Xbox announces Partnership with V8 Supercars Australia to Bring Fans Closer to the Action in Forza Motorsport 6

Xbox has today announced a partnership with V8 Supercars Australia that will bring 10 cars from all five manufacturers in the current V8 Supercar series into Forza Motorsport 6 with 2015 liveries – a first for the franchise. In addition, the world renowned Australian Mount Panorama race track will also be included in game when Forza Motorsport 6 launches on 15 September 2015, exclusively on Xbox One.

Today’s announcement is a continuation of the existing partnership between Xbox and V8 Supercars which began in 2002, bringing the real world of V8 racing to fans at home in the latest entry to the Forza Motorsport franchise. The debut of the Xbox wildcard in 2013 proved to be the fastest car and most successful wildcard in V8 history, and Xbox is hoping to continue that success in 2015.

Rounding out the partnership, legendary V8 Supercar champion and 2014 Hall of Fame inductee, Mark Skaife, will be included as a voiceover in the game for the Mount Panorama circuit for the first time in gaming history. With 90 race wins, 88 podiums, six Bathurst 1000 titles and five V8 Supercar Championships to his name, Skaife is the perfect addition to the award winning Forza franchise.

“I’ve been involved with the Forza franchise for over a decade now and each year I’m amazed at the incredible realism the development team bring to their games. Being asked by the Turn 10 team to have my voice in the game is an honour and a privilege. I’m thrilled to be included in Forza Motorsport 6,” said Mark Skaife.

Forza’s unique livery creation gives fans the ability to recreate every car in the field, from all manufacturers, in-game, making this year’s Forza entry appeal to Australian racing fans like never before. Featuring current season championship leader Mark Winterbottom, 2014 Australian V8 champion Jamie Whincup, the iconic Holden Racing Team plus all other teams including Nissan, Volvo and Erebus Mercedes, Forza Motorsport 6 has all the V8 Supercars action, plus much more.

James Warburton, CEO of V8 Supercars Australia, said, “We are very proud that our home-grown Australian V8 Championship including drivers and teams from the 2015 season representing each of the five constructors will be featured for the first time in Forza Motorsport 6 and be played by millions of racing fans around the world.”

Xbox also announced a continuation of its partnership with DJR Team Penske for the Enduro rounds of the V8 Supercar Championship series in 2015. This will see the Xbox Race Car livery driven by Marcos Ambrose and Scott Pye for all races in the Enduro series, including the Wilson Security Sandown 500, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and Castrol Gold Coast 600 races.

Roger Penske, co-owner of the DJR Team Penske team, believes the partnership with Forza Motorsport 6 and Xbox will enable not just racing fans to enjoy the world of V8 Supercars, but also provide vital skills to one of the world’s most intimidating tracks.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Xbox and Forza Motorsport 6 at the V8 Supercars Endurance events and we are really looking forward to the Bathurst 1000 in particular. There are millions of people using the Xbox platform across the world and knowing that the Xbox DJR Team Penske Ford is represented in the game is a great benefit. The game’s authenticity and representation of the Bathurst circuit is world class so I am sure it will be enjoyed by many players. I know some of our drivers and team members are Xbox gamers as well so that makes this relationship even more unique.” Roger Penske commented.

Jeremy Hinton, Head of Interactive Entertainment at Microsoft in Australia, said “Xbox has always been the home of racing and this partnership further reinforces our commitment to the sport in Australia. We couldn’t be more excited about having legends such as Mark Skaife in game and Marcos Ambrose in the driver’s seat of our car, leaving no doubt that Xbox is the only place for racing in 2015.”

A list of the cars from the V8 Supercar series announced today:

2015 Mercedes-Benz #4 Erebus Motorsports E63 AMG V8 Supercar

2015 Holden #22 Holden Racing Team VF Commodore

2015 Mercedes-Benz #9 Erebus Motorsport E63 AMG V8 Supercar

2015 Volvo #33 Wilson Security Racing GRM S60

2015 Holden #97 Tekno Autosports VF Commodore

2015 Holden #1 Red Bull Racing Australia VF Commodore

2015 Holden #14 Lockwood Racing VF Commodore

2015 Ford #5 Pepsi Max Crew PRA Falcon FG X

2015 Nissan #23 Nissan Motorsport Altima

2015 Ford #17 Xbox Racing Ford Falcon FG X

Forza Motorsport 6 will be available September 15th 2015 in Australia, exclusively for Xbox One. The game will feature a range of great new features, such as night and physically-based wet weather racing alongside 450 ForzaVista cars – more interactive cars than ever before.

You can catch the DJR Team Penske Xbox Race Car in action at the annual Bathurst 1000 racing weekend from October 11-15, 2015.

FINAL FANTASY XIV REACHES MORE THAN 5 MILLION ADVENTURERS WORLDWIDE! 

SYDNEY, 24^th August 2015 – In just under two years,   Square Enix Ltd., today announced that the community of FINAL FANTASY® XIV now exceeds 5 million registered accounts globally – across Europe, North America, Japan, and China. * excludes those from free trial.

Spurred on by a vibrant community of players, as well as a consistent schedule of content updates, FINAL FANTASY XIV continues to deliver on the promise of bringing the hallmarks of the FINAL FANTASY experience to an online world. Players can enjoy the option of joining the adventure together on multiple platforms from the PC to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system (with Remote Play), and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: HEAVENSWARD features a new story that drops adventurers into the heart of the Dragonsong War, the bloody, thousand-year conflict between the knights of Ishgard and the dragons of Dravania. Adventurers can also enjoy an increased level cap from 50 to 60 on all disciplines, a new playable race, new dungeons and raids, new primal battles, and the introduction of flying mounts that allow players to take to the skies on flying black chocobos®, single-rider airships, dragons and more!

FINAL FANTASY XIV: HEAVENSWARD is available now on the PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®4 system, Windows PC. A free 30-day trial is included for new accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $19.95. For newcomers to FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, an all-in-one bundle including both the award-winning FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn and FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward is also available now.

For more information, visit: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/heavensward/

Related Links

HEAVENSWARD Official Website: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/heavensward/

The Lodestone:  http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/

Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com

Official Promo Site: eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/pr/

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV

Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

Includes complete seasons of hit comedy 30 Rock and drama Heroes in addition to exclusive SVOD rights to Mrs Brown’s Boys

Presto today announced it has secured subscription video on demand (SVOD) rights in Australia to a number of NBCUniversal (NBCU) comedy and drama programs, thus enabling Presto TV and Presto Entertainment bundle subscribers access to these popular series.

Presto TV will be the exclusive SVOD home to the complete seasons of the hit Irish comedy series Mrs Brown’s Boys starring Brendan O’Carroll.

Presto TV and Presto Entertainment subscribers will have access to watch all three seasons of Mrs Brown’s Boys in addition to two Mrs Brown’s Boys specials: Buckin’ Mammy and Who’s a Pretty Mammy?. The live stage show, Good Mourning Mrs Brown, will also tour Australia in early 2016.

As part of this deal, Presto has also acquired the SVOD rights to the multi-award winning and nominated NBCU comedy series 30 Rock (seven seasons) and Parks and Recreation (five seasons initially) in addition to critically acclaimed dramas Grimm and Heroes.  All of these series will arrive on Presto and be available to stream on demand beginning today (Monday, August 24).

Presto has also acquired from NBCU the drama series Bates Motel, which will join the service in December.

“NBCUniversal is a prolific producer of quality popular content and we are delighted to be able to offer Presto subscribers some of their most iconic shows including comedies Mrs Brown’s Boys, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation and drama series such as Heroes, Bates Motel and Grimm,” Shaun James, Interim CEO of Presto TV, said.

“There is also massive interest in the anticipated new drama series Heroes Reborn which will soon premiere on the Seven Network, so there is no better time for viewers to reacquaint themselves with the original four seasons of Heroes which ignited this popular franchise.”

For new subscribers, Presto is currently offering a free 30-day trial^ of the Presto Entertainment bundle subscription.

Following is a summary to key NBCU programming coming to Presto:

Mrs Brown’s Boys

Brendan O’Carroll stars as Agnes Brown, a loud-mouthed Irish matriarch who runs her house with an iron fist and whose favourite pastime is meddling in the lives of her six children. Produced by the BBC, The sitcom also stars Jennifer Gibney, Dermot O’Neill and Paddy Houlihan.

30 Rock

Based loosely on the backstage goings on of hit variety show Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock is told through the comedic voice of Emmy^® and two-time Golden Globe^® winner Tina Fey as variety show producer Liz Lemon. The series also features Alec Baldwin as top network executive Jack Donaghy and Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan, the unpredictable star of Lemon’s hit variety show, “TGS with Tracy Jordan.” All seven seasons of 30 Rock will be available to Presto TV and the Presto Entertainment Bundle subscribers.

Parks and Recreation

A hilarious ensemble comedy that follows Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a mid-level employee in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana and her tireless efforts to make her American town just a little bit more fun. The series also stars Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari and Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe.

Bates Motel

Bates Motel is a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film Psycho and gives a portrayal of how Norman Bates’ (Freddie Highmore) psyche unravels through his teenage years. Fans discover the dark, twisted backstory of Norman Bates and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga), truly is. Bates Motel will join the Presto service in December.

Grimm

Inspired by the classic Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales, Grimm tells the story of Portland homicide detective, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), who discovers he is descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as “Grimms”, and increasingly finds his responsibilities as a detective at odds with his new responsibilities as a Grimm.

Heroes

People all over the US start to realise they have special abilities, like telekinesis, healing abilities, flying powers, time travel, invisibility, and the ability to absorb other’s abilities. One man, known as Sylar, wants to gain all the power of these “heroes” to become the most powerful of all, and stops at nothing to kill these people. In order to protect themselves, these people must help one another before Sylar can destroy them all. All four complete seasons of Heroes will be available to Presto TV and Presto Entertainment bundle subscribers.

###

www.presto.com.au

About Presto

Presto allows Australians to experience great entertainment on demand, for a low monthly subscription fee. Presto is currently available to its subscribers across Windows PCs, Mac, select iPads/ iPhones, select Android tablets/smartphones, select Samsung Smart TVs and via Google Chromecast. Full list of compatible devices: presto.com.au/devices. Subscribers can register up to four compatible devices and watch two devices simultaneously. Presto TV is backed by Foxtel, Australia’s leading subscription television provider, and the Seven Network, Australia’s number one free-to-air network. Presto Movies is owned by Foxtel Management Pty Limited.

Presto TV ($9.99/month) features a huge library of TV shows from quality production houses including HBO, 20th Century Fox, SHOWTIME®, CBS Studios International, Viacom International Media Networks and Hasbro Studios as well as a range of the best local content from Foxtel, the Seven Network and ABC Commercial. Presto Movies ($9.99/month) features a constantly updated library of recent blockbusters and old favourites from major and key independent film studios including MGM, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, Roadshow Films, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Entertainment One Films Australia, ICON, Studiocanal and Transmission Films. The Presto Entertainment bundle ($14.99/month) provides subscribers with access to Presto’s full TV and movie libraries.

30 day free Presto Entertainment trial^

^New subscribers to Presto only. Offer includes a complimentary 30 day trial of the Presto Entertainment subscription only. Offer period commences on Presto Entertainment registration date. Offer not transferable or to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Presto Entertainment monthly subscription fees apply by direct debit from expiry of the trial period, unless the trial subscription is paused or cancelled before the end of the trial period. No lock in contract. Full Presto Terms and conditions apply: www.presto.com.au.

Presto terms and conditions
*Presto requires an internet connection, data and a compatible device. The full list of compatible devices available at www.presto.com.au/devices. No ongoing subscription commitment, however credit or debit card details must be provided at time of sign up for any ongoing direct debit subscription payments. Ongoing subscription fees apply unless you cancel or pause your subscription before the end of a subscribed month. Pro rata monthly subscription fees may be charged to your account if you elect to switch Presto subscriptions, check the Community FAQs for further details. Recommended Internet speeds apply. Internet connection with minimum speed of at least 3Mbps required to view Presto in standard definition. High definition is available on selected devices and is not available for all content. To view high definition content, requires internet connection of at least 4 Mbps. Presto is available over 3G/4G networks and WiFi on compatible devices. ISP and data charges apply. Video quality may vary according to connection type. Only available for use in Australia. Full terms and conditions available at www.presto.com.au/prestoterms.

Follow us on social:    facebook.com/presto     twitter.com/presto (#Presto)     youtube.com/presto     instagram.com/presto

Foxtel introduces massive data boosts for broadband subscribers and launches new bundles 

Foxtel today announced that broadband subscribers will receive even greater value, with a generous increase in broadband data inclusions on a number of current ADSL broadband bundles, delivered over one of Australia’s largest telecommunications networks.

Ed Smith, Foxtel’s Executive Director of Sales and Marketing said: “Today we launch our broadband marketing campaign to Foxtel customers, and it’s hugely exciting to be able to double the data included in our bigger packages, and to provide Foxtel’s on demand content unmetered when customers connect to Foxtel Broadband.

Foxtel’s DNA is great entertainment and our broadband service delivers the data and value that people want as their viewing habits shift to on demand. This is supported by our WiFi technology, the Foxtel Hub, which was engineered to deliver superior WiFi performance for streaming video.”

From today, existing Foxtel customers on a 100GB, 200GB or 500GB ADSL broadband bundle will see their data allowances permanently increased at no extra cost**. Data increases for customers are reflected as follows:

• Customers with a 100GB broadband bundle will see their monthly data allowance bumped up to 250GB¹.
• Customers with a 200GB broadband bundle will see their monthly data allowance bumped up to 500GB¹.
• Customers with a 500GB broadband bundle will see their monthly data allowance bumped up to a massive 1TB (1024GB) ¹.

The news follows the successful introduction of Foxtel’s Broadband Bundles, which in only six months has seen a significant growth of consumer interest in the stunning combination of Foxtel’s world class subscription cable and satellite TV service, alongside Foxtel’s broadband and home phone services.

Foxtel Broadband Bundles offer subscribers a simple customer experience, utilising a single Foxtel account for their TV, broadband and home phone services. Foxtel Broadband Bundles have been specifically designed with entertainment and video in mind and in a way that maximises the value of a Foxtel subscription through flexibility, customisation of services and the best in TV entertainment.

For existing Foxtel TV customers not already on a Foxtel Broadband Bundle, from today you can maximise your Foxtel experience each month by adding 50GB of broadband internet data and unlimited standard local calls² for an extra $70* per month by adding a 12 or 24 month 50GB Home Bundle to your existing TV package.

For new customers, you can now sign up to Foxtel’s amazing Entertainment 50GB Home Bundle, featuring Foxtel’s Entertainment TV Pack, with 45 popular news, general entertainment, factual and lifestyle channels, 50GB of broadband internet data and unlimited standard local calls for $95^ per month on a 12 or 24 month plan.

Foxtel’s Broadband Bundles will now offer a selection of packages with even greater value, including 50GB, 250GB, 500GB and 1TB monthly data packages, with each bundle offering unlimited standard local calls, no peak or off peak data limits and no data download limits for Foxtel TV on Foxtel Go and Anytime when customers connect to Foxtel Broadband³. Presto and Foxtel Play customers can also enjoy the benefit of no data download limits when connected to Foxtel Broadband.

Foxtel Broadband subscribers also receive the Foxtel Hub, a WiFi modem purpose built for entertainment. The Foxtel Hub is designed to deliver fast WiFi speeds⁴, great in-home coverage and easy streaming to multiple devices. The Foxtel Hub connects easily to internet-enabled iQ, iQ2 and iQ3 set-top-boxes to maximise your Foxtel access and enjoyment.

Key features of Foxtel’s TV, Broadband and Home Phone bundles include:

• Broadband and home phone delivered over one of Australia’s largest telecommunications networks.
• A range of great value data options to choose from, including 50GB, 250GB, 500GB, & 1TB packages, and no peak or off peak data limits¹.
• The Foxtel Hub – Foxtel’s WiFi modem, designed to deliver fast WiFi speeds⁴, great in-home coverage and easy streaming to multiple devices.
• Unlimited standard local calls² across all bundles, with the added benefit of unlimited standard national calls included in the 500GB and 1TB bundles.
• No data download limits for Foxtel TV on Foxtel Go and Anytime, Foxtel Play and Presto when connected to Foxtel Broadband³.
• Data usage alerts when you have reached 50%, 85% and 100% of your included monthly data allowance.
• Easy management of all Foxtel services via MyAccount.
• A convenient single source of customer care, including billing and 24/7 technical support.

Foxtel’s new broadband bundles are available from today.

For more information please visit: www.foxtel.com.au.

###

*Min costs range from $1,399 (Entertainment) to $2,707 (Platinum HD), based on the addition of a 12 month direct debit 50GB Home Bundle to an existing TV package, includes a $119 bundle activation fee and a $140 Foxtel Hub fee. Min costs range from $2,339 (Entertainment) to $4,955 (Platinum HD), based on the addition of a 24 month direct debit 50GB Home Bundle to an existing TV package, includes a $59 bundle activation fee and a $0 Foxtel Hub fee. **Bundle prices only apply where you continue to take all relevant services in that bundle. Cancel fees apply.

^Min cost $1,549 on a 12 month direct debit plan based on an Entertainment 50GB Home Bundle with a Foxtel iQ2, includes a $119 bundle activation fee, $140 Foxtel Hub fee, $75 standard TV install fee and a $75 iQ2 equipment fee. Min cost $2,489 on a 24 month direct debit plan based on an Entertainment 50GB Home Bundle with a Foxtel iQ2, includes a $59 bundle activation fee, $0 Foxtel Hub fee, $75 standard TV install fee and a $75 iQ2 equipment fee. **Bundle prices only apply where you continue to take all relevant services in that bundle. Cancel fees apply. 

¹ Broadband speed slowed to 256kbps if included monthly data exceeded. 

² Home phone: Compatible handset required. Standard home phone to landline call types only. Does not include calls to mobiles, 13xx, 19xx, 1234 and 12456 numbers. For full call charge details, see foxtel.com.au/priceguide.

³ Unmetered Foxtel: (Anytime) Available to internet-enabled and connected Foxtel iQ STUs only. You must subscribe to a channel in your residential pack to access corresponding content. Not all channels/programs available.  (Foxtel Go) Available to Foxtel residential cable & satellite customers with an STU, excluding Optus TV feat Foxtel customers. Must subscribe to channel (or relevant tier) to access applicable content. Not all channels/content available. Check content and compatible devices/operating systems at foxtel.com.au/discover/foxtelgo. (Foxtel Play) Available to Australian residential users with a compatible internet connected device running an eligible operating system. See full list of compatible devices here: www.foxtel.com.au/foxtelplay/howitworks. Not all channels/content available on all devices with Foxtel Play. (Presto) Presto requires an internet connection, data and a compatible device. Full list of compatible devices available at www.presto.com.au/devices. (Foxtel Go, Foxtel Play & Presto) Recommended internet speeds apply. ISP/data charges apply when connected to 3G/4G. Video quality may vary on 3G/4G or WiFi services.

⁴ WiFi Speeds: Actual speeds experienced will vary due to a range of factors that affect broadband and WiFi performance, not limited to condition of network lines, network congestion, the number of active wireless devices in the home, the software and hardware used, distance from exchange, local conditions, physical objects and the wiring at your location.

Standard terms: Foxtel TV, Home Phone and Broadband service must be connected at same physical address. Residential subscribers and standard installs only. Only available for use in Australia. Foxtel Fair Use policy applies. Foxtel and some services, including Foxtel Broadband, not available to all homes. Check your serviceability at foxtel.com.au. Foxtel marks are used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd.

About Foxtel

Foxtel is one of Australia’s most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,500 people, and delivering a diverse subscription television service over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. We offer a better entertainment experience every day to each one of our 2.6 million subscribing homes through delivery of new and inspiring programming across all genres, the world’s most popular channel brands, and investment in high quality local content. As constant champions of innovation we have brought customers the iQ personal digital recorder, Australia’s largest HD offering, the Foxtel Go App for tablets and mobile devices, internet TV service, Foxtel Play and online movie service, Presto. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%) and News Corporation (50%).