Tennis fans score with IBM augmented reality smartphone application

IBM Seer mobile solution serves up new level of insight for Australian Open visitors

Melbourne – 18 January 2010: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a new augmented reality smart mobile application set to change the way fans access information and keep up to date at Australian Open 2010.

The IBM Seer Application has been designed to allow fans real-time access to tournament and venue specific information wherever they are in Melbourne Park. The application takes a live view from a GPS-enabled Android mobile phone and superimposes content and data associated with various points of interest such as live scores, match information and catering facilities, onto the screen, providing a more dynamic and immersive Australian Open experience for tennis fans.

Since 1993, IBM has been the Official Technology Partner of the Australian Open, providing IT support and solutions to help map and measure every aspect of the tournament.

The IBM Seer Application, first seen at Wimbledon 2009, acts as a real-time guide and interactive map of the 2010 tournament, allowing users to see what others can’t, and bringing them closer to the game. Anyone with an Android mobile phone can download the IBM Seer Application from the Android Marketplace App Store.

From tennis to food courts, points of interest throughout Melbourne Park and beyond have been identified and mapped using NAVTEQ’s digital mapping technology. Using an Android phone and the plotted coordinates, the application offers the user an immediate display of exactly what they are looking at. It augments this with other live data such as updates from the IBM-managed scoring system and an aggregated twitter feed generated by IBM scouts reporting from around the grounds, giving the user a comprehensive and dynamic insight into their surroundings.

For instance, pointing the camera lens towards a court will not only identify the court number, but also display details about the current match in play on that court. IBM Seer Application users can also use the phones’ Map view, which pinpoints their location on a detailed map of the grounds, while the ‘Radar’ function indicates the user’s current position and nearby points of interest within range.

“This breakthrough technology is expected to revolutionise the Australian Open fan experience,” Tennis Australia chief executive officer Steve Wood said. “By combining location awareness with up-to-date information on play, amenities and transportation, Tennis Australia is able to provide an even more dynamic, intelligent and immersive Australian Open experience for tennis fans.”

David Burns, IBM’s Australian Open Executive Sponsor, said IBM Seer introduced a new level of insight into the fan experience for this year’s tournament.

“In one of the first deployments of its type in Australia, the IBM Seer Application brings together data visualisation, content generated by IBM scouts, twitter feeds and real-time scoring to deliver a powerful new interactive tool with which organisations can engage key audiences,” said Mr Burns.

“With more and more information available to us in our everyday lives, the ability for us to connect this information and communicate it intelligently, as the IBM Seer Application does for tennis fans, will provide benefits in all facets of our lives in ways we have not yet considered.”

About IBM Seer

Developed in conjunction with IBM business partners, the application features custom developed core code based on Mobilizy’s Wikitude technology and GPS positioning and digital mapping from NAVTEQ. The aggregation of the live twitter feed from IBM scouts and associated hosting services is provided by XS2TheWorld, with the systems integration, which incorporates the IBM Scoring System into the application, managed by IBM. Ogilvy Interactive was responsible for technical project management and provides server hosting for the IBM Seer application. A video of the IBM Seer Application in use at Melbourne Park can be found at: www.youtube.com/IBMScout

IBM AND THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Australian Open 2010 will again see IBM support Tennis Australia in captivating millions of fans around the world, providing new technology infrastructure and a wealth of real-time data, to service the global audience during the critical two-week period of the tournament.

From live scores to serve speeds and match reports, IBM keeps its audience, which includes players, officials, media, and fans at the event and across the globe, up to date on the action not only on every court, but also in the entire arena. IBM staff analyse each shot played across some 600 matches over the two weeks and send captured data around the world in an instant. This data allows the audience to access detailed scores, statistics and analyses. Detailed analytical reports for the players are also available as soon as the match has been completed.

SNAPSHOT OF IBM SOLUTIONS

Scoring System: IBM technology powers the integrated end-to-end scoring system that delivers live results to the on-court scoreboards, results kiosks and the Match Information Displays.

Speed Serve System: The IBM courtside radar gun captures the speed of a serve and, immediately displays the information courtside and transmits it to the IBM scoring database. The system consists of two electronic displays, a custom built radar system and software for capturing serve speeds, direction and other statistics.

Match Statistics: On the seven broadcast courts, IBM statisticians record match information such as winners, challenges, serve percentages, breakpoints, unforced errors and net approaches. These statistics are then sent in real time to the IBM Scoring System.

CHUMP PDA’s: CHUMP is the primary application in which scoring data is inputted on-site and is essentially an electronic scorecard, calculating basic statistics. CHUMPs are used both wired and wirelessly on the courts.

Intranet: The on-site information system allows media, broadcasters and tournament officials to access real-time scores, draws, news and more, including each player’s tournament history, match-ups and results or activity. Video is available on both the home page as well as the full statistics page, plus live video of the matches in progress is also fed to the site.

Referee and Scheduling Services: Services to support the referee and tournament control, including a high technology scheduling system. This system allows for enhanced event set-up, schedule of play and player schedule website administration.

AustralianOpen.com: In conjunction with Tennis Australia, IBM designs, publishes, produces and hosts the Australian Open website. This interactive, media-rich online experience allows fans to listen to live radio, review highlights of the day, participate in feedback discussions and blogs as well as follow the scores from every court as the action happens. Last year, this site received over 8.6 million unique users.

IBM SlamTracker: IBM SlamTracker overcomes the problem of limited courtside seats by giving fans a virtual seat at the tournament. Millions of fans from all over the world can use SlamTracker to interact in real-time with the draw online, track players’ progress and have scores and results served up live. SlamTracker provides users with an increased level of personalisation and interactivity.

Mobile: The mobile website, designed specifically for mobile phones, provides real-time scores, schedule, draws and player information for mobile devices with browser support. An iPhone application also provides real-time scores, results, schedule of play, highlights, live radio and Twitter feeds.

Consolidation and virtualisation: The official Australian Open website is supported by multiple geographically-dispersed server farms, virtualised as one. In 2006, 60 servers were required to cope with the increase in traffic that the site experiences during the Open. This year, IBM will use just six. Moreover, IBM has implemented IBM Direct Active Energy Manager in monitoring mode and is altering CPU clock speed during non-busy times to further reduce energy demands.

IBM

For more information about IBM visit www.ibm.com/australianopen

Australian Open 2010

For more information about Australian Open 2010 visit www.australianopen.com

Extreme surfing movie starring Kelly Slater to feature in IMAX 3D

Nine-time world champion surfer, Kelly Slater, and his big wave companion, Raimana Van Bastolaer will star in the first ever extreme surfing IMAX 3D movie. Scheduled for release at IMAX Melbourne Museum on 20 February, 2010, Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D was primarily shot in the Tahitian big wave environment known to watermen around the world as Teahupoo.

Directed by award-winning director Stephen Low and his team of in-water and airborne cameramen, Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D captures the incredible power, majesty and danger of the most treacherous ocean waves in the world.

With a reputation as the greatest surfer of all time, Slater showcases his surfing talent and flair on the giant IMAX 3D screen as he teams up with local legend Van Bastolaer to take on Teahupoo.

Van Bastolaer, whose ancestors have surfed Tahitian waters for generations, brings a unique familiarity to the storytelling that is combined with Slater’s mastery of wave formation. The two surfers bond together as they lead viewers to discover how the ocean’s waves influence not only geography, but the people whose Polynesian lifestyles are built on an ancient platform part fact and part mythology.

Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D was filmed using newly developed camera equipment which will take moviegoers right into the heart of these giant waves, capturing for the first time the immense energy and sounds otherwise known only to a handful of surfing’s best.

“You’ll be on the edge of your seat as cameras strapped to the front of surf boards take you on a seriously intense ride,” said Richard Morrison, IMAX Melbourne Museum Manager.

But the true star of Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D is “that” wave. Teuhupoo has challenged surfers for years – from the time men fought their way into it to today’s more common use of personal watercraft to be towed into its towering strength.

The surfer committed to riding this type of wave is greeted with an upwelling of choppy water and the sting of sand vacuumed from the sea floor and fired from the wave. The noise is at times deafening, and the released energy sufficient to rocket the escaping surfer up and out of the wave trough, sometimes to heights of over twenty feet. Both Slater and Van Bastolaer bring this experience to the film.

Low’s camera team also delves deeply into the crystal blue waters to investigate the science of waves and communicate the importance of the rich sea life that populates Tahiti’s offshore reefs.

To check out the trailer, behind the scenes clips and more information on Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D go to www.ultimatewavetahiti.com

Release Date: 20 February, 2009

Where: IMAX Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens

Tickets: $17.50 Adult, $14 Concession, $12.50 Child, $50.00 family (2 adults & 2 children)

Session times: www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or 03 9663 5454

New malware cocktail targets Microsoft Outlook Web users

Convincing notifications with Microsoft® Office® logos dupe users into downloading potent malware cocktail

Australia and New Zealand – January 15, 2010 – BitDefender®, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions, today warned of the rapid spread of malware targeted at users of Microsoft Outlook Web Access.

The unsolicited message directs users to apply a new set of settings to their mailboxes to update several ‘security upgrades’ that have been applied. The link in the e-mail leads towards a Web page with Microsoft® Office® logos and instructs users to download and launch an executable file that will supposedly update their e-mail settings.

Instead, they receive a potent malware cocktail, including Trojan.SWF.Dropper.E, a generic detection name for a family of Trojans sharing similar behavior. They are Flash files, which usually do not display any relevant images/animations, but drop and execute various malware files (by exploiting Adobe Shockwave Flash vulnerability). The dropped files may be subject to change and different variants can drop and execute different malware programs.

Statistics showed a significant increase in the number of files worldwide that have been infected with Trojan.SWF.Dropper.E – an increase of nearly 60 percent from December last year.

The countries most affected by Trojan.SWF.Dropper.E between January 1st and January 13th were:

Country
% total infected systems

United States
13

Spain
11

France
9

Romania
9

Canada
5

United Kingdom
3

Australia
3

Germany
3

Thailand
3

Turkey
2

Other countries
39

The attack also included other prolific malware, including:

1. One of the longest-lasting Trojan breeds – Trojan.Spy.ZBot.EKF, which was also intensively used into AH1N1-related malware distribution campaign.

ZBot injects code into several processes and adds exceptions to the Microsoft® Windows® Firewall, providing backdoor and server capabilities. It also sends sensitive information and listens on several ports for possible commands from the remote attackers. The latest variants are also able to steal bank-related information, login data, history of the visited Web sites and other details the user inputs, while also capturing screenshots of the compromised machine’s desktop.

2. Exploit.HTML.Agent.AM uses flash-object vulnerabilities that allow arbitrary code execution by loading a specially crafted flash object into a Web page. Once an infected Web page is opened, the Trojan creates a specially crafted SWF object which allows the execution of a payload into the heap (at the time this article was created, the downloaded file was detected as Trojan.Spy.ZBot.EKG; however, this may be subject to change).

Data provided by BitDefender’s Real-Time Virus Reporting System give an idea about the spreading of this malware: in the United States, the number of infected files increased in the first half of January by 10 percent, while Spain saw an increase of more than 400 percent compared to the last half of December.

3. Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen is a generic detection for specially crafted PDF files which exploit different vulnerabilities found in Adobe PDF Reader’s Javascript engine, in order to execute malicious code on user’s computer.

BitDefender datasets also indicate a growing trend of Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen. The first two weeks of January showed that the most affected systems pertain to the United States, Spain and Canada.

In order to stay safe, BitDefender recommends that consumers never follow links inserted in messages from unknown contacts in addition to installing and updating a complete antimalware software solution. Users who are concerned their current antimalware solution isn’t effective can check for viruses on their computer for free with BitDefender’s online scanner.

CALL OF DUTY®: MODERN WARFARE® 2 SURPASSES US $1 BILLION IN RETAIL SALES WORLDWIDE

Game Continues to Set Retail Sell-Through Records

Sydney, AUSTRALIA – Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdq: ATVI) announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 continues to set sell-through records crossing the US $1 billion mark in retail sales worldwide since its launch in November, according to internal Activision estimates.

In its first five days alone, the game sold an estimated US $550 million worldwide, outpacing five-day worldwide theatrical box office gross figures for such films as Avatar, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Dark Night, according to internal Activision estimates and boxofficemojo.com.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has exceeded our expectations and shattered theatrical box office and video game records,” said Robert Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. “There are only a handful of entertainment properties that have ever reached the US $1 billion mark, which illustrates the power of the Call of Duty franchise and mass appeal of this game.”

Modern Warfare 2 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For additional information about the game, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a worldwide online, PC, console and handheld game publisher with leading market positions across every major category of the rapidly growing interactive entertainment software industry.

Activision Blizzard maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, South Korea, China, and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision Blizzard and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activisionblizzard.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Blizzard’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements under the heading “Company Outlook,” are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Blizzard generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Blizzard’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Blizzard’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, any further difficulties related to World of Warcraft in China, Activision Blizzard’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Blizzard’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology, industry standards and consumer preferences, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Blizzard, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and subsequent filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and Activision Blizzard assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

The GT Academy 2010 Time Trial is live on PlayStation®Network until Sunday 24 January and Australia has been working hard at maintaining a top five ranking. Racing fast for the number one global position, it has frequently been France vs Australia in the battle of fastest individual times.

Over one million downloads of the GT Academy Time Trial have already been recorded in the three weeks since it went live on 17

December, 2009. That’s because the ultimate racing prize is at stake – the opportunity to be a real world race car driver. Visit www.facebook.com/GTAcademy to follow the updates and support Australian racers. And if you haven’t already, download the Gran Turismo time trial from PlayStation®Store via PlayStation®Network and get racing. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Early 2010 MAG PlayStation 3
Heavy Rain PlayStation 3
White Knight Chronicles PlayStation 3
SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 PSP/PSPgo
God of War III PlayStation 3
Eye of Judgement Legends PSP/PSPgo
Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake PSP/PSPgo

Release schedule summary – ModNation Racers – Public Beta Confirmed

12 January 2010: On 22nd January, 100,000 PS3 owners across European markets, including Australia, will be able to get their hands on the ModNation Public Beta. Once downloaded from PlayStation Store, you can jump, boost and drift your way around tricky racetracks, picking up weapons with every twist and turn in a battle to the finish line, then have a go creating your own courses and challenge the world to race on them.

The ModNation Racers Beta is free, so simply log on to PSN store on Thursday 21st (evening time in Australia) and download the trial. It will then be live from Friday 22 January until Sunday 14 February. It provides the opportunity to race on four premade tracks; two of which are exclusive to the European beta. You can also enter the Creation Station and design your very own character, kart and alpine themed race track, ready to share with other Beta Trial
testers.

Great content lined up for launch of Digital Comics for PSP® 17 December 2009: Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) has confirmed another major addition to the content line-up for the launch of Digital Comics. Alongside the extensive line up of content available, including comics from publishers such as Marvel, IDW and Rebellion, is the arrival of Disney, offering comics for the younger PSP owner.

Available now, Digital Comics is a revolutionary new service that brings the brightness and excitement of your favourite comics to the screen of PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) or PSP® (PlayStation® Portable)go. Now including favourites from the Disney stable, Digital Comics lets PSP users download their choice of hundreds of classic and new comics from PlayStation®Store to PSP to read page by page or frame by frame – wherever they are. PSP owners can
now take a huge collection of comics to enjoy on the move, and pick up their favourite edition from any Wi-Fi hotspot, offering a brandnew way to use PSP for entertainment on the go.

Cars, Planes & even a Giant Egg can be found racing stunning looking tracks in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing!
Friday 15th January 2010 – SEGA is proud to announce that Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing will have some of the most varied and visually rich racing tracks you will ever see in a racing game! Speed around Shibuya Downtown on a track from Jet Set Radio Future, or samba your way round Amigo’s home track on the carnival inspired Samba levels. Check out the latest trailer to get a glimpse of some of the tracks featured in the game, along with some of the unique vehicles created for each character in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. Specific to each character you can chose motorbikes, cars and bi planes or spaceships, egg mobiles and trucks in a bid to cross the finish line first!

For more information about the game, please visit http://www.houseofthedeadoverkill.com/ www.sega.com.

SYDNEY– 14th January, 2010 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS, today announced that players can expect to download the free TEKKEN® 6 online co-op update on January 18th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Now for the first time in the TEKKEN series, players can join a friend online and fight side-by-side for some serious iron fist brawling.

Previously playable only as an offline single player mode with an AI companion, TEKKEN 6’s Scenario Campaign mode is now available for two players to come together online and power their way through numerous stages. Use voice chat to work together strategically and beat down vicious opponents and their legions of minions. To keep the fires of competition in the forefront, a co-op leader board will be implemented so players can size up their skills against the best in the world.

This update will also include the following refinement:
– Improved Mokujin AI – In online versus mode, Mokujin’s fighting style changes with every round

TEKKEN 6 for PlayStation®3, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Xbox 360® is available now, For more TEKKEN 6 information visit www.tekken.com.

“Transformers: War for Cybertron is an origins story, taking players on a gripping, adrenaline-fuelled journey that precedes the TRANSFORMERS characters’ arrival on Earth,” said Rob Kostich, vice president of global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The game transports players to a living, metallic planet where they will battle as giant converting robots in single player, online co-op or head-to-head multiplayer matches that are fully immersive from start to finish.”

“For the first time, Hasbro is working with Activision to drive the TRANSFORMERS fiction forward into new story arcs, demonstrating pivotal moments in Transformers history that defined who they are,” said Aaron Archer, Senior Design Director, Hasbro.  “This remarkable video game helps us to tell a critical event in TRANSFORMERS lore that will be used as canon for future storylines in a way we could have only dreamed of a few years ago.  It is a testament to the success of the TRANSFORMERS brand and a key element to the story we look forward to telling in 2010 and beyond.”

Transformers: War for Cybertron features two distinct storylines: the AUTOBOT campaign tells a story of heroism to save their home planet against overwhelming odds, and the DECEPTICON campaign tells a story of an unquenchable thirst for power to control the universe.  For the first time in a TRANSFORMERS title, fans will be able to play the game with their friends through team-based online co-op, or go head to head in a variety of intense, online multiplayer game modes.  The game features a sci-fi art style that introduces to fans the entire living, metallic world of CYBERTRON, as well as all-new visualisations of the iconic TRANSFORMERS characters in their original Cybertronian forms.

Transformers: War for Cybertron is in development for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Windows® PC, Wii™ and Nintendo DS^™, and is not yet rated by the Australian Classification Board.

For more information and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: War for Cybertron video game, visit www.TransformersGame.com

About HASBRO

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognisable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology, industry standards and consumer preferences, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Kingston Technology Launches 24GB HyperX Kits – Largest Ever
24GB Triple-Channel Memory Kits for Intel Core i7; 16GB Kits for Core i5

Sydney, Australia –  January 14, 2010:  Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is shipping the largest HyperX DDR3 memory kits to date. Users of the Intel Core i7 and X58 platforms can now take their systems to the memory extreme with Kingston’s 1600MHz 24GB HyperX kit made up of six 4GB modules. For Core i5, P55 chipset enthusiasts, Kingston has released a 1600MHz kit 16GB kit of four 4GB modules to take full advantage of dual-channel performance.

“We are pleased to make available the largest HyperX memory kits ever for the prosumers, multimedia pro or super enthusiast who wants everything,” said Vaughan Nankivell, Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand for Kingston Technology. “Users working with the latest operating systems like Windows 7 64-bit can keep multiple programs open, run memory intensive video or photo applications, or run numerous virtual machines using 24GB or 16GB of DDR3 HyperX memory and create more efficiency and performance gains than ever before.”

The 1600MHz triple- and dual-channel kits are intended for use on the best motherboards on the market from top makers such as Asus and Gigabyte. A video of the 24GB HyperX kit in action can be found at www.kingston-blog.com/en/bbs_thread.php?gid=1&aid=574.

Product and Pricing Summary:
Vendor: Kingston Technology
Product name : Kingston HyperX DDR3 24GB or 16GB Kits
RRP: A TBC, NZ TBC
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 NZKingston memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support.
Availability: Shipping now

Kingston HyperX DDR3 Kit Specifications 
Part Number Capacity and Features:
 – KHX1600C9D3K6/24GX 24GB 1600MHz (CL9-9-9-27 @ 1.65v)
kit of six optimized for Core i7 XMP
 – KHX1600C9D3K4/16GX 16GB 1600MHz (CL9-9-9-27 @ 1.65v)
kit of 4 optimized for Core i5 XMP

Kingston HyperX memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support. For detailed information please visit the Kingston Web site at www.kingston.com/anz.

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/asia/verify. To try the game “Search for Genuine Kingston”, please go to http://anti-counterfeit.kingston-blog.com/.

To experience the animation of ‘The Adventures of Rex’, please visit: www.theadventuresofrex.com

About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.
Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Kingston designs, manufactures and distributes memory products for desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and Flash memory products for PDAs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and MP3 players. Through its global network of subsidiaries and affiliates, Kingston has manufacturing facilities in California, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and sales representatives in the United States, Taiwan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Latin America. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/anz.

AVG (AU/NZ) Warns Against Growing Threat of Cyber Crime at Home

Melbourne, 14 January 2010: According to the FBI, cyber attacks are potentially more dangerous than a nuclear attack and weapons of mass destruction. In our society, where everything of importance is controlled by computers, should these fall prey to cyber criminals, it could result in ‘cybergeddon’. 

While we have yet to experience anything on this scale, we are still under constant threat from cyber crime. 

With PCs now containing up to 200 million lines of code of which 2 million could include bugs, and with homes full of mobile phones, games consoles and PDAs, the potential for falling prey to hackers and identity theft is a real and growing threat, according to leading distributor of anti-virus and internet security software, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd.

Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager of AVG (AU/NZ), said: “We expect our workplace computers and data to be protected to the highest level but people are failing to fully protect their personal information. With cyber criminals becoming ever more sophisticated, it is crucial to be protected at home.” 

“Each line of code in your PC could include bugs that are easily infiltrated by hackers. A virus in your computer may only be an inconvenience but identity theft is a very real concern,” he said.

Reports from the UK suggest that theft from online bank accounts is growing at a staggering rate of 50% per year.

“While government security services worldwide are doing as much as they can to protect us from broader ‘cybergeddon’, it’s up to each individual to protect their own equipment and data,” Borrett said.

AVG offers comprehensive real-time protection for home and small to medium businesses to guard against all threats from viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits to hackers, scammers and identity thieves.

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au 

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provides comprehensive real-time protection against everything from viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits to cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for home, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktops, servers and e-mail in the home plus corporations, government agencies, utilities and educational institutions.

AVG products actively protect more than 80 million users worldwide, including more than 3.3 million users in Australia and New Zealand.

AVG (AU/NZ) has more than 2600 resellers across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.