Compiled by Patrick Avenell

THQ has announced that uDraw gaming accessories for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will be released in November this year.

The uDraw was originally developed for the Wii console, for which it is already on sale for RRP $118. THQ president and CEO, Brian Farrell said Wii take up of this device has been enormously popular, in spite of an amusing SMH review that labelled it the “worst gaming peripheral ever”.

“As soon as we introduced uDraw last year, Xbox 360 and PS3 fans began asking when they could experience it too, and later this year, they can,” Farrell said.  “The uDraw offers amazing innovation and opens new doors of artistic possibility. There’s no console-based artistic tool like it.”

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Sharp is encouraging retailers to promote the benefits of its Plasmacluster Ion (PCI) air purifiers and generators to consumers looking to avoid catching a cold or flu this winter.

According to Sharp, adults catch two or three colds on average every year. Contrary to some myths, colds are not caused by the cold, but by cold viruses, which the Sharp PCI generators “deactivate and breakdown”.

“Inside environments are ideal breeding grounds for airborne germs and viruses,” said Sharp deputy managing director Denis Kerr. “Sharp’s Plasmacluster Air Purifiers and Ion Generators are designed to not only reduce their effects but also improve the air quality in your home.”

Sharp’s PCI air purifiers range from RRP $329 to $689 and the generators range from RRP $164 to $629.

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Sony Ericsson has revealed a list of new and coming soon games for the Xperia Play smartphone launched last week.

New games include: Minecraft, Battlefield Bad Company 2, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 Shadow Vanguard, Desert Winds, Ruined, Icebreaker, Sleepy Jack, Cracking Sands, Aramgeddon Squadron 2.

Coming soon games include: Pocket Legends, Star Legends:  The Black Star Chronicles, Eternal Legacy, Guns ’n’Glory 2, Dungeon Hunter 2, Pocket RPG, D.A.R.K., Samurai II: Vengeance, Vendetta Online, Order & Chaos, Happy Vikings, A Ball Game, Lumines.

More from Sony Ericsson is expected to be announced this week at the E3 conference in Los Angeles.

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The National Retail Association (NRA) has submitted the Productivity Commission in the Australian retail industry, telling the commission that changes must come to the taxing of offshore purchases.

This commission was announced shortly after a campaign by Gerry Harvey and Solomon Lew attacking the lack of GST on goods under $1,000 was conducted in early 2011.

The NRA is calling for the GST to be implemented on all overseas purchases to ‘level the playing field’.

“Only a marginal price difference is required before consumers switch to the cheaper option,” said an NRA spokesperson. “Research shows that even a 5 to 10 per cent difference in perceived value will be enough to result in significant switching behaviour.

“If this holds true, then the imposition of GST alone is enough to cause [a] consumer to switch.”

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Also on Current.com.au:

Betta launches its online retail site
TEAC appoints AWA in a logistics move
Breville appoints two new designers
New LED LCD panels by Schaub Lorenz
Convoy talks new recruits and design awards