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Rovio Releases Angry Birds for PCs, Netbooks

 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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Rovio this week released a version of its popular Angry Birds game for PCs and netbooks.

The game is available for download via Intel's AppUp Center at appup.com, and will work on Windows XP and Windows 7 machines. It costs $9.99, but thanks to a promotional offer, it will be available for $4.99 for a limited time.

Intel's AppUp Center is an application store for Windows and the MeeGo operating system. It was first introduced at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, and came out of beta in September.

"The game initially includes 195 levels packed with hours and hours of gameplay," Rovio said in a blog post. "Customers can expect free updates and additional levels to the game. In addition to this, there will be unique enhancements not found in the mobile version, free of charge."

Users will have to install the Intel AppUp Center client to download apps; the store accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Angry Birds will be available on all versions of the Intel AppUp center including those distributed by Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, Future Shop, Dixons, Walmart, Asus, Croma, HSN, New Egg and TigerDirect.

"This version marks the first time ever Angry Birds will be released and available for netbooks and laptops," Intel said. "It's the same, fun app consumers know and love, but now for much bigger screens."

Earlier this week, Sony announced that Angry Birds will be available on the PSP and PS3 as a mini game. Last month, Rovio added in-app purchasing.

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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