Join The Final Battle of Hogwarts

Sydney, Australia – 14th July 2011 – IT ALL ENDS. Today the EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced that the Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 2 videogame is available to purchase on multiple platforms in stores throughout Australia and New Zealand. The explosive finale will feature all of the iconic moments and locations from the conclusion of Harry Potter’s journey, and enable fans to step into Harry’s shoes as he faces off against Voldemort and his dark forces for the final time.

A Game of Thrones – Genesis: new screenshots of Westeros!

“A Game of Thrones – Genesis”, the new strategy game developed for PC by Cyanide, today unveiled new exclusive screenshots! These 4 images will be the perfect opportunity to discover more about the video game adaptation of the great saga “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George RR Martin: the Targaryen army during a siege, the brothers from the Night’s Watch on patrol near Castle Black or the Tyrell forces leaving Highgarden for a long campaign. In the meantime, a King has sat upon the Iron Throne and is preparing for his future wars and conquests…

Thanks to a well-developed single player campaign written under supervision of the author George R.R. Martin, “A Game of Thrones – Genesis” immerses you into the heart of the battles and intrigues between the Houses that shaped the Kingdom of Westeros. Live the origins of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga through more than 1000 years of History, and take part in Westeros’ founding events and largest battles such as Aegon the Conqueror’s invasion on the continent or the War of the Usurper.

In this great strategy game, victory does not necessarily result from brute force. You can choose to use a military approach and besiege your opponents, strangle them in an economical war, or even use dirty tricks and diplomacy to politically crush them. Treachery and deception are everywhere, so watch your back and prepare for battle!

A Game of Thrones – Genesis will be released on PC in summer 2011.

Play Arcade Shooter to Unlock the Power Sword in Warhammer® 40,000® Space Marine®

MELBOURNE, Vic. July 13, 2011 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that arcade shooter, Warhammer® 40,000®: Kill Team™ is available to purchase for Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network for 800 Microsoft Points. The title will also launch on Playstation® Network later this summer.

In this third person arcade style shooter, players take on the role of an elite Space Marine team sent to assault a giant Ork Kroozer en-route to an Imperial Forge World. Do you have what it takes to take out the Warboss and prevent the WAAAGH!

Players who complete the first mission in Kill Team will unlock the deadly Power Sword weapon for use in multiplayer in the upcoming Warhammer® 40,000® Space Marine®. Sheathed in a power field, it cuts through armor and flesh alike and features unique animations, combos and damage output.

Kill Team™ allows players to choose from four unique classes, including ranged specialists the Sternguard Veteran and Techmarine, and more melee focused classes like the Vanguard Veteran and Librarian. With two-player same screen Co-operative play, multiple weapon upgrades and six iconic Space Marine chapters to select from, Kill Team is a must-play for fans of Warhammer® 40,000®.

More information can be found on the Kill Team tab on Space Marine’s Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/spacemarine#!/spacemarine?sk=app_116523875100118.

Kill Team is scheduled to launch for Xbox LIVE and Playstation Network for a suggested price of 800 Microsoft Points / $9.99.

Legitimate Android app causes users to infect friends with malware
Android.Trojan.KuSaseSMS encourages users to share via self-advertising links

SYDNEY & AUCKLAND – July 13, 2011 – BitDefender, an award-winning provider of innovative Internet security solutions, has discovered of a new piece of Android malware, identified as Android.Trojan.KuSaseSMS. This mobile threat propagates by means of self-advertising links sent by unwary users via two clean online video stream viewers available on the Google Android Market, cleverly encouraging friends to infect each other.

The user has the option to send an SMS or an email message to promote the respective viewers to their contacts and friends. If this option is chosen, a predefined text will be entered in the default sms or email client. The SMS or e-mail will only be sent after the user chooses a recipient. The predefined text for both viewers contains the same link which actually takes the recipient to a malicious app, identified as Android.Trojan.KuSaseSMS. The Trojan then sends 6 SMS messages to number ‘10086’ (a Chinese phone service number) and it blocks all SMS coming from numbers beginning with ‘10’.

Once the malicious Android.Trojan.KuSaseSMS app has been installed, it accesses an update link which in fact executes malicious code that is similar in behaviour to HippoSMS. HippoSMS is known to piggyback on legitimate applications available on the Android market, and sends SMS messages to premium rate numbers. Put simply, friends and contacts of the infected user would be at risk, not the app user themselves.

Catalin Cosoi, BitDefender Head of Online Threats Lab commented: “This could well be the first time that Android users are tricked into putting their friends at risk. Whilst these two apps could easily send the infected links themselves, the chances of users becoming suspicious and the scam getting detected would have been a lot higher. By using their friends and contacts to effectively endorse the safety of the links, it’s likely that a higher number of people will let their guard down and click through. I have to say this is a pretty ingenious way to spread malware, and we may well see more of this technique in future.”

Android users are recommended to always download applications from trustworthy locations and not to resort to alternative application markets. In addition, they should carefully read the permissions requested by applications they intend to install so as to be able to assess the possible risks they are exposed to more accurately. Finally, monitoring the smartphone for unusual behaviour will help keep users safe.

BitDefender users can keep their smartphones safe from harm using BitDefender Mobile Security, which uses new in-the-cloud antivirus services to efficiently scan the device and prevent malicious applications from being installed.

The Nokia E6 available in Australia

Sydney, Australia – 13 July 2011.  The Nokia E6 smartphone has arrived in Australia.  The ultra compact, simple-to-use phone will appeal to those who want a full QWERTY keypad combined with the ease and simplicity of a touch screen.

The Nokia E6 is the first Nokia smartphone running on the latest Symbian Anna operating system. 

The phone is beautifully crafted, encased in glass and stainless steel and combines a full keypad with a high resolution touch display.

The Nokia E6 offers the best out-of-the-box Microsoft messaging experience, including access to work email though Microsoft Exchange and instant messaging via Microsoft Communicator Mobile.  Consumer chat and personal email is also available for all the main service providers.

Other features of the Nokia E6 include:

• Pre-installed apps such as QuickOffice, World Traveler, JoikuSpot and FaceBook plus access to thousands of other apps from Nokia’s Ovi Store
• Free lifetime walk and drive navigation preloaded for Australia and access to maps for more than 180 countries
• 8MP camera, dual LED flash and HD quality, 720p resolution video
• 2.46” sharp VGA touch display
• Exceptional battery life plus 8GB internal memory and expandable memory with a 32GB Micro SD
• High grade security solutions such as device lock and wipe, secure intranet access and phone management

The Nokia E6 is available now in Black through Allphones and Black and Silver through TeleChoice and Crazy John’s.  Vodafone and Optus will range the Black Nokia E6 from early August.  RRP is AUD $549.

Arriving on Earth on Disney DVD 14 September 2011

Who needs mums, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (SETH GREEN) thinks life would better without his mum (JOAN CUSACK) nagging him to take out the trash and eat his broccoli. That is until she’s nabbed by Martians from Mars. Now it’s up to Milo to save her as he finds himself bravely travelling across the galaxy to get her back.

Produced by the team behind Disney’s A Christmas Carol and The Polar Express, Mars Needs Moms tells the tale of Milo’s intergalactic quest which involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (MINDY STERLING). With the help of a tech-savvy, underground earthman named Gribble (DAN FOGLER) and a rebel Martian girl called Ki (ELISABETH HARNOIS), Milo just might find his way back to his mum—in more ways than one.

Mars Needs Moms is the craziest adventure in the galaxy, and only on DVD can you enjoy an enhanced entertainment experience with out-of-this world special effects, jam packed with bonus features.

The ideal film for parents and kids alike, it’s a thrilling journey that’s pure fun. Add it to your Disney DVD collection 14 September 2011.

3 TB Capacity, FireWire® Speed, Brushed Aluminium Casing, and Automated Backup Features Make Storage Easy as Plug-and-Save

Sydney, Australia: July 12, 2011 – Western Digital® today announced that its newest generation of the popular My Book® Studio™ external hard drives are designed for use with Mac® computers and Apple Time Machine. Now available with a 3 TB storage capacity, the new design features a brushed aluminum casing to match the appearance of a Mac computer, and also serves to keep the drive cool while in use. The aluminium exterior, combined with its WD® Caviar® Green™ drives, eliminates the need for an internal fan to reduce drive noise and extend the life of the drive. Although formatted for Mac computers, the My Book Studio external hard drives can also be reformatted for PCs.

The My Book Studio external hard drive includes all the features and benefits that have made it one of the favourites among creative professionals and Mac computer enthusiasts, including its fast and flexible FireWire® 800/400 and USB 2.0 interfaces, user-controlled automatic backup software and drive management, password protection and hardware encryption. Shipping in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB, the My Book Studio drive includes the WD Caviar Green series of internal hard drives with WD GreenPower Technology™.

“WD has updated the design of its My Book Studio drive while providing natural cooling features delivered by the new aluminum enclosure,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “The drive will maintain all the features that are important to the creative community, including high speed FireWire® 800 and adding large capacities up to 3 TB.”

Pricing and Availability
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: WD My Book Studio
RRP:
Country WDBC3G0010HAL WDBC3G0020HAL WDBC3G0030HAL
Australia $179.99 $229.99 $299.99
New Zealand
$249.99 $319.99 $439.99

Online Store Australia: http://store.westerndigital.com/store/wdau/en_AU/home
Australia Distributors: Synnex Australia, Simms International
New Zealand Distributors: Synnex NZ, Ingram Micro NZ
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Logitech today announced the imminent Australian availability of the Logitech Wireless Mouse M235. The hand friendly mouse features a compact and contoured design and a smooth scroll wheel. Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking allows smooth precise pointing dragging and clicking while using the computer for any purpose. The mouse can go a full year without battery hassles, with an indicator light to eliminate power surprises.

The Logitech Wireless Mouse M235 is expected to be available in Australia mid July for a suggested retail price of AU $39.95. It’s expected to be available from the following retailers: Big W, Dick Smith, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Logitechshop.com.au, Myer and Officeworks.

Global Battle.net® Invitational and GSL October Final Set to Take Place Before Sell-Out Crowd at Blizzard Entertainment’s Upcoming Gaming Festival

July 11, 2011 — Blizzard Entertainment announced today that the 2011 Global Battle.net® Invitational and the 2011 GSL (Global StarCraft® II League) October Final will both be held at BlizzCon® 2011. The action will be live at BlizzCon and presented for free over the Internet at www.blizzcon.com. A free Battle.net account will be required for access to the Internet stream. Sign up for an account at www.battle.net.

BlizzCon, which takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from October 21 to 22, is a celebration of Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft®, StarCraft, and Diablo® universes as well as the community of players that has grown around them. Tickets to attend BlizzCon are sold out, but virtual tickets, which provide comprehensive live coverage of the event, will be available for $39.99 USD at www.blizzcon.com.

“Between the Global Battle.net Invitational and the GSL October Final, two of the biggest eSports events of the year will be taking place at BlizzCon 2011,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to witnessing the high level of competition between the pro gamers participating in these events alongside our attendees at BlizzCon and the viewers at home.”

The Global Battle.net Invitational is one of the top attractions at BlizzCon, featuring top-ranked pro players who have been invited to participate from across the world. This year, players will compete in StarCraft® II: Wings of Liberty™ and World of Warcraft®: Cataclysm™.

The GSL is one of the world’s most-watched eSports competitions. Since its inception in 2010, millions of viewers have watched GSL broadcasts featuring intense matches between highly skilled professional players. These world-class competitors make a living through sponsorships and by battling it out for cash prizes in prestigious tournaments. The GSL October Final match is expected to bring much excitement to both domestic and overseas viewers as it will be the first GSL tournament final to take place outside of Korea. Between the Battle.net Invitational and the GSL October Final, a total prize pool of nearly $300,000 USD will be up for grabs at BlizzCon 2011.

More information about BlizzCon and the 2011 Global Battle.net Invitational can be found at the official BlizzCon website (www.blizzcon.com), and more information on the GSL can be found on its official website (www.gomtv.net).

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

About Gretech Corp.

Gretech Corp., founded in 1999 in South Korea, is producing a successful array of software which is currently being used on 88% of all computers in the Korean market. Gretech’s products are being used worldwide by people from 213 different countries, totaling over 100 million users. In addition to the software, which includes the GOM Player, GOM Audio, GOM Encoder and GOM Recorder, Gretech currently hosts about 300,000 contents accessible through the media service, GOMTV. As Blizzard Entertainment’s exclusive broadcasting partner for StarCraft II content in Korea, Gretech is currently hosting and producing the GSL (Global StarCraft® II League), which is being broadcasted live to audiences from all over the world. Gretech’s main office is located in Seoul, South Korea. For additional information, please visit Gretech’s homepage (http://www.gretech.com/eng/index.html).