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 card readers. When paired with an Ultra High Speed (UHS-1) SD card, files as large as 1GB can be transferred in less than 12 seconds due to the increased bandwidth of USB 3.0 – data can be carried to the computer as fast as the user’s memory card permits.

The RDF8 USB 3.0 card reader comprises four slots: 1) CompactFlash (CF) slot compatible with UDMA CF cards, 2) SDHC/SDXC slot that supports the new UHS-1 standard, 3) smaller slot for M2/microSD cards and, 4) slot for MS PRO/MSXC/MS DUO cards. The RDF8 is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and accepts older versions of CF, SD, and SDHC cards.

JetFlash 700 USB flash drive

Equipped with SuperSpeed USB 3.0, experience optimised interface speeds up to 10x faster and take advantage of rapid data transfer rates of up to 70MB/s – nearly twice the read speed, compared with Hi-Speed USB 2.0. The JetFlash 700, available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities, is also fully compatible with Hi-Speed USB 2.0, features easy plug and play installation with LED usage status indicator and requires no external power or battery.

The outer surface of the JetFlash 700 is streamlined, presenting a divine yet durable finish fabricated with ultrasonic welding technology. On the inside, the JetFlash 700 includes the functional Transcend Elite data management software tool for easy data backup, recovery and synchronisation. As well as allowing users to check emails from any compatible computer, the JetFlash 700 can also be used as a key to automatically log on to website accounts.

Specified to transfer at five gigabits (5Gbps) per second, USB 3.0 is up to 10 times (10x) faster than USB 2.0 and offers a substantial upgrade in the transfer of large files such as HD movies and other multimedia, high-bandwidth media (back and forth), as well as charging and syncing devices such as digital cameras and smartphones. Furthermore, USB 3.0 products, including all Transcend USB 3.0 products, are backward compatible allowing USB 2.0 devices to function with them as well.

Transcend is tackling the USB 3.0 consumer space head on, already delivering an assortment of compatible storage devices including hard drives, solid state drives, card readers and flash drives. Expanding the product line up is on the cards with Transcend expected to release more USB 3.0 products locally in the near future. Transcend is always committed to bringing out new, innovative and cutting edge products to cater to the needs of the consumers.

The Transcend StoreJet external hard drives, solid state drives, card readers and flash drives are available now in Australia and New Zealand and are back by Transcend warranty:

• StoreJet external hard drives and solid state drives – three year limited warranty
• JetFlash USB flash drives – limited lifetime warranty
• RDF8 card reader – two year limited warranty

RRPs below:

Transcend products are distributed in Australia by Cellnet, Synnex Australia, WestGroup and in New Zealand by Cellnet, Datawell(NZ), Ingram Micro New Zealand, Synnex New Zealand

About Transcend Information, Inc.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend®) is a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Transcend is a global company with offices around the world with an extensive product portfolio that has grown to include over 2,000 memory modules of every type, flash memory cards, USB flash drives, MP3 players, digital photo frames, portable hard drives, multimedia products and accessories. Transcend products are available for proprietary equipment, as well as for mass marketed PCs. For more information, visit http://au.transcend-info.com.

Bethesda Softworks are pleased to announce that Lonesome Road, the fourth add-on pack for Fallout: New Vegas, is now available for download on Xbox LIVE and Steam, and will be available on PlayStation Network on 22nd September.

In Lonesome Road you are contacted by the original Courier Six, a man by the name of Ulysses who refused to deliver the Platinum Chip at the start of Fallout: New Vegas. Ulysses promises the answer as to why he didn’t take the job, but only if you make one last journey into the hurricane-swept canyons of the Divide, a landscape torn apart by earthquakes and violent storms. It’s up to you whether you take the job or not.

For more information on Fallout: New Vegas or Lonesome Road please visit http://fallout.bethsoft.com.

David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff Teams Up with EA and Xbox to Star in the Burnout CRASH! Hoff Video Series

Sydney, Australia – September 21, 2011 – Check your airbags and brace for impact! Criterion Games, an Electronics Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio, today announced that Burnout™ CRASH! is now available on Xbox LIVE^® Arcade for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network Europe. Gamers can download the title for $15.95 AUD / $18.90 NZ or 800 Microsoft Points. The game brings hours of I-just-can’t-stop-playing! fun to living rooms worldwide. Players who want even more Burnout CRASH! excitement can head over to www.ea.com/burnout-crash tomorrow to check out the first hilarious video featuring international television superstar, David Hasselhoff. Stay tuned to the EA site for more videos over the next few weeks.

Burnout CRASH! reinvents Criterion’s fan-favorite crash mode, offering accessibility and compulsive fun for those new to the series and gameplay depth for franchise veterans. There are three exciting game modes available across six unique locations and 18 crash junctions, each requiring different skills and strategies to maximize damage, debris and points . Gamers can also express their road rage with their whole body using the optional Kinect controls. With Kinect Party Play, up to 14 players can split into teams in turn-based gameplay and use gestural controls on one television to crash and burn in an all-out battle!

Burnout CRASH! is a crazy mix of pinball arcades, TV game shows and 80s pop music. Featuring EA’s revolutionary Autolog technology, players connect, compare scores and face off against friends for endless competitive gameplay and challenging fun. In addition, the all-new Autolog Challenges feature lets players up the ante by sending direct head-to-head challenges to their friends.

For more information on Burnout CRASH!, please visit www.criteriongames.com.

Demo pits the Miami Heat against the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of the 2011 NBA Finals 

SYDNEY, Australia – September 21^st , 2011 – 2K Sports today announced that a free demo of NBA® 2K12 is now available on the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The demo allows players to relive this past season’s exciting NBA Finals and play one quarter as the Miami Heat or Dallas Mavericks. The demo showcases many of this year’s improvements, including an all-new post play system for full 360-degree player movement to dominate the paint, total shot stick control for more intuitive offensive moves, and updated visuals complete with dynamic broadcast-style pre-game highlight reels.

This year’s edition of NBA 2K, the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise*, will allow players to take control of some of the most iconic names and teams in NBA history, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Irving, and put them head-to-head against other classic and modern-day teams to create NBA dream matchups and end the debate over the “NBA’s Greatest” once and for all.

The soundtrack on this year’s NBA2K features a cross-genre of tracks highlighting both popular megastars and up-and-coming bands, including Australia’s own Kid Mac & Matt McHugh’s hit,

 ‘Hear you calling’.

NBA 2K12 is rated G by the OFLC and will be available October 7^th 2011.

For more information on 2K Sports, visit www.2KSports.com.

For more information on NBA 2K12, visit http://2kgam.es/NBA2Kpr. Fans are also encouraged to “End the Debate” on @2KSports Twitter using the #NBA2K12 hashtag.

2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

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

*According to 2008 – 2011 Gamerankings.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through August 2011.

NBA 2K12 can now be pre-ordered from leading video game retailers nationwide, and will be available October 7, 2011, for the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Windows PC.

Picture this… style and charisma…

BenQ’s new Compact Cameras and Camcorders

BenQ announce the launch of two new compact and highly functional digital cameras and a new pocket-sized, 1080p FHD camcorder into the Australian market, with price points below $200.

One of the world’s premiere producers of superior visual technology consumer products, BenQ’s latest camera and camcorder models scheduled for general release this month are expected to provide the brand with momentum for growth.

The P1410, S1430 compact cameras offer exceptional performance and a range of desirable features and functions you’d expect from high-end professional equipment – such as built-in anti-shake software and creative shooting modes including Toy Mode,  LOMO, Colour Accent and Fisheye.

The M23 Camcorder is also exceptionally well featured with a 3” touch screen display making it very easy to operate.  It can record video in Full HD 1080p resolution and is even equipped with an LED torch to illuminate subjects in low-light environments such as at night or dawn and dusk.

The three new models are all touch-capable with advanced 3” LCD screens, making them user-friendly and easy to navigate around to access functions. 

“BenQ continues to improve and advance their optical technology in what is becoming a comprehensive range of digital cameras and camcorders in this marketplace,” said Chee F. Chung, general manager for BenQ Australia. 

“We have demonstrated in our current product offering the clever use of software to deliver amazing visual effects, giving BenQ a clear point of difference in the market and reinforcing our key message that ‘enjoyment matters’,” she said.

“BenQ’s new cameras and camcorders provide Australian consumers with unlimited creativity and flexibility in a product that provides them with the ability to take polished, and very professional looking images and video for very little outlay.  The S1430 will retail for just $149.00, while the P1410 will retail for $179.00.  The compact M23 Camcorder will retail for just $199.00 – all three products offering a full 12 month warranty,” she said.

P1410 / S1430:

Black with a distinctive gold coating accentuating the outside of the zoom lens, the highly anticipated P1410 is a stylish looking, high performance camera, representing BenQ’s entry into the higher end of the market.

“This 14-megapixel P1410 boasts a full array of advanced features including a stunning 7X optical zoom lens, a clear 460k-pixel 3” LCD display, powerful double anti-shake system, special shooting effects and a beautifully designed ultra-slim casing,” she said.

“P1410 is our first camera to feature a 7X optical zoom lens and this coupled with the camera’s 28mm wide angle lens captures objects up to 15m away.  The built-in optical anti-shake in conjunction with anti-shake software makes the world not only closer, but clearer and wider,” she commented.

S1430 is a 14 Megapixel, 5X optical zoom camera with a distinctive and sophisticated appearance.  Produced in a unique caramel gold, the S1430 is designed specifically to appeal to young Gen-Y photography enthusiasts interested in creative shooting modes, a touch screen interface and auto-operation.   The O.I.S. (optical image stabiliser) prevents blur on shots and works together with the anti-shake software to compensate for unintended camera movements or slow shutter speeds to deliver crisply rendered, sharp and crystal clear images.

Shooting modes on the P1410 and S1430 include Toy Mode, LOMO Style, Colour Accent and Fisheye.  Toy Mode automatically applies blurs and increases colour contrasts to create a toy miniature effect to any elevated view point – an effect which is traditionally achieved by using a professional camera with a tilt-shift lens or photo retouching software.  LOMO Style adds effects like retro colour hues or vignette faded borders and the Colour Accent effect allows the user to keep one selected colour in the photo whilst having the rest converted into black and white.  This effect is also accessible in video mode. Fisheye mode will provide a hemispherical view of the subject, adding intriguing creative possibilities to your photography.

Powered by BenQ’s latest HDRII (High Dynamic Range) image enhancement technology, the P1410 and S1430 are able to self-adjust the darkest and the brightest part in a composition to deliver images in absolute clarity.  This allows for perfecting of photography under extreme lighting conditions, whether sunrise or sunset or a strong backlight scenario. 

Continued Chung, “There is no need for photo-touching or even makeup with these new cameras as the ‘de-blemish’ mode automatically improves skin texture in the photo whilst the ‘skin-soften’mode softens freckles, wrinkles or imperfections.

M23 Camcorder

Pocket-sized, versatile, well-featured and easily operated with a 3”touch screen display, the M23 offers the ultimate in value for money retailing at just $199.00.  Perhaps its most innovative feature is the Night Mode Feature, which is capable of capturing video footage at night. 

When Night Mode is activated, the camcorder automatically sets the right settings in low-light situations – the built-in LED torch brightens subjects and can light objects at a distance of around one metre for a professional result in any environment.

The M23 features a 5X optical zoom, 5MP CMOS sensor, records video in 1080p FHD and has extra storage and added flexibility with two SD card slots.  M23 will automatically switch to the secondary storage when one is full, doubling its capacity.  Touch Exposure is another feature which allows users to touch on the area that needs adjusting on the touch screen display, to automatically optimise the exposure level. Another key feature available on M23 is Motion Detection – this initiates filming as soon as a subject moves.

RRP:

P1410:           $179.00

S1430:            $149.00

M23:               $199.00

The M23 joins the M11 Camcorder which was released earlier this year.

M11 Camcorder

Smart engineering, functionality and intuitive operation combine to make the M11 Camcorder an appealing purchase for anyone looking for a video camera that not only captures precious family memories in 1080p Full HD, but provides scope for movie production with professional touches like time-lapse photography and slow-motion or accelerated playback.

Pocket-sized and easy to operate, the M11 is fitted with a 10MP CMOS sensor, 5X optical zoom and a 3.0”16:9 touch screen display ensuring a professional result when used by even the most inexperienced photographer.

But it’s the added extras like the camera’s time-lapse recording feature and options for slow-motion and accelerated playback functions, as well as a 3sec pre-recording and dual stream recording abilities that make BenQ’s M11 excellent value for money at an RRP of $239.00.

The P1410, S1430 and M23 (and M11) are available now.  For information and stockists, visit www.BenQ.com.au

Gametraders “Mogo The Monkey” Game Wins First iOS Award

Gametraders Australia is proud to announce that its firsti iOS Game “Mogo The Maonkey has won the 2011 Australian Mobile Awards for Best Game – Action and Adventure Category.

Gametraders in partnership with Enabled developed and marketed the game that has come out a winner. Already over 40000 copies of the game have been downloaded.

“The game Mogo the Monkey in Operation Jungle Bungle also been featured in Apple’s iTunes store under New and Noteworthy and What’s Hot,” said Mr Rob Jenkins, Gamtraders National Marketing Manger.

“This is Gametraders second iOS app with a gamer’s utility app also available that allows gamers to take their gaming library list with them at all times,” he said.

Managing Director of Gametraders, Mark Langford celebrated the award by announcing Gametraders were looking to partner other developers in launching other apps both in Australia and overseas. Gametraders have 2 iOS games in the pipe for release and are talking to developers of exciting new games to be released worldwide.

Gametraders is an Australian retail franchise that specialises in video games and pop culture products.