Oct. 22, 2008: Intel Corporation is holding its Intel Developer Forum in Taipei from Oct. 20-21.  Below are brief summaries and news highlights from Mooly Eden and Shane Wall’s keynote speeches.

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Mooly Eden, “Expanding the Frontiers of Mobility”

Corporate Vice President, General Manager, Mobile Platforms Group, Intel Corporation

In his keynote address, Mooly Eden today described the latest Intel mobile technologies for “expanding the frontiers of mobility” as newer Internet applications continue to drive how people use their PCs, placing new demands on performance and capabilities requirements. Eden showed an early working 2009 mobile platform codenamed “Calpella” based on the new Nehalem architecture, as well as the new Intel mobile quad-core processor-based notebooks raising the bar on the ultimate HD multimedia and gaming experience.

Eden also discussed Intel’s new mobile concept: UrbanMax featuring small form factor Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology and future mobile platform enhancements, including the Intel® High-Performance SATA Solid-State Drive Product Line, HD Playback and Touchscreen Displays. Together with a robust showcase of laptops and netbooks, Eden demonstrated the extensive design possibilities and devices made possible by Intel’s mobile processor technologies. 

Calpella Platform Architecture – Intel’s next-generation mobile platform powered by the upcoming 45nm-based Nehalem Architecture will offer better performance and energy efficiency in innovative form factors. Calpella takes advantage of specific features of the new Nehalem architecture for improved mobile platform performance and energy efficiency in a number of ways:

·        Higher integration – Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) and graphics into the processors; and Display, Intel® Management Engine, NVM controllers, clock buffers gets integrated into the PCH.

·        Integrated Power Gate – Enables energy-efficient integration of power switches that can turn cores on or off when not in use, with near-zero leakage power; based on process breakthrough which makes active/sleep transitions much faster. Integrated Power Gate technology will also be used in the memory system, cache and IO to dynamically power down these sub-systems when not in use.

·        Modular/ Scalable Clocking – Allows core, memory system and I/O to run at independent voltage and frequency enabling faster response time and improved energy efficiency.

·        Other features: Calpella will also incorporate Intel® Turbo Boost Technology with Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® technology to increase energy efficiency; Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology for simultaneous multi-threading and the Loop Streaming Detector for handling replays and large loops, saving power by as much as four fold.

Mobile Quad Core Processors — Intel’s first mobile quad-core processors, the Intel® Core™2 Extreme QX9300 and the Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9100, offer four separate and powerful processing cores to deliver unprecedented multi-threading performance:

• World’s first and highest-performing mobile quad-core processor – Intel 45nm hi-K process technology; four cores running at 2.53 GHz with a 1066MHz FSB and 12MB L2 cache.
• Ultimate CPU engine — Incredible performance on highly threaded applications; great game play and realism on immersive multi-threaded games; headroom for the growing number of multi-core- enabled games and applications; overspeed protection removed to enable system tuning for maximum performance.
• More information: www.intel.com/products/processor/core2xe/mobile/index.htm.
• Intel’s best quad core mobile processor technology — The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9100 is a new CPU for the Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology and Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology lineup. Offering quad-core performance for intensive, demanding HD multimedia and workstation applications and industry-leading battery life for quad-core processing, the mobile quad-core processor is based on Intel’s 45nm hi-K process technology running at 2.26 GHz, with a 1066MHz FSB and 12MB L2 cache.

UrbanMax: The New Intel Mobile Concept ­– UrbanMax is a new 2008 Mobile Concept based on Intel’s latest small form factor (SFF) technology that allows grounds-up design targeting Web 2.0 usages and users. SFF-based platform components can be made up from a number of new SFF Intel processors, Intel® High Performance SSD, HD Playback and 11.1” Touchscreen Display.

• Small Form Factor Processors – Eight new small form factor processors, including two Power Optimized Performance, two new low-voltage, and two new ultra low-voltage Intel® Core™2 Duo processors, as well as a new Intel® Core™2 Solo processor, a new Intel® Celeron processors and Intel® Atom processors.
• Form Factor Resolution – Now introducing Intel® Centrino® 2 processors allowing 58 per cent reduction in area, 68 per cent reduction in volume resulting in lower power consumption and smaller die sizes.
• Lower TDP – Intel’s new small form factor processors have lower TDPs than typical 35W mobile mainstream products and come in smaller package sizes (22x22mm vs. 35x35mm).
• Multiple Operation Modes in a Single UrbanMax Device – “On the go” mode features latest touch interface technology, and “on the go keypad” mode allowing key/touch interaction, and “lap top” mode delivering a look and feel of traditional mobile platforms.

Intel® Remote Wake Technology – Intel’s new remote access technology for mainstream and multimedia desktop PC; features the Intel® G45 Express Chipset  which enables a multitude of capabilities by allowing anytime access over the Internet to home PCs, while it is in energy-efficient sleep mode.

·        Shipping Today – On-stage demonstration of Acer Aspire M5700 consumer PC supporting this new feature, and shipping today bundled with Acer Arcade™ Live4 Remote Wake enabled application.

·        Benefits  — Allows a consumer to enjoy their stored entertainment content (music, photo, video) from any broadband Internet connected device (such as laptop, cell phone, or mobile internet device) while away from home. Traditionally, a PC must be powered on all the time for remote access usage. However, a PC with Intel Remote Wake Technology can be “woken up” from sleep mode for remote access, saving energy and cost.

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Shane Wall, “Mobile Internet Devices: The Innovation Platform,” Vice President of Intel’s Mobility Group and Director, Strategic Planning, Platform Architecture and Software, Ultra Mobility Group

Shane Wall led the Ultra Mobility Group keynote describing how the Internet is positioned to go mobile, Intel’s inherent advantages in the MID segment, and the progress Intel is making on the silicon, platform, and ecosystem fronts. Wall discussed the increasingly pervasive nature of the Internet and the trends accelerating this growth including social networking, user-generated content and location-based services. Users want to carry this Internet experience with them in their pockets (or purses). He said that the Intel^® Atom™ processor Z5xx series-based MIDs are continuing to become platforms for innovation in the mobile ecosystem and showcased a number of devices coming to market.

Intel® Atom™ Processor-based MIDs Deliver High Performance, Low Power and Software Compatibility: Wall reinforced how the Intel Atom processor delivers the highest performance in the sub 3W segment, while consuming dramatically lower power, with >2x performance against today’s marketplace competition. Wall demonstrated Intel’s highest-performance Atom processor, 1.86GHz, on an OQO Productivity MID and showcased “World of Warcraft,” one of the most intensive online games on the device. He also showcased support of Full HD (1080p, 30fps) in the Intel® System Controller Hub and highlighted the inherent advantage IA MIDs have in delivering Internet compatibility.

First-Generation MIDs Continue to Hit the Market: Wall announced the launch of the Compal device, branded “My PC Pocket,” on the SFR network in France. The device boasts of a compelling UI, integrated apps and services from the SFR portal, seamless WiFi and 3G roaming, and an SFR apps store with easy access to rich content and services. Wall also spotlighted a number of MIDs in his keynote including the Productivity MID from Kohjinsha, the Clarion Mobile Internet Navigation Device (MiND), and the BenQ Entertainment/Communication MID recently deployed on the TIM network. Additionally, Wall outlined the growing momentum behind MIDs with strong interest from Aigo*, Asus*, BenQ*, BYD*, Clarion*, Compal*, Digifriends*, Fujitsu*, Gigabyte*, Hanbit*, Innowell*, Inventec*, Kohjinsha*, Lenovo*, OQO*, Panasonic*, PearTree*, Sharp*, Sony*, Trigem*, Techfaith*, USI*, Wibrain* and Yukyung*.

MID Ecosystem Continues to Gain Momentum: The MID software ecosystem based on Moblin (www.moblin.org) continues to gain momentum with thousands of community developers and hundreds of ISVs actively working to deliver middleware and applications for MIDs. Wall welcomed Neusoft*, a premier software and services company in China, to his keynote, reinforced that Neusoft has joined the MID ecosystem and is working with MID customers to deliver Moblin compliant apps and SI services. Wall also demonstrated a prototype device from Yukyung, one of the leading CE vendors from Korea, and Haansoft, an Asianux consortium member who has integrated more than 10 applications into a compelling 3-D “Cube” UI.  Previously, Nuance Communications* had participated in the opening keynote where they had showcased how speech can deliver an intuitive user experience. Additionally, Intel announced a number of industry leaders who are joining the MID ecosystem including California Micro Devices* (MIPI display bridge), Fluendo* (media player and codecs), Gameloft* (casual gaming), GyPSii* (location-based social networking), Livecast* (streaming video), Minigate* (widget engine), Move Networks* (Internet video delivery solutions), Mytopia* (social networked casual gaming), Navteq* (location-based services ecosystem), Orb Networks* (anywhere media access), and TuneWiKi* (next-generation music player).

Intel Spotlights Taiwan Innovation: Wall showcased the world’s thinnest MID based on the Intel Atom processor from USI.  He also applauded the success of the MID Innovation Alliance that Intel announced about 18 months ago and congratulated the progress made by BenQ*, Compal*, Inventec* and Quanta* in building compelling MIDs and bringing them to market. Wall announced that Intel is working with the alliance members (Asus*, BenQ*, Compal*, EB*, HTC*, Inventec*, Quanta*) on the Moorestown platform and is adding a new member, Compal Communications* (CCI), to the alliance given its strong competency in the communications space.

Copyright © Intel Corporation 2008

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Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Intel Demonstrates World’s First Working ‘Moorestown’ Platform

Internet Spiral Continues to Fuel Industry Innovation

Across Multiple Devices and Experiences

INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, Taipei, Taiwan, Oct. 20, 2008 – The surge of new Internet-based applications and innovations will require a common, yet flexible platform from which the industry can innovate upon, and the Intel® Architecture is well positioned at the core of exciting new innovations and transformation, according to Intel executive Anand Chandrasekher.

In his keynote today at the Intel Developer Forum in Taiwan, Intel’s senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s Ultra Mobility Group discussed how

technology innovation and strong industry collaboration have driven the digital economy over the past 40 years, and the universal impact that the Internet and mobile Web has had in people’s lives.

“Technology innovation is the catalyst for new user experiences, industry collaborations and business models that together will shape the next 40 years,” said Chandrasekher. “As the next billion people

connect to and experience the Internet, significant opportunities lie in the power of technology and the development of purpose-built devices that deliver more targeted computing needs and experiences.”

Chandrasekher cited the Intel® Atom™ processor, the upcoming “Nehalem” processor, and the Intel “Moorestown” platform scheduled for the 2009-2010 timeframe as prime examples of innovation and technology leadership. Also highlighted was the progress Intel is making in the Mobile Internet Devices (MID) market segment with the world’s first working “Moorestown” platform demonstration.

Moorestown comprises of an SOC, codenamed “Lincroft,” which integrates the 45nm processor, graphics, memory controller and video encode/decode onto a single chip and an I/O hub codenamed “Langwell”, which supports a range of I/O ports to connect with wireless, storage, and display components in addition to incorporating several board level functions. Chandrasekher stated that Intel is on

track to reduce Moorestown platform idle power by more than 10x compared to the first-generation MIDs based on the Intel Atom processor.

Chandrasekher said that Moorestown will be a catalyst for exciting and innovative developments that will extend the full Internet experience into the smartphone space with the Communication MID. He indicated that Moorestown platforms will support a range of wireless technologies including 3G, WiMAX, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and mobile TV. 

Additionally, Chandrasekher announced a collaboration with Ericsson* for HSPA data modules optimised for the Moorestown platform. He also announced that Option* is extending its collaboration for HSPA modules to the Moorestown platform. These 3G modules come in 25x30x2.x mm small size, are optimised for Moorestown power requirements and will help provide MID users with more powerful, always connected Internet-based experiences.

Dynamic innovation in the digital enterprise 
Kirk Skaugen, general manager of Intel’s Server Platforms Group, provided details of next-generation high-end desktops powered by the Intel® Core™ i7 processor, launching next month. These high-end desktops will provide outstanding performance for gaming and content creation applications. Skaugen also shared that the 2009 Intel® vPro technology-based business clients codenamed “Piketown” for desktops and “Calpella” for notebooks will be powered by future Nehalem processors and will provide corporate customers with even more enterprise-focused innovations. 

The upcoming Nehalem microarchitecture spans a range of products. First segments will include the Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a variant designed for the efficient performance server segments codenamed “Nehalem-EP.” A derivative designed for the expandable server market segment (“Nehalem-EX”) as well as other desktop and mobile versions (“Havendale,” “Lynnfield,” “Auburndale” and “Clarksfield”) will be in production beginning in the second half of 2009.

Skaugen also announced that IBM and Intel will further collaborate to drive open innovation in the blade server market.

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective owners. 

Microsoft are giving away over two million Microsoft points in the next 22 days to 22 lucky Gears of War fans who take part in Xbox 360’s ‘22 Days of Mayhem’ Campaign.

From the 17th October till the launch of Gears of War 2 on the 7th November, an Xbox 360 LIVE promotion will reward one Gears of War multi-player gamer each day with 100,000 Microsoft points and a signed poster from Gears 2 design director Cliff Bleszinski.

Fans that play 22 games of Gears of War multi-player from today til November 7th will be able to enter the draw for the major prize, which is an Xbox 360-themed UTE along with some Gears of War 2 art images from Epic Games.

“22 Days of Mayhem is a call to arms for Gears of War fans to play multi-player in anticipation for the launch of Gears of War 2,” said Andrew Jenkins, Product Marketing Manager, games & LIVE, Microsoft. “We know Australian gamers love to play Gears of War and we want to reward fans who are playing the game in anticipation of the upcoming sequel.” 

Gears of War 2 tells the story of humanity’s last stand against the nightmarish, underground Locust Horde, and is the follow-up to one of the most popular Xbox 360 games in history. Gears of War 2 is rated “MA15+” by the Australian Classification Board and will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 with an RRP* of $99.95 for the Standard Edition and $119.95 for the Limited Edition.

* Recommended retail prices only at participating retailers. The price consumers actually pay will be determined by the retailer.

About Xbox 360

The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 160 high-definition games and is expected to be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

Watch the new trailer here or alternatively let me know if you would like a copy. I have SD and HD in both Quick Time and Windows Media formats. 

Multiplayer builds from the success of Call of Duty delivering a persistent online experience for more squad based interaction.  New development with party systems allows an intimacy with squad based combat never before seen in Call of Duty. Combined infantry and vehicle missions add a new dimension to the online warfare and offers more PERK abilities. 

For more information visit www.callofduty.com

Sydney, Australia, October 17, 2008 – ASUS introduces high fashion and productivity in one complete, slender package with the Eee PC S101. Stunningly styled for the fabulous fashionista, the Eee PC S101 cuts a prominent profile that complements the inner supermodel. Striking a pose in three gorgeous and glistening colours – Brown, Champagne or Graphite – the Eee PC S101 is accentuated with premium Infusion finishes and crystal-adorned hinges. And under the cover the Eee PC S101 has a vibrant 10.2” wide active matrix LED-backlit display which is capable of running at WSVGA resolution.

Building upon the ground-breaking form factor, ergonomics and features of its Eee PC predecessors, the Eee PC S101 incorporates incredible portability. Weighing a featherlike 1kg and measuring a svelte 1.8cm, the Eee PC S101 integrates enhanced features such as the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) and Eee Storage, Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth V2.0 in a package that is modelled on the glossy fashion magazine.

The Eee PC S101 equipped with the energy saving SHE, allocates power according to users preferences and accurately detects users power requirements and makes the necessary power adjustments – preserving its battery life. Moving further forward, the Eee PC S101 has added various storage solutions for storing and accessing important documents. Its head-turning and handy highlights complement progressive features including shockproof solid state drive (SSD), 4-in-1 flash card reader that supports MMC, SD, Memory Stick and MS-PRO, and an encrypted 20GB internet storage facility aptly named Eee Storage.

Also equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11n enabling high speed internet access and Bluetooth V2.0 ensures fast and convenient connectivity. The Eee PC S101 is available with Microsoft Windows XP Home (in Australia and New Zealand) offering users with moderate to substantial computing experience more configuration avenues and a wider spread of applications. The inclusion of Windows Live™ Messenger and Windows Live Mail ensures that all of the users communication needs are fully met and the inclusion of Microsoft Works allows users the ability to work efficiently while out of the office.

The Eee PC S101 from ASUS is the celebrity of the emerging Eee PC range, making convenience computing Eeeasy and trendEee – it is the supermodel of netbooks.

The Eee PC S101 from ASUS is available in Australia through selected resellers. RRP: AU$999 inc GST.

Specifications

Operating System
 Genuine Windows XP Home
 
Display
 10.2” wide active matrix LED-backlit TFT, WSVGA 1024×600, 252K colours
 
CPU
 Intel Atom 1.6Ghz
 
Chipset
 Intel 945GSE, ICH7-M
 
LAN
 Onboard 10/100 Mbps fast ethernet controller
 
Wireless Data Network
 WLAN: 802.11n, Bluetooth V2.0
 
Memory
 1GB DDR2
 
Storage
 16GB solid state drive (SSD)
 
Interface
 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 audio jacks: headphones / mic in
 
Camera
 0.3M pixel
 
Reader
 4-in-1 MMC, SD, Memory Stick, MS-PRO flash card slot
 
Touchpad
 Multi-touch
 
Audio
 High definition audio CODEC built-in high quality stereo speakers, digital array mic
 
Battery
 Lithium polymer battery: 4 cell
 
Dimensions
 264mm (w) x 180.5 (d) x 18 ~ 25mm (h)
 
Weight
 1kg
 
Casing colours / Infusion
 Brown, Champagne or Graphite
 
About ASUS

ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than 8,000 and a world-class R&D design team, the company’s turnover for 2007 was 6.9 billion US dollars. ASUS ranks among the top 10 IT companies in BusinessWeek’s “InfoTech 100” and has been on the listing for 11 consecutive years. ASUS was also selected by the Wall Street Journal Asia as No.1 in quality and service in Taiwan. For more information, visit www.asus.com.au.

MELBOURNE – Thursday 16 October, 2008 – The eGames Expo will feature the largest imaginable array of games titles – including lots of new and soon-to-be-released games – when it returns to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 14 to 16 November… ensuring gaming fun for absolutely anyone and everyone who visits the show.

“Anyone with an interest in games – from fanatics to newcomers – will have their hands full and their senses pushed into overdrive when they come down to the eGames Expo and Digital Lifestyle Show,” commented iDEF Festival Director, Peter Barlow.

“With so many games titles to see, play and buy, the expo will offer a real kaleidoscope of gaming fun, ensuring fun for people of all ages and interests.”

Staged alongside the new Digital Lifestyle Show, eGames will again give visitors the chance to get really ‘hands on’ with literally anything and everything from the world of electronic games and gain a greater insight into the best products available for a truly digital lifestyle.

Some of the features on the long, long list of games titles to be showcased at eGames are:

FROM ACTIVISION

Call of Duty: World at War.
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, PC, Playstation 2, Nintendo DS)

Guitar Hero 3
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2)
 
James Bond: Quantum of Solace
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, PC, Playstation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS)

FROM AFA INTERACTIVE

Bangai-O Spirits
(Nintendo DS)

Dark Sector
(Playstation 3)

Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3)

Family Party: 30 Great Games
(Nintendo Wii)

Monster Madness: Grave Danger
(Playstation 3)

Puzzle Quest Galactrix
(Nintendo DS, Xbox Live Arcade, PC)
-more-
R-Type Tactics
(PSP)

Super Swing Golf
(Nintendo Wii)

FROM ATARI

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, Playstation 2, PSP)

Tomb Raider: Underworld
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, PC, Nintendo DS)

FROM ELECTRONIC ARTS

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
(PC)

FIFA 09
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS)

Mirror’s Edge
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC)

FIFA 09 All-Play
(Nintendo Wii)
Playable at the EA stand

FROM FUNTASTIC

Disney Sing It feat. Camp Rock & Hannah Montana 
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2)
 
Disney Sing It feat. High School Musical 3
(Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2)
 
Disney THINK Fast)
(Nintendo Wiik, Playstation 2)
 
High School Musical – Senior Year DANCE! (Funtastic)
(Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2)

Pure
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC)

FROM MICROSOFT

Gears of War 2
(Xbox 360)
 
FROM SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT

Buzz Quiz TV (Playstation 3)

Little Big Planet
(Playstation 3)
 
MotorStorm Pacific Rift
(Playstation 3)

-more-
Resistance 2
(Playstation 3)
 
SingStar ABBA
(Playstation 3, Playstation 2)
 
SingStar Volume 3
(Playstation 3)

FROM UBISOFT

Naruto: The Broken Bond
(Xbox 360)
 
Prince of Persia
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC)
 
Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party
(Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS)

Shaun White Showboarding
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS)
 
Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip
(Nintendo Wii)
 
Tom Clancy’s EndWar
(Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS)
 
The Digital Lifestyle Show and eGames Expo will be literally ‘packed to the rafters’ with a wide range of devices ranging from high definition LCD and plasma screens and home entertainment systems to video games, consoles, personal computers and mobile devices.

The eGames Expo will also feature a series of video games play-offs, designed to give visitors the chance to get really ‘hands on’ with all the games on show. Eager games enthusiasts will also be able to enter in the chance to win some great prizes. Intel’s professional game players – Team Immunity – will be on hand to showcase the more serious side of game playing while giving visitors to the show the opportunity to play against some the best players in Australia.

A series of seminars and presentations will be held during the Digital Lifestyle Show and eGames Expo, designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain an insight into the career choices that exist and the range of opportunities that the digital industry can provide.

On stage presentations and ‘hands-on’ experiences with leading brands at the Digital Lifestyle Show will showcase the latest products and provide visitors with the opportunity to gain an insight into the digital products and services that are either already doing so, or are set to revolutionise our lives. With ‘digital’ recognised as the way of the future, the expo will provide people who want to find out about the latest, greatest and ‘soon to be seen’ digital products and services with the opportunity to see them first hand.

For all the latest in the world of digital entertainment, make sure you are in Melbourne during November to be part of the biggest interactive event in Australia. Check out www.idef.com.au for all the details.

When it comes to hand-held strategy/action titles, there is no better than Lock’s Quest. With a 9/10 review score in Hyper, and the number 1 position in GamePlayer’s top ten DS purchases for Christmas, the critically acclaimed game is destined to become a talked about experience. 

As part of the game’s release, we’re running a family-oriented competition where you can “Win a Build & Battle Pack For You and Your Dad!”. The pack includes a modded Nintendo DS Lite (created by airbrush artist Daniel Power), a $2500 Bunnings voucher, a giant-sized adjustable spanner/wrench set, a solar-powered backpack (you really have to check this out: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/bag_backpack.shtml ) and a couple of Lock’s Quest related books. 

The competition details are at www.locksquest.com.au and you can find out much more about the game there. (Be sure to watch the animated comic book video!)

CAMBRIDGE – October 8, 2008 – Break out the party hats as D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, announced today that it will bring Family Party: 30 Great Games exclusively to Wii™.  Fun for kids of all ages, Family Party: 30 Great Games offers a wide variety of fun and addictive party games for up to 4 players featuring everything from track n’ field, to playground games, to brain games and more.  The party is slated to begin when Family Party: 30 Great Games ships to retail stores world-wide in December 2008.

“Customized for the Wii Remote™, Family Party: 30 Great Games showcases the variety of gameplay and madcap action possible on Wii,” said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, North America, D3P.  “With 30 great games to choose from, Family Party: 30 Great Games will appeal to a wide variety of gamers and offer hours of entertainment for the entire family.” 

Optimized for the Wii Remote, Family Party: 30 Great Games will have more than 30 fun games to play as players tackle obstacle courses, plate spin, fire laser guns, test their wit at memory games and more.  The game will offer a dozen fun, cute, and happy characters for players to choose from as they party with up to 4 friends in Challenge Mode or against computer-controlled opponents in Battle Mode to unlock more levels and characters to achieve high score and win medals. 

Family Party: 30 Great Games is developed by Tamsoft.  For more information, please visit: www.d3publisher.com.

CAMBRIDGE– October 3, 2008 – An action hero emerges from the pixels as D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced plans for Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard™, a third-person shooter with a sense of humour for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  Offering an original storyline and an off-the-wall cast of characters, Eat Lead is written by 2008 Writer’s Guild Award winner, Dave Ellis, and features the return of imaginary 80’s videogame action hero, Matt Hazard, and parodies some of the most beloved genres of games and pop culture.  Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard is anticipated for release in Q1 2009.

In Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard, videogame action hero Matt Hazard gets his chance to prove once and for all that he is the king of shooters when the new owner of mega game publisher, Marathon Megasoft, gives Matt his comeback role starring in a new title for next-gen consoles that pits him against all of his memorable foes from videogames past.  In the world of Eat Lead, however, everything stops being a game and becomes reality when it is clear that someone is using the new game to bring about Matt’s death once and for all.  With only the mysterious “QA” to help him, Matt must fight against a legion of Marathon Megasoft catalogue of videogame characters to keep it from being “Game Over” forever.

“Eat Lead parodies some of our fondest memories in classic gaming and pop culture, so gamers will have a laugh out loud experience every time they pick-up the controller,” said, Pete Andrew, vice president, product development, North America, D3P. “With an original storyline, Eat Lead perfectly blends action and humour with rock solid gameplay for an experience like no other.”

Eat Lead pays homage to the games of yesteryear with a menagerie of classic enemies such as zombies, space marines, cowboys, genetically mutated super snipers, and more in an expansive level environment design that reflects videogame history in a next-gen package.  The game fires on all cylinders with explosive artillery and combat moves to help gamers escape from a variety of predicaments including radically-changing environments during gameplay via the “hack effects” Hazard’s nemesis uses by altering the game’s code on the fly.   Throughout the adventure, players will utilize a strategic cover system dubbed “point and cover”, upgradeable weapons and different interactive melee moves to attack and outsmart foes. 

Developed by Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., Eat Lead will feature its new game development engine, Vicious Engine 2 (V^e2). For more information on Eat Lead, please visit www.EatLeadVideoGame.com.

About D3Publisher

D3Publisher, a subsidiary of D3, Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment publisher and distributor for licensed and original titles for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems.  D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan.  The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine.  Recent releases have included Dark Sector®, Dead Head Fred®, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords®, and Ben 10™: Protector of Earth.  For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.com. 

# # #

Dark Sector® is a registered trademark of Digital Extremes.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.  All rights reserved.

About Vicious Cycle Software

Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., based in Morrisville, NC, is a premier developer of interactive entertainment software across all platforms. Founded in 2000, the company blazed onto the gaming scene with its debut title Robotech: Battlecry and continues to create compelling titles for all age groups based on licensed and original content.  Vicious Cycle is the developer and licensor of the Vicious Engine, a comprehensive and fully portable middleware solution for personal computers, consoles, and handheld systems. Recently, the company announced Vicious Engine 2 (V^e2) which offers a suite of new and improved game development features on the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION^®3 computer entertainment system.  For more information, please visit the company’s web sites at www.viciouscycleinc.com and www.viciousengine.com.  Vicious Cycle is a D3Publisher development studio.

CAMBRIDGE– 17^th September, 2008 – D3Publisher, a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, will bring Cartoon Network’s next generation series BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE to videogame systems across Australia with BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game on the Wii™ home videogame system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.

The successful inaugural game for the brand, Ben 10™: Protector of Earth, launched in November 2007 and has sold more than one million units worldwide. Based on the next generation television series launching on Cartoon Network in October, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game begins five years after Ben put away the DNA-scrambling Omnitrix, but now Grandpa Max has gone missing and the planet Earth is in grave danger. Gamers must help Ben take the Omnitrix out of retirement and lead eight different playable characters—including cousin Gwen, enemy-turned-ally Kevin E. Levin and five of Ben’s brand new alien forms—to utilize their all-new super powers and defeat the intergalactic invaders! BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is slated to ship to retail outlets across Australia this Spring 2008.

”BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE is the only console video game where players can take control of the ALIEN FORCE TEAM and experience their brand-new superpowers,” said Adam Roberts, Managing Director of D3P Europe.  “With a great new series of Ben 10 ready to launch and the impressive million-plus unit sales of Ben 10 Protector of Earth, we’re confident that our latest collaboration with Cartoon Network on Ben 10: Alien Force The Game will prove even more successful.”

“We are excited to be able to have our viewers experience our famous Cartoon Network characters in a new way and the Channel is always on the look out for new opportunities to give our fans as many alternatives as possible to engage with our characters,” said Dulce Lim-Chen, Vice-president, Cartoon Network Enterprises, Asia Pacific..  “The release of BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game …will build upon the success of the first videogame by expanding fans’ experience with the brand and giving them a new battle to win with Ben Tennyson.”

In BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game, players embark on an adventure to find Grandpa Max and stop a diabolical Highbreed alien plot as they battle more than 20 types of enemies, including Highbreed invaders and DNAliens. Gamers take control of Ben and his new alien forms Swampfire, Jet Ray, Humungousaur, Spidermonkey and Big Chill to employ distinctly different and complex powers to manipulate fire, swim underwater, grow more than 60 feet tall, stick to walls, fly at mach speed, plus lots more! Gamers will also harness cousin Gwen’s new talent to create an energy shield and use it to protect and attack, as well as Kevin E. Levin’s ability to absorb materials like concrete, wood and metal to create an impenetrable shell on his body. BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE The Game is a fast-paced, 3D side-scrolling action adventure that offers eight playable characters, an unlimited combo system and puzzles and challenges that will engage players of all levels for hours at a time. The Nintendo DS version will offer alternate playable alien forms including Goop and Echo Echo, giving players additional unique powers to command and explore.

 BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game for Nintendo DS is under development by 1^st Playable Productions, LLC. All other versions are under development by Monkey Bar Games™.

About D3Publisher

D3Publisher, a subsidiary of D3, Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment publisher and distributor for licensed and original titles for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems.  D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan.  The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine.  Recent releases have included Dark Sector®, Dead Head Fred®, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords®, and Ben 10™: Protector of Earth.  For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.com.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (www.cartoonnetwork.com.au) is one of the most popular entertainment channels among kids and is currently seen in over 2 million homes in Australia.  The Network is distributed on Austar, Foxtel and Optus.  Launched in Australia in 1995, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s (TBS) Cartoon Network offers the best in animated entertainment.  Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including BEN 10, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Codename: Kids Next Door, The Powerpuff Girls and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Cartoon Network is the number one channel for kids in Asia Pacific and is currently seen in over 56 million cable homes in the region.  Online, Cartoon Network reaches almost 2 million unique visitors a month in Asia Pacific.

TBS Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

About BEN 10

BEN 10 (www.ben10.net) is Cartoon Network’s widely successful animated action-adventure series featuring Ben Tennyson, a 10-year-old boy with the ability to morph into different aliens using a strange alien device called the Omnitrix. A global phenomenon, BEN 10 is now being aired in more than 160 countries around the world.  In Asia Pacific, the show is seen in 118 million households in 23 countries.

BEN 10 landed in Australia in April of 2007 to become an instant hit, achieving Cartoon Network’s highest rating for 2007.  The premiere of the special, made-for-TV movie BEN 10: Secret of the Omnitrix in August 2007 was Cartoon Network’s most-watched show on record and, today, the BEN 10 series is Cartoon Network’s highest-rated show for kids for 2008. Along with the new animated series, BEN 10 has also spawned a tremendously successful toy and DVD lines. The BEN 10 collectible figure has been the no.1 toy in the market in May 2008 and the latest DVD release, BEN 10 Season 3, holds the no. 1 children’s DVD spot upon launch (GfK: May 2008).  The first live-action made-for-TV CGI movie, BEN 10: Race Against Time, premiered in Australia on September 20, 2008.

Spiderman: Web of Shadows is about to cast its web on October 29^th and to get your spidey senses tingling once again a number of trailers have been released. 

The Launch trailer, S.H.I.E.L.D Survival guide and the Heroes and Villains trailers featuring Electro and Moon Knight can all be seen here. If you would like a copy of the launch trailer please let me know. I also have a selection of new screens and renders available so let me know if you would like to use these. 

Where do you want to party? How about the Penguin Palace! 

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is one of this summer’s most highly anticipated kid’s titles. The latest trailer to be released, which can be viewed here, explores the many environments featured throughout the game.