magnify
formats

Pure Hacking Launches New Online Vulnerability Management Service, Enguard

Enguard monitors network perimeter 24/7 – scans and security team interpret vulnerabilities just as if they were on site

Sydney, 12 September 2013 – Pure Hacking, an award-winning Australian information security consultancy, today announces its new vulnerability management service, Enguard. Designed to prevent costly forensic and remediation work, the service is based on around-the-clock scans and security consultancy interpretation and analysis of possible vulnerabilities.

Ideally suited for organisations needing assistance with experienced interpretation of vulnerability scan results, Enguard allows Information Technology (IT) and Security Managers to prioritise remediation activities and assist with allocating IT budgets to where they are most needed. For the consultancy’s Chief Operating Officer, David Muscat, this is key to differentiating this service: “Our technical team analyse the Enguard data daily, assessing the potential risk of issues discovered and determining the depth of focus that these require. Not all security issues are as important as the next and we help clients direct time and budget to where they will have the greatest return”.

Enguard works by monitoring hacking techniques and exploits daily. Using multiple scan engines, it monitors over 180 security sources including underground hacking communities and forums, black-hat activity and 0-day exploits. The Pure Hacking technical team then analyse scan results, rule out false positives and if action is required, it informs clients of the findings backed with advice on what to do next.

Security issues can range from old / un-patched software with known and exploitable vulnerabilities to security miss-configurations.  In the worst case scenario, these issues can result in a partial to full compromise of the underlying infrastructure. Other issues can put data integrity or confidentiality at risk or simply leak unnecessary information about the applications and infrastructure that an attacker could leverage to conduct more targeted attacks.

The online portal allows clients a simple and secure method of reviewing issues and remediation requirements in real time. Monthly reports monitor the current security posture, outstanding issues requiring attention and historical data on security issues.

The subscription-based service provides a solid return on investment when compared to forensic and remediation work. “Enguard is very much the practical edge of IT security for your corporate data,” continued Muscat. “If an external breach occurred and the host system was penetrated the cost to the bottom line and reputational damage could be devastating.” 

Full details of the Pure Hacking Enguard solution is available on 1300 884 218.

 
formats

SCROOGE MCDUCK AND FRIENDS ARRIVE ON XBOX 360

We’re pleased to confirm that DuckTales: Remastered launches today on Xbox LIVE. To celebrate the release we’ve got a brand new trailer available to download now from the press site.

Originally released in 1989 on the Nintendo Entertainment System(TM), DuckTales was widely acknowledged as one of the generation’s seminal platform titles. DuckTales: Remastered once again follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews – Huey, Dewey and Louie, as they explore different themed worlds on their search for five legendary treasures.

The development team at Way Forward have taken the levels and layout from the original release and expanded on them to significantly enhance the gameplay experience; but where this update truly impresses is its graphics and sound. All of the visuals from the 8-bit game have been beautifully re-created as hand-drawn and animated sprites, across a backdrop of luscious, re-envisioned level backgrounds. Furthermore, original Disney Character Voices talent, including some from the cartoon TV series, bring in-game characters to life with charm and wit, while the classic melodies of the original soundtrack are given a modern twist.

Furthermore, we’re giving you the chance to be featured on our very own Capcom Unity YouTube channel. All you have to do is perform your own version of the classic DuckTales theme tune over at our sing-a-long site.

 
formats

SAMSUNG PARTNERS WITH BAZ LUHRMANN AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DRAMATIC ART TO LAUNCH ‘THE SHOOT’

National competition offers young Australians the chance to create a short film, with the help of Samsung GALAXY Note 3* and Samsung GALAXY Gear* 

SYDNEY, Australia – September 10, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Australia has announced ‘The Shoot’ – a national competition offering 10 creative young people an ultimate filmmaking experience. Winners of ‘The Shoot’ will be granted access to some of the industry’s best, including NIDA and Baz Luhrmann, to make a short film. The short film will premiere at Sydney Opera House as part of its 40th Anniversary celebrations.

The competition is open to Australians aged between 17 and 24, who will be flown to Sydney for a six-day workshop with NIDA from Monday, September 30 to Saturday, October 5 2013. Winners of ‘The Shoot’ will also be among the first in the country to receive Samsung’s soon-to-be released Samsung GALAXY Note 3* and the hotly anticipated Samsung GALAXY Gear*, which they’ll use throughout the filmmaking process. Australians can enter at theshoot.com.au, with entries closing Friday, September 20.

“The Shoot is a passion project shared by Samsung and its partners to inspire and empower young filmmakers,” said Arno Lenior, Marketing Director – Samsung Electronics Australia.

“With the help of NIDA and one of its most famous graduates, Baz Luhrmann, winners will use our latest technology, Samsung GALAXY Note 3 and Samsung GALAXY Gear, to help them create a short film, which will premiere at the Opera House as part of its official 40th Anniversary celebrations.”

“NIDA is thrilled to be joining Samsung and Baz Luhrmann on a project that champions the emerging talent of our young Australian filmmakers,” said NIDA Director/CEO Lynne Williams.

“At NIDA we educate and train the future leaders of the arts and entertainment industry. We look forward to welcoming the 10 successful filmmakers to NIDA and working with Baz to nurture their creativity, talent and enthusiasm for film.” 

How to Enter

To enter ‘The Shoot’, participants must visit www.theshoot.com.au during the competition period and upload a short 60 second introduction video in the film category (acting, cinematography, design, directing, screen writing or movie making) that they are most interested. Entrants can also submit supporting material, such as their latest show reel or recent screenplay, to highlight their skills. Entries will be judged by NIDA and Samsung, with winners announced on Wednesday, 25 September. For full terms and conditions of entry, visit http://theshoot.com.au/TheShoot-Terms-and-Conditions.pdf.

The Prize

 

Ten lucky Australians to be judged the winners will receive:

  • A masterclass with Baz Luhrmann
  • Six day intensive film making course at NIDA.      This includes economy class return flights to Sydney and seven nights’      accommodation (from September 29 – October 5 2013)
  • A VIP ticket to the blue carpet premiere of your      short movie at the Opera House, including economy class return flights to      Sydney and one night of accommodation (October 24, 2013)
  • A Samsung Creative Communications pack, including      the new Samsung GALAXY Note 3* and Samsung GALAXY Gear*.

 

 
formats

Metro: Last Light launches today on Steam for Mac

Sydney, Australia – September 12, 2013 – Deep Silver and 4A Games today released a dedicated Mac version of Metro: Last Light via Steam, with an App Store release set to follow shortly. A Linux version is also in development, scheduled for release later in the year.

Metro: Last Light on Steam will support Steam Play, meaning that owners of any Steam version will automatically find the game added to their PC, Mac and Linux Steam libraries.

Metro: Last Light for Mac and Linux will receive the same DLC packages as the PC and console versions. The Metro: Last Light Season Pass, and the Faction Pack and Tower Pack DLC will be available at launch for the Mac Steam release, and the upcoming Developer and Chronicles Packs will release on Mac alongside the PC and console releases.

For more information about Metro: Last Light, visit http://www.enterthemetro.com, like us at Facebook.com/MetroVideoGame or follow us on Twitter @MetroVideoGame.

 
formats

The Elder Scrolls Anthology Available Now in Australia and New Zealand!

Bethesda is pleased to announce The Elder Scrolls® Anthology is now available in Australia and New Zealand. For the first time in the history of the award-winning series, Bethesda presents The Elder Scrolls® in one complete PC collection. The Elder Scrolls Anthology features all five critically-acclaimed PC games plus official add-ons – packaged together in an exclusive premium collector’s set for AUD $99.99 and NZD $124.95.

A full list of contents is below. 

The Elder Scrolls Anthology includes:

  • The Elder Scrolls Arena
  • The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
  • The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Game of the Year
    • Tribunal
    • Bloodmoon
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year
    • Knights of the Nine
    • Shivering Isles
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition
    • Dawnguard
    • Hearthfire
    • Dragonborn
  •  Five Physical Maps detailing the lands      of Tamriel, Iliac Bay, Morrowind, Cyrodiil, and Skyrim.
 
formats

VIDEO: Watch_Dogs Unboxing Video – DedSec Edition ANZ

 
formats

Everlove: Rose Transforms Romance Genre With A Story That Takes Shape Under Your Fingertips

Developer Silicon Sisters invites romance readers to treat themselves to an “interactive guilty pleasure” on Android or iPad / iPhone

VANCOUVER, B.C. – September 11, 2013 – According to the Romance Writers of America more than 74 million people read romance novels each year, with women accounting for 91% of this massive audience. Silicon Sisters, a developer of video games for women, is bringing this well-loved genre to life in a tantalizing new way with Everlove: Rose, an interactive romance novel for iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook HD, and other Android and Apple devices.

Everlove: Rose merges the escapism of curling up with a steamy paperback with the engagement of personal choice. Rose, a career woman struggling to understand her hang-ups with men, has turned to past-life regression to gain insight into her personality. Under hypnosis she’s transported to the medieval village of Heart’s Home, where she soon discovers that she has chemistry with several of the handsome locals. By exploring her attractions to each of them, Rose begins to move past the obstacles that have been keeping her from finding true love, with a little help from her unflappable therapist, Dr. Alys.

Everlove: Rose sits firmly within the genre conventions of a romance novel, with an interactive twist. Unlike with a traditional, linear story, Everlove‘s readers drive Rose’s romantic journey by deciding what to say and which love interest to pursue. A branching storyline and a variety of possible endings reflect these choices, essentially putting each reader at the helm of her own fantasy. Throughout, beautifully rendered graphics and an intuitive touch interface complement and enhance the provocative narrative, offering readers deeper immersion and a more personal connection than a standard print book or ebook.

Everlove: Rose brings romance to life. Games have that power,” says Brenda Bailey Gershkovitch, Silicon Sisters’ CEO and co-founder. “For many men, playing sports games is a way to live out a fantasy — they get to score the winning touchdown at the Super Bowl. Everlove: Rose provides that same fulfillment for women who enjoy romance novels. You get to shape the narrative based on which romantic path you explore, creating a love story of your own choosing. With the help of some very handsome medieval hotties!”

Everlove: Rose is available for download from the Amazon Appstore, Google Play, and the Apple App Store for $3.99 (full version) or free (demo portion with a $3.99 in-app purchase to unlock the full story).

To learn more about Everlove: Rose, visit the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Everlove/416015075132982

DOWNLOAD LINKS

Apple App Store (free version): https://itunes.apple.com/app/id680017675

 
formats

AWARD-WINNING EA SPORTS NHL 14 IN STORES NOW

Sydney, Australia – Sept. 12, 2013 Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today that the award-winning, EA SPORTSTM NHL®14 is now available at retail stores throughout Australia on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system. Fans around the globe played nearly 4 million games in the NHL 14 demo. EGM scored NHL 14 a 9.5/10 and labeled it “an all-time great,” while IGN asserted that the game is “the most authentic hockey experience ever.” Canadian newspapers, The National Post and The Globe & Mail also scored NHL 14 a 9.5/10 and 9/10 respectively, with the former hailing the game as “the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be (until next year).”

Powered by a generation of the best EA SPORTS™ technology, NHL 14 lets players deliver game-changing hits with cutting-edge NHL® Collision Physics, drop the gloves with the all-new Enforcer Engine, and experience a new level of speed and control with the second season of the critically-acclaimed True Performance Skating engine. All this combines to make NHL 14 the definitive hockey experience.

NHL 14 also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the most iconic title in the history of the NHL videogame franchise with the inclusion of NHL 94 Anniversary Mode. Featuring nods to its hockey video gaming roots through a retro presentation style including blue ice, classic star-shaped player indicators, organ music and more, NHL 94 Anniversary Mode gives another generation of players a new way to play old school hockey.

New features and modes include:

True Performance Skating – Built on the breakthrough innovation that introduced physics-based skating and more than 1000 new skating animations to the EA SPORTS NHL franchise. The second year of the True Performance Skating features improved acceleration, explosive first-strides, quicker pivots and enhanced lateral skating, resulting in greater player responsiveness and unprecedented control.

One-Touch Dekes – Experience what it feels like to be a superstar through a new, more responsive deking system controlled simply with the left stick and one-button. From beginners to advanced players, the new controls allows for quicker reactive dekes and intuitive combination dekes, creating more moves than ever before.

Live the Life Mode – The evolution of the Be a Pro Career Mode, now you can now truly Live the Life of an NHL player. On or off the ice, every decision you make shapes your legacy as an athlete. Interact with teammates outside of the rink. Take part in media interviews. Each choice you make will affect your relationship with fans, teammates and management, influencing your skills and progression.

NHL 94 Anniversary Mode – A new way to get into old-school NHL action. EA SPORTS celebrates one of the most iconic entries in the NHL franchise with the inclusion of NHL 94 Anniversary Mode. Built within the NHL 14 game engine, NHL 94 Anniversary Mode has big goals, bigger hits and takes fun to a whole new level. The mode also offers nods to its hockey video gaming roots through a retro presentation style including blue ice, classic star-shaped player indicators, organ music and much more.

NHL® Collision Physics – Developed from the same core technology that powers EA SPORTS FIFATM’s critically-acclaimed Player Impact Engine, NHL® Collision Physics introduces bigger, more thrilling hits, and truer-to-life collisions. A new left-stick control scheme makes delivering a game-changing hit simpler than ever.

Enforcer Engine – Powered by EA SPORTS Fight Night® technology, the Enforcer Engine brings an all-new 3rd-person presentation where every player on the ice is LIVE! Now, you and your linemates (human or CPU) interact from the drop of the gloves to the trip to the penalty box, with no break in the action. Fight Night technology delivers, for the first in the EA SPORTS NHL franchise, true size and strength differentiation between players, new jostling mechanics and much more to create the most authentic and electrifying fighting experience yet.

HUT & EASHL Online Seasons* – The Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) is the most played mode in EA SPORTS NHL. NHL 14 adds the best-in-class promotion and relegation system in the sports category to HUT & EA SPORTS Hockey League modes. Win games and advance to the next division to face tougher competition, fall short and see your team bumped down. Teams will be able to track their progress across multiple seasons.

 
formats

THE SIMS 3 MOVIE STUFF

Lights, Camera, Action! The Sims 3 Movie Stuff is Now Available

The Sims 3 Movie Stuff is now available! Bring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood straight into your Sims’ homes. Set the stage for even more unique stories including distinctively themed décor, furnishing and clothing all inspired by iconic movie genres.

Featuring three unique themes: Comic Book Blockbusters, Western Epics and Creepy Features, players can pick and choose the décor and items that they wish to incorporate into their game. Whether it’s creating a lair fit for a masked hero, or costuming Sims in frilled chaps, smart vests or ornate Victorian dresses, the possibilities are endless. The Sims 3 Movie Stuff brings the silver screen straight to players’ own home computer screens.

The Sims 3 Movie Stuff is now available for purchase online and at retail stores worldwide. Those who purchase The Sims 3 Movie Stuff via Origin will also receive The Director’s Set, which includes exclusive items and props.

 
formats

Adobe Introduces New Generator Features For Photoshop CC and Edge Reflow

All-New Technology Streamlines Web Production and Mobile Design Workflows For Creative Cloud Members

Sydney, Australia — Sept. 10, 2013 — Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe Generator, technology that fundamentally changes the way people work with Photoshop for web and screen design. Generator is a platform that brings Photoshop to the heart of the design process, enabling greater interoperability between Adobe® Photoshop® CC, Adobe Creative Cloud™ and third party applications. Also new — and available today for Creative Cloud members — is a Photoshop CC feature built using Generator technology, which streamlines web and screen design by delivering image assets in real-time to save users the tasks of extracting, cropping, sizing and exporting. Additionally, new connectivity between Adobe® Edge Reflow® CC and Photoshop gives users the ability to take Photoshop assets directly into Edge Reflow with just one click. Edge Reflow is a design tool focused on creating responsive web designs.

“Today we’re excited to usher in a new era of Photoshop productivity for anyone designing for the Web or mobile apps,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “Now with Generator, customers can skip the hassles of slicing and exporting from Photoshop and speed up day-to-day web and mobile app production through an intelligent and customizable workflow.”

The first Adobe Generator features for Photoshop CC and Edge Reflow include:

  • Real-time image asset generation gives Photoshop CC users the power to eliminate time-consuming production steps while ensuring their designs are properly implemented both on the desktop and mobile screens
  • Tagged layers and groups in Photoshop CC are automatically saved and updated in real-time as individual files, in the format selected
  • Layers can now be exported as JPEG, GIF, or PNG with a variety of options, including scaling for Retina displays and varying levels of compression
  • In one click, Edge Reflow CC can import Photoshop CC assets, including images and text directly into Edge Reflow, allowing designers to immediately begin their responsive design process and reduce manual production steps

 

The Adobe Generator technology platform has an easy-to-use JavaScript API, paving the way for third-party apps and services developers to create similar tools that integrate with Photoshop CC. To accelerate the creation of more third-party apps, Adobe has released Generator and the real-time image asset generation feature as open source projects. More information is available at http://github.com/adobe-photoshop.

“As we expand from our business from .com websites out to multiple mobile platforms, it is essential for us to have the ability to use the integrated tools and services in Creative Cloud to tighten our design workflow,” said Stephen Gates, vice president, Global Brand Design, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “With more than 1,100 luxury hotels, it can be time consuming doing multi-screen design with adjustments to assets for each screen. Now, with Generator and the real-time image assets creation feature in Photoshop CC, our design team can be more nimble, ideate, and deliver faster.”

“Creating a mobile game requires frequent and rapid iterations,” said Nate Beck, CEO of The Engine Company, a leading developer of game engines. “With Adobe Generator, we built a plug-in written in JavaScript that connects our Photoshop designs to our Loom SDK game running on iOS, Android and OUYA. When the design is changed in Photoshop, it immediately changes in the game in real-time, allowing for much faster experimentation, and ultimately a better game.”

Helpful Links

Membership Plans and Availability
These updates to Photoshop CC and Edge Reflow are available immediately to Creative Cloud members. Current Creative Cloud members receive this innovation as part of their existing membership, at no extra cost. Individual, education, team, government and enterprise membership plans are available. For pricing details, visit: https://creative.adobe.com/plans

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/au