Consumer Electronics Daily News

BioWare Unleashes Its First Strike in the War to Take Earth Back by Enlisting Veterans and New Recruits with the Mass Effect 3 Demo

Commander Shepard -- a battle hardened, no-nonsense leader -- wants you to join the fight to take Earth back! Today BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA), released the demo for Mass Effect™ 3 on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. Mass Effect 3 is the most anticipated game of 2012, blending world class combat, deep customization options, cinematic storytelling and blockbuster action on a huge scale. The demo delivers a preview of this powerful combination, whether you are an N7 veteran or the galaxy’s newest recruit. BioWare has designed Mass Effect 3 to deliver the satisfying payoffs veterans have been waiting for while also making sure it is the best entry point into the franchise for new players.

In continuing the lead up to launch, BioWare also revealed today that an all-new CG trailer for Mass Effect 3, “Take Earth Back,” will make a worldwide debut on Sunday’s episode of “The Walking Dead,” AMC’s critically-acclaimed, post-apocalyptic horror series*.

“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished with Mass Effect 3, and am very excited for fans around the world to experience something really special when they play the demo today,” said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series.

The Mass Effect 3 demo kicks off with the devastating, all-out attack on Earth by an ancient alien race known as the Reapers. It also includes another thrilling single player mission from later in the game. Players will be able to choose the name, gender and appearance of their Commander Shepard. These initial choices along with choosing Shepard’s background cause the game to re-write itself, ensuring the player knows everything that happened in previous games, and can hit the ground running. Additionally, Mass Effect 3 allows players three different ways to experience the epic battle for Earth: “Action” allows players to focus mainly on combat, giving them the opportunity to pre-set the tone of decisions made during the interactive cinematic scenes; “Story” focuses more on the conversations and scales down the difficulty of the action; and “Role Playing” presents the classic Mass Effect experience which blends both challenging, intense action with rich, interactive storytelling where the choices lie with each player. All settings can be adjusted throughout the game, and all are available in the demo. Mass Effect 3 will also be one of the first pre-launch demos to support full voice recognition functionality on Kinect™ for Xbox 360.

Also included in the demo is a sample of the new multiplayer mode in Mass Effect 3. For the first time in the franchise, Mass Effect 3 will feature a fun, addictive co-operative gameplay as part of the Galaxy at War System**, which gives players an opportunity to link progress made in multiplayer or other applications directly back to the player’s main campaign to save the galaxy. The co-op portion of the demo will unlock on February 17, 2012. Gamers who have activated their Battlefield 3™ online pass will be able to unlock the co-op portion of the demo beginning today***.

Mass Effect 3 thrusts players into an all-out war to save the galaxy from an ancient alien race known as the Reapers. Players will assume the role of Commander Shepard, a war-torn veteran who’s willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate this nearly unstoppable foe. With a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers at your side, each player decides how they will take Earth back, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break.

Recently named by over 100 outlets around the world as one of the most anticipated games of 2012, including winning the fan-voted Most Anticipated Game of 2012 award at the Spike TV VGAs, Mass Effect 3 is available for pre-order now at participating retailers. Fans who pre-order**** have the opportunity to arm themselves with cutting-edge in-game weapons and armor to prepare for the all-out galactic war. The game arrives on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit http://masseffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect or "like" the game on Facebook at http://facebook.com/masseffect

* Check your local listings for airtime in your market and with your cable provider.

** The Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War feature can be activated via the Online Pass code found in every new copy of Mass Effect 3. The Mass Effect 3 Online Pass can also be purchased separately on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

*** Conditions and restrictions apply. Early access requirement and availability may differ by platform and/or region. See www.masseffect.com for more details.

**** Conditions and restrictions apply. See http://masseffect.bioware.com/me3/game/preorderbonus/ for more details.

Introducing AT&T's "Virtual Private Cloud"

Business cloud computing users will take note: the power of AT&T's "virtual private cloud" has arrived.

AT&T* today announced AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service(SM) with VMware vCloud® Datacenter Service. 

The new enterprise-class cloud service combines technologies from virtual private networking (VPN) industry leader AT&T(1) and cloud infrastructure software industry leader VMware.

Like AT&T's other cloud offers, this new cloud capability is embedded directly into its network. This means compute and storage services can be scaled, managed, routed and delivered to business customers, down to virtually any fixed or mobile device, quickly and flexibly, on demand, with enterprise-grade security and performance.

The service allows VMware's more than 350,000 customers to extend their private clouds across and into AT&T's network-based cloud using AT&T's industry leading VPN. The benefits of this "virtual private cloud" include the flexibility and cost efficiencies of using private and public cloud systems interchangeably and strategically.

The service allows users to rapidly provision and scale compute resources and easily and flexibly shift workloads between their private clouds and AT&T's network-based cloud.  It also supports bursting, data center extensions, disaster recovery, and mobile application development and deployment.

"Our new cloud offer with VMware can help customers simplify the way they orchestrate their cloud resources between private and public clouds, allowing them to have the best of both worlds," said John Potter, VP, As a Service Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions.

Concur, a leading cloud provider of integrated travel and expense management solutions, uses AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service for its disaster recovery capabilities. The company, which has virtualized almost 80% of its IT environment over the last three years with VMware cloud infrastructure software, expects AT&T's new Synaptic Compute as a Service to allow it rapid access to compute capability in the event of an outage in its primary network.

"We see the combination of AT&T's VPN-based cloud service with VMware's virtualization and cloud infrastructure technologies as an optimum pairing that will speed our ability to shift computing workloads between private and public clouds efficiently and effectively," said Stephen deRham, Sr. VP of R&D, Concur Technologies, Inc.

The offer is a new version of AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service(SM). AT&T has achieved certification according to VMware's rigorous standards for its vCloud Datacenter Service program which was created to ensure globally consistent enterprise-class cloud computing infrastructure services. It is available immediately in the U.S. with global availability expected by year-end 2012.

"AT&T's participation in the VMware vCloud® Datacenter Services program creates a new cloud offer for our customers that harnesses the security, performance and reliability of AT&T's network-based cloud with the industry-leading VMware vCloud platform that is the standard datacenter environment for our enterprise customers," said Dan Chu, Vice President, Cloud Infrastructure and Services, VMware.

The new version of AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service signals AT&T's most recent advance in the execution of its strategy to deliver cloud services that meet the needs of a wide variety of users including large and medium enterprises, developers, and internet-centric businesses. This new service is complemented by a series of cloud offers announced by AT&T in the last 90 days which includes:

• AT&T Unified Communications Services: news release; sign up here
• AT&T Cloud Architect: news release; sign up here
• AT&T Platform as a Service: news release; sign up here

AT&T's portfolio of cloud services also includes AT&T Synaptic Storage as a Service(SM), and AT&T Synaptic Hosting(SM).

(1) AT&T is the market-leading VPN provider according to Vertical Systems Group – ENS (Emerging Networks Service), 'Dedicated IP VPN Services Market, 2010 U.S. Services Site Share', March 2011)

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

VMware and VMware vCloud are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.

MushABellies Come to Life With 3D Augmented-Reality Game

More than 4.5 million MushABelly® plush collectibles have already captured hearts worldwide. Now all new MushABelly collectibles will include a cutting-edge 3D augmented-reality game that makes kids' favorite MushABellies come to life, right in their own living room, as they watch "Magic Before Your Eyes"™.

Augmented-reality (AR) technology is the hottest trend in apps, and Jay@Play is the first toy manufacturer to combine plush with a game experience for the entire family. MushABellies' new 3D augmented-reality game, powered by Jay@Play's ToyTube Network™, blends the game world and the real world using a smartphone device and exclusive, patented augmented reality from Gravity Jack.

Play right on your coffee table, rug, bedspread or anywhere you choose! Hold the virtual MushABellies in the palm of your hand or play catch with them in your kitchen, and listen to their hilarious sound effects. MushABellies love to be tickled, and each character has unique behaviors, sounds and treats.

Using a Toy Tube Tracker Card, launch MushABelly Mungo Monkey at the target barrel to score lots of banana points. Quickly tap them with your fingertip to earn more points. Move the Toy Tube Tracker Cards to make the game more challenging.

Six new MushABelly characters will debut in 2012: Heckle the Hedgehog, Buzzie Bee, Mungo Monkey, Racket Raccoon, Finless Frog, and Conan Cow. All are featured in the MushABelly games.

The Free MushABelly App is now available in the Apple App Store and soon to be in the Android Marketplace. At launch, supported devices will include the iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and soon to include Android 3.0+ operating systems and more.

To see a demo of the app right in the toy aisle, simply download the MushABelly app and aim your device at the ToyTube logo on the MushABelly package. Or visit www.toytubenetwork.com.

The MushABelly augmented-reality app was developed in partnership with Gravity Jack, the industry's leading developer of augmented-reality games and apps. Gravity Jack's patented augmented reality technology allows for the recognition and tracking of real world images and objects, instantly displaying fully interactive games, multimedia content, and more. As seen in the MushABelly App, this one-of-a-kind technology allows this information to be displayed, directly in a real-time scene, when viewed with a smart device. The MushABelly App promises to be just the start of many revolutionary new interactive ways to play, thanks to the ongoing partnership between industry leaders Jay@Play and Gravity Jack.

Oregon Scientific Announces New Tablet Designed Just for Kids

Oregon Scientific, a leading designer and worldwide marketer of personal electronics, today announced its entry into a hot new category:  kid's tablets.  Leaving cartridge-based devices behind in the dust, the new Wi-Fi enabled MEEP! tablet runs on the Android operating system and offers music, movies, e-books, and apps from leading developers - all on a large, 7-inch color touch screen!  The MEEP! tablet will be unveiled for the first time at the Toy Industry Association's (TIA) 109th American International Toy Fair this weekend.

Sharing a mobile device is a tough feat, especially for parents, when there is a risk it could be dropped, broken, scratched or rendered useless.  The MEEP! tablet is an affordable fix for a tech –hungry generation of kids, featuring a tough design and an enhanced rubber silicon sleeve for added protection.  Geared for children age 6 and up, the MEEP! tablet is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing access to a sea of web content that can be downloaded to its internal memory or SD card and viewed from any angle courtesy of the tablet's internal G-Sensor.  All websites and content can be monitored through intuitive parental controls that are adjusted remotely on any computer or mobile device with a browser and an Internet connection.

The MEEP! tablet from Oregon Scientific will feature a variety of accessories sold separately, including musical instruments.

For more information visit them at Toy Fair (Javits Center, Meeting Room 2D02) or online at www.MeepTablet.com.  Oregon Scientific's full line of product offerings can be found at: us.oregonscientific.com.

iBuKu Pets: The Lovable New Face of Edutainment

With the launch of its new line of iBuKu Pets™, start-up technology toy company Arbor Cube has found a way to breathe new life into old smartphones while making learning safe and fun for little ones.

According to Arbor Cube co-founder Simon Channey, iBuKu Pets combine the tech toys element of meaningful play with a huggable device protector and an environmentally-responsible message to encourage the reuse of the millions of old smartphones collecting dust in drawers or bound for landfills.

iBuKu Pets feature a soft body that will expand to house a smartphone or iPod Touch®. The cushiony shell protects fragile electronics and is available in many characters kids will love.

More than just a cute toy, iBuKu Pets offer dozens of practical applications including serving as a nightlight, alarm clock, wireless battery charger, still and video camera, music player and educational toy appropriate for ages three to 12. 

The line will initially debut with two patent-pending models: a base model featuring the doll only and an upgraded version with an internal battery and wireless charging designed to benefit new or older smartphones that may have trouble holding a charge. Future plans call for additional technology features that will allow iBuKu Pets to grow with their child.

Channey points out iBuKu Pets are a natural extension of children's fascination with technology. He cites a 2011 Neilsen survey that found nearly half of kids ages one to 12 wanted an iOS device for Christmas. "As parents ourselves, we know that kids today love technology and this is a great way to let them safely play with a phone that otherwise could have wound up in a landfill. And with all the educational apps out there and our plans for educational add-ons, we are excited to harness that interest so kids have the chance to learn in a fun and unique way," says Channey.

Arbor Cube has patent-pending technology to protect current and future applications of the iBuKu Pets line. The company will take pre-orders at the Toy Industry Association's American International Toy Fair 2012 in New York and the final product will be available to ship in spring 2012. For additional information visit www.ibukupets.com.

Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro Announce Kaijudo

Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced the launch of a new franchise entitled Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters. Kaijudo will provide multi-platform entertainment that the whole family will enjoy, featuring an online game, trading card game (TCG), and a television series produced by Hasbro Studios and airing in the U.S. on The Hub TV network.

"As a world leader in creating compelling entertainment featuring stories and fantastic artwork in a variety of expressions, Wizards is looking forward to unleashing the excitement of Kaijudo this year," said Greg Leeds, President, Wizards of the Coast. "We are thrilled to be working with the talented team at Hasbro Studios and leveraging the growing popularity of The Hub to bring this unique franchise to the U.S. market."

Kaijudo offers an inspiring story about a young hero, Ray, who possesses the rare ability to befriend and duel alongside fantastical creatures from a parallel dimension. It's up to Ray to master the ancient art of Kaijudo in order to protect both worlds.  

Through the online game, the TCG and the TV series, kids will be immersed in a world of fast combat and deep strategy where they will develop strong, unique bonds with powerful and edgy creatures, leading them in a battle to save humanity from annihilation.

The Duel Masters TCG is a perennial Japanese market leader for boys 8-12, with millions of fans playing the Duel Masters TCG in Japan over the past 10 years. Kaijudo adapts this highly successful TCG to a new story and product line that are sure to connect with a new generation of kids around the world.

For more information about Kaijudo, visit www.Kaijudo.com or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kaijudodojo.

Avatron Software Introduces Air Display App That Transforms Android Tablet Into Wireless Computer Monitor

Avatron® Software today announced the availability of its popular Air Display app for Android tablets. The newest addition to the company's family of Air Display products transforms an Android tablet into a wireless computer monitor for Mac or Windows notebook, laptop or desktop computers.

Avatron's lightweight app for Android tablets effectively increases usable screen space by as much as 70 percent while freeing up user workspaces by enabling the repositioning of windows and workflow elements onto a separate computer screen. In addition to the iPad product and the new app for Android tablets, Air Display is also available on Mac OS X, Samsung's Bada and Intel's AppUp platforms.

"Air Display extends the desktop computer onto the Android screen and can also mirror the main monitor," said Dave Howell, Avatron's CEO. "Users can use the app with either the touch screen or a mouse; the touch screen is particularly useful for such functions as the calculator, painting, games and demos.

"Android tablets provide strong flexibility and portability for a large variety of functions. However, the effective use of some software applications requires more screen space or a larger workspace to accomplish tasks that require users to spread out with various source materials, even in a coffee shop or hotel room," Howell explained. "Because Air Display for Android connects the tablet with the notebook, laptop or desktop computer over a local wireless network, users can position the tablet anywhere around the workspace to maximize productivity."

Air Display for Android tablets, like Avatron's Air Display apps for other platforms, delivers high-performance mouse capabilities with continually balanced image quality and refresh speed for optimal viewing quality. Once users load the app directly onto the Android, the "main" computer with each use automatically recognizes the tablet as a secondary monitor and returns to single-screen mode when the app is closed.

The new app is exclusively available in the U.S. in Amazon's Appstore for Android for $9.99.

Avatron separately today released a retail edition of Air Display for the Mac, which, unlike the one available in the Mac App Store, comes with a free trial period. It is usable on older Macs from the PowerMac onward, as well as older Mac OS X versions 10.5.8 and up, which cannot access the Mac App Store.

Single copies of the Mac retail edition are available for $19.99; buyers may purchase two or more copies for $14.99 for each.

For more information, visit www.avatron.com.

Larson Electronics Magnalight Announces Addition of LED Equipped Explosion Proof Emergency Light

Larson Electronics' Magnalight.com has announced today the addition of an LED equipped explosion proof emergency light for wet and corrosive locations. Designed for reliable operation in wet and corrosive environments, the Halp-emg-48-2l-led emergency light provides instant backup lighting operation capability as well as improved light output with an included battery backup and LED tube lamps.

Larson Electronics' Magnalight.com has announced the addition of the Halp-emg-48-2l-led Class 1 Division 2 emergency LED light to its line of explosion proof LED lighting equipment. Designed to stand up to the rigors of wet and damaging marine environments, this unit is constructed with a glass fiber reinforced polyester housing, poured sealing gasket, impact resistant acrylic diffuser, and stainless steel mounting hardware for protection against rust and corrosion. This emergency light is four feet long and produces more light than comparable fluorescent units through the inclusion of Magnalight's special LED tube lamps which produce twice as much light as T5-HO lamps when measured at 8 feet with an Extech light meter. As well as improved output, the LED lamps in this unit offer a 50,000 hour operating life and increased resistance to damage from impacts and vibrations. These explosion proof LED lights are designed to provide emergency operation during power failures through the addition of an integral battery backup system. This battery backup is automatically kept in a ready and full charged state while normal power conditions exist, and is activated when a power failure occurs. The battery backup will power this unit for 90 minutes when power is cut, and allows operators to maintain safety in the event of blackout conditions. This emergency LED light is multi-voltage capable and can operate with voltages ranging from 120 to 277 VAC. Approvals for these LED lights include UL 844, and Class 1 Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, and UL 1598A outdoor marine type.

"The Halp-emg-48-2l-led was designed to handle marine environments with their wet and corrosive conditions," said Rob Bresnahan with Larson Electronics' Magnalight.com. "This fixture has the added safety feature of a battery backup that is capable of 90 minutes emergency runtime. The Class 1 Division 1 light is UL 844 and UL 1598A outdoor marine rating and meets US Coast Guard specifications. Operators requiring fixtures for damp locations will find the Halp-emg-48-2l-led a good match for petrochemical facilities, processing plants and marine loading docks."

Larson Electronics' Magnalight produces a wide range of intrinsically safe LED lights, explosion proof LED work lights, portable LED light towers, explosion proof flashlights and LED trouble lights. The entire Magnalight line of explosion proof lighting can be viewed by visiting Magnalight.com. You can also call 1-800-369-6671 to learn more about all of Magnalight lighting products and their ability to provide custom ordering options. For international inquires call 1-214-616-6180 for more details.

Motorola CLP Two-Way Radios Enable Security Guards to Comfortably Monitor Security Gates and Doors

When used in conjunction with a wireless callbox, the new Motorola CLP1010 and CLP1040 two-way radios enable security guards to monitor security gates and doors without being confined to a desk. These radios are about than half the size of a dollar bill and weigh less than 2.5 ounces so security guards can comfortably carry them all day long. The palm-sized CLP series radios are 40% smaller and 50% lighter than other business two-way radios.

IntercomsOnline.com is now the Motorola Authorized Business Two-Way Radio Reseller for these radios.

One of the most unique characteristics that make the radio even more comfortable to carry is the CLPs optional magnet-mount accessory. With it, you can literally mount the radio anywhere on your clothing. No belt or even pants required!

Says IntercomsOnline.com marketing director David Onslow, "When paired with one of our long-range wireless callboxes, the Motorola CLP series enable security guards to roam the building or campus and not be confined to a guard shack or desk. This enables a single guard to be more productive thus reducing the number of security guards needed. That’s something you can’t do with a traditional wired access control solution."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of security guards is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This occupation will have a very large number of new jobs arise, about 152,500 over the projections decade. Concern about crime, vandalism, and terrorism continues to increase the need for security."

With rising demand comes rising employment costs so finding ways to increase efficiency of your guards will become increasingly important.

While the CLP1010 and CLP1040 radios were designed for the retail, hospitality, and restaurant industry, with their military-grade reliability, ease of use, and sleek styling, IntercomsOnline.com is finding that they have uses in a myriad of other industries.

WeatherBug 2.0 for iPhone Mobile App Launches in iTunes Store

Earth Networks ^SM, the owner of WeatherBug® products and services and operator of the largest weather, lightning and climate observation networks, announces the release of WeatherBug 2.0 for iPhone. Completely redesigned to keep users better informed about current conditions, prepared with local forecasts, and alerted to potentially dangerous weather, WeatherBug 2.0 for iPhone provides a real-time, customized view into the weather. Both in the community and around the world, WeatherBug delivers faster weather alerting and superior forecasts.

WeatherBug 2.0 for iPhone provides weather data from the largest global weather network that includes the company’s exclusive neighborhood-level network of stations. Exciting new features in WeatherBug 2.0 for iPhone include:

• My Current Location: Automatically updates your weather information based on the closest weather station to you in your neighborhood.
• Severe Weather Warnings and Alerts: Receive dangerous weather alerts faster from both the National Weather Service and our exclusive WeatherBug Network.
• Pin-Point Conditions: Drop a pin on the map anywhere in the U.S. and view current conditions from our weather station network.
• Visual Forecasts: Easy-to-read, at-a-glance displays of essential weather information you need.
• Live Cams: Scroll through and view live shots from cameras throughout the WeatherBug Network.

“With the new WeatherBug app for iPhone, we’ve made it easier for consumers to keep informed and alerted to changing and dangerous weather that can strike with little or no warning,” says Cindy Cruzado, Vice President of Product Management for Earth Networks’ WeatherBug brand. “Whether you need to know if the weather will be sunny and perfect for your weekend or need to be alerted at the baseball game of approaching storms with dangerous lightning, having the latest weather information updated every minute at-a-glance is essential for planning and safety. We invite iPhone users to be prepared and know before by downloading the app that millions turn to everyday for reliable forecasts and bad weather alerts – WeatherBug.”

WeatherBug for iPhone is available at no cost through the iTunes App Store. For more information on WeatherBug apps, go to http://weather.weatherbug.com/mobile.html. To watch a video overview of the new features of WeatherBug for iPhone, go to http://youtu.be/AKrrafNuBPk. To view screen shots, visit http://earthnetworks.com/MediaCenter/ImageGalleries.aspx.

WeatherBug also recently launched WeatherBug Elite 2.0 for iPhone, which is available for 99 cents at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weatherbug-elite/id310647896. The Elite version includes all the features of the free WeatherBug app, plus additional weather map layers and without any ads.