Events

Battlefield 4 Teaser Site Launched by EA

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 21, 2013

Battlefield 4 Teaser Site Launched by EA

A Battlefield 4 teaser site has been launched by Electronic Arts. Confirming a debut gameplay trailer for 27th March, fans visiting the site are greeted by a close-up of tanks making their way through a rain-drenched city.

Fans are encouraged to share the Battlefield 4 site on social media to unveil more of the image.

Visitors with an Origin account, meanwhile, will receive an exclusive ‘I Was There’ dog tag for use in Battlefield 3.

It is believed that Battlefield 4 will be shown to press on March 26, before its officially unveiled on March 27.

Battlefield 4 was previously announced for next-generation consoles, but it is unclear whether publisher EA intends to launch the game in 2014 or during the current fiscal year.

The studio recently gave GameStop store managers a sneak preview of the new game and it was said to have received a “huge ovation”.

Twitter for Windows 8 gets an update

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

The office Twitter app for Windows 8 has been updated.

As is the usual case for Windows 8 apps, the details on the update is vague – it just says “other improvements and fixes”.

Twitter for Windows 8 is available now in the Windows Store in 22 languages

The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age browser game launched

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Kabam, the leader in the western world for free-to-play core games, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have launched The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age for Web browsers, now available on Facebook and other Web platforms. The free-to-play tactical combat game is inspired by The Hobbit Film Trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson and a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM).

Kabam and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment previously launched The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth, the free-to-play game for mobile devices, currently available on the App Store for iOS and on Google Play™ for Android™. The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth was the no. 10 grossing game on iOS worldwide and within the top 15 grossing games on Google Play™ worldwide in Jan. 2013, according to the App Annie Index.

“The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age and The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth deliver two immersive and dramatically different ways to experience the most iconic fantasy world of all time, across the Web and mobile devices,” said Andrew Sheppard, President of Kabam Game Studios. “Kabam is unique in its ability to deliver compelling, high-fidelity free-to-play games across genres and platforms.”

The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age challenges players to take up arms alongside the greatest heroes of the Third Age, including select characters from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey like Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, Radagast and more . Gamers are charged to lead an army of Elves, Dwarves or Orcs in fast-paced tactical combat and band together with thousands of other players to join powerful alliances and wage an epic war online. The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth challenges players to build their own empire in Middle-earth, in a deep, immersive strategy game.

“The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age from Kabam and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is a great example of the type of high quality games being built on Facebook,” said Sean Ryan, Director of Games Partnerships, Facebook. “Kabam’s first strategy game Kingdoms of Camelot launched on Facebook in 2009 and became a major franchise, and we’re excited to see Kabam build their latest game on Facebook. As the Facebook games ecosystem grows, we look forward to seeing more highly engaging experiences from Kabam.”

“We’re eager to bring The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age to the millions of Middle-earth fans who engage online,” said Greg Ballard, Senior Vice President, Digital Games, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The Facebook and browser-based portals are key locations where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film fans can regularly engage with Middle-earth in a shared interactive environment.”

The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age will be available in English, French, German and Spanish. The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age and The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth are developed and operated by Kabam, and co-published by Kabam and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. In addition to Facebook, the game is available on Kabam.com and the Google Chrome Store.

Trials Evolution Gold from Ubisoft out now

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Today sees the launch of Trials Evolution Gold Edition on PC from Ubisoft.

RedLynx’s signature franchise, the Trials series first made its mark in gaming with the 2008 release of Trials 2 SE for the PC. That breakout indie hit led to further success on the Xbox, and ever since, PC gamers have been clamouring for more Trials.

That wait is now over, as the competition begins all over again in Trials Evolution: Gold Edition, the biggest Trials game ever released with 129 tracks and mini games from Trials Evolution and Trials HD.

The game also includes all of the features of its forerunners, from the in-game editor which brought more than 300,000 tracks to the Xbox LIVE version of Trials Evolution, to the global Leader Boards and four-player Multiplayer, in both local and online modes.

Here is the launch trailer:

And here are some screenshots to keep you going:

We are playing it now, so expect our review shortly.

For more information about Trials Evolution: Gold Edition and the Trials franchise visit the brand new Trials portal at http://www.trialsgame.com

Are you going to get it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Win 10 pairs of tickets for The Gadget Show LIVE at the NEC

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

The Gadget Show LIVE returns to the NEC in a few weeks and we have got 10 pairs of tickets to giveaway.

So all you have to do to win a pair of tickets is click on the Contact Us link at the top of the page and tell us what day you want to go (the tickets are only valid on a weekday). Make sure you use a valid email address when submitting your entry otherwise we can’t contact you. You can enter as many times as you like, but only one entry per day will be accepted.

Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to use on any of the weekday show days. Unfortunately you will have to cover your own transport costs and anything else, but each pair of tickets is worth over £40.

Usual contest rules apply, and the winners will be selected at random and will be contacted after the contest ends.

The contest closes Thursday 28th March, so good luck.

The event takes place on 3-7 April at the NEC, Birmingham, and more details are available from www.gadgetshowlive.net/birmingham.

Canon introduces the EOS 100D

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Canon today unveiled the smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR ever made, the EOS 100D.

The EOS 100D offers a range of simple controls and a helpful in-camera feature guide, perfect for those looking to explore the world of DSLR photography for the first time but without the bulk normally associated with a DSLR.

The EOS 100D is the smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR in its class making it compact enough to take everywhere so you can capture adventures in stunning quality. Measuring just 116.8 x 90.7 x 69.4mm and weighing only 407g, the incredibly lightweight and compact body also features a bright Optical Viewfinder – giving users the full, responsive experience of a DSLR in a compact form. The EOS 100D also features a large 7.7cm (3.0”) ClearView II Capacitive Touch screen – making it easy to adjust settings and instantly review shots after capture.

At the EOS 100D’s heart is a new 18 MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS AF II Sensor, which combines with the power of the DIGIC 5 image processor to deliver stunning results in virtually any situation. The new sensor uses phase detection pixels spread across 80 per cent of the sensor’s imaging surface to provide increased AF speed and tracking performance when the camera is in live view or when capturing Full-HD movies. Capable of shooting at speeds of up to 4fps, the EOS 100D makes it easy for beginners to capture a range of high quality images, be it of special moments with family and friends or fast-paced action on holiday.

EOS 100D – key features:

· 18.0 Megapixel Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor

· Compact, portable design

· Simple shooting with Scene Intelligent Auto

· Optical viewfinder and large touch screen

· Full-HD movies with Hybrid CMOS AF II

· Creative Filters and Extra Effect Shot

· Built-in Feature Guide

· EOS System of lenses and accessories

The EOS 100D is available from late April, with an SRP of:

£569.99 / €729.99 – body only

£699.99 / €899.99 – with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

Canon introduces the EOS 700D

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Canon today unveiled the EOS 700D, their most advanced consumer EOS model to date. Boasting 5fps shooting, a wide 9-point all cross type AF system and Vari-angle Clear View II LCD touch screen, it is the ideal camera for those wanting to develop their photography skills further.

The EOS 700D is powered by a Canon-designed and manufactured 18.0MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor, which deliver outstanding levels of resolution – producing images that are consistently rich in detail and colour. Offering up to 5fps shooting, the EOS 700D is ideal for capturing a range of subjects, from fast paced action to stunning skylines, or beautiful portraits of family and friends. Additionally with a native 100-12,800 ISO range, the EOS 700D is capable of catching remarkable levels of detail even when shooting in tricky low light conditions.

The EOS 700D’s advanced AF System consists of 9 high performance, cross-type points spread across the frame, delivering greater focussing speed and accuracy to ensure photographers can always keep desired subjects in focus, even as they move around. With the option to manually select and adjust focus points, or simply use full automatic mode, the EOS 700D provides aspiring photographers with an easy way to explore different kinds of image composition as their confidence grows.

The EOS 700D features a new, simplified 360° rotating mode dial to provide easy and swift access to the camera’s various shooting modes. A 7.7cm (3.0”) Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen also makes it easy for users to adjust settings as well as frame, shoot and review from a variety of angles. A new external coating, adopted from Canon’s mid-range EOS models, also provides a more robust and durable finish.

EOS 700D – key features:

· 18.0 Megapixel Hybrid CMOS AF sensor

· Creative Full-HD movies and Hybrid CMOS AF

· Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen

· Scene Intelligent Auto

· ISO 100-12800 sensitivity, extends to ISO 25600

· 5 fps shooting 9-point AF system

· Range of Creative filters

· EOS System of lenses and accessories

The EOS 700D is available from late April, with an SRP of:

£619.99/ €789.99 – body only

£749.99 / €959.99 – with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

The Director’s Cut of Deus Ex: Human Revolution coming to Wii U

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Eidos Montréal, a Square Enix studio, have announced the Director’s Cut of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the definitive version of the critically acclaimed action-RPG title, is coming soon exclusively to Nintendo’s Wii U system.

The Director’s Cut offers a full slate of Wii U GamePad features including touch-screen hacking, interactive map editing, augmented sniping, grenade throwbacks and many other neural hub enhancements. Along with in-depth Miiverse integration, the Director’s Cut also provides access to developer commentaries and in-game guides.

Tongs’s Rescue mission and the entire Missing Link chapter have also been integrated seamlessly into the narrative flow of the Director’s Cut. Other core Deus Ex: Human Revolution augmentations include overhauled boss fights, refined game balance and combat, improved AI, and striking visual improvements which make this edition the best looking and most immersive Deus Ex experience available.

For more information about Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut, log on to http://www.DeusEx.com.

Star Wars Pinball now available on iOS devices

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Zen Studios have released Star Wars Pinball, a brand new collection of tables developed with authentic Star Wars moments on iOS.

Star Wars Pinball is $1.99 and comes with the Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back table. Boba Fett and Star Wars: The Clone Wars are available as in app purchases.
Star Wars Pinball on iOS comes with a special “Balance of the Force” feature, allowing players the choice to support the Light Side or the Dark Side. Players scores will go toward the selected side and alter the game UI in real time!

Star Wars Pinball is available on the Apple App Store now.

For more information, visit www.starwarspinball.com or www.zenstudios.com.

New PS3 Firmware Version 4.40 Out Now

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 21, 2013

0

Sony has released Playstation 3 firmware version 4.40. The firmware doesn’t come with any specific details, although it does seem to fix the stability problems with connecting online which seem to have been occurring over the last few days.

You can download the firmware via your PS3 using the system update option.