Exclusive passwords revealed to unlock some special

Toy Pokémon in your game

8 December 2011 – Befriend over 600 Toy Pokémon in the action-packed 3D world of Super Pokémon^™ Rumble, available exclusively on Nintendo 3DS^™ today! Select and create your own elite team of Toy Pokémon from those you’ve encountered, and prepare for high-octane action in real-time battles with other Toy Pokémon and giant Boss Pokémon!

As a launch day treat, we are providing you with two exclusive passwords to unlock two special Toy Pokémon in your game. For Tepig enter the following password 54870833 and for Snivy enter 49416440. Keep an eye out as both Toy Pokémon will appear somewhere in your game; when you find and defeat them in battle, they are guaranteed to befriend you. Ensure you talk to Munna inEasterlyTown, which is the second town you’ll visit in the game. After entering the correct password, Munna will tell you where to befriend the special Toy Pokémon. Additional exclusive passwords will also be revealed soon.

In Super Pokémon Rumble there’s an epic adventure awaiting you in the towns and wilds of Toyland, with scores of different Toy Pokémon to befriend. As well as single-player mode, you can team up with a friend and take on the challenge together in co-op mode – and there’s also a Nintendo 3DS StreetPass^™ function, which allows you to send your Toy Pokémon Collection into battle against fellow players you pass by in the street!

For many more details and a sneak peek at everything that’s in store for you, head to the official Super Pokémon Rumble website now – www.pokemon.com/superrumble

Sydney, Australia, December 8, 2011 – Turtle Beach, pioneers and market-leaders of the gaming headset category, announced today that they have been named the “Official Headset of Spike TV’s 2011 Video Game Awards,” airing December 10, 2011. As the Official Headset of the 2011 VGAs, Turtle Beach is a digital partner and will be integrated into all the category nominee pages that tie back to gaming audio. These include Best Song in a Game, Best Shooter and Best Original Score. 

“The Spike TV Video Game Awards showcases the best and the brightest advancements of the gaming industry,” said Bob Picunko, Turtle Beach’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As audio plays an increasingly important role in video games, from game audio design and soundtracks, to communication during online play, it was natural that as a gaming audio pioneer, Turtle Beach would support the recognition of the industry’s best.” 

Turtle Beach has long contributed to the advancement of video game audio, from their popular PC sound cards in the 1990s, to the introduction of the first integrated stereo console headset in 2006. In 2011, Turtle Beach introduced patent-pending Digital Signal Processing technology to videogame audio with “custom presets,” allowing both game developers and game players to customize audio settings to enhance the immersive experience of games and/or provide a competitive edge.  

During the buildup to the VGAs, GameTrailers will host a giveaway through their Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/gametrailers) where fans can make their winning predictions and win prizes throughout the night, including some of Turtle Beach’s award winning Ear Force headsets. 

In addition, Turtle Beach will provide additional support for all of the official VGA hospitality efforts, including gaming headsets in the gift bags for all VIP’s and on-stage presenters; surround sound setups on all video demo stations at the VGA event, including the “Green Room” and at the official hotel.

Telecasting from the Sony Studios in Los Angeles, CA and featuring some of the most notable names in video games, Hollywood, music, sports and more, the two-hour event honoring the outstanding achievements within the video game industry over the past year will premiere LIVE on Spike TV, MTV2 and Spike.com on Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment have confirmed that the Batman: Arkham City Skins Pack is available now in the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for 400 Microsoft Points and for Games for Windows for $6.50.  The pack will soon be available in Australia in the PlayStation®Network for $8.45.

Included in the pack are seven skins:

• 1970s Batsuit Skin
• Year One Batman Skin
• The Dark Knight Returns Skin
• Earth One Batman Skin
• Batman Beyond Batman Skin
• Animated Batman Skin
• Sinestro Corps Batman Skin

To watch the video showcasing all the different skins please click here

Dymocks unveils D Publishing, a revolutionary service for all Australians to create and publish their own books from start to finish

8 December 2011 – Budding authors looking to release their works can now access D Publishing – www.dpublishing.com – to create, print, publish and commercially distribute their books and eBooks with Dymocks.

The new and innovative web-based publishing service from the nation’s largest bookseller allows every Australian to become a published author. By enabling authors to take greater control of the book production and publishing process, D Publishing provides the opportunity to produce one or thousands of books.

Dymocks General Manager of eCommerce, Michael Allara, says the publishing service begins a new evolution of the book industry; one that not only offers more books to Australian readers, but gives budding authors hands-on experience with the publishing process.

“We’re incredibly excited to reveal D Publishing. Unlike the conventional publishing model, D Publishing is driven by the author. The author can make decisions about book content, cover, distribution and printing via our website for a far lower cost than a traditional custom or vanity publishing house would charge,” said Mr Allara.

“Authors who publish with D Publishing will find we do not approve or reject authors based on perceived literary merit or commercial viability of their work – the author determines whether they are good enough to be published.”

Books and eBooks published through D Publishing will be available for purchase on the Dymocks website. Books will also be presented to Dymocks bookshops nationally and will have the potential to be stocked and sold in-store.

“D Publishing aims to be relatively simple, and takes out the complexities of book production, publishing, commercial terms and distribution. We encourage authors to visit www.dpublishing.com with a draft manuscript, preferably edited and proofread, to start producing and publishing their book,” continued Mr Allara.

“The service will see a manuscript turn into a published work within a few hours and the physical book itself can be produced within a week and a half. The service is as much for individuals as it is for groups, institutions or small and medium sized businesses; and aims to provide Australians with the tools they need to create and publish their own book from start to finish.

“We look forward to seeing the new wave of D Publishing authors come through as we know each Australian has a story to tell, and the purpose of this service is to realise this potential.

“We’re the people’s publisher, here for those who are curious about taking the next step to become a published author. We want to find Australia’s next bestseller,” concluded Mr Allara.

Further enhancements, including professional editing and review services, will be rolled out over the coming months.

For more information on how authors can publish their book with D Publishing, visit www.dpublishing.com.

The Sphere protects you anywhere, anytime 

SYDNEY & AUCKLAND – December 8, 2011 – Bitdefender, the top-rated* global security solutions provider, is launching Bitdefender Sphere, an all-round security solution that protects consumers from digital threats anywhere at any time – whether on Macs, PCs or mobiles. 

With the Sphere, Bitdefender enables households running a combination of PCs, Macs and Android-based smartphones or tablets to safeguard their devices from a range of e-threats, such as viruses, spyware, spam, and phishing attacks. 

The Sphere offers complete, comprehensive security for PC, Mac and mobile device, and protects users from e-threats on Facebook and Twitter while using the internet from home – all at the same time.  It works seamlessly across devices, running award-winning technology that protects more than 400 million users worldwide. 

At home or on the move, the Sphere surrounds users with a layer of security that’s been tested for more than a decade against malicious e-threats. The Sphere operates a tailored range of firewalls, anti-theft functions, application audits, parental controls, phishing filters, online back up and more, on the device user’s need, when they need it. 

“Users are vulnerable to an increasing array of threats from all angles at all times,” said Bitdefender Sphere Product Manager, C?t?lina Albi?teanu. “Bitdefender has decided to shake up the security market – by simplifying things. The Sphere means peace of mind, and ease of use.”

For more information on Bitdefender Sphere see the product page: http://www.bitdefender.com.au/solutions/sphere.html 

*#1 ranking based on reviews of Bitdefender Internet Security 2011 from: Top Ten Reviews, AV Test, Choice Magazine, ConsumerSearch.com and Which? Magazine (UK).

Satirical comedian & writer John Clarke, from 7.30 Report’s CLARKE & DAWE will be at the ABC Shop located in Melbourne’s GPO store on Thursday 15^th December to launch his new DVD LIVE FROM CANBERRA.

John Clarke will be available to sign copies of the DVD LIVE FROM CANBERRA, a collection of interviews from the CLARKE & DAWE segment aired on ABC1s 7.30 Report between September 2010 and September 2011. 

See John Clarke on Thursday 15 December from 12.30pm – 1.10pm at Melbourne’s GPO, 350 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

John Clarke and Bryan Dawe present their satirical take on the week’s events. The DVD includes sketches on Wayne Swan, Tony Abbot, Chris Bowen, Kel Excitement Royal Wedding Expert, Senator Bob Brown, Julio Gillardio Rescued Miner and more.

 CLARKE & DAWE – LIVE FROM CANBERRA is available at ABC Shops, ABC Centres and www.abcshop.com.au

Umbrella Entertainment is proud to announce the April 26 2012 release of The Way, an inspirational journey-film and word-of-mouth US hit, starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger, and James Nesbitt, directed by Emilio Estevez.
 
The Way is the powerful story of Tom (Martin Sheen), an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son Daniel (Emilio Estevez), killed in a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago (also known as The Way of St James).

Driven by his grief and desire to understand his son better, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage, leaving his “California bubble life” behind.  While walking The Camino, Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, all looking for greater meaning in their lives: a Dutchman (a very funny Yorick van Wageningen) trying to lose weight,  an emotionally wounded Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger) and an Irish writer (James Nesbitt) who is suffering from a bout of writer’s block.
Together, this unlikely quartet of misfits create an everlasting bond and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again and discovers the difference between “the life we live and the life we choose”.
 
Set against one of the most stunning backdrops in the world, The Way was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago.
 
Today tens of thousands of Christian pilgrims and adventure travellers set out each year to make their way to Santiago de Compostela, making it one of the most popular treks in the world. Whether pilgrim or back packer, the redemptive and spiritual effects of The Way are undeniable and universal.
 
The Way is Emilio Estevez’s (The Breakfast Club, The Outsiders) fourth film as writer/director and marks the third collaboration with his actor/father, Martin Sheen, who is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and respected journeyman actors (Wall Street, Apocalypse Now, The West Wing). Award winning actress Deborah Kara Unger has starred in David Fincher’s The Game , David Cronenberg’s Crash, Thirteen and 88 Minutes with Al Pacino. James Nesbitt stars in Coriolanus and the forthcoming The Hobbit blockbusters.
 
“Gentle, likable and profoundly touching” (four stars) –  EMPIRE
“Soul cleansing experience. The sort of sleeper phenomenon Hollywood’s always looking to bottle” – VARIETY
“Sheen dominates in a moving, soulful performance” – DAILY EXPRESS
“Sheen’s finest journey in years…Well worth the trip” – SHORTLIST
“From the West Wing to western Spain, Martin Sheen is inspirational – as are the landscapes along Europe’s greatest walk” – THE INDEPENDENT
“A sensuous, expansive hymn to travel and transformation” – WASHINGTON POST
“.. a sweet and sincere family pilgrimage…audiences seeking uplift will find it here” – ROGER EBERT CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
“Open yourself up to this thoughtful, moving personal adventure and you’re in for a uniquely memorable experience” – ROLLING STONE

Today Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment released a new Gotham City Impostors animated video showing off the impressive arsenal of gadgets and firearms wielded by the Bats and the Jokerz as they vie for supremacy in Gotham City.

Gotham City Impostors is a download only title that will be available January in the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network and Windows PC. A console beta for the game is expected to go live worldwide this month. Fans can go to www.GothamCityImpostors.com to register for their chance to take part in the beta.

Findings of AVG’s 2011 SMB Market Landscape Report reveal SMBs open to costly security breaches and information theft. 

MELBOURNE, 8 December 2011 — Australia’s small- and medium-size businesses are exploring the marketing opportunities provided by social networking sites (primarily Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) in unprecedented numbers but too few are prepared for the associated risks to their security and reputations. 

AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the distributor of the award-winning AVG Internet and mobile security software in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, warns of the glaring gap between the ready adoption of these new technologies without the corresponding adoption of higher level protection mechanisms to counter infiltration by cyber criminals or disgruntled employees. 

Michael McKinnon, security advisor at AVG (AU/NZ), said: “While everyone may be talking about the wonders of social networking as the latest cost-effective tool to attract new customers, partners and staff, too few are completing the picture with robust security as part of their business strategy.” 

An Officing Today study in July 2010 quantified the extent to which Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have become mainstream business tools in Australia. It revealed that 43 percent of our small businesses have set up accounts with these sites and 26 percent had a specific budget allocation for social networking activities. By comparison, 35 percent of SMBs in the US market were moving to these new opportunities. 

McKinnon said: “The potential for damage to business finances and reputations by hacking and malware attacks is increasing. All organisations must equate online security with corporate governance and brand protection.” 

AVG’s SMB Market Landscape Report confirms how widely SMBs are using their social networking accounts. They are most frequently using them to engage with their customers (72 percent) and to disseminate company and product information (67 percent). More than a quarter of respondents used these connections to research trends and gain consumer insights, with 25 percent using them for sales and 19 percent for customer support. 

The Report’s findings highlighted that while SMBs are becoming aware of new ways in which their organisational security can be compromised, including theft of information and social engineering, the majority of respondents remained focussed on countering the more traditional e-mail and web based malware attacks. 

And SMBs often only realised the true cost of an IT security breach after experiencing one along with the longer-term impacts such as a loss of sales and revenue opportunities, and the man hours required to react to it.

 Protecting Facebook Pages and accounts:

• Take the initiative to be aware of the Privacy and Application settings inside Facebook, and understand how the various settings can be applied, especially around the permissions of third-party apps.

• Business Pages within Facebook have assigned Administrators, and these must be reviewed regularly to ensure that only trusted people are listed; ex-employees should be removed immediately

• As all interactions within Facebook occur through a personal account, never provide your personal Facebook password to other colleagues under any circumstances; simply add them as Admins on Pages if required.

Protecting Twitter accounts:

• SMBs should be ensuring that the password they use for Twitter is on a need to know basis within the company, and it should be changed if this is not the case.

• Twitter provides the ability to revoke access to third-party applications, and this should be reviewed on a regular basis ensuring that only applications that are used are allowed.

• With as many as 1 in every 100 tweets containing potentially malicious links, ensuring that computers and mobile devices are protected with a link scanning technology such as AVG Link Scanner is vital to avoid link poisoning attacks.

The release in October of AVG’s Internet Security Business Edition 2012 strengthens its position as the champion of SMB security. This suite is the answer for today’s ‘Internet active’ SMBs. It addresses the potential impacts of cyber crime while being resource-light and affordable. 

AVG SMB Market Landscape Report 2011

This annual report, commissioned by AVG and undertaken by GfK NOP, collated the online responses from 1,000 ICT managers in the USA and the UK during August 2011. Further reading: AVG SMB Market Landscape Report 2011 (16 pages, 1.4 Mb, PDF)  

AVG (AU/NZ) has a comprehensive range of security tips on its web site at http://www.avg.com.au/resources/security-tips/. For video tips from AVG (AU/NZ), see http://www.youtube.com/user/avgaunz. 

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

Swing Through and Explore Manhattan in the Next Web Slingin’ Spider-Man™ Video Game from Activision® and Marvel  

Sydney, Australia – December 8, 2011 – An all-new Spider-Man is poised to bring the action back to New York City as Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), and Marvel Entertainment, LLC announce The Amazing Spider-Man™ video game, planned to launch Winter 2012 tied to Sony Picture Entertainment’s upcoming feature film of the same name.  Created as an epilogue story occurring entirely after the events of the movie, the game features the return of free-roaming web-slinging all over the city and evolutionary improvements to navigation and combat, as the newly anointed Spider-Man is plunged into an all-new storyline charged with protecting Manhattan from a variety of criminals. 

The Amazing Spider-Man is in development at veteran game studio Beenox, and features an original narrative crafted by Hollywood writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (episodes of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica) that continues young Peter Parker’s adventures following the events of the new film.  Using the game’s new Web Rush mechanic allows players to pull off a vast array of moves never before possible.  With a story that takes players through many areas all over (and under) Manhattan, fans will feel what it’s truly like to be a Super Hero, as they experience the cinematic adrenaline rush of web-swinging through the city and fighting crime using Spider-Man’s spectacular acrobatic moves and attacks. 

Fans can check out the WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE TRAILER for The Amazing Spider-Man video game online from Monday 12 December 2011. 

For more information on The Amazing Spider-Man, please check out http://www.TheAmazingSpiderManGame.com. 

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information, visit www.marvel.com. 

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.