Today we’re proud to officially announce that Max Payne 3, the highly-anticipated dark and gritty action experience that continues the tale of former New York City detective Max Payne, will be available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 on May 15, 2012 in North America and May 18, 2012 in Europe, with the PC version launching on May 29th, 2012 in North America and June 1st, 2012 in Europe.

For Max, the tragedies that took his loved ones years ago are wounds that refuse to heal. No longer a cop, close to washed up and addicted to pain killers, he takes a job in São Paulo, Brazil, protecting the family of wealthy real estate mogul Rodrigo Branco, in an effort to finally escape his troubled past. But as events spiral out of his control, Max Payne finds himself alone on the streets of an unfamiliar city, desperately searching for the truth and fighting for a way out.

Featuring cutting edge shooting mechanics for precision gunplay, advanced new Bullet Time® and Shootdodge™ effects, full integration of Natural Motion’s Euphoria Character Behavior system for lifelike movement and a dark and twisted story, Max Payne 3 is a seamless, highly detailed, cinematic experience.

In addition to an expansive single-player campaign, Max Payne 3’s multiplayer offering brings the game’s cinematic feel, fluid gunplay and kinetic sense of movement into the realm of online multiplayer. Building on the fiction and signature gameplay elements of the Max Payne universe, Max Payne 3 features a wide range of new and traditional multiplayer modes that play on the themes of paranoia, betrayal and heroism, all delivered with the same epic visual style of the single-player game.

Look for much much more from Max Payne 3 in the weeks and months ahead, including the next video in the Design & Technology Series and the official site launch.

Provides Anytime, Anywhere Access to Stored Media and Files from Computers, Tablets or Smartphones

Sydney, Australia – January 18, 2012 – Western Digital , the world’s leader in digital storage solutions, today introduced My Book Live Duo, a personal cloud storage system that combines the benefits of shared storage and remote access with double-safe backup or increased capacity of a dual-drive system with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology.

Double-Safe Backup
Compatible with Mac® and PC operating systems, My Book Live Duo continuously maintains a second copy of all your files for real-time data backup in mirrored mode (RAID 1). Half the capacity is used to store users’ data and half is used for a second copy. In the unlikely event that one drive fails, data is protected because it’s duplicated on the other drive. For automatic backup Windows® users can use the included WD SmartWare® software and Mac users can utilize all the features of Apple® Time Machine® backup software to protect their data.

Maximum Performance and Storage Capacity
In spanning mode the two-drive system combines both drives into one large volume acting as one drive for maximum storage capacity, while its built-in 800 MHz CPU delivers the power and performance needed for today’s most demanding applications. Designed around the most recent advances in Ethernet chip technology, My Book Live Duo personal cloud delivers best-in-class read speeds faster than traditional USB 2.0 drives. My Book Live Duo is currently available in 4 TB and 6 TB capacities.

WD’s Personal Cloud
As with WD’s My Book Live™ personal cloud storage solution, My Book Live Duo connects to the home network to create shared storage that users can access within the home or anywhere in the world through secure remote access. Remote access to My Book Live and My Book Live Duo is available on any computer through www.WD2go.com and with WD mobile apps for iPad®, iPhone®, iPod touch® or Android™ smartphones and tablets.

Home Entertainment Hub
Additionally, the My Book Live Duo system’s  built-in media server streams movies, photos and music to any DLNA™-certified multimedia device such as a WD TV® Live™ streaming media player, Blu-ray Disc™ player, PlayStation® 3, as well as Xbox® 360s and smart TVs. Users can also stream movies, photos and music to their tablet or smartphone directly from My Book Live Duo through the WD 2go™ mobile application.
“My Book Live Duo is really the ideal, all-in-one storage and entertainment solution for today’s ultra-connected consumer,” explains Chris Bull, director of marketing for WD’s Connected Home Solutions group. “The ability for consumers to safely backup all their digital content, as well as access and share content from anywhere in the world on their tablet, smartphone or any computer, truly provides a unique and rewarding experience for anyone who wants to enjoy, and needs to protect, valuable digital content.”

Compatibility 
My Book Live Duo is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista®, Windows 7, Mac OS® X Leopard®, Snow Leopard®, or Lion™, as well as DLNA/UPnP® enabled devices.

Pricing and Availability
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: My Book Live Duo
RRP for 4 TB: A$599.99, NZ$749.99
RRP fro 6 TB: 6 TB – A$799.99, 6 TB – NZ$899.99
Online Store Australia: http://store.westerndigital.com/store/wdau/en_AU/home
Australia Distributors: Synnex Australia, Express Online
New Zealand Distributors: Synnex NZ, Ingram Micro NZ
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Availability: Now
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wdaust

About WD
WD, one of the storage industry’s pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users’ data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and home entertainment products.

WD was founded in 1970. The company’s storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company’s website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

Wednesday 18^th January 2012 – SEGA® Europe Ltd. & SEGA® of America, Inc., are excited to announce further details for the upcoming London 2012™ – The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games.  Favourite Olympic events make a welcome return in 2012, with the addition of new Olympic disciplines, improved modes of play and motion control support for PlayStation^®Move and Kinect™ for Xbox 360®.  Available for PC, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, London 2012™ will be in stores for June 2012. 

For the first time in an officially licensed Olympic video game, London 2012™ will support motion control in a number of different Olympic events.  Budding sports heroes will have an enhanced and realistic way of competing in a number of events that are compatible with PlayStation^®Move and Kinect™ including 110m Hurdles, Beach Volleyball (Kinect only) and 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Move only).  Over 30 Olympic events have been authentically recreated in their official Olympic arenas with a host of new disciplines making their debut for London 2012™.  Keirin (Cycling) at the Velodrome, 10m Synchronised Platform (Diving) at the Aquatics Centre and Trampoline at North Greenwich Arena are just some of the new events in which you can compete for that coveted gold medal.  

In another first for this iteration of the video game, London 2012™ will take the world’s biggest sporting event online in the form of global leaderboards.  The leaderboards will track personal medals gained whilst playing online, with each personal medal won added to that nation’s medal table.  Every medal won will help to improve a nation’s standing in the leaderboards, creating even more moments of sporting glory and fame across the globe.  London 2012™ will contain a number of game modes including single player Olympic Games mode, online and offline multiplayer and party play.  

“London 2012™ sees the successful relationship between SEGA, ISM and the IOC become even more exciting in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games”, commented Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA of America.  “With all new Olympic events and returning favourite sports brought to life with the very latest video gaming technology, everyone can truly compete in the greatest sporting event on earth”. 

For more information about the game, please visit: www.olympicvideogames.com/london2012

Available on Xbox LIVE, PlayStation®Network and Windows PC via Steam on January 24, 2012

SYDNEY, Australia – January 18, 2012 – 2K Games today announced that gamers in most regions who are Gold members on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network can now download an exclusive playable demo* of The Darkness™ II. On January 24, 2012, the demo will become broadly available worldwide for Xbox LIVE members, Windows PC gamers via Steam, and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system users in North America via PlayStation®Network. The demo will be made available in most international markets on the PlayStation®Network on January 25, 2012. 

Inspired by the supernatural horror comic book series created by Top Cow Productions, Inc., and developed by Digital Extremes, The Darkness II tells the next chapter in the story of Jackie Estacado, head of a New York crime family and wielder of the ancient force of chaos known as the Darkness. The demo of The Darkness II places gamers into the role of Jackie as he battles his way through hordes of enemies hell-bent on claiming the power of the Darkness for themselves. With this demo, gamers will get a taste of the violent power of the demonic abilities at Jackie’s disposal as he faces off against the ancient Brotherhood in the single-player campaign. 

The Darkness II is the sequel to the hit 2007 title, The Darkness, and brings a unique new combat mechanic through Quad-Wielding™, which allows players to slash, grab and throw objects and enemies with two Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with thematic elements of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and drenched in stylistic violence which is brought to life through the hand-painted graphic noir art style, true to its comic book origins. 

The Darkness II will be available in Australia & New Zealand for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PS3™ and Games for Windows® on February 10, 2012. 

The Darkness II is rated MA 15+ by the OFLC. For more information on The Darkness II, please visit www.embracethedarkness.com. 

*Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network or Steam account and Internet connection required to access demo. 

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

Sherlock Holmes today unveiled new screenshots of his ongoing investigation in The Testament of Sherlock Holmes! This big investigation game, developed by Frogwares for Xbox 360®, PlayStation® 3 and PC, shows more through this series of 6 new images we invite you to discover now.

Sherlock Holmes finds himself yet again in an unpleasant situation, as his investigation leads him to cross paths with disreputable individuals. Even though all the light has not been cast on his doubtful actions, the famous detective is determined to lead the case to the end, while he is still actively sought by British police.

You are Sherlock Holmes, and this is your investigation. Unfold an incredible conspiracy on PS3, Xbox 360® and PC in 2012!

– Watch the video

– Visit the official website of Sherlock Holmes

Now available in Australia

Sydney, Australia (Jan 18th, 2012) — The world’s first tablet featuring the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor – the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime – is now available in Australia. The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime is also the world’s first tablet to be unveiled with Google® Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which is available through an over-the-air update.

Developed with NVIDIA® and Google®, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime features an innovative mobile dock. In addition to having superior multimedia performance, the Transformer Prime boasts enhanced features that include audio powered by ASUS SonicMaster technology, an 8MP rear auto-focus camera with LED flash and an 18-hour* rated battery life when combined with the mobile dock. All of these features are housed in an ultra-slim 8.3mm metallic spun finish chassis that weighs just 586g.

Multimedia enjoyment in style
Featuring an incredibly slim form factor, the Transformer Prime is a svelte 8.3mm thin and the only metallic tablet that weighs in at a mere 586g. It brandishes a metallic spun finish design made of aluminum for a secure yet extremely comfortable grip. It comes in only one gorgeous color: Champagne Gold.

The Transformer Prime features the ASUS exclusive SonicMaster technology, which is renowned for crisp and acoustically accurate audio. It produces crystal clear sound with a wide sound range, increased sound fidelity and distinct vocal enhancements not found on any other tablet in the market.

The Eee Pad Transformer already boasts a wide 178° viewing angle IPS display with scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, but the Transformer Prime goes further, upgraded with a brighter Super IPS+ screen that enhances the brightness of the screen for a better outdoor reading experience.

Ultra performance
The Transformer Prime is the world’s first tablet to feature NVIDIA’s next-generation quad-core Tegra® 3 processor, creating a new breed of high-powered tablet devices. With the quad-core CPU and 12-core GeForce® GPU, the Transformer Prime delivers the best and fastest experience for tablet-based multitasking, web browsing as well as Full HD video playback and gaming. On its own, the Transformer Prime has a battery life of up to 12 hours*, but when combined with the mobile dock it lasts up to an incredible 18 hours* as the dock recharges the tablet.

Prime meets Ice Cream Sandwich
Google® Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich brings a plethora of enhancements and, when combined with the design of the Eee Pad Transformer Prime, brings the user experience to new heights. The new camera UI offers better sharing, a new panorama mode as well as live effects and backgrounds that can be applied in videos. Basic photo editing is now also built into the system, which allows for simple photo touchups.

With offline browsing, users can save web pages and view them later without an Internet connection, making it convenient for travelers. While on the road without access to a Wi-Fi network, users can use the new Wi-Fi Direct feature to directly transfer files between Wi-Fi enabled devices. Other enhancements include the new default Roboto font, with a typeface that is easy to read. Users can now also access the Transformer Prime’s camera directly from the lock-screen. Finally, among various other UI changes, users can easily create folders on the home screen by dragging one app on top of another.

Unrivaled visual acuity
A 1.2MP front camera allows for video conferencing while an 8MP rear camera with auto-focus and LED flash takes clear and sharp photos thanks to a large F2.4 aperture, back illuminated CMOS sensor, touch-to-focus depth of field and low light noise reduction. A first for any tablet, the 8MP camera on the Transformer Prime also has the ability to take full 1080p HD video.

Expandability and cloud services
The Transformer Prime is offered in both 32GB and 64GB models. It features a micro SD card slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack and micro HDMI port so sharing both what’s inside and on screen is quick and easy. However, the feature that gives the Transformer Prime its name is the mobile dock, which gives new meaning to the term versatility. The innovative and convenient design seamlessly provides the user with a keyboard and touchpad, along with limitless expandability options via the USB port and SD card slot. The preinstalled SuperNote application is able to take, draw or record notes; while Polaris® Office is great for productivity as it gives users the ability to read and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint (MS Office 97-2007 version compatible) files. In addition, ASUS is offering 8GB of free cloud storage for life via ASUS WebStorage, so users have access to their files via the cloud no matter where they are.

Prime Has Arrived video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIK51LRLud4

*Battery life may vary based on usage.

Specifications

 
Australian Retailers: Betta Electrical, WOW Sight and Sound, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Leading Edge Group, JB HiFi, Bing Lee, Radio Rentals, Leading Edge Computers, Retravision, MLN, Austin Computers, Scorpion Technology, Principle Computers, PLE Computers, Digitalstar Computers, J&W Computers, K.S. Computers, CPL, Centre com, Computer Alliance and Online Centre.

Keyboard and stand are the perfect on-the-go solution

Sydney, Australia — January 18, 2011 — Logitech announced today the Australian availability of the Logitech® Fold-Up Keyboard, the ideal tool for comfy, on-the-go typing on the iPad® 2.

With a full-size, Bluetooth® keyboard and stand, it is literally a case of open and type, and close and forget. When closed, the keyboard rests securely underneath the iPad 2. While open, it holds the iPad 2 at the ideal angle for typing and taking notes. Unlike folio-style Bluetooth keyboards, Logitech’s Fold-Up Keyboard is full-sized for comfortable typing. The device charges itself over a USB connection, so there is never a need to worry about replacing batteries. The keyboard wakes up and is ready to use as soon as it’s unfolded and it even turns itself off automatically when it’s folded down in order to conserve battery power.

“The Logitech Fold-Up Keybaord for iPad 2 is perfect for people on-the-move who need to be able to set-up or pack-up in the blink of an eye,” said Annabelle Woods, General Manager of Logitech Australia.

“As tablets entrench themselves further in to our lives, users need more than just fingertip scrolling and pointing, this is why Logitech has added to its range of tablet keyboards to provide users with greater flexibility and when it comes to creating content .”

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Fold-Up Keybaord for iPad 2 is in stores now, for a suggested retail price of $179.95. It is currently available from The Good Guys, Myer and on Logitech.com.

Images and further information are available from Sam Cox

Further information and latest regional Logitech news:
For information on  and images of this and other Logitech products, including the opportunity to review the product, please contact Sam Cox on pr.logitech@hotwirepr.com.au or call him on +61 2 9258 4433.  Continuous updates are also available on Facebook and Twitter.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Quebec City, Canada,  (January 17, 2012   Sarbakan today announced it has collaborated with Ubisoft Montreal to create downloadable content (DLC) for the game Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012, exclusively for Kinect for Xbox 360, a first for the Quebec City based game developer. Sarbakan s workout will be available for download on Xbox Live as of January 17, 2012.

 Sarbakan is thrilled to be working with Ubisoft on a game with real-life benefits,  said Guy Boucher, President of Sarbakan.  Designing games for Kinect opens the gateway to innovations in gameplay and game mechanics, and Sarbakan is proud to have created a workout on Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012.   

Sarbakan s DLC is part of the  Back in Shape  mode, available on Xbox Live. It features a weight loss workout created by Ubisoft and a weight control workout, designed by Sarbakan. This 40-minute weight control routine features a training room, game environment and exercises entirely created by Sarbakan. 

 Working with Sarbakan on Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 enabled us to offer online gamers more content and gameplay, a key element in today s industry,  explains St phane Decroix, Executive Producer on Mainstream brands at Ubisoft Montreal.

In stores since November 2011, Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 is the sequel to Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, the #1 fitness game on Kinect that has sold over 2 million copies to date.

About  Sarbakan

Sarbakan is a renowned independent game studio specializing in original game creations. It also offers a wide variety of mobile and digital console game development services. With over 13 years of proven experience as a game studio, Sarbakan delivers memorable and high quality experiences for its worldwide publishing partners and customers. Sarbakan is a first-party game developer for Microsoft, and has created over 700 titles since its inception. World-renowned media and entertainment giants turn to Sarbakan for its unique and insanely creative approach to creating original IPs. For more information, visit sarbakan.com.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 26 countries and has sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2010-11 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated sales of  1,039 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

March 2012 will see Sydney transformed into a colour and art feast for 4^th Annual Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, 9-11^th March. Over 300 Australian and international artists will come together to showcase their skills where they’ll tattoo, pierce and modify the brave. 

Attendees with awe-inspiring body art are invited to enter the daily Tattoo Contests where even those freshly inked at the show, can compete to win in the ‘Best Tattoo of the Day’ category. There’s also a fashion show where exhibitors can showcase their art work and apparel plus free seminars for budding tattoo artists who can learn more about the industry. 

Returning again is the tattoo artist-painted skateboard decks display which in the last four years has raised over $30,000 for Cure Our Kids at Westmead Children’s Hospital. Bid in the silent auction and take home one of these unique pieces of art. 

A huge range of stalls will showcase the latest fashion, body jewellery, tattoo supplies, books and magazines as well as temporary tattoos for the less adventurous. Expo tickets and appointments with preferred artists should be confirmed early to avoid disappointment. 

DATES: Friday 9^th March – Saturday 10^th March 12pm – 10pm and Sunday 11^th March 11am-7pm.

VENUE: Sydney Showground, Halls 3 & 4 at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush

TICKETS: Can be purchased online at www.tattooexpo.com.au  starting from $25 for a single day pass if purchased prior ($30 at the door), $40 for two day pass ($45 at the door) and $50 for three day pass ($55 at the door). Children 12-16 tickets are $10 and children under 12 have free entry.

MORE INFO: www.tattooexpo.com.au