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Trailer: Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest Wii Vignette

In The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest, players become the legendary Aragorn and embark upon a quest reliving the hero’s most valiant battles from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Wielding a sword, shield, bow and spear, players will battle enemies and journey through a colorful and fresh rendition of Middle-earth where they can switch between spear and sword on horseback, taking down evil foes in a truly action-packed gameplay experience. Two-player co-op gameplay featuring Gandalf allows kids, families and friends to work together in the heart of the action on the PS3 and Wii.

The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest video game will feature the voice talents of actor Sean Astin (Rudy, The Goonies, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and actor and vocal artist John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy). Both Astin and Rhys-Davies will reprise their on-screen roles of Samwise Gamgee and Gimli. The game also showcases original in-game music tracks along with music from The Lord of the Rings film scores created by composer Howard Shore.

 
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Logitech Announces New Headsets Delivering Crystal Clear Audio

Logitech USB Headset H530, Logitech Laptop Headset H555 Feature Support for Super Wideband Audio

SYDNEY, Aust. — 11th August, 2010 — Bringing crystal-clear audio for your Internet and video calls, music and movies, Logitech today announced two new headsets. Featuring support for super wideband audio, the Logitech® USB Headset H530 and the Logitech® Laptop Headset H555 sound so clear it’s almost like you’re in the same room as the people you call. The lightweight Laptop Headset H555 will fold flat and easily fit into the included case. The USB Headset H530 offers laser-tuned drivers for exceptional audio quality. Both headsets are compatible with Logitech Vid™ HD, Skype™ 4.0 for Windows® or later, and Skype 2.8 for Mac® or later.

“We’ve learned from customers that better quality audio is one the most important factors in selecting which headset is right for them,” said George Saad, Director ANZ, Logitech. “By supporting super wideband audio, the new Logitech headsets H555 and H530 help make your Internet and video calls sound crystal clear.”

Super wideband audio — developed by Skype® — helps make your voice more natural by transmitting sound on a large frequency range. Plus, super wideband audio uses less bandwidth and can even adjust in real time when there is more traffic on the network.

Logitech USB Headset H530

The Logitech USB Headset H530 makes it easy for you to hear the details. Laser-tuned drivers and a pure digital USB connection provide clear audio for voice and video calls, as well as music, movies, and games.

On-ear audio controls allow you to optimise your audio, whether you’re talking, listening to music or playing games. A padded foam headband and cushioned ear cups give you a comfortable fit.

Logitech Laptop Headset H555

The Logitech Laptop Headset H555 delivers pure digital sound, on the go. The behind-the-head design with adjustable ear pieces keeps you comfortable with a lightweight, personalised fit.

A USB connection means you’ll enjoy pure digital audio in stereo — perfect for Internet calls, music, movies and games.

Both new Logitech headsets offer a noise-canceling microphone, which reduces annoying background noise and rotates out of the way when you’re not using it.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Laptop Headset H555 is expected to be available Australia from mid August for RRP $99.95. The Logitech USB Headset H530 is expected to be available in Australia from late August for RRP $89.95.

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).

 
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Only you can protect yourself and your family from the dark side of the web

Only you can protect yourself and your family from the dark side of the web

AVG (AU/NZ) says using wisdom and commonsense is the best way to stay safe online – not relying on the government to do it for you

Melbourne and Amsterdam, 11 August 2010 – You may or may not have noticed, but Australia is currently in Federal election mode. In less than two weeks the great land down under will have a new Government in Canberra with a mixture of old and new faces. Right now it seems there are some significant differences between the key parties when it comes to how they think we need to be protected from “… the dark side of new technology….” and exposure to offensive and illegal content and behaviour online.

Certainly there are people who feel vulnerable online and believe the best solution is to have the government step in and help them to stay safe. But do they really need nannying? Can the help they desire arrive in time?

The more resilient have already taken control of the situation for themselves. They’ve invested in good security software, like AVG Internet Security, and they keep it up-to-date. They’ve educated themselves, their family, friends and/or work colleagues about the dangers, how to spot the scams and threats that lead you over to the dark side, plus what to do when something goes wrong. They’ve already become self-sufficient.

What should everyone else do?

“Whatever you do, don’t rely on the government to protect you and your family online,” says Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist for AVG (AU/NZ). “Yes, the dangers are very real. Yes, you do need protection. But you need it now. No government is going to step in, wave a magic wand and solve the problem anytime soon. And by the time they try, it may simply be too late for you and your family. The damage may have already been done.

“It’s not as if staying safe online is hard to do,” Borrett continued. “It’s just simple commonsense plus eternal vigilance. So take personal responsibility and follow these simple guidelines.”

First, install good Internet security software and keep it up-to-date. Indeed, turn on automatic updates so all your software receives the latest security fixes. Good security software will not only protect you from viruses, spyware and other nasty malware, but also from the unsolicited spam emails that try to lure you off to the dark side.

Set strong passwords and change them regularly, especially on social networking web sites like Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Also make sure you properly set the privacy information on social networking sites so that your personal information can only be seen by those you trust and give permission to see it. You don’t want cyber criminals using the information to steal your ID, or paedophiles and sexual predators using it to groom family or friends.

Stop and think before you click on any links. Do you trust the provider of that link? Does the offer seem genuine or is it too good to be true? What’s the likelihood that it may take you to the dark side of the web where you just don’t want to go? If you have doubts, it’s safer not to proceed. If you’re willing to take a chance, then please make sure you have good web scanning software, like the free AVG LinkScanner® for Windows and Mac computers. It will check the integrity and reputation of the page you’re trying to visit, plus do a real-time check for any malware payloads that may be lurking on the web page.

Only accept ‘friends’ online that you know in real life. Paedophiles and other nasty types prey on chat rooms and social networking sites. Stranger danger applies to people online, just as it does in real life.

Know what your children and friends are doing online. Make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to report anything suspicious. Warn them to stay away from strangers wanting to chat, or links to illicit music or video downloads that may actually deliver vastly different content than they were expecting.

In the case of young children, you need to closely supervise them, just as you would if they were out in a public park or playing close to a busy road. The computers they use should be visible and in a communal area such as a family room, rather than hidden away in a bedroom.

For teenagers, you need to work on keeping the lines of communication open. Take a genuine interest in what they’re doing, create your own accounts on the social media web sites they’re using and discuss topical online issues with them. If they are uncomfortable talking to you about problems they encounter online, then encourage them to contact the Cybersmart Online Kids Helpline at www.cybersmart.gov.au.

As you can see, the only things you really need are some simple rules and explanations, plus education and supervision.

“Just don’t get too carried away with the rules,” says Borrett. “An example of a good rule would be that you have to be invited as a ‘friend’ on your children’s Facebook account(s) so that you can monitor what’s going on. However, completely banning a teenager who’s active online from access to the Internet or access to specific social networking sites can be counter-productive. If they think you’re being unjust, they’ll simply go behind your back. Isn’t that what you did to rebel against your parents, or was that just me?”

Certainly when using the Internet, you or family members may encounter content that you find offensive — such as explicit sexual activity, material containing excessive violence or sexual violence, drug use, criminal activity or child pornography.

Typically this will only happen if you choose to ignore the commonsense suggestions above, or deliberately make the choice to venture over to the dark side. However you end up there, if you are offended then take note of the web site address and report the inappropriate content to ACMA via its web site at www.acma.gov.au, by email to online@acma.gov.au, or by phone to 1800 880 176.

If you or your child has been harassed or bullied on a social networking site, go to www.thinkuknow.org.au for advice and tips.

If you believe someone has behaved inappropriately or in a sexual manner towards your child or children, report it to your local police, or phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“Governments around Australia and overseas are certainly active in providing a wide range of information and resources to help you stay safe from the dark side of the web,” added Borrett.

“They also have skilled law enforcement professionals to go after the bad guys. But they’re never going to be your white knight in shining armour and totally protect you from the dark side of the web without any effort on your part. To keep you and your family safe online you need to help yourself to the knowledge and resources available from governments and your friends at AVG, apply commonsense and be ever vigilant.”

 
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What’s On at the Immigration Museum August to November 2010

150th Anniversary of the Burke and Wills Expedition

Friday 20 August marks the 150th anniversary of the departure of the Burke and Wills Expedition from Melbourne. The expedition involved 19 men aided by camels and cameleers with the intention of crossing Australia from Melbourne in the south to the Gulf of Carpentaria in the north, a distance of around 3,250 kilometres. At the time most of the inland of Australia had not be explored by non-indigenous people and was completely unknown to European settlers. Find out more and celebrate this momentous event with a visit to the Australia’s Muslim Cameleers exhibition.

Date: 20 August 2010

 

Australia’s Muslim Cameleers: Pioneers of the Inland 1860s – 1930s

This exhibition reveals the remarkable contribution that Australia’s first Muslim community, from Afghanistan and British India, made to the exploration and settlement of Australia’s arid interior. Cameleers assisted all major expeditions into Australia’s uncharted interior starting with the Burke and Wills expedition in 1860 and have contributed significantly to Australia’s economic and cultural development. Exhibits include fascinating photographs, camel saddles, historic clothing, textiles and original documents.

Date: Until 19 September 2010

 

Spring school holidays

Learn about the world’s youngest nation, East Timor, at the Immigration Museum these school holidays. Join in and try the East Timorese tradition of weaving Tais or make your own traditional kite. Explore stories from Victoria’s East Timorese community and discover the ritual called Se Matebian in the new exhibition, Honouring our Ancestors: Remembering Timor Leste.

Date: 18 September – 3 October 2010

Honouring our Ancestors: Remembering Timor Leste

This exhibition explores a ritual called Se Matebian, which takes place each year on All Souls Day and honours East Timorese ancestors. It looks at how the East Timorese community in Australia continue to practise this ritual today. Personal stories and reflections of people from the East Timorese community are shared and featured objects include a silver breast plate and head piece worn by elders during ceremonial peace, a silver jewellery box with an ancestral worship home on top, jewellery associated with ancestors, timber statues representing ancestors, hand woven baskets and East Timorese fabrics.

Date: From 19 September 2010

Survival of a Culture: Kurds in Australia

This exhibition explores how the Kurdish culture has survived through adversity, invasion, and division of the Kurds’ traditional lands. Survival of a Culture: Kurds in Australia examines the traditions at the core of the Kurdish culture that have enabled it to survive, and which Kurds proudly maintain in Australia today. A variety of objects on display include traditional costumes, instruments, hand-made carpets, hand-woven crafts and pewter ware.

Date: Until 12 September 2010

West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit
From spiritual beliefs to daily life, masks to music, cloth to carving, West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit explores the array of vibrant and dynamic cultures of West Africa. Bordered by the Sahara Desert to the north, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, West Africa is an area of tradition and change. This exhibition features over 200 objects from 28 different West African cultures, exploring kingship and authority, carved figures, pattern and adornment, divination, masks and masquerades and trade. West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit is based on a collection of Joel A. and Patricia H. Vanderburg from Otago, New Zealand. The objects were collected from 1964-1975 while living in Nigeria and Ghana (all items legitimately exported).

Date: 12 November 2010 to 29 May 2011


Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne.  Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission: Adult $8, child/concession FREE. More info 13 11 02 or museumvictoria.com.au/immigration museum

 

 
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ockstar Games Announces Red Dead Redemption Legends and Killers Pack Now Available

New Pack Adds New Characters, Map Locations, and Weapon

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced Red Dead Redemption’s Legends and Killers Pack is now available for digital download from the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network* and PlayStation®Network.

“With Legends & Killers we wanted to provide a wealth of new content for fans of Red Dead Redemption,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We took care to pick out areas that were unique and exciting and then polished them to provide the best possible multiplayer experience.”

The Legends and Killers Pack doubles the amount of competitive multiplayer territories with nine new map locations that are weapon-balanced specifically for multiplayer and packed with free-for-all and team-based challenges. New locations vary from the fog-filled riverside at Thieves’ Landing to the modern metropolis of Blackwater. Eight classic personalities from 2004’s Red Dead Revolver return as multiplayer characters, including fan favorites Red Harlow, Jack Swift, Annie Stoakes and Shadow Wolf, among others. Available in competitive multiplayer, free roam and single-player modes, the Tomahawk, a deadly new projectile weapon, introduces more ways to eliminate the competition. In addition to gameplay challenges, the pack also presents additional opportunities to earn Achievements and Trophies.

Red Dead Redemption was released on May 18, 2010 to critical acclaim. Seth Schiesel of The New York Times claimed the Western epic to be a “tour de force.”

Game Informer proclaimed Red Dead Redemption “rightly [earned] its place alongside the great Western films and the best Rockstar Games.”

Red Dead Redemption’s Legend and Killers Pack is currently available digitally for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE and $9.99 on PlayStation Network and requires a copy of Red Dead Redemption to play. Red Dead Redemption for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

For more news and information, visit the official Red Dead Redemption website (www.rockstargames.com/reddeadredemption); become a friend of Rockstar Games on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rockstargames); or follow Rockstar Games on Twitter (twitter.com/rockstargames).

*Requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership for online play.

 
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HALFBRICK RELEASING NEWEST IPHONE GAME ON AUGUST 19TH

HALFBRICK RELEASING NEWEST IPHONE GAME ON AUGUST 19TH

August 9th, 2010

In a world without public transportation, one man is running.

That man is Barry Steakfries.

From Halfbrick, creators of the hit iPhone game Fruit Ninja comes their next exciting mobile adventure! Monster Dash is an action game starring the lovable hero Barry Steakfries as he runs and shoots monsters with nothing to lose! Travel through portals to visit exotic world locations, battling demons, mummies, vampires and more! No monster is safe when Steakfries is on the case!

Just two buttons controls the action – jump and shoot. The action speeds up and changes gears with every new world, but thankfully there are weapon and health pickups to get Steakfries into serious action mode. Blast your enemies with the one shot Pacifier, electro-charge your way to victory with Mr. Zappy, and look out for the ultimate in raining destruction – the Machine Gun Jetpack!

Run as far as possible and shoot monsters along to way to amass high scores and collect awards. Upload your best runs to the Openfeint leaderboards, and enjoy every ounce of personality Barry Steakfries brings to your iPhone.

Do the dash. Do the Monster Dash!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BR05AqU31k

www.monsterdashgame.com

About Halfbrick

Halfbrick is a professional game development studio based in Brisbane, Australia. Founded in 2001, it has developed popular titles for the Game Boy Advance, PSP, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, with expansion into XBLA, PS3 and iPhone development. For further information, please visit www.halfbrick.com and follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook!

 
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Call of Duty Black Ops Multiplayer Teaser Trailer

 
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SEGA’S CLASSIC TITLES IN MUST-HAVE COLLECTION

Top-Quality Titles March Onto PC For All SEGA Mega Drive Enthusiasts 

Tuesday 10th August 2010 – SEGA® Europe Ltd. is proud to announce that a collection of 4 volumes from the legendary SEGA Mega Drive™ platform will be released exclusively for PC. Offering some of the best from SEGA’s respected 16-bit Mega Drive titles, SEGA Mega Drive Classic Collection covers an impressive array of arcade gaming experiences, with the first instalment hitting retail stores in September 2010.

All 4 boxed volumes contain over 40 celebrated SEGA classics from a truly golden era of the SEGA Mega Drive! Featured games include Golden Axe™, Ecco the Dolphin™ and cult classic Sonic The Hedgehog™, allowing fans to enjoy a huge range of top-quality iconic moments in gaming history. For those collecting these much sought after arcade titles, players will be pleased to know that they have been converted for PC with extreme detail and accuracy to play identically to the originals. Fans can now enjoy a save and load functionality added to all games, a first in this series! In addition, SEGA Mega Drive Collection offers a new front-end option to accommodate keyboard support, bringing a new experience of playing these classic titles.

“The SEGA Mega Drive is considered to be one of the greatest consoles of all time and there is a whole SEGA generation that have fond memories of playing these games” commented Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA America.  “With this collection now available, long-time Mega Drive fans, collectors and new comers are given the opportunity to re-live the dawn of the video games industry!”

The first volume of SEGA Mega Drive Collections games for PC will be available in September 2010. For more information please visit www.sega.com.

 
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BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION SET FOR EPIC MULTI-PLATFORM ALIEN DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA

IT’S HERO TIME! 

– This October, Fans of Cartoon Network’s Hit Series Ben 10 Can Experience and Star in the Latest Installment of Successful  TV Franchise Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 10th August 2010 – D3 Publisher is “Going Hero” in true Ben 10 style to announce the forthcoming launch of the ultimate game for Ben 10 fans, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION, coming to Australia on six platforms this October 2010, distributed by NAMCO BANDAI Partners Australia New Zealand.

The latest in the multi-million selling global Ben 10 video game franchise, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION from D3Publisher and Cartoon Network Enterprises puts players in the shoes of 16-year-old Ben Tennyson and 16 devastatingly powerful alien forms.  Together they embark on a thrill packed mission to the four corners of the globe on the hunt for an ancient alien artifact that could save humanity from a mysterious cosmic storm and ultimate destruction.

Based on Cartoon Network’s all-new new television series, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION lets players wield the power of the all-new Ultimatrix, the strongest Omnitrix to date, to transform Ben into more powerful, hyper-evolved ultimate alien forms and experience action packed battles in a string of brand new locations. The  video game will be available for the Xbox 360®  game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ , PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2, Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable).

BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION introduces new alien heroes Armodrillo, WaterHazard, AmpFibian, Terraspin and NRG from the Ben 10: Ultimate Alien television series, allowing players to tunnel through enemies, unleash water blasts, emit radiation beams and more, while a unique experience system lets them upgrade alien abilities. The game features all-new enhancements such as Quick Switch, to switch alien forms faster than ever, and Quick Time Events for a cinematic experience that guides players through fierce boss battles and challenging puzzles. PS3™ and Xbox 360 owners will receive their own exclusive aliens, with the quick and fiery Rath for Xbox 360 and the immensely strong Fourarms for PS3.

BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION for Nintendo DS is developed by Griptonite Games. All other versions are developed by Papaya Studio Corporation.

For more information on BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION, including game features, screenshots, videos, and downloads, visit www.Ben10theVideogame.com, the official site of the Ben 10 video game series on consoles and handhelds. 

IT’S HERO TIME!

 

BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION SET FOR EPIC MULTI-PLATFORM ALIEN DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA

 

This October, Fans of Cartoon Network’s Hit Series Ben 10 Can Experience and Star in the Latest Installment of Successful  TV Franchise Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 

 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 10th August 2010 – D3 Publisher is “Going Hero” in true Ben 10 style to announce the forthcoming launch of the ultimate game for Ben 10 fans, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION, coming to Australia on six platforms this October 2010, distributed by NAMCO BANDAI Partners Australia New Zealand.

 

The latest in the multi-million selling global Ben 10 video game franchise, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION from D3Publisher and Cartoon Network Enterprises puts players in the shoes of 16-year-old Ben Tennyson and 16 devastatingly powerful alien forms.  Together they embark on a thrill packed mission to the four corners of the globe on the hunt for an ancient alien artifact that could save humanity from a mysterious cosmic storm and ultimate destruction.

 

Based on Cartoon Network’s all-new new television series, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION lets players wield the power of the all-new Ultimatrix, the strongest Omnitrix to date, to transform Ben into more powerful, hyper-evolved ultimate alien forms and experience action packed battles in a string of brand new locations. The  video game will be available for the Xbox 360®  game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ , PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2, Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable).

 

BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION introduces new alien heroes Armodrillo, WaterHazard, AmpFibian, Terraspin and NRG from the Ben 10: Ultimate Alien television series, allowing players to tunnel through enemies, unleash water blasts, emit radiation beams and more, while a unique experience system lets them upgrade alien abilities. The game features all-new enhancements such as Quick Switch, to switch alien forms faster than ever, and Quick Time Events for a cinematic experience that guides players through fierce boss battles and challenging puzzles. PS3™ and Xbox 360 owners will receive their own exclusive aliens, with the quick and fiery Rath for Xbox 360 and the immensely strong Fourarms for PS3.

 

BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION for Nintendo DS is developed by Griptonite Games. All other versions are developed by Papaya Studio Corporation.

 

For more information on BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION, including game features, screenshots, videos, and downloads, visit www.Ben10theVideogame.com, the official site of the Ben 10 video game series on consoles and handhelds.

 
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Seagate’s 2010 Precious Memories Winners Announced – Australia

10 August 2010: Dan Warne (APC Magazine) and John Westwood (freelancer) have beaten off strong competition from fellow Australian journalists and bloggers to snare first place in the photo and video categories respectively of Seagate’s 2010 Precious Memories competition. Their entries, along with the first two runners up in each category, will now progress to the regional final of the Precious Memories competition where they will compete against the winners from eight other APAC countries.

Regional winners, who will be announced 25 August 2010, will be determined by an esteemed panel of judges including celebrities, videographers, photographers and representatives of Seagate International. The winners of the regional competition will receive prizes including cash and Seagate products.

The Australian winners and all the entries can be viewed online at: www.seagatememories.com/au

PHOTO CATEGORY WINNERS

1st – Dan Warne – Wags and George

2nd – John Westwood – Wealth and poverty in contrast

3rd – Munir Kotadia – Misty African Sunrise

VIDEO CATEGORY WINNERS

1st – John Westwood – I guess it’s up to us

2nd – Munir Kotadia – World Cup 2010: Our arrival

The Seagate Precious Memories competition was first held in 2008. The competition, which is open exclusively to journalists and bloggers, allows entrants to showcase their digital talents in photography or video, with the goal of capturing the essence of a precious memory in digital form. Winners receive great prizes including products from the just launched Seagate GoFlex storage ecosystem plus a cash bonus. Two lucky voters also receive a Seagate GoFlex drive.