Ultimate Portable Entertainment System Makes Its Debut This Year, Further Expanding the PlayStation® Business in the Portable Gaming Market 

Tokyo, January 27, 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced its next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP), which delivers the ultimate portable entertainment experience.  NGP will make its debut at the end of the year 2011.

NGP is designed to offer unparalleled interactive entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation®.  This new system offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context, made possible by leveraging SCE’s experience from both PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®3 (PS3®) entertainment systems.

Deep and immersive gaming is at the core of PlayStation’s DNA, and NGP is the latest embodiment of this vision.  By having both Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity, together with various applications, NGP will enable infinite possibilities for users to “encounter,” “connect,” “discover,” “share” and “play” with friends wherever they are.  Within the device are a range of features that provide a genuinely cutting-edge, next generation ultimate portable entertainment experience.

l  Stunning OLED and Revolutionary User Interface

NGP incorporates a beautiful multi-touch 5-inch organic light emitting display (OLED) as the front display.  A high-performance CPU / GPU combined with OLED enables rich, visually striking graphics never seen before on a portable entertainment system, for both games and other digital entertainment content.  The new system also incorporates a unique multi-touch pad on the rear, and together with the front touch display, NGP offers new game play allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimension-like motion, through “touch, grab, trace, push and pull” moves of the fingers.

l  Super Oval Design and Dual Analog Sticks

While succeeding the basic design philosophy of PSP, NGP adopts the Super Oval Design form factor, created to fit comfortably in users’ hands.  For the first time, a portable entertainment system will feature two analog sticks, which enable a wider range of game genres to be brought into the portable experience.

l  LiveArea™

Every game title for NGP will be provided with a space called “LiveArea™” where users can share the fun and excitement with other players.  Users will have access to the latest information of games provided from SCE and 3^rd party developers and publishers through PlayStation®Network.  Additionally, NGP users will be able to view an “Activity” log that is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication among users.

l  Near

SCE will also provide location-based services on NGP as part of the basic features utilizing PlayStation Network.  The new application called “Near,” developed specifically for this service and the network, will be pre-installed in the system to let users find out what their friends in the vicinity are playing now or what they were playing recently.  Users can meet their friends and new players virtually, regardless of what games they are playing, simply by sharing their game information across different dimensions of time and distance.

l  New Game Medium

NGP adopts a new game medium, a small flash memory based card, dedicated for NGP software titles.  Taking advantage of the flash memory feature, this innovative card can store the full software titles plus add-on game content or the game save data directly on to the card. By adopting flash memory based card, SCE will be able to provide game cards with higher capacity in the future, allowing developers to store more game data to deliver rich and immersive games.

NGP will also come equipped with two cameras on its front and rear, as well as three motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer and electronic compass, all of which are designed to enable users to enjoy the world of entertainment that is linked with real life experiences.

PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), announced today, will also closely coordinate with NGP.  The newly developed and released game content for Android™ based portable devices can also be enjoyed on NGP.  As a result, users will have access to not only the most leading-edge content, but also some of the more casual experiences that typify the mobile market place.

SCE will vigorously promote NGP towards the launch as the next generation portable entertainment platform and deploy various measures to further expand the portable gaming market.

?Next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP) ?

 About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. 

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system.  PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment.  PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio.  PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power.  SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

VISCERAL GAMES AND BIOWARE TEAM UP TO CREATE AN INTERSTELLAR CROSS PROMOTION

When you’re done dismembering necromorphs, don’t forget to take the fight into Dragon Age™ II. Visceral Games™ and BioWare™ are working together to bring two of the year’s most highly anticipated action/adventure games together. Gamers who purchase the year’s first blockbuster entertainment release, Dead Space™ 2, can bring the terror to the sequel to 2009’s RPG of the Year, Dragon Age II with the exclusive “Ser Isaac of Clarke” armour set*. Modelled after Isaac Clarke’s signature rig, the “Ser Isaac of Clarke” armour set can be activated with a one-time use, non-transferable code found in Xbox 360® and PC versions of Dead Space 2, including body armour, boots, gauntlets and a helm, all of which carry extra benefits for you to take on your rise from warrior to legend in Dragon Age II. PlayStation®3 owners can visit www.DragonAge.com or look at the insert inside Dragon Age II for detailed instructions on unlocking the Ser Isaac Armour in the PlayStation 3 version of Dragon Age II.

In Dragon Age II, the chilling tales of Ser Isaac of Clarke are a favorite of bards performing in the wee hours of the night. In dank taverns throughout the land, these horror-filled stories captivate listeners and bring nightmares to those faint of heart.

Ser Isaac of Clarke’s Armour includes:

· Isaac’s Armor

o Heavy Armor

o Contains a rune slot

o Increases armor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

· Isaac’s Boots

o Increases armor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

· Isaac’s Gauntlets

o Increases armor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

· Isaac’s Helm

o Contains a rune slot

o Increases armor

o Critical damage factor

o Requires high dexterity and cunning

Dead Space 2 will be available in Australia on Jan. 27, 2011 and New Zealand on Jan. 28, 2011 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PC. Dragon Age II will be available across the same platforms on March 10, 2011. Visit www.DragonAge.com for more details and info on this special cross promotion.

* Offer expires March 31, 2012. Requires Internet connection, EA account, ownerhip of or access to applicable games. Must be 13+ to create an account. Visit www.dragonage.com/da2/addons for more details.

Razer Ferox Twin Speaker Set Delivers Omni-directional Sound to Everybody, Everywhere January 2011

Sydney, Australia – January 26, 2011 – Razer, the world’s leading precision gaming brand today announces the Razer Ferox – a cool, new ultraportable stereo speaker set that proves it’s not how big it is, it’s how awesome it sounds. Built to deliver 360 degrees of omni-directional sound, you’ll be amazed that something so tiny can rock so hard.

“The Razer Ferox is our sophisticated, modern day boombox for gamers,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, president, Razer USA. “Its sleek and compact structure takes up minimal space but delivers the crystal clear sound quality perfect for gaming on-the-go or for music playback wherever you’re at.”

The Razer Ferox delivers room-filling audio clarity with its 360 degree omni-directional acoustics, giving a much wider listening sweet spot than any ordinary front-facing speakers. No matter where you stand, sit, or backflip during a riotous shootout, audio from the Razer Ferox sounds just as immersive.

Featuring expandable resonance chambers that provide stronger bass and optimized digital amplifiers for a fuller sound experience, each chamber rises upon a single press to power up. You’ll have a hard time just keeping your hands off the nifty mechanism every time you switch the Razer Ferox on.

With 12 hours of rechargeable battery life and a convenient carrying case, the Razer Ferox is extremely versatile. These mobile speakers can be used for space-constrained gaming desktop setups, brought along to LAN parties for a convenient audio solution, or broadcasting your headbanging playlist whilst at the beach. Just plug it into any media player with a 3.5mm jack and you’ll realize that you’ll never want to leave home without your Razer Ferox, especially when phenomenal audio is just a plug and press away.

About the Razer Ferox

Get powerful sound in a portable form factor with the Razer Ferox, a tiny but mighty stereo speaker set. With 360-degree omni-directional acoustics that fill your surroundings evenly with sweet sound, expandable resonance chambers for thumping bass, and optimized digital amplifiers to enhance performance and power efficiency, you’ll never be left wanting more. Your multidimensional listening experience is right in the palm of your hand.

With its simple plug-and-play operation, 12-hour rechargeable battery life, and handy carrying case, the Razer Ferox is the ultimate choice for all your mobile audio needs.

Razer Ferox

Price: AUD $99.95

Availability:

Razerzone.com – January 2011

Worldwide – January 2011

Product Features:

·        360° omnidirectional sound for all round clarity

·        Expanded bass resonance chamber for powerful bass

·        Digital amplification for enhanced power efficiency

·        Compatible with any media player with a 3.5mm jack

·        30mm drivers for exceptional audio quality

·        Rechargeable non-replaceable in-built batteries

·        Up to 12 hours of playback

·        Play and charge simultaneously

·        LED battery status indicator for easy monitoring

·        Seamless switch between On/Off-mode

·        Carrying pouch for maximum portability

For more information on the Razer Ferox, please visit www.razerzone.com/ferox.

About the Razer Group:

Razer is more than just the world’s leading brand in high-end precision gaming products, perpetually defining the gaming and technology space.  Founded in 1998 in Carlsbad, California, Razer is driven by the ceaseless pursuit for absolute precision and high usability in a distinctive, aesthetic design that will give gamers the edge they demand.  With labs and offices in seven cities around the world, Razer dedicates user interface research and development to bring cutting-edge technology to each and every product.  We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.

For more information, please visit www.razerzone.com.

63% of the users looking for on-line adult content compromised their computers’ security more than once

BUCHAREST, Romania – January 24, 2011 – BitDefender®, an award-winning provider of innovative internet security solutions, today announced the results that show that Internet pornography remains a main source of e-threats.

BitDefender’s study, which exposes data security risks and implications when accessing adult content web sites, confirms that 63% of the users attempting to find adult content on their computers compromised their computers’ security on multiple occasions.

The study consisted of a survey concerning the psychological background of adult on-line content use, and a net-research aiming to identify the ensuing malware and privacy related issues.

More than 72% of the 2,017 respondents interviewed in the study admitted that they had searched for and accessed adult content sites (78% men and 22% women). The study also uncovered that of the most accessed pornographic materials, an impressive 91%, were videos that can be downloaded from different sources including torrents, Web sites and hubs. Real-time adult content sites, such as video-chats and adult dating, ranked second in respondents’ preferences with 72%.

The study went on to reveal that 69% of the interviewed participants declared that they usually access adult content web sites from home, while 25% access them from their work places and only 6% from other locations (Internet cafés, etc.). The main motivations for accessing adult sites were the need to relax (54%) and curiosity (38%).

“This BitDefender survey confirms that users should think twice when accessing these pornographic sites since this is an area that cyber criminals continue to exploit,” states Sabina Datcu, E-Threats Analysis and Communication Specialist and author of the survey. “Over 60 percent of respondents admitted that they have had malware-related issues more than one time as a direct consequence of accessing adult content. In the end, the findings of this study should make users consider whether accessing these sites is worth compromising their systems, data and work.”

More details on this survey can be found at Malwarecity.com.

No private information or other content arising or deriving from this inquiry has been collected. No data or confidential information pertaining to individuals or companies was or will be disclosed, used for any other purposes or against the persons who revealed it.

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

The flames of vengeance burn brightest when lit by dragonfire

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — JANUARY 24, 2011 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc., in partnership with Focus Home Interactive, today announced North American publishing plans for Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga for Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“With Ego Draconis, the original Divinity II adventure now enhanced to live up to its original promise, and Flames of Vengeance, the tale’s rousing finale, Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga for Xbox 360 system stands as one of the most expansive console action RPG experiences of all time,” stated Aram Jabbari, Manager of Public Relations and Sales at Atlus. “Comprehensive in its content, extensively remastered based on community feedback, and unflinching in its grand scope and ambition, this complete set offers roleplaying fans over 100 hours of intense action, unique quests, a fully realized fantasy world to explore, and the unmatched thrill of taking to the skies as a powerful dragon. There’s no better or more entertaining way to mow down dozens of your enemy’s troops than with searing blasts of flame from your mouth. Believe us: we’ve tried.”

“Focus is very happy to work with Atlus for the release of Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga for North America,” stated Cédric Lagarrigue, CEO of Focus Home Interactive. “Atlus has already demonstrated its expertise on the RPG genre and they proved it yet again with the success of Demon’s Souls. Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga was praised by the press and the players in Europe, and we are convinced Atlus is the ideal partner to make the game reach the same success in North America.”

Adding even more value is the addition of a soundtrack CD featuring selections from the game’s heroic fantasy score, included free inside every launch copy of the game!

Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga for Xbox 360 system brings its fast-paced action RPG combat and high-flying dragon battles to North America on April 12, 2011. For more information, visit http://www.divinity2-saga.com.

Set amidst the corrupt and violent undercurrents of Hollywood’s post-war Golden Age, L.A. Noire tells the story of World War II hero and aspiring young detective, Cole Phelps as he solves cases and climbs the ranks of the LAPD.

A dark crime thriller, LA Noire plays out across the various ‘desks’ of the LAPD, including Traffic, Homicide, Vice and Arson, each desk posing unique challenges and revealing a new side to the Los Angeles criminal underworld. Trailer 2 focuses on Cole’s experiences working these desks, including a series of potentially linked murders and the desperate pressure to find the killer or killers and bring them to justice.

The trailer is comprised completely of in-game footage only.

LA Noire is coming to the Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 on May 20, 2011 in Australia and New Zealand. For information on the technology behind LA Noire and more, visit rockstargames.com/lanoire

KONAMI reveals first shots and art of new Silent Hill title, as Dexter composer scores latest return to the terrifying town…

SYDNEY, 25 January, 2011: Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has released the first shots of the next iteration of its hugely popular horror series, Silent Hill: Downpour. The asset issue marks the first confirmation of the new game’s suffix, while KONAMI has also announced that acclaimed composer, Daniel Licht (Dexter), is producing the game’s eerie soundtrack

Silent Hill: Downpour marks the series’ return to PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360, and brings a completely original storyline which follows Murphy Pendleton, a convict stranded in the foggy, malevolent world of Silent Hill. Pendleton begins the game lost and alone in the woods on the outskirts of the fabled town, when his prison transport bus crashes…

What happens after this is up to the player, as Silent Hill: Downpour reveals a new, expansive environment that is similarly claustrophobic and where the player is never truly alone. The new assets demonstrate the highly detailed environments the game enjoys, a sneak preview of the town and two new areas: The Diner and The Devil’s Pit.

In addition to the screens, KONAMI has also released a 90-second sample of the in-game music to whet the appetite. The music forms part of Daniel Licht’s chilling soundtrack, the composer better known for his work on Showtime’s acclaimed serial killer drama, Dexter.

EA Mobile is celebrating all things Aussie in this week’s App Blast.

Local Australian game developer, IronMonkey, is behind some of the world’s most successful mobile games – including Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Mirror’s Edge, The Sims 3 and now, next week’s highly anticipated Dead Space.

This January 26, flick on Triple J’s Hottest 100, slap on the zinc, throw some lamb on the BBQ and support Aussie gaming innovation by playing some of the fantastic Aussie game titles noted below!

EA MOBILE APPS (all developed in our own backyard!)

Dead Space (iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad)
iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HERE
iPad: CLICK HERE

With the highly anticipated launch of Dead Space from EA Mobile, players will immerse themselves in events that set the stage for the action-horror storyline of Dead Space™ 2. The story picks up after three years since the destruction of the Marker in the first Dead Space game. Now, gamers will experience first-hand the events that unleash the Necromorph hordes once again. Players will find themselves on a mission of uncertain purpose in the Mines of Titan, and the truth of the situation will soon become grotesquely clear…

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad)

iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HERE

iPad : CLICK HERE
Developed in Australia, the visually stunning and built for speed like no other, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, has hit the Australian App Store. Players will feel the thrill of the takedown and stop top racers cold in high-speed police cars like the Lamborghini Reventon. Gamers can also challenge a friend to a head-to-head Cop vs. Racer showdown via local WiFi or Bluetooth. The game is made to maximise the Retina Display so the eye-popping visual quality will blow you away.

Need for Speed Shift (iPhone & iPod Touch)

iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HERE
iPad: CLICK HERE
Players get the chance to explode onto the circuit and tear through the streets of Chicago, Dubai, Italy and London by driving the fastest, hottest cars around. Throughout the game, you can earn points and trophies for your aggressiveness, precision and style, with the chance of upgrading your ride to top speed, handling, acceleration and nitrous features as you race to defeat the world’s top three professional racers.

Need for Speed Undercover (iPhone & iPod Touch)

iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HEREIn Need for Speed Undercover, players have the choice to chase or be chased. The cops are back like never before in this action-packed game of pursuit and betrayal. Gamers will go up against ruthless street racers who are out to win at any cost. You must earn respect through your performance and fill your garage with the world’s fastest cards. Players are the hunter… and the hunted.

Mirror’s Edge (iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad)

iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HERE

iPad: CLICK HERE

EA’s award-winning action adventure game, Mirror’s Edge, has debuted on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad with a graphically rich, addictive experience, and 14 nail-biting levels of unrivalled 3D action. Exciting gameplay has players running on walls, sliding down ramps and leaping between rooftops as they out-maneuver enemies in pursuit of their mission.

The Sims 3 (iPhone & iPod Touch)

iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HERE

For the first time in the Sims franchise, players can now turn their Sims’ passions into professions. Build dream homes or businesses, and even have babies! You get everything you love about The Sims from this all-new member of The Sims family.

The Sims 3 Ambitions (iPhone & iPod Touch)

iPhone / iPod Touch: CLICK HERE

For the first time in the Sims franchise, players can now turn their Sims’ passions into professions. Build dream homes or businesses, and even have babies! You get everything you love about The Sims from this all-new member of The Sims family.