“Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes” by Col. (ret.) Will G. Merrill Jr., U.S. Army includes interviews of courageous men and women involved in the rescue attempts on and after September 11, 2001 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (MMD Newswire) August 3, 2011 – – With the recent death of Osama Bin Laden and the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 rapidly approaching, eyes once again will be focused on Ground Zero in New York City. Inspired by the hundreds of firefighters, police officers and civilians involved with the terrorist attack relief efforts, Col. Will G. Merrill Jr. wrote “Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes” (ISBN 1456312219) to commemorate their bravery.

This portrayal takes you face to face with the bravery of ordinary people who found themselves caught in the deadliest terrorist attack the country has ever faced. Merrill aims to help readers witness the events through the eyes of the first responders going into the face of danger to help evacuate 25,000 people.

The book tells the story of those who barely escaped, some buried alive and others trapped for hours under building debris. First responders describe searching for survivors among the wreckage, while others explain their duties as members of clergy and the American Red Cross. In addition, Merrill interviews widows and family members of first responders who gave their lives to help others.

Col. Merrill conducted more than 60 interviews with individuals involved with the rescue efforts after the two planes crashed into the World Trade Center. Interviews include Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Congressman Peter T. King, who wrote the introduction, Sal Cassano, the fire commissioner of New York City, two department chiefs of the Port Authority Police Department, the senior deputy chief of the New York City Police Department and many others to relate the chaos, danger and heartbreak they witnessed.

“Some have never before shared the stories of their heartbreak due to post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Merrill. “My book captures their moving stories through personal interviews not heard until now.”

Through this collection of photographs and interviews, Merrill highlights the bravery and heroism displayed by firefighters, police officers and civilians on and following the events of September 11. The author’s work seeks to inspire readers to rally around these men and women as the 10th anniversary of that day draws near. Merrill also hopes that these men and women get proper treatment for any physical or mental health ailments trigged by that day, such as lung cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. Most importantly, he hopes that America will remain on alert for terrorist activity so that future tragedies are prevented.

“Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes” is available for sale in eBook and paperback forms at Amazon.com and other channels.

About the Author:

Colonel Will G. Merrill Jr., a native of Ashland, Wisconsin, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1958. He served for 31 years in the U.S. Army, spending 11 years overseas in Germany, Vietnam, Korea and Greece, and has received many awards and recognition over the course of a very distinguished military career.

-$1 Million Tournament Sponsored by Xbox 360® will be Played in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 Multiplayer-

-Attendees to Receive Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition-

– Sneak Peek at New Call of Duty® Elite Original Video Programming in Collaboration with Will Arnett and Jason Bateman’s Production Entity DumbDumb®-

-Numerous Hands-on Multiplayer Challenges on Tap Including Full Reveal of New Game Play Modes, and Spec Ops Missions-

-New Info on Call of Duty® Real-World Action-Experiences-

-All XP Ticketholders to Receive Full Access to Entertainment Extravaganza-

Sydney, Australia – Aug. 4, 2011 – As anticipation builds among gamers around the world for Call of Duty® XP 2011, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is thrilled to reveal additional new details, including the first images, regarding this first-ever full-immersion Call of Duty® fan experience.

The centerpiece of the inaugural Call of Duty event is the massive 32-slot, single-elimination Call of Duty® $1 Million Tournament sponsored by Xbox 360®.  Call of Duty fans around the globe are pre-qualifying now via 2010’s mega-hit Call of Duty®: Black Ops. All XP tournament contestants will do battle in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, live in front of thousands of delighted fans. Four Tournament slots will be filled on site at Call of Duty XP, giving attendees a shot at the largest gaming prize purse. The top eight teams will be in the money, with the winning squad pocketing $400,000.

After the explosive reveal of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer at the keynote, all attendees will be hands-on with 2011’s hottest gaming phenomenon months before its release. Players can compete for prizes and bragging rights in numerous multiplayer challenges featuring Modern Warfare® 3 as well as other landmark titles in the Call of Duty franchise, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 and more. 

XP will also be the destination for the full reveal of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition.  Only at XP, will all event attendees receive a special redemption code for a free copy of the Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition when it becomes available worldwide on November 8^th. 

Call of Duty XP attendees will also be the first to see a sneak peek of the new, original programming under development exclusively for Call of Duty® Elite members.  First up is a collaboration with dumbdumb®, the production company led by Will Arnett and Jason Bateman in partnership with Ben Silverman’s Electus Studio. Arnett is scheduled to attend the inaugural XP event not only to share a preview of the all-new content series in production, but also to be among the first to play Modern Warfare 3.

Also newly announced is the sneak peek of the latest Modern Warfare-inspired live-action short by We Can Pretend, the Toronto-based creative team behind this year’s fan-favorite flick Find Makarov, and the next installment of Pro vs. G.I. Joe, where celebrities and gamers face-off against U.S. troops deployed abroad via Xbox LIVE®.

Fans will be treated to a series of remarkable Call of Duty-inspired real-world action experiences, among them:

• A once-in-a-lifetime chance to paintball firefight across a life-size replica of Modern Warfare 2’s Scrapyard level.
• The opportunity to speed-run the infamous Modern Warfare 2 The Pit training sequence, for real.
• A military-style zip-line plunge across the Call of Duty XP compound.
• Suiting up for one-on-one battle in Juggernaut Sumo.
• Rations and refreshment for sale at Modern Warfare’s 2 iconic Burgertown fast food joint.
• A comprehensive Call of Duty armory and museum, featuring concept art and unique memorabilia from the entire franchise.

More details for the first-ever Call of Duty XP will be released soon.  Tickets are on sale now. The event will take place at the Call of Duty XP compound in Playa Vista, Calif., located at 5865 Campus Center Dr., Los Angeles, Calif., 90094.  The location, also known as The Hercules Campus, is the same location where Howard Hughes built the well-known Spruce Goose. Activision will donate 100% of the sales to The Call of Duty Endowment, a non-profit, public benefit corporation that seeks to help returning soldiers transition back to civilian life, find work and establish careers.  

For more information about Call of Duty XP, please visit www.callofduty.com/xp.

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. 

About the Call of Duty Endowment

The Call of Duty Endowment is a non-profit, public benefit corporation created by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. The organization seeks to help soldiers transitioning to civilian life find work and establish careers and to assist organizations that provide job placement and training. For more information about The Call of Duty Endowment, please visit www.callofdutyendowment.org.

Grand Prize Winner to Receive USD$50,000 for Charity of Choice and a Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop

Sydney, Australia – August 4, 2011: Do you or someone you know have what it takes to be a hero in just 10 seconds? Lenovo wants to know! Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), in partnership with Microsoft, is launching the EExtraordinary 10-Second Hero Contest in recognition of its Enhanced Experience 2.0 (EE 2.0) for Windows 7 program, which allows select Lenovo PCs to boot up in as little as 10 seconds.

The contest calls for all “doers” in countries around the world to submit 150 words explaining a good deed they or an organisation they know of accomplishes in 10 seconds. Lenovo will award USD$50,000 to a charity of choice based on the person or organisation that has made the most significant impact in the same amount of time it takes to boot up a Lenovo PC with Enhanced Experience 2.0.

“At Lenovo, we understand every second can have a big impact on our customers, which is why we created Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7.  Our proprietary RapidBoot technology allows Lenovo PCs to boot up 20 seconds faster than any other Windows 7 PC on the market today—a small feat that makes a big difference to users,” said Chris Kelly, Director, SMB and Consumer, Lenovo Australia and New Zealand. “Through the EExtraordinary contest, we are excited to uncover how others are making a difference by helping their communities in the same amount of time.”

“We are pleased to support the EExtraordinary 10-Second Hero Contest,” said Soren Lau, GM OEM product marketing, Microsoft. “Whether it’s a business or individual, it doesn’t take more than 10 seconds to be a hero or make a difference. We believe putting time back in our customers’ day with Lenovo RapidBoot technology will make a difference to them as well.”

Lenovo EExtraordinary 10-Second Contest Details

Beginning today through to 21 August, consumers ages 18 years or older can visit http://lenovo.promo.eprize.com/hero to submit a 150 word description of how they, an organisation or someone they know is performing a good deed in 10 seconds or less.  Twenty-four finalists from around the world will be selected by a panel of experts and featured on the contest website. The public will be invited to vote for their favourite submission on the contest website in mid-September, with the grand prize winner announced shortly after. Lenovo will donate USD$50,000 to the grand prize winner’s charity of choice.

The Lenovo EExtraordinary 10-Second Hero Contest is open to residents of the United States, Australia, Philippines, Malaysia, The United Kingdom, India, Canada (excluding Quebec), Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, The Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.

For official rules for the Lenovo EExtraordinary 10-Second Hero Contest, please visit: http://lenovo.promo.eprize.com/hero.

Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7

Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7 is an exclusive certification only available on Lenovo products. This unique feature allows Lenovo PCs to boot on average 20 seconds faster than a typical Windows 7 PC thanks to RapidBoot technology, which uses a range of proprietary optimisation techniques to deliver even faster start-up and shutdown times¹. Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 PCs with optional RapidDrive SSD technology perform even faster by using a Solid State Drive in addition to, or instead of, a regular hard drive (varies by model). RapidDrive SSD technology offers two-times faster application performance² and even faster Windows 7 performance, including boot up times in less than 10 seconds on select Idea PCs.³

Lenovo Idea-branded PCs with Enhanced Experience 2.0 are optimised for consumers for multimedia with Enhanced Digital Audio and HD graphics. Lenovo Think-branded PCs are optimised for businesses with robust security tools and rich Web conferencing features.

For more information about Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 2.0, please visit: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/products/ee2/index.html.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centres in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.au.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.

¹Testing conducted by CNET Labs, Beijing, in November 2010, using the independent Microsoft VTS tool to measure start-up, shutdown, resume and other Windows 7 performance measurements. Forty-two competitors’ PCs were tested from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba, representing both commercial and consumer desktop and notebook products at mainstream price points. These were compared with comparable Lenovo products. Data from competitors and Lenovo PCs were averaged and compared to calculate the claims used.

²Example based on identical configuration IdeaPad Y570 without RapidDrive using standard 500GB 5400rpm 2.5” SATA HDD (8 secs). Other application tests were performed with similar results.

³ Not all features available on all models. Check detailed specifications and selling features for further details on specific models.

Fans can get their first glimpse of the bold evolution of the Role-Playing Shooter at Gamescom and PAX Prime 2011 this month 

SYDNEY, Australia – August 4, 2011 – 2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that the sequel to the extravasplosive breakout hit, Borderlands™, is currently in development at world-renowned developer Gearbox Software. Coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the epic sequel to the ultimate four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest. Combining invention and evolution, Borderlands 2 features all-new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, which come together in an ambitiously crafted story. Players will reveal secrets, and escalate mysteries of the Borderlands universe as they adventure across the unexplored new areas of Pandora.

2K Games and Gearbox Software are taking this show on the road, and fans and media will be able to get their first look at the game at Gamescom 2011 from August 17 – August 21, and at PAX Prime from August 26 – August 28. Eager gamers can learn more about Borderlands 2 right now by picking up the latest issue of Game Informer Magazine, onsale August 17, which has the worldwide exclusive cover story on the title.  Readers will find many game details inside the issue, including the first reveal of one of the several new character classes being introduced in Borderlands 2.

About Borderlands

Taking the gaming world by storm, Borderlands delivered its unique flavor of humorous and lovable characters and addictive non-stop collaborative loot-hunting gameplay on an unsuspecting populace. The critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter, as well as its four downloadable expansion packs, captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world.

Borderlands 2 is not yet rated by the OFLC. For more information on Borderlands 2 please visit www.borderlandsthegame.com.

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

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 system and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPad®. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About Gearbox Software

Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms.  Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation, development and management of its original blockbuster video game franchises including the best-selling new property of 2009, Borderlands and its record setting downloadable content, Duke Nukem, including Duke Nukem Forever, the most anticipated title in video game history, and the critically acclaimed, award winning Brothers in Arms series of games.  The company has also developed licensed video games for many of the industry’s top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, 007 James Bond, Aliens and others.  Gearbox Software’s success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega, and Take-Two/2K Games.

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

Microsoft, Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our ability to raise capital if needed and risks associated with international operations. Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

We’re excited to announce Rezurrection, the all-Zombies content pack for Call of Duty®: Black Ops, is set to launch first on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network on August 23^rd.  Rezurrection hurls players into orbit with Moon, the climax of the Call of Duty Zombies saga and the first in the series to drop zombie-slaying into low-G lunar battlegrounds.  With new outrageous weapons, high-tech gear, and a bloodthirsty undead menace, Moon is the most challenging and thrilling Zombies adventure yet.

The Rezurrection content pack includes:

• The all new Moon level
• Four re-mastered levels of Zombie lore: Nacht der Untoten, Verruckt, Shi No Numa and Der Riese, the Zombie factory that started it all
• An enhanced Zombies Soundtrack including three tracks never before available for purchase
• A new Zombies Moon theme

For our fans who purchased the Black Ops Hardened or Prestige Editions and already own the four re-mastered maps, the other contents in the Rezurrection pack will be included at no cost, including Moon, the soundtrack and the theme.

For players that have not purchased the Black Ops Hardened or Prestige Editions, Rezurrection will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points.

To commemorate the upcoming release of Rezurrection and Call of Duty XP, the team will host Double XP over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision Publishing, Inc., Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated “MA 15+” (Mature Audiences) by the Classification Board. For additional Call of Duty updates, visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @Treyarch.

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.

Call of Duty and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

CENARION HATCHLING RAISES MORE THAN $1.9 MILLION FOR JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of World of Warcraft players around the world who purchased the Cenarion Hatchling pet, we’ve raised a total of more than $1.9 million USD to support the ongoing earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. In May, we announced that for every Cenarion Hatchling purchased by July 31, 2011, 100% of the $10 USD adoption fee would be going to assist victims of this disaster — and the community responded by opening up their hearts and wallets wide. Thanks again for your support and for helping to make an impact on the lives of those affected by these events.

For the news piece, head to the World of Warcraft Community Site, and to learn more about the Pet Store, please visit the Pet Store FAQ.

STARCRAFT II: STARTER EDITION

We’ve replaced the previously available StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty demo with the recently launched StarCraft II: Starter Edition. StarCraft II: Starter Edition allows anyone to play the following content for free (all you need is a Battle.net account and Internet connection):

• The first four missions of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty single-player campaign, including Mar Sara 1-3 and the choice to embark on Tychus’s first mission or Dr. Hansen’s first mission.
• The first two Challenges: Tactical Command and Covert Ops.
• Access to the terran race in Custom Games and Single-Player vs. AI.
• Access to the following custom maps (map selection may rotate over time):

–        Xel’Naga Caverns

–        Shattered Temple

–        Discord IV

–        High Orbit

Any campaign progress and achievements you earn while playing StarCraft II: Starter Edition are automatically saved to your Battle.net account, and will carry over should you ever upgrade from the Starter Edition to the full version of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.

For the full news post and StarCraft II: Starter Edition FAQ, head to the StarCraft II Community Site.

BLIZZCON 2011 VIRTUAL TICKET NOW ON SALE

Want to experience the panel discussions, tournaments, game-related announcements, and all the excitement of BlizzCon 2011 from the comfort of your own home? Then be sure to check out the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket!

The BlizzCon 2011 Virtual Ticket is now available for purchase  around the world for $39.99 USD (pricing may vary by region). Virtual Ticket coverage will be available as a multi-channel Internet stream and also via Pay Per View on DIRECTV in the United States, granting viewers a front-row seat to all of the action on the show floor including exclusive interviews, demos, and more!

For more information, you can read to the full news post here, head over to our official BlizzCon 2011 Live Stream page, or read the full FAQ.

Sydney 4 August 2011: Digital imaging technology leader Canon Australia is bullish on the outlook for the local consumer technology industry as the critical second-half 2011 sales period gets into full swing, citing unprecedented value, product innovation and strong category demand as drivers for future growth. With supply of its consumer imaging products returned to the levels prior to the Japan earthquake disaster of March 11, Canon is investing in programs to attract consumer attention to the value to be had in the Australian retail environment.

“The passion for digital imaging continues in Australia and there’s never been a better time to buy digital imaging technology with the great value available in local retailers,” said Jason McLean, Director – Canon Consumer Imaging, Canon Australia. “We’re taking and sharing more images than ever before and we’re seeing a continuing consumer focus on enhancing the lifestyle experience through upgrades in quality and advanced functionality.”*

Canon has a range of campaigns active through the remainder of the year to help consumers get the creative results they want from their digital imaging devices:

–        Canon TruCapture compact digital camera campaign – now it’s possible to capture true-to-life images at the press of a button, even in near-dark situations

–        Canon World of EOS – enter a world of creative inspiration dedicated to helping photographers of all levels take their skills further with video tutorials, creative challenges, customised gallery space, and tips and tricks from the experts

–        PIXMA Creative Printer campaign – showcases the creative possibilities that a PIXMA inkjet printer makes possible through outstanding print quality, creative media options (photo stickers, CDs/DVDs, T-shirt transfers etc), online resources and software to make getting great results easy.

Major price changes effective August 1

Further stimulating consumer demand, Canon has more than 95 Recommended Retail Price (RRP) repositions taking effect from 1 August across the digital imaging portfolio.

“With more than 95 Recommended Retail Price repositions taking effect this month, Australian consumers can feel confident of receiving great value for money in any of our Authorised local retailers,” continued McLean. “Anyone considering upgrading their imaging technology should check out their retailer and see for themselves the value that’s on offer.”

Examples of some RRP repositions (including GST) from across the range include:

– EOS 550D Super Kit (with EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6IS)               Old: $1949        New: $1449

– EOS 60D Premium Kit (with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS)          Old:  $2399       New: $1999

– EOS 5D Mk II Premium Kit (with EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM)       Old: $4899        New: $4499

– MT24EX Macro Twin Lite to suit the entire EOS range                Old:  $1499       New: $1199

– HFS20 HD digital video camera                                               Old: $1199        New: $899

– EF70-300IS EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens                          Old: $1199        New: $949

– EF40056LU EF 400mm f/5.6L USM                                          Old: $2319        New: $1999

– PIXMA MP5150 multifunction inkjet printer                                Old: $179          New: $129

– PowerShot SX130 compact digital camera                               Old: $329          New: $229

– PowerShot G12 compact digital camera                                   Old: $799          New: $699

– IXUS 310 HS compact digital camera                                       Old: $449          New: $399

“The pace of innovation and the high quality expectations that Australian consumers have for imaging products has seen the upgrade cycle shortening*,” said McLean. “With the local affordability of very sophisticated technology, consumers will be pleased to see that high-quality, market-leading products that may have been out of reach previously are now accessible to them.”

*Canon Consumer Digital Lifestyle Index 2H2010 available for download

Connect in the classroom and engage in the enterprise 

Sydney, Australia, August 4, 2011 – ViewSonic, global technology provider and renowned worldwide leader of visual display products is reinforcing its projector line up with a range of interactive and professional displays. The ViewSonic 7 Series projectors, designed for the education environment, offer a multitude of teacher-friendly features and valuable additions to any interactive instruction. The ViewSonic Pro 8 Series projectors, ideal for any business backdrop, allow professionals to deliver detailed presentations in any setting regardless of lighting conditions.

ViewSonic 7 Series

With five models in the series – PJD7382, PJD7383, PJD7383i, PJD7583w and PJD7583wi, the 3D-ready ViewSonic 7 Series projectors promote improved class participation by providing a visual source for dynamic presentations and enabling teachers to improvise an interactive whiteboard at a click away. Negating the need for costly interactive whiteboards, the ViewSonic “i” Series projectors – PJD7383i and PJD7583wi includes exclusive ViewSonic iProjector technology allowing users to to write directly onto the projected image with the included interactive PointBlank pen.

The ViewSonic 7 Series projectors feature an amazingly small throw ratio, projecting 80-inch images presented from just one metre away putting an end to teachers being blinded by the bright light. Fitted with Digital Keystone Correction which instantly square images to correct proportion, 1024 x 768 resolution and 3000 lumens, the ViewSonic 7 Series projectors delivers all-digital clarity and outstanding quality imagery in virtually any venue. A microphone input is included and the entire range is equipped with advanced Crestron network control using the local area network (LAN).

ViewSonic Pro 8 Series

In a commercial context, the ViewSonic Pro 8 Series possesses the power to stage projection in large rooms without loss of picture quality. Incorporating BrilliantColor™ technology, the ViewSonic Pro 8 Series projectors produce more vivid colours and project in high resolution, as well as present Blu-ray content, HD videos and images in their true nature. Brightness levels can reach up to 5000 ANSI lumens and the range include a contrast ratio of 3000:1.

The ViewSonic Pro 8 Series projectors provide advanced functionality, are easy to maintain and have a low total cost of ownership. With lamp life of 3000 hours in Eco-Mode, the ViewSonic Pro 8 Series projectors are compatible with Crestron advanced network control, making them simple to monitor remaining lamp-life and check for faults. Access via the top cover of the projector allows the lamp to be easily changed, no matter how the device is mounted.

Furthermore, a multitude of connectivity options make the ViewSonic 7 Series and ViewSonic Pro 8 Series projectors versatile. ViewSonic 7 Series projectors feature USB and LAN display, providing the flexibility to choose how to send content to the device. ViewSonic Pro 8 Series include HDMI, video and PC inputs allowing a range of devices to be connected.

The ViewSonic 7 Series and ViewSonic Pro 8 Series projectors are available now in Australia and New Zealand. RRPs inc GST:

About ViewSonic

ViewSonic® Corporation is a leading global provider of technology products. ViewSonic develops, markets and supports a broad range of innovative products, including media and PC tablets, LCD monitors, PCs, projectors, digital signage displays, digital photo frames and other technology solutions. For more information, visit www.viewsonic.com.au.

Bluemouth Interactive – Australia’s leading distributor of gaming accessories – proudly announce the exclusive introduction of three new simulation cockpit seats for racing games on PS3™, Xbox360™, Wii™ and PC.

Ideal for gaming, each Playseat racing simulation cockpit allows gamers to THRILL to the same experiences real-life racing drivers feel behind the wheel.

Available from October 2011, the three Playseats take virtual racing to a completely new level. Buyers simply need to match a Playseat to a digital racing wheel and game console – to interact with racing games in an unrivalled way – and at a fraction of the price possible only 5-years ago.

New 9.5 mm WD Scorpio Blue Mobile Drive Offers Largest Capacity Available for Portable Computing

Sydney, Australia: August 4, 2011 — Western Digital®, a leader in the desktop, mobile, high-capacity enterprise and consumer markets for hard drives, today announced that it has commenced volume shipments of its WD Scorpio® Blue™ 9.5 mm, 2.5-inch mobile hard drive with 1 TB capacity. Designed for mainstream notebook computers, the new WD Scorpio Blue 1 TB hard drive utilizes 500 GB-per-platter areal density and is now available in the highest capacity for 2.5-inch hard drives in the industry-standard 9.5 mm, two-platter (2-disk) form factor.

WD Scorpio Blue mobile hard drives are designed with ruggedness, reliability and data-protection features that actively watch over valuable data. The WD Scorpio Blue 1 TB mobile hard drive also achieves excellent power and performance, making it an ideal solution for notebook computers and other portable devices that require extended battery life and cool, ultra quiet operation.

“With the release of the 1 TB WD Scorpio Blue notebook drive in a 9.5 mm package, WD is able to offer the greatest storage capacity available for use in portable computing environments,” said Matt Rutledge, vice president and general manager of Client Storage for WD. “Mobile users no longer need to choose maximum capacity over thin and light, WD is ready with storage options, achieved without compromise to performance and reliability, that prove ideal for mobile digital devices of all kinds including PC and Mac notebook computers; external storage; and digital media players.”

WD Scorpio Blue Features:
Low power consumption – Advanced power management features and algorithms optimize the way the drive seeks for data, which significantly improves power consumption.
Cool and quiet – In a notebook drive, silence is golden. WD’s exclusive WhisperDrive™ technology yields one of the quietest 2.5-inch hard drives on the market.
Reliable – WD’s SecurePark™ parks the recording heads off the disk surface during spin up, spin down, and when the drive is off. This ensures the recording head never touches the disk surface resulting in improved long term reliability due to less head wear, and improved non-operational shock tolerance.
Shock Tolerant – WD’s ShockGuard™ technology, now increased to a best-in-market 400Gs shock specification, protects the drive mechanics and platter surfaces from shocks.
Advanced Format (AF) – Technology being adopted by WD and other drive manufacturers to continue growing hard drive capacities. New drives featuring AF are optimized for operation with the following operating system software: Windows® 7, Windows Vista™ and Mac OS X Tiger®, Leopard®, Snow Leopard® (PVT models only).
Tested for compatibility – WD performs tests on hundreds of systems and a multitude of platforms in its FIT Lab™ and Mobile Compatibility Lab to give customers confidence that drives will work in specific systems.

Pricing and Availability
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: WD Scorpio Blue (1TB)
RRP: AU $149 / NZ $206
Online Store Australia: http://store.westerndigital.com/store/wdau/en_AU/home
Australia Distributors: Achieva AU and Synnex AU
New Zealand Distributors: Synnex NZ, Ingram Micro NZ, VST NZ
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Download images: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=140