SYDNEY, Aust. — 28 September, 2010 — For big, bold sound from your music, movies and games, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) has unveiled the THX® Certified Logitech® Speaker System Z623. With this 2.1 system, you’ll hear and feel immersive audio from 200 watts (RMS) of power whether you’re connecting the speakers to a laptop, a TV or your iPod®.

The Z623 is Logitech’s latest edition to its Z Series range of speakers and compliments its existing audio portfolio of iPod® speaker docks, laptop speakers, Ultimate Ears earphones, headsets, gaming headsets and laptop stands with speakers.

“Whether you’re listening to rock music, watching a Steven Spielberg flick, or playing your favourite video game, the experience is always richer when you get engrossed in the audio,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “That’s why we built the Logitech Speaker System Z623 – so you can lose yourself in whatever you’re into. For DVD aficionados, music enthusiasts and hardcore gamers, the Z623 system delivers powerful audio for your room. And with THX certification, you know you’re getting the best.”

To make sure you can set up the system the way you want, Logitech includes all the inputs and cables you need to get great sound from up to three audio devices. With the RCA and 3.5 mm inputs, in addition to the built-in headphone jack, you can be set up in minutes to enjoy great sound from your computer, game console, digital music players, TV or DVD player. And to put you in command, the integrated controls on the right speaker satellite let you dial the volume and bass up or down to suit your listening experience.

Logitech and THX – Delivering Pure Performance

To get you completely immersed in your audio, the Logitech Z623 speakers are THX Certified and professionally engineered to recreate the tonal balance of whatever you’re listening to. To qualify for THX certification, the two-satellite-and-subwoofer Z623 speaker system has to meet strict performance standards. Logitech engineers have worked closely with THX, conducting more than 400 acoustic and electrical bench tests covering frequency response, power output, distortion, noise and overall performance. For the Logitech Z623 speakers, the result is front speakers that deliver dialogue and ambient sounds so clear it’s like you’re on the set of your favorite film. And you’ll hear powerful, deep bass from your subwoofer as it recreates the roar of a jet engine or the sound of a collapsing bridge.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Speaker System Z623 is expected to be available in Australia from early October in www.logitechshop.com.au, Officeworks, Dick Smith, Harvey Norman and WOW for an RRP of $299.95.

The Z623 is also available from distributors Ingram Micro, Scholastic Australia, Altech and Fluidtek.

The Logitech Speaker System Z623 joins a wide range of Logitech speakers, which can be found at http://www.logitech.com/en-au/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers.

For a video overview of the Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506 please visit: http://bit.ly/Logitech_Z623_speakers.

Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 delivers 360-degree sound; Logitech Laptop Speaker Z105 makes music on the go a breeze 

SYDNEY, Aust. — 28 September, 2010 — Laptop computers have dramatically changed the way you enjoy entertainment today, but laptop audio hasn’t really kept pace. Because you’re watching movies, shows and Facebook™ video clips on your laptop, today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced the Logitech® Laptop Speaker Z305 and Logitech® Laptop Speaker Z105. Whether you use a Mac® or a Windows®-based laptop or a netbook, the Laptop Speaker Z305 brings you all-around sound in a compact design.

“The speakers built into most laptops are tiny and can’t always reproduce powerful audio,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “Whether you’re an MP3 junkie or a movie lover, these new laptop speakers make it easy to connect, turn the sound up and lose yourself in the things you love. There’s no reason that you can’t have quality audio while you’re watching the latest YouTube® sensation or the newest Hollywood release on your laptop.”

The Z305 and Z105 are Logitech’s latest editions to the Z Series range of speakers and compliments its existing audio portfolio of iPod® speaker docks, Ultimate Ears earphones, headsets, gaming headsets & laptop stands with speakers.

Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 — All-around sound from your laptop, to go

If you are looking for a lightweight, compact speaker that is truly as portable as your laptop, look no further than the Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305. Thanks to 360-degree audio, the Z305 emits sound evenly in all directions so you get a great listening experience throughout the room. The plug-and-play USB connection delivers power and pure, digital audio instantly — without the need for software or an external power supply.

So you can easily use the speaker anywhere you use your computer — your office, your bed, the airport — the Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 securely mounts behind the screen so it’s out of the way. And the Laptop Speaker Z305 is also extremely lightweight — approximately 225g — which means you’ll always be able to take it with you. As an added convenience, the USB cable tucks neatly into the back of your speaker, giving you a look that’s sleek and clutter-free.

When you’re ready to hit the road, both new Logitech laptop speakers fit easily into the included travel case or your laptop bag.

Logitech Laptop Speaker Z105 — Lots of power with no fuss

The Logitech® Laptop Speakers Z105 join rounds out Logitech’s laptop speaker range, providing rich, full digital sound from the convenience of the USB port. Featuring contemporary gloss design detail and convenient push-button controls for easy access to volume and mute functions, the power and audio are supplied from PCs or laptops via a single plug and play USB cable. The sleek design also enhances mobility making it easy to enjoy your music when travelling.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 and Logitech Laptop Speaker Z105 are expected to be available in Australia from early October for an RRP of $99.95 and $24.95 respectively. The Laptop Speaker Z305 is expected to be available from www.logitechshop.com.au, JB HiFi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Bing Lee, The Laptop Speaker Z105 will be available from KMart.

Product is also available from distributors Ingram Micro, Scholastic Australia, Altech and Fluidtek.

The full range of Logitech speaker systems can be found at http://www.logitech.com/en-au/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Return to the Griffins’ version of that galaxy far, far away as their freakin’ sweet saga continues with “Family Guy: It’s A Trap!” – arriving exclusively on Blu-ray and DVD December 22, 2010, from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. In the third installment of the hilarious Star Wars satire – following 2005’s “Family Guy: Blue Harvest” and last year’s “Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side“- the Griffins reprise their intergalactic roles in an outrageous retelling of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.

In this spectacular and offensively uproarious final chapter, Luke Skywalker (Chris) and Princess Leia (Lois) must travel to Tatooine to free Han Solo (Peter) by infiltrating the wretched stronghold of
Jabba the Hutt (Joe), the galaxy’s most loathsome and dreadful gangster.  Once reunited, the Rebels team up with a tribe of Ewoks to combat the Imperial forces on the forest moon of Endor.  Meanwhile the Emperor (Carter Pewterschmidt) and Darth Vader (Stewie) conspire to turn Luke to the dark side, and young Skywalker is determined to rekindle the spirit of the Jedi within his father. The Galactic Civil War has never been more outrageous, as the Rebel forces gather to attack the seemingly defenseless and incomplete second Death Star in the battle that will determine the fate of the galaxy. 

Adding to the fun, “Family Guy: It’s A Trap!” is loaded with hysterical cameo voice spots – including Patrick Stewart and Michael Dorn reprising their roles from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Adam West (“Batman”) and Carrie Fisher (Star Wars Trilogy).

“The fan base for “Family Guy” and Star Wars, both enthusiastic, have embraced the first two hilarious spoofs,” said Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “Bringing the distinctive storylines together for the trilogy of parodies has been enormously successful and lends itself to create unique home entertainment releases.”

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment 

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

Release Date Confirmed as 5^th November 2010 

Monday 27^th September 2010 – Sports Interactive and SEGA Europe announced today that the PC version of Football Manager™ 2011 will include the ability to publish achievements and goals to social networking sites, and will have a new camera angle for the 3D match view.

The 2011 version of the award-winning Football Manager series will introduce the ability to upload videos from the hugely improved Match Engine directly to a YouTube account. This will also include videos from the new match engine camera angle, dubbed the “TV camera” due to it being a moving and more zoomed in camera, much like you’d see when watching a match on TV.

Via Twitter, managers can set manual or automatic updates of achievements to their Twitter account, whilst STEAM users can publish over 80 achievements to a personal virtual manager’s office on www.footballmanager.com as well as their STEAM profiles.

Video highlight uploading with the new camera view is already in action and can be seen on Sports Interactive’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/sigamesofficial now.

Today’s new features announcement follows the revealing of over a dozen headline features over the last two weeks, a complete list of which can be found at www.footballmanager.com

All budding football managers will be happy to hear that the highly anticipated Football Manager™ 2011, for PC and Apple Macintosh and Football Manager Handheld™ 2011 for Sony PlayStation® Portable will be released on the 5th November.

About Sports Interactive Ltd.:

Sports Interactive (SI) is the world’s leading developer of football management simulations through its Football Manager series of games Founded in 1994 and based in the Old Street area of London, SI has a full-time staff of 66 and employs services of more than 1,500 part-time researchers across the globe, alongside over 100 offsite beta testers. The company’s games have enjoyed an unparalleled history of commercial and critical success, with ten of its creations among the UK’s Top 20 fastest-selling PC games of all time, and 5 in the UK’s top 20 best selling PC games of all time. Sports Interactive became a wholly owned subsidiary of SEGA in 2006. Further information on the company and its games is available from the SI website, www.sigames.com.

About SEGA® Europe Ltd.:

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega.com.

DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 Supports Fast Transfer Rates


Sydney, Australia: September 27, 2010 — Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is shipping its first USB 3.0 Flash drive. The Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 Flash drive takes advantage of the faster USB 3.0 specification that has up to ten times the data transfer rates of the current USB 2.0 specification.

The DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 has a read speed of 80MB/sec. and a write speed of 60MB/sec. It is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities. The combination of speed and size makes it ideal for data backup or fast transferring of large files including music, photos and videos. To ensure backwards compatibility, Kingston is also including a Y cable as some USB 2.0 ports require it to initialize USB 3.0 drives.

“USB 3.0 is the next major milestone in Flash memory for USB products and Kingston wants to have a solution in the marketplace for early adopters,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “The DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 is our first USB 3.0 Flash drive offering and is designed for enthusiasts who like to embrace new technology before it goes mainstream.”

During internal testing, a 1 hour 44 minute movie (3.9GB) was written to the drive in 1 minute 13 seconds. Similarly, a 2 hour 23 minute DVD (4.4GB) transferred to the drive at a fast 1 minute 23 seconds†.

The Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 USB Flash drive is backed by a five-year warranty, free tech support and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information visit www.kingston.com/asia/.

Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 Features and Specifications:

•    Capacities*: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
•    Requirements: system with USB 3.0 port
•    Backwards compatible**: with USB 2.0
•    Speed***: data transfer rates for USB 3.0 up to 80MB/sec. read and 60MB/sec. write;
•    USB 2.0: approximately 30MB/sec. read and 30MB/sec. write
•    Dimensions: 2.90″ x 0.87″ x 0.63″ (73.70 mm x 22.20 mm x 16.10 mm)
•    Operating Temperature: 32° to 140° F (0° to 60° C)
•    Storage Temperature: -4° to 185° F (-20° to 85° C)
•    Practical: durable casing with a solid lanyard loop
•    Warranty: 5 Years

† Test system: Gigabyte P55A-UD4P motherboard; Intel Core i5 670 processor; 8GB HyperX (KHX1600C9D3K2/4G) system memory; SSDNow V+ (SNVP325-S2/128GB); Windows 7 Professional x64
* Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at kingston.com/Flash_Memory_Guide.
** Includes USB 2.0 Y cable. Some USB 2.0 ports may require the Y-cable to initialize the drive.
 
KingstonDataTraveler Ultimate 3.0

NZ$
DTU30/16GB  $159
DTU30/32GB  $235
DTU30/64GB  $459

Website: www.kingston.com/anz
Australian Distributors: Avnet Australia Pty Ltd, Ingram Micro, Simms International Pty Ltd., Synnex Australia PTY Ltd.
New Zealand Distributors: Ingram Micro NZ, Synnex NZ, Simms NZ
Warranty: Kingston Flash memory is backed by a five-year warranty and free technical support.
Availability: October 2010

To discuss this product on Kingston Blog, please go to www.kingston-blog.com. To try the game Challenge Your Memory, please go to www.kingston-blog.com/challenge_your_memory/en/. To get the freshest information on Kingston, please go to http://twitter.com/KingstonFEPR.

To find out if your Kingston product is genuine, Kingston also provides an online verification site: www.kingston.com/anz/verify. To try the game Search for Genuine Kingston, please go to anti-counterfeit.kingston-blog.com. For the interesting animation: The Adventures of Rex, please visit: www.theadventuresofrex.com.

About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (KDI) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the worlds largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/anz.

Australia and New Zealand, Sep 27, 2010 — Electronic Arts Inc. has announced that Medal of Honor(TM) will be recruiting PC gamers for a Multiplayer Open Beta that commences on October 5. The Open Beta will allow players an opportunity to sample Medal of Honor’s rich multiplayer mode before the full game launches on October 14 in Australia and October 15 in New Zealand. For a limited time, PC gamers worldwide are invited to sample two diverse maps and two action-packed multiplayer modes. The Medal of Honor Multiplayer Open Beta will close in Australia on October 8 at 5.59pm EDT and in New Zealand on October 8 at 7.59pm NZDT. PC gamers can access the Multiplayer Open Beta at www.medalofhonor.com/pcopenbeta. Developed by DICE, the multiplayer side of Medal of Honor delivers world-class First Person Shooter action and dedicated server support with all of the authentic settings, weapons and realistic action depicted in the single-player game.

The Medal of Honor Multiplayer Open Beta features two new maps inspired by real world locations: Kunar Base and Shahikot Mountains. Kunar Base is played in the Sector Control multiplayer mode where two sides fight to control tactical sectors of the map. Shahikot Mountains is played in the tactical and objective-based Combat Mission multiplayer mode where gamers battle through a series of objectives to defeat the opposing team. Both modes pit teams of 12 players (total 24 players) against one another with realistic destruction, tactical support actions and a weapon customization system that generates hundreds of combinations.

“The Open Beta of the Medal of Honor multiplayer mode will allow players to sample the authenticity and adrenaline-fueled action that the full game will offer on October 14,” said Frank Gibeau, President of EA Games Label. “We also hope that by offering the Multiplayer Open Beta, we can clear up any misunderstanding about the patriotism and respect that are the foundation of this game. The Medal of Honor franchise has always shown extraordinary reverence for American and Allied soldiers — this game is no exception.”

In June 2010, Medal of Honor invited thousands of gamers to participate in a Closed Beta Test that granted early access to the game and asked players to offer commentary on areas for improvement. DICE incorporated player feedback ensuring the final game is delivered with the highest level of quality. Some of the most notable fixes were made to the weapons pick-up system (pick up ammunition from downed enemies), hit detection mechanics (accuracy of shot impact), support actions were made more challenging, the unlock tree was expanded and balanced making players ascension to Tier 1 status even more eventful and a major graphics overhaul was implemented.

For the first time in its 11-year history, Medal of Honor leaves the WWII theatre and enters the modern setting of war-torn Afghanistan. The game is told through the lens of a small band of fictional characters. Medal of Honor introduces players to the Tier 1 Operator, an elite warrior and relatively unknown instrument of the U.S. Military that operates under the National Command Authority to take on missions no one else can handle.

Medal of Honor hits retail stores on October 14, 2010 in Australia and October 15, 2010 in New Zealand. To find out more information on Medal of Honor or to access the PC Multiplayer Open Beta, visit: www.MedalofHonor.com. Follow the game on twitter at: www.twitter.com/medalofhonor or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/medalofhonor.

WD Collaborates with Design Students at California State University, Long Beach to Make External Hard Drives Fashionable

Sydney, Australia: 27 September, 2010, WD, the world’s leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its new 500 GB My Passport Essential limited edition designs portable hard drives, available at OfficeWorks. Consumers can choose from several unique designs that appeal to a wide variety of personal styles, ranging from outdoor enthusiasts to urban trendsetters.

Designed by students at California State University, Long Beach’s Industrial Design program, the drives are available in the following styles: Boom Box, Black Hole, Cityscape, Fuchsia Leaf and Wave. The decorative patterns are especially geared for consumers who want to express their individual style while choosing a reliable, ultra-portable place to store their media and back up their valuable work.

The drives are Windows compatible and include WD SmartWare software, which provides a simple, visual method for backup using a single-screen view of the drive’s contents.

“The contents of individuals’ portable storage contain all the ways they express themselves – music, images, and videos – and tell a story about who they are,” said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing of WD’s branded products group. “Expressing individual style is important. That’s why we teamed up with California State University, Long Beach design students, who have their finger on the latest fashion trends.”
My Passport Essential limited edition designs portable drives also feature user-selected password protection combined with 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Typically found only on much more expensive drive systems, the encryption acts as a virtual padlock to keep users’ data private.

Price and Availability
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: My Passport Essential Limited Edition Designs
RRP: AU$129.99
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Warranty: Three-year limited warranty
Availability: Now

The new My Passport Essential limited edition designs are offered in 500 GB and have a 3-year limited warranty.
My Passport Essential limited edition designs are now available exclusively at OfficeWorks.

My Passport Essential Limited Edition Designs
The new WD My Passport Essential limited edition designs portable hard drives feature:
•    Five unique designs that let consumers express their individuality;
•    256-bit hardware encryption for peace of mind knowing that data is protected from unauthorised access;
•    USB 2.0 interface that powers  the drive directly from the USB port on a user’s computer (no separate power supply is needed);
•    Planet-friendly packaging derived from recycled materials to minimise waste;
•    Ready to plug-and-play with Windows PCs; and,
•    A 3-year limited warranty.

About WD
WD, one of the storage industry’s pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users’ data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and media products.
WD was founded in 1970. The company’s storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company’s website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

New Catch-Up TV service for PlayStation 3 goes live in Australia today

SYDNEY, 27 September 2010: Today, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia has expanded its broad on-demand content offering across music, movies, games and TV with Yahoo!7’s Catch-Up TV service PLUS7, which goes live today. All PlayStation®3 (PS3™) owners registered on the free to join, and play[1] PlayStation®Network will now be able to watch full length episodes of their favourite PLUS7 TV shows at the click of a button.

Following on from the popular ABC iView catch up TV service optimised for the PS3 which launched in November 2009, PLUS7 is the first commercial catch-up TV service to be optimised for viewing with PS3.

“With Plus7 now live for nearly one million PlayStation 3 owners across the country, Australians can enjoy more great TV content delivered not only exactly when they want to, but also subscription free in the heart of the living room,” said Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia.

“This year we have delivered to the PS3 more music video channels on demand with VidZone TV, more movies on demand with the PlayStation®Network Video Delivery Service and now with PLUS7 going live from today, even more TV on demand.”

“Continuing to be at the forefront of IPTV innovation in Australia, we are pleased to confirm our Catch-Up TV service goes live today and available through all PS3 consoles in Australia,’ said Mark Helvadjian, Director of Product and Platforms for Yahoo!7 .