PlayStation® minis passes 1 million downloads

Bite-sized games for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®3 (PS3™) prove a hit with gamers

SYDNEY, 15 July 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has announced that the minis range has passed the one million download milestone across the PAL, Asia and US territories. Launched in October 2009 and purpose built for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), and PlayStation®3 (PS3™), minis offers a huge selection of bite-size games; all at tiny prices and all quick and easy to download from PlayStation®Store.

With 80 minis currently available on the Australian store, from over 50 developers including favourites like Pinball Fantasies and new classics like Monster (Probably) Stole My Princess from the independent games developer Mediatonic – and with more coming on board every day, including Pacman CE from Namco Bandai Networks, gamers are set to have more choice than ever in the coming months.

For more information, please see the attached media release or the PlayStation Blog http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/07/14/minis-pass-1-million-downloads/

Check out the videos at www.youtube.com/nnooo

Information about myNotebook: Carbon, Pearl and Tan

– Sequels to the top selling myNotebook: Blue, Red and Green (over 150,000 units sold)
– 128 pages to write and draw on (up from 32 in Blue, Red and Green)
– New ability to export pages to the Nintendo DSi Photo Album
– This allows users to then email, print or upload images to Facebook
– New blank page type which allows users to draw and doodle without lines or squares
– Many new unlockable themes to customise each version of myNotebook

myNotebook: Carbon, Pearl and Tan are on track for an August/September release date with a planned (not finalised) price of 500 points each.

Fizzy.com launches download version of Swords and Sandals 3: Multiplae Ultratus for both PC and Mac

World’s most popular multiplayer RPG casual game now available to own, with a download free trial available

15 July 2010

3RD sense, which operates the successful games network Fizzy.com, and develops games and online apps for consumers and innovative brands worldwide, today announced the release of a download version of its hugely popular multiplayer RPG game, Swords and Sandals 3: Multiplae Ultratus.

Set in a fantasy world of supernatural gladiators sporting magical weapons and armour, Swords and Sandals 3: Multiplae Ultratus is a turn-based, realtime multiplayer combat game. Until now, the game has only been available to play online for Fizzy.com VIP members, but now the world’s most popular multiplayer gladiator game is available for anyone to download and own.

“Swords and Sandals is our most widely loved series with over 100 million combined game plays,” said Colin Cardwell, CEO of 3RD sense. “The Swords and Sandals 3: Multiplae Ultratus download version means players can now play any of the games in the series either online or on their desktop.”

The download version of Swords and Sandals 3: Multiplae Ultratus has all the features of the online version:
• Battle against other players online in real time
• 7 fighting arenas
• Over 40 different gladiator species including robots, the undead and golems
• Create multiple gladiators and save them
• Thousands of magical weapons and armour including electric guitars and chainguns
• Hundreds of spells, taunts and combat moves

In addition, the full download version has:
• Full screen play mode
• Bigger, better audio
• Gladiators are kept in sync between the desktop and the online version
• No requirement to become a Fizzy.com VIP member
• Available for PC and Mac
• Of course, being real-time multiplayer, you’ll have to be online to play
“We’ve kept all the elements that make Swords and Sandals 3: Multiplae Ultratus so playable and made them available to download and own,” said Oliver Joyce, Swords and Sandals Lead Developer. “For fans and new players the download version just means more choice about how you play.”

LINKS
Images/game screenshots are available here:
The game is available here: http://www.fizzy.com/games/swords_sandals_3_multiplae_ultratus

CONTACT
To arrange an interview and/or for additional quotes please contact:
Suzie Cardwell, 3RD sense: +61 2 8923 1200, suzie@3rdsense.com,

ABOUT 3RD SENSE, www.3rdsense.com:
3RD sense operates the successful games network, Fizzy.com which is taking Flash game delivery to the cloud. The network offers something for players, advertisers and game developers with over 500,000 members and more than 1000 games. 3RD sense also develops games and online applications for consumers and organisations worldwide. 3RD sense works with companies to produce online applications and casual games that meet strategic marketing and business objectives. 3RD sense combine their marketing and advertising experience with social media knowledge to provide strategic play-based solutions.

Sydney, Australia (July 15, 2010) – Sometimes, the scariest things come from within. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents one of the most successful and terrifying film franchises of all time when the ALIEN ANTHOLOGY debuts on Blu-ray for the first time ever on November 3, 2010. All four ALIEN films have been reinvigorated for an intense Blu-ray high-definition viewing experience. The release also marks the debut of MU-TH-UR Mode, a fully interactive companion that takes the extensive materials in the ALIEN ANTHOLOGY and puts them in the user’s hand – connecting fans to special features on all six discs and instantly providing an index of all available ALIEN content, including over 60 hours of special features and over 12,000 images.

The ALIEN ANTHOLOGY is a truly unique home entertainment experience.  For the first time ever, the studio has united the material from every home video release of the ALIEN saga including the 1991/1992 laserdisc releases, the 1999 “Legacy” release and 2003’s groundbreaking
ALIEN QUADRILOGY release into one complete Blu-ray collection.  The set also includes two versions of each film and over four hours of previously unreleased exclusive material such as original screen tests of Sigourney Weaver prior to filming the original ALIEN, unseen deleted scenes, thousands of still photographs from the Fox archives, the previously unseen original cut of “Wreckage and Rage: The Making of ALIEN³,” and much, much more.

The ALIEN ANTHOLOGY is just one aspect of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s
yearlong campaign to honor the studio’s 75^th birthday.  This year the division will debut several select fan-favorites on Blu-ray for the first time ever including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and The Sound of Music. 

The ALIEN ANTHOLOGY will be available also in a limited-edition collector’s set featuring “THE GUARDIAN” – an exclusive illuminated statue sculpted by sideshow collectables.

DISC ONE: ALIEN

• 1979 Theatrical Version
• 2003 Director’s Cut with Ridley Scott Introduction
• Audio Commentary by Director Ridley Scott, Writer Dan O’Bannon, Executive Producer Ronald Shusett, Editor Terry Rawlings, Actors Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton and John Hurt
• Audio Commentary (for Theatrical Cut only) by Ridley Scott
• Final Theatrical Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith
• Composer’s Original Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

DISC TWO: ALIENS

• 1986 Theatrical Version
• 1991 Special Edition with James Cameron Introduction
• Audio Commentary by Director James Cameron, Producer Gale Anne Hurd, Alien Effects Creator Stan Winston, Visual Effects Supervisors Robert Skotak and Dennis Skotak, Miniature Effects Supervisor Pat McClung, Actors Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, Carrie Henn and Christopher Henn
• Final Theatrical Isolated Score by James Horner
• Composer’s Original Isolated Score by James Horner
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

DISC THREE: ALIEN³

• 1992 Theatrical Version
• 2003 Special Edition (Restored Workprint Version)
• Audio Commentary by Cinematographer Alex Thomson, B.S.C., Editor Terry Rawlings, Alien Effects Designers Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., Visual Effects Producer Richard Edlund, A.S.C., Actors Paul McGann and Lance Henriksen
• Final Theatrical Isolated Score by Elliot Goldenthal
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

DISC FOUR: ALIEN RESURRECTION

• 1997 Theatrical Version
• 2003 Special Edition with Jean-Pierre Jeunet Introduction 
• Audio Commentary by Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Editor Hervé Schneid, A.C.E., Alien Effects Creators Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., Visual Effects Supervisor Pitof, Conceptual Artist Sylvain Despretz, Actors Ron Perlman, Dominique Pinon and Leland Orser
• Final Theatrical Isolated Score by John Frizzell
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

DISC FIVE: MAKING THE ANTHOLOGY

In addition to over 12 hours of candid, in-depth documentaries, you now have the ability to go even deeper into Alien Anthology history with nearly five hours of additional video Enhancement Pods created exclusively for this collection, presenting behind-the-scenes footage, raw dailies and interview outtakes from all four films. At topical points in the documentaries, you may access these pods to enhance your experience, or watch them on their own from the separate Enhancement Pod index.

The Beast Within: Making ALIEN

• Star Beast: Developing the Story
• The Visualists: Direction and Design
• Truckers in Space: Casting
• Fear of the Unknown: Shepperton Studios, 1978
• The Darkest Reaches: Nostromo and Alien Planet
• The Eighth Passenger: Creature Design
• Future Tense: Editing and Music
• Outward Bound: Visual Effects
• A Nightmare Fulfilled: Reaction to the Film
• Enhancement Pods

Superior Firepower: Making ALIENS

• 57 Years Later: Continuing the Story
• Building Better Worlds: From Concept to Construction
• Preparing for Battle: Casting and Characterization
• This Time It’s War: Pinewood Studios, 1985
• The Risk Always Lives: Weapons and Action
• Bug Hunt: Creature Design
• Beauty and the Bitch: Power Loader vs. Queen Alien
• Two Orphans: Sigourney Weaver and Carrie Henn
• The Final Countdown: Music, Editing and Sound
• The Power of Real Tech: Visual Effects
• Aliens Unleashed: Reaction to the Film
• Enhancement Pods

Wreckage and Rage: Making ALIEN³

•  
  • Development Hell: Concluding the Story
  • Tales of the Wooden Planet: Vincent Ward’s Vision
  • Stasis Interrupted: David Fincher’s Vision
  • Xeno-Erotic: H.R. Giger’s Redesign
  • The Color of Blood: Pinewood Studios, 1991
  • Adaptive Organism: Creature Design
  • The Downward Spiral: Creative Differences
  • Where the Sun Burns Cold: Fox Studios, L.A. 1992
  • Optical Fury: Visual Effects
  • Requiem for a Scream: Music, Editing and Sound
  • Post-Mortem: Reaction to the Film
• Enhancement Pods

One Step Beyond: Making ALIEN RESURRECTION

• From the Ashes: Reviving the Story
• French Twist: Direction and Design
• Under the Skin: Casting and Characterization
• Death from Below: Fox Studios, Los Angeles, 1996
• In the Zone: The Basketball Scene
• Unnatural Mutation: Creature Design
• Genetic Composition: Music
• Virtual Aliens: Computer Generated Imagery
• A Matter of Scale: Miniature Photography
• Critical Juncture: Reaction to the Film
• Enhancement Pods

• MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience to Access and Control Enhancement Pods

DISC SIX: THE ANTHOLOGY ARCHIVES

ALIEN

• Pre-Production
  • First Draft Screenplay by Dan O’Bannon
  • Ridleygrams: Original Thumbnails and Notes
  • Storyboard Archive
  • The Art of Alien: Conceptual Art Portfolio
  • Sigourney Weaver Screen Tests with Select Director Commentary
  • Cast Portrait Gallery
• Production
  • The Chestbuster: Multi-Angle Sequence with Commentary
  • Video Graphics Gallery
  • Production Image Galleries
  • Continuity Polaroids
  • The Sets of Alien
  • H.R. Giger’s Workshop Gallery
• Post-Production and Aftermath
  • Additional Deleted Scenes
  • Image & Poster Galleries
• Experience in Terror
• Special Collector’s Edition LaserDisc Archive
• The Alien Legacy
• American Cinematheque: Ridley Scott Q&A
• Trailers & TV Spots

ALIENS

• Pre-Production
  • Original Treatment by James Cameron
  • Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Videomatics with Commentary
  • Storyboard Archive
  • The Art of Aliens: Image Galleries
  • Cast Portrait Gallery
• Production
  • Production Image Galleries
  • Continuity Polaroids
  • Weapons and Vehicles
  • Stan Winston’s Workshop
  • Colonial Marine Helmet Cameras
  • Video Graphics Gallery
  • Weyland-Yutani Inquest: Nostromo Dossiers
• Post-Production and Aftermath
  • Deleted Scene: Burke Cocooned
  • Deleted Scene Montage
  • Image Galleries
  • Special Collector’s Edition LaserDisc Archive
  • Main Title Exploration
  • Aliens: Ride at the Speed of Fright
  • Trailers & TV Spots

ALIEN³

• Pre-Production
  • Storyboard Archive
  • The Art of Arceon
  • The Art of Fiorina
• Production
  • Furnace Construction: Time-Lapse Sequence
  • EEV Bioscan: Multi-Angle Vignette with Commentary
  • Production Image Galleries
  • A.D.I.’s Workshop
• Post-Production and Aftermath
  • Visual Effects Gallery
  • Special Shoot: Promotional Photo Archive
• Alien³ Advance Featurette
• The Making of Alien³ Promotional Featurette
• Trailers & TV Spots

ALIEN RESURRECTION

• Pre-Production
  • First Draft Screenplay by Joss Whedon
  • Test Footage: A.D.I. Creature Shop with Commentary
  • Test Footage: Costumes, Hair and Makeup
  • Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Rehearsals
  • Storyboard Archive
  • The Marc Caro Portfolio: Character Designs
  • The Art of Resurrection: Image Galleries
  • Production
    • Production Image Galleries
    • A.D.I.’s Workshop
    • Post-Production and Aftermath
      • Visual Effects Gallery
      • Special Shoot: Promotional Photo Archive
      • HBO First Look: The Making of Alien Resurrection
      • Alien Resurrection Promotional Featurette
      • Trailers & TV Spots

ANTHOLOGY

• Two Versions of Alien Evolution
• The Alien Saga
• Patches and Logos Gallery
• Aliens 3D Attraction Scripts and Gallery
• Aliens in the Basement: The Bob Burns Collection
• Parodies
• Dark Horse Cover Gallery
• Patches and Logos Gallery
• MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience

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.

Available to rent and own on Blu-ray from $69.95RRP and DVD from $59.95RRP from 1 September 2010.

Two vampire brothers – one good, one evil – are at war for 17-year-old Elena Gilbert’s soul and for the souls of her friends, family and all of the residents of Mystic Falls, Virginia, as Warner Home Video debuts The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray and DVD 1 September, 2010. Starring Nina Dobrev (“DeGrassi: The Next Generation”), Paul Wesley (“Fallen”), Ian Somerhalder (“Lost”), Steven R. McQueen, Katerina Graham, Sara Canning, Candice Accola, Zach Roerig, Kayla Ewell, Michael Trevino and Matt Davis, “The Vampire Diaries” DVD contains 22 episodes of the first season plus over 8 hours of bonus features, including four brand-new featurettes unaired scenes, gag reel and more. The release also includes a bonus downloadable audiobook of The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith, the first book in the bestselling series from HarperCollins that started it all.

“For over a century, I have lived in secret. Until now. I know the risk, but I have to know her.” Dark, brooding, pulsing with bloodlust and transcendent with romance, “The Vampire Diaries” – which started as a series of must-read novels by L.J. Smith – has become a must-watch television hit. The Complete First Season offers unforgettable characters, living and undead. They are vampire brothers Stefan and Damon, one good and one evil; Elena, a double for the beauty both brothers loved some 150 years earlier; plus Jeremy, Bonnie, Matt and more denizens of Mystic Falls, Virginia. All are caught up in a spellbinding web of secrets, passion and terror.

“Vampires are extremely popular right now, as evidenced by the runaway success of such properties as Twilight and “True Blood”,” said Caroline Skillen, WHV Marketing Director. “The new hit series The Vampire Diaries is a riveting and unique addition to the genre, and we are eager to bring the Blu-ray and DVD release to the series’ enthusiastic fans.”

Based on the series of books by L.J. Smith, “The Vampire Diaries” from Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. The executive producers are Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”), Julie Plec (“Kyle XY,” “Wasteland”), Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl”) and Bob Levy (“Gossip Girl”).

Episodes Featured

1. Pilot

2. The Night of the Comet

3. Friday Night Bites

4. Family Ties

5. You’re Undead to Me

6. Lost Girls

7. Haunted

8. 162 Candles

9. History Repeating

10. The Turning Point

11. Bloodlines

12. Unpleasantville

13. Children of the Damned

14. Fool Me Once

15. A Few Good Men

16. There Goes The Neighborhood

17. Let the Right One In

18. Under Control

19. Miss Mystic Falls

20. Blood Brothers

21. Isobel

22. Founder’s Day

BLU-RAY

Special Features:

· Deleted Scenes

· Audio Commentary

· Into Mystic Falls – Featurette

· When Vampires Don’t Suck! – Featurette

· Second Bite – Gag reel

· A New Breed of Vampires – Featurette

· Vampires 101 – Featurette

· Audiobook: The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

Approx Runtime:

TBC

Rating:

TBC

Available to rent and own on DVD for $59.95RRP from 1 September 2010.

Spotted: Our beloved Upper East Siders, all grown up. Though high school may be behind most of them, you can be sure a future of love, scandal and, of course, secrets await them as Warner Home Video releases Gossip Girl: The Complete Third Season on DVD 1 September, 2010. Developed for television by Josh Schwartz (“The O.C.”, “Chuck”) and Stephanie Savage (“The O.C.”), “Gossip Girl” stars many of young Hollywood’s hottest talent, including Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, Ed Westwick, Jessica Szohr, with Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle. The five-disc set includes all 22 episodes from the third season plus nearly an hour and a half of special features including two all-new featurettes, unaired scenes, a gag reel and two exclusive music videos.

Based on the bestselling series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, this drama is told through the eyes of an all-knowing blogger – Gossip Girl. Via constant, avidly read text messages, this anonymous personality is determined to uncover and fuel every scandal possible on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where gossip rules, and affluent young people find themselves with the money, access and appetite to explore all the temptations New York City has to offer. This season, new characters (including a movie star coed played by Hilary Duff) and some familiar faces (Georgina returns!) bring new love and new dilemmas, while old secrets create new drama. And for both Chuck and Serena, the search for answers from the past brings far more than they bargained for. Hearts are broken and loyalties challenged and things are often not what they seem. Fortunately, Gossip Girl is there to keep track of all the lies, loves and betrayals in store for Serena, Blair, Dan, Nate, Jenny, Chuck and Vanessa.

“Over the last three seasons, “Gossip Girl” has won a legion of passionate and enthusiastic fans,” said Caroline Skillen, WHV Marketing Director. “Gossip Girl” continues to be a consumer favourite and we are delighted to bring this must-see series to DVD with exclusive new extras for all “Gossip Girl” devotees to own and enjoy.”

Gossip Girl: The Complete Third Season is the number one scripted series among Women 18-34, and is number one in its time slot among Female Teens 12-17. In 2009, the series was nominated for nine Teen Choice Awards and won four, including TV Show: Drama, TV Actor: Drama (Chace Crawford), TV Actress: Drama (Leighton Meester) and TV: Villain (Ed Westwick)

Episodes Featured

1. Reversals of Fortune

2. The Freshmen

3. The Lost Boy

4. Dan de Fleurette

5. Rufus Getting Married

6. Enough About Eve

7. How to Succeed in Bassness

8. The Grandfather: Part II

9. They Shoot Humphreys, Don’t They?

10. The Last Days of Disco Stick!

11. The Treasure of Serena Madre

12. The Debarted

13. The Hurt Locket

14. The Lady Vanished

15. The Sixteen Year Old Virgin

16. The Empire Strikes Jack

17. Inglorious Bassterds

18. The Unblairable Lightness Of Being

19. Dr. Estrangeloved

20. It’s a Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad World

21. Ex-Husbands and Wives

22. Last Tango, Then Paris

DVD

Special Features:

v Gossip Girl Mode: Interactive Viewing Experience on Episode 16,
v The Empire Strikes Jack
v A Gossip Girl Fabulous Affair: Throwing a Party Gossip Girl-Style
v Plasticines Bitch and Lady Gaga Bad Romance Music Videos
v Gag Reel
v Unaired Scenes

Rating:

TBC

Approx Runtime:

TBC

Wargaming.net® today announced the release of a new gameplay trailer for its highly-anticipated massively multiplayer online action game World of Tanks that is currently in the closed beta.

The trailer features World of Tanks in-game footage and focuses on light tanks’ performance in action showcasing their tactics and wide-ranging functions on the battlefield.

Being an integral part of a team light tanks can accomplish multiple objectives – from scouting and rushing enemy bases to swift flanking thrusts and encirclements – thus contributing to overall success in a battle. Due to their high speed and increased maneuverability light tanks can easily disrupt enemy rare areas and normally become a real nightmare for hostile artillery.

“In World of Tanks we offer the utmost variety of fighting vehicles by introducing different classes of tanks and artillery, “says Nick Katselapov, producer of the game. “With this video we are launching a series of trailers about each class of machines represented in the game.”

Join the beta at: http://game.worldoftanks.com/registration/cbt/

For more information on World of Tanks, visit http://www.worldoftanks.com/.

About World of Tanks

World of Tanks is the first and only team-based massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to armored warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with other steel cowboys all over the world. Your arsenal includes more than 150 armored vehicles from America, Germany, and the Soviet Union, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.

A flexible system of authentic vehicle upgrade and development allows you to try any of the vehicles and weapons in the game. Whether you prefer to exhaust your foes with fast and maneuverable light tanks, make deep breaches in enemy lines with all-purpose medium tanks, use the force of giant tanks to eliminate opposing armored forces, or become a heavy sniper with long-range howitzers, each unit type has its own advantages and can be extremely effective when operated by a true tank ace.

But being a great tank commander alone isn’t enough to win! In World of Tanks, it’s all about teamwork. Victory is achieved by combining your combat skills with those of the other members of your team, each playing their own role on the battlefield. Just add your favorite strategy to build your own iron empire and manifest the indisputable authority of the tank! Feel the TANK POWER!

Key Features:

· Action-packed 15-vs-15 PvP Tank battles

· Mixture of Action, Strategy, Simulation and MMORPG genres

· 150 Vehicles, thousands of upgrades

· Unprecedented global Clan Wars

About Wargaming.net®

Wargaming.net® is an award-winning strategy game specialist, incorporated in the UK. Its 140-strong development team is located in Minsk, Belarus. Since 1998, the company has shipped 13 titles, including acclaimed Massive Assault series, Order of War RTS published by Square Enix, and three add-ons for Blitzkrieg II. Wargaming.net’s Operation Bagration RTS was awarded the Best Strategy Game of 2008 at Russian Game Developers Conference (KRI). At KRI 2009 and 2010 Wargaming.net® was named The Best Developer Company from ex-USSR. At KRI 2010 World of Tanks won “Best MMO” prize.

Official web site: www.wargaming.net

Sydney, 9 July 2010 – The Force is strong with TomTom drivers, and it’s about to get stronger. As of today, in association with LucasFilm™ and VoiceSkins.com, TomTom customers can be guided by the greatest Jedi Master of them all: Yoda.

Yoda joins Darth Vader and C-3PO and is the latest official Star Wars voice to launch exclusively for TomTom devices. Han Solo will complete the line-up of fan favorites in August.

A powerful Jedi warrior Yoda may be. But his quirky diction and mischievous personality also make him one of the most charming characters in the Star Wars universe – and one who adds a whole galaxy of fun to TomTom GPS voice commands. Incorporating dialogue inspired by the original Star Wars films, Yoda?s navigation instructions include “After 700 hundred metres hmmm, keep to the right then take a sharp left. Control, control, if a Jedi you wish to be.”

The Yoda voice also comes with ghostly encouragement from Obi-Wan Ben Kenobi, which is taken from the original films and embedded into the navigation commentary. John Williams? „Yoda?s Theme? music is also interwoven with certain commands, providing a rich, cinematic experience rarely heard on navigation systems.

“We?re thrilled by the reception that the Star Wars voices have received thus far and now we?re excited to add Yoda to our line up as it is one of the most frequently requested voices by the TomTom community,” says Chris Kearney, Marketing Manager, TomTom Asia Pacific.

Casey Collins, Sr. Director of International Licensing and Marketing at Lucas Licensing, says, “the TomTom brand is synonymous with high quality navigation. Star Wars fans are sure to be delighted when they hear just how great these voices sound on their TomTom navigation devices.”

In addition to Yoda?s voice, TomTom has launched a range of official Yoda wallpapers and alert sounds voiced by the Jedi Master. TomTom customers can download these items for free to ensure their TomTom device is enlisted in the service of the Jedi.

Yoda?s voice is available for download now for $17.50 AUD.

To watch the brand new viral movie featuring Master Yoda, click here or to find out more about official Star Wars voices for TomTom devices and train as a Jedi in TomTom?s Star Wars game, visit: Website: www.tomtom.com/starwars Game: www.tomtom.com/usetheforce

To watch the brand new viral movie featuring Master Yoda, click here

TomTom app for iPhone now offers multi-tasking ~ Smart, easy-to-use, turn-by-turn navigation on your iPhone, whenever and wherever you need it ~

Sydney, 23 June 2010 –TomTom, the world’s leading provider of location and navigation solutions, today announced that the latest version of the TomTom app for iPhone (Version 1.4) can now be purchased from the App Store. Situation-specific multi-tasking capabilities integrated by TomTom:– Users can make and answer calls while navigating with the help of visual turn-by-turn instructions. With this feature, users see visual instructions even when they are on a call, so they never have to choose between a call and receiving directions to their destinations.

Background navigation instructions* -Passengers can use and view other apps on the screen while receiving spoken turn-by-turn instructions from the TomTom app. Version 1.4of the TomTom app for iPhone includes smart features such as Advanced Lane Guidance for premium junction assistance and TomTom IQ Routes for the fastest way, any time of day. In addition, new advanced features to enhance the navigation experience are: New, Updated Whereis® Map of Australia –The TomTom app comes ready to navigate with TomTom’s latest release of the industry’s most-accurate and most-up-to-date maps. TomTom users can have the confidence of knowing that the directions they receive are the most accurate and efficient. Maps come pre-installed with the app, so no data plan, mobile signal or roaming charges are required to browse the map or navigate to a destination. Route Sharing– Car travelers can now send details of their current location, destination and route, to their iPhone’s contacts via email.

This feature provides an easy way to keep friends and family up to date of where they are, and where they are headed. Departure Reminder- Drivers can now receive departure reminders when they plan upcoming trips and add them to their calendar, with a prompt appearing on their iPhone when it’s time to get on the road. Eco-friendly Routing– Drivers can save money and reduce impact on the environment by driving with these more fuel-efficient routes. By using its advanced routing technology Car Symbols– Drivers can now personalise the car symbol on the driving screen by choosing the car icon, symbol and colour that best meets their style. Availability and PriceThe TomTom app for iPhone (Version 1.4) is available for purchase via the App Store for AUD $89.99.* Available on iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 3rd Generation devices, running iOS 4.

The TomTom app for iPhone is compatible with iOS 4 and includes several new features including multi-tasking functionality*, which allows users to receive turn-by-turn directions while running other applications on their iPhone**.

Seamless navigation while calling and the driving data of millions of TomTom users, the TomTom app can now provide a route option with a lower environmental impact.

“TomTom continues to deliver innovative solutions that enable users to reach their destinations while driving more efficiently and more safely,” said Chris Kearney, Marketing Manager, TomTom Australia & New Zealand.

“We’re pleased to introduce the latest version of the TomTom app for iPhone upon the release of iOS 4. Now iPhone users can benefit from TomTom’s industry-leading navigation and with its new multi-tasking functionality*, also take advantage of other great iPhone features while they continue to receive uninterrupted guidance from the TomTom app,” Kearney said.

Current owners of the TomTom app can update to the new version for no additional charge.

TomTom app (Version 1.4) runs on OS 3.0 and iOS 4, however users should upgrade to iOS 4 to be able to take advantage of all of the new features.

** TomTom route planning and the setting of other applications should take place before commencing your journey.

*** iPhone 3GS only

Sydney, 28 June 2010 – TomTom today announced the launch of the new XL 250 which makes wide screen navigation more accessible than ever before. The TomTom XL 250 comes with an extra-large 4.3” wide screen; an even easier to use menu for extra safety and comfort; and TomTom’s smart array of navigation features including: Advanced Lane Guidance; Spoken Street Names; Safety Cameras; Map Share™; and IQ Routes™.

 “The TomTom XL 250 is cutting-edge navigation technology for all,” says Chris Kearney, Marketing Manager, TomTom Asia Pacific. “The XL 250 features all of our core navigation smarts, but with an intuitive new menu designed with a first time user in mind.” 

Best directions and maps

Through IQ Routes™, the TomTom XL 250 makes smart use of the driving experiences of millions of TomTom users worldwide – tapping into over 1.3 trillion actual speed measurements to plan the fastest route, any time of day and any day of the week. Imagine a route that takes into account peak hour, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, school zones or even shopping crowds, every minute of every day. That’s how smart IQ Routes™ is!

With TomTom Map Share™ technology, drivers can make local corrections to their own map and download free corrections made by millions of other drivers in the TomTom community.

TomTom’s Latest Map Guarantee also assures users are guaranteed to start with the latest Whereis® map available.

Advanced Lane Guidance

The Advanced Lane Guidance feature clearly shows which lane to take at junctions so you don’t miss your turn. On the most difficult highway intersections, realistic 3D representation of the junction keeps you relaxed and safe.

Leading safety

Advanced Lane Guidance is just one of the safety enhancement technologies which feature prominently in the TomTom XL 250. Other safety features include speed limit warnings, safety cameras, and the Help me! menu for direct access to emergency numbers and directions.

Availability and pricing

The TomTom XL 250 is available in retailers across Australia from late June 2010 with a RRP of AUD$249. For more information about the TomTom XL 250 visit www.tomtom.com