As our work becomes increasingly mobile, the technology we use must be able to move with us. As a market leader in Power Accessories, Targus offers a dedicated range of adaptors and inverters designed to provide today’s professionals with unrivalled connectivity on the go. 

The Targus 75W AC Notebook Power Adaptor (RRP: $99.95) serves as a quick and easy replacement for an old adaptor or as a second power supply for the home or office. This lightweight adaptor is compatible with most of today’s 15-16 volt notebooks and is built to the manufacturers’ standards for a worry free operation. A 90W AC Notebook Power Adaptor (RRP: $109.95) is also available, which offers users broad compatibility with most 19-20 volt notebooks.

With ten interchangeable tips, Targus’ Universal Wall Adaptor (RRP: $174.95) offers unrivalled compatibility with over 90 percent of laptops on the market – including all major brands and the latest models from HP, Dell, Toshiba and Sony. The adaptor automatically adjusts to meet the specific power requirements of laptop computers and can deliver an output of between 15 and 24 volts. The built-in over-current and short circuit protection also prevents computer damage. With generous 1.8 metre input and output cords, the small and lightweight adaptor makes it ideal for those on the go. Targus also offers a Universal Wall/Auto/Air Power Adaptor (RRP: $219.95) which features a DC power cord for charging in cars and airplanes, along with a standard AC power cord for wall outlets.

Targus’ 150W Auto/Air Power Inverter Slimline Style (RRP: $144.95) provides mobile professionals with a power source for most electrical devices in cars, boats or airplanes. The inverter plugs into the cigarette lighter socket and can charge up to three* devices at one time – including notebooks, mobile phones, PDAs, video consoles and many others. By delivering 150W of continuous power and up to 200W of peak power, the inverter is safe to use and features over-current, over-temperature and surge protection. Targus also offers a 100W Auto Power Inverter Cupholder Style (RRP: $109.95) which is designed to fit into standard car cupholders for a convenient and compact way of staying powered on the road.

(*The 100W Auto Power Inverter Cupholder Style requires an optional accessory to charge the third device.)

Targus offers extended customer service hours for the Power Accessories range and their service team can assist with such enquiries as adaptor compatibility and stockists. Extended customer service hours include late nights on Thursdays and Fridays as well weekends.

For more information about the Targus Power Accessories range, please visit the website www.targus.com.au or call the customer service free call line on 1800 641 645.

Authentic Racing Genre to the Next Level 

Sydney, Australia – March 24, 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Need for Speed™ SHIFT, the all-new authentic racing game in the Need for Speed series, will hit stores in Australia on September 24, 2009. Need for Speed SHIFT brings a true driver’s experience to some of the world’s most iconic racing tracks, including the storied Brand’s Hatch in the UK. The game also features the largest roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed history including race cars such as the Pagani Zonda, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lotus Elise.

“With Need for Speed SHIFT, we set out to create a racing game that pushes the genre and delivers something never before seen in a Need for Speed title,” said Patrick Soderlund, Senior Vice President at EA Games Europe. “By focusing on the driver’s experience through the first-person view, we are able to capture the high-speed intensity and gripping emotions of racing.”

Players are thrust into the loud, intense, and athletic experience of racing a car from the driver’s perspective through the combination of perception based G-forces, the hyper reality of the cockpit view, and the all-new brutally disorienting crash dynamic. Need for Speed SHIFT features an accurate, accessible physics-based driving model that allows you to feel every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge.

Need for Speed SHIFT is being developed by Slightly Mad Studios in collaboration with Black Box and Patrick Soderlund. Slightly Mad Studios includes developers and designers that worked on the critically acclaimed games GT Legends and GTR 2.  The PSP version is being developed by EA’s Bright Light studio.

Need for Speed SHIFT will be released on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PC and PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) in spring 2009.  More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com. Press can download assets at http://info.ea.com.

Exclusive voice talent from Carmen Electra and Jay Mohr: new video interviews available www.leisuresuitlarrygame.com

Tuesday 24th March 2009 – Leisure Suit Larry® Box Office Bust is an innuendo-filled third-person comedic adventure game about a guy looking for love in all the wrong places. Lampooning the glitz, glamour and gorgeous women of Hollywood, Larry’s set to run riot on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PC when the game is released for April 2009 with a RRP of $69.95 & $49.95 respectively on the Funsta label.

Laden with illustrious voice talent to provide the laughs, gamers can now catch video interviews with Jay Mohr (Simpsons, Family Guy, West Wing, Scrubs) who voices Larry Loveage and Carmen Electra (Starsky & Hutch) who plays Ginger Vitus; both videos are now available to view and download from www.leisuresuitlarrygame.com.

Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust sees the eponymous amorous hero spending his vacation working on his uncle’s film studio as he tries to make a name for himself in Tinseltown. However, while working on the movie lot, Larry stumbles upon a plot from another studio that threatens to air the studio’s dirty laundry in the tabloids – now it’s his job to save the day and the reputation of his uncle’s studio.

Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust will feature saucy comedy and bombshell babes as players tackle exploration, platforming, racing and puzzle-solving challenges to complete missions. The series’ trademark humour is in full effect as Larry’s new adventure takes him through parodies of Hollywood’s most famous studio sets. Whether he’s sneaking around on the ‘Bytanic’ or gun-slinging on ‘Beefcake Mountain’, Larry’s always got an eye out for the ladies.

Join Larry on the Hollywood studio tour that they never wanted people to see when Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust launches for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PC in April 2009, with a PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system version to follow. Check out the exclusive interviews with Carmen Electra and Jay Mohr online now at www.leisuresuitlarrygame.com.

For more information on Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.au and log on to the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers and online screenshots.

— Unified graphics driver allows developers and beta testers to unlock the full potential of award-winning AMD DirectX® 10.1 graphics products and bring to life new Windows 7 Aero features —

Sydney, Australia — March 19, 2009 — AMD (NYSE: AMD) today released Windows® 7 driver support as part of the latest ATI Catalyst 9.3 unified graphics driver.  ATI Catalyst 9.3 represents the industry’s first unified driver installation package to incorporate Windows™ 7 support, including Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.1 compliance, bringing with it a host of benefits for developers currently testing and updating applications using the widely available Windows 7 beta release. In addition, the inclusion of Windows 7 drivers sends a clear message to the millions of AMD graphics customers worldwide – ATI Catalyst 9.3, and every planned future release of ATI Catalyst, is ready for the final release of Windows 7.

        In addition to the rock-solid stability of ATI Radeon™ graphics drivers for Windows 7, the combination of Windows 7 and ATI Radeon graphics permits developers to fully utilize the DirectX 10.1 API used by Microsoft to design the Windows 7 Aero desktop.  Graphics with hardware support for the DirectX 10.1 API, currently available in ATI Radeon™ HD 3000 and ATI Radeon™ HD 4000 series products, can deliver the full Windows 7 Aero desktop PC experience, including support of new features such as Aero Peek and Aero Shake, both designed to improve navigation of the Windows 7 desktop.

        “AMD’s expertise in visual computing shines through in the combined experience of Windows 7 and ATI Radeon graphics,” said Anantha Kancherla, group program manager responsible for Windows graphics, Microsoft.  “With today’s release of a Windows 7 unified driver, AMD once again demonstrates its ability to deliver performance and cutting-edge driver support.”
       
        Matching ATI Radeon graphics with Windows 7 can deliver high-fidelity graphics as well as unsurpassed image enhancements such as:

        support for the Direct2D API introduced in Windows 7, giving third-party applications the ability to improve everything from ClearType text rendering to hardware-accelerated vector graphics
        enhanced Windows 7 acceleration, delivering an outstanding Windows experience
        smooth, crystal-clear playback of multimedia, including high-definition video on HD-capable screens
        incredible 3D game performance in single- and multi-GPU CrossFireX™ technology configurations.

        “Thanks to the incredible expertise within our driver development team, we led the Windows Vista transition with a WHQL-certified unified driver that delivered industry-leading stability,” said Ben Bar-Haim, corporate vice president, Software Engineering, Graphics Products Group, AMD.  “The advanced state of our Windows 7 drivers this far ahead of the final Windows 7 release is yet another proof point of our graphics industry leadership.  We are ready for Windows 7.”

        To take advantage of the industry’s first unified graphics driver for Windows 7, please visit www.amd.com.

About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and technology partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

 – March 18, 2009 – Cryptic Studios™, a leading developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), is rolling out an incredible new environment for the Champions Online beta (www.champions-online.com). Already well known for their spectacular cityscapes, Cryptic Studios is expanding Champions Online with the underwater kingdom of Lemuria.

Lemuria is a kingdom torn asunder by civil war. A conflict, brewing for thousands of years, has finally come to the surface with the return of the ancient Lemurian gods and their demands for loyalty. Players must navigate the politically fraught waters of Lemuria and avoid its myriad monsters while attempting to prevent the use of an ancient doomsday weapon.

“Lemuria is a spectacular world that’s been hidden from the rest of civilization for hundreds of years,” said Bill Roper, Executive Producer for Champions Online. “Players are going to be amazed as they explore the mysteries and dangers of the deep.”

Details about Lemuria, its denizens, and much more about the Champions Online universe will be revealed between now and launch. “We’re going to be focusing on different features within Champions every few weeks. Expect trailers, screenshots, villain profiles and more,” added Tricia Gray, Director of Marketing. “We want everyone to see more of this year’s biggest upcoming MMORPG.”

Champions Online is scheduled for worldwide launch coming Autumn 2009. To keep up with all the exciting new developments, please visit the official website at: www.champions-online.com

The official site for Dark Void, the upcoming action shooter with a vertical twist, has gone live at www.darkvoidgame.com

If you love the new teaser trailer featured on the site then head over to www.capcomeuro-press.com where it’s now available to download.

Sydney, Australia – 18 March, 2009 – Apple today previewed its iPhone OS 3.0 software and announced the immediate availability of a beta software release to registered developers. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,000 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) including In-App Purchases; Peer-to-Peer connections; an app interface for accessories; access to the iPod music library; a new Maps API and Push Notifications. Apple also announced over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this winter including cut, copy and paste; MMS;* landscape view for Mail, Text and Notes; stereo Bluetooth; syncing Notes to the Mac and PC; shake to shuffle; parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and automatic login at Wi-Fi hot spots. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release will also include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search across the iPhone or iPod touch.

“The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK include over 1,000 new APIs and are available today for all iPhone Developer Program members to use for development and testing of their apps for iPhone and iPod touch. Included in these APIs is the ability to leverage the incredible purchase model of the App Store within apps. In-App Purchases will allow developers to offer subscription content and provide the ability to sell new content and features in a simple and secure process. Developers can also more easily create peer-to-peer games for iPhone and iPod touch by using Bluetooth.

Another key developer feature in the iPhone OS 3.0 beta software is the ability for apps to interface with hardware accessories, creating a whole new element of control for iPhone and iPod touch accessory developers as well as a new ecosystem of solutions for customers. Developers will also be able to use Apple’s new Maps API to integrate Google Mobile Maps services within their apps which will offer Google Map tiles, current location, custom annotations and geocoding. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software includes the Apple Push Notification service which provides developers with a mechanism to alert users with sounds, text or a badge.

The new iPhone OS 3.0 software will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this winter with over 100 new features including cut, copy and paste which can be done within or across applications; MMS to send and receive photos, contacts, audio files and locations with the Messages app; and the ability to capture and send audio recordings on the go with the new Voice Memo app. Landscape view will be available for Mail, Text and Notes. Search capabilities will be expanded, allowing customers to search within Mail, iPod and Notes or search across all key apps by typing a key word or phrase into the new Spotlight search, conveniently accessed from the Home screen.

The updated Stock app will add the ability to display recent company news and current trading information like opening or average price, trading volume or Market Cap, and will offer a landscape view to see a full screen of any stock chart. Customers will also be able to view shared calendars right on their iPhone with CalDAV support and sync their calendars with iCal, Yahoo, Google and Oracle.

Today, the groundbreaking App Store has more than 25,000 applications available to consumers, and 15 more countries have been added so the App Store is now available in 77 countries, allowing developers to reach more than 30 million iPhone and iPod touch users around the world. Developers set the price for their applications and retain 70 percent of all sales revenue. Apple covers all credit card, web hosting and infrastructure costs associated with offering applications on the App Store.

Pricing & Availability
The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK will be available for registered developers to download starting today from developer.apple.com. iPhone customers will be able to download the new iPhone OS 3.0 software for free this winter and iPod touch customers will be able to purchase a software update.**

*MMS messaging is available only on iPhone 3G; fees may apply. MMS may not be available in all areas.

**Some features may not be supported by older hardware.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Best Overall Game of 2008 Introduces New Content Update for Subscribers

– Tuesday March 17, 2009 – Codemasters Online and Turbine announced the details of the latest major update for subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online™: Mines of Moria™ (LOTRO).  Book 7: Leaves of Lórien is the latest of Turbine’s frequent and substantial updates to the Best MMORPG of 2008**.  Book 7 delivers the next installment to the epic story for Volume II of LOTRO including a new 12-player raid, major gameplay enhancements, the Spring Festival and access to the full region of Lothlórien.  Book 7: Leaves of Lórien will be available to subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online on March 17, 2009 in North America and shortly after this date in Australia.

“The launch of our first expansion, Mines of Moria™, has been a huge success and has firmly established the game as one of the premier MMOs in the world,” said Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online.  “For nearly two years LOTRO has been one of the fastest growing games in the industry and with Book 7 we continue to expand the world with the expansion of Lothlórien, the legendary home of Galadriel and the elves and the introduction of new tools and improvements based on player feedback including a new Quest Guide and an enhanced new player experience.”

New Features In Book 7: Leaves Of Lórien:
• The Epic Journey Continues – The first update to Volume II, Book 7 will take LOTRO’s unique storytelling to a new level as it introduces a new reputation faction, the reclusive elves of Lothlórien.  Players will need to gain their trust in order to continue their adventure. After earning their favour, players are reunited with the Fellowship and begin a series of quests to root out the Orc influence within Moria ending with a climactic battle against the forces of Mazog and an audience with Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel back in their kingdom of Lothlórien.
• New 12-player Raid – Book 7 introduces Strange Happenings, a new quest arc that begins deep within the Waterworks of Moria.  Players will need to team up to unravel a mystery surrounding a newly revealed source corruption in Moria, engaging in a fierce battle with another monstrous threat to Middle-earth. 
• New Gameplay Enhancements – LOTRO continues to augment its award-winning experience for players with major improvements such as new daily solo quests for crafters that are very useful and fun and a significantly revamped new player experience for the Dwarves, Elves and Man races.  Book 7 also introduces the new Quest Guide, a new set of features designed to make navigating through Middle-earth easier and more fun including display of quest locations on both the mini-map and main map.  The Quest Guide will launch with the introduction of Book 7.
• Celebrate the Spring Festival! – The Spring Festival will return to Middle-earth at the end of March.  The world will explode in celebration as the free people of Middle-earth ring in the season with special decorations, festive costumes and special quests including a challenging new hedge maze.  

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate interactive adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before.  The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria Complete Edition, which includes the original game, The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ (Volume I), all content updates released since launch, and Mines of Moria (Volume II) is now available for purchase at major retailers across Australia.  For more information or to download a free trial, visit www.lotro.com.

Adult’s Only

– March 16, 2009 – Eidos Interactive, creator of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, announced that Battlestations: Pacific™ is set to release in Australia on May 15th.
Sequel to the No. 1-selling Battlestations: Midway™, Battlestations: Pacific™ takes the critically-acclaimed action/strategy gameplay to the next level. Expanding upon the intense, strategic combat of the first title, players can take to the skies and seas through two massive, action-packed campaigns across 28 missions, featuring some of the most decisive naval battles in history.

An historically accurate US campaign puts players in command of the US Navy’s Pacific fleet through the Battles of Guadalcanal and on to Iwo Jima, Okinawa and victory. For the first time, Battlestations offers players a chance to rewrite history, playing through a Japanese campaign as the Imperial Japanese Navy from Pearl Harbour and on through Asia, Australia and beyond, expanding its empire throughout the Pacific rim.

Battlestations: Pacific™ takes the battle online with a massively enhanced multiplayer experience, offering five new and innovative co-op and team-based modes for up to eight players. ‘Siege’ and ‘Duel’ offer an all-out action experience, allowing players to control a selection of war machines as each side battles to turn the tide of war; joining forces for ‘Competitive’, players compete side-by-side against the opposing AI forces; ‘Escort’ allows for a mix of action and strategy, with players escorting or attacking a key naval unit as it heads to its destination; and ‘Island Capture’ offers a compelling strategic experience, with players not only battling for supremacy of the seas, but capturing and controlling the island archipelago.

“With over 100 authentic air, sea and undersea units, a compelling mix of action and strategy and an extensive multiplayer game, Battlestations: Pacific™ lets players participate in the Pacific conflict like no other game before it,” said Lee Singleton, General Manager of Eidos Game Studios. “With direct control over fighters, bombers, kamikaze planes, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines and many more, including powerful prototype units, they will experience a level of immersion that truly brings the conflict to life.”
Battlestations: Pacific™ is set for release on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows® – LIVE.
www.battlestations.net 
For more information on Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.au and log on to the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers and online screenshots.