| Windows CE powered "Gizmondo" entertains, tracks kids |
Nov. 14, 2003
 Updated May. 11, 2004 -- Tiger Telematics's Gizmondo Europe subsidiary (formerly known as "Gametrac Europe") is getting set to introduce a new Windows CE powered mobile gaming device called the Gizmondo (formerly called "Gametrac"). The interactive, pager-sized gadget will provide 3D Mophun gaming, multimedia messaging, MP3 music, Mpeg4 movie playing, a digital camera, and a GPRS network link to allow wide-area network gaming. Additionally, it contains a GPS chip for location based services, is equipped with Bluetooth for use in multi-player gaming, and accepts MMC card accessories. The device comes packaged as a pocket-sized mobile device usable on five continents thanks to its GSM tri-band capability.
Gizmondo says the device will offer 'lifestyle content' targeted at youths and teenagers. But one of the most interesting features is the Gizmondo's built-in GPS function, which is designed to enable parents to monitor the location of their kids. Parents will be able to view a street map on the Internet which shows the current location of their child (or, at least, of the child's Gizmondo) to an accuracy of roughly 15 feet. The system allows the parents to establish "fences," which, when entered by the child, cause a notification to be sent to the parents in the form of either an SMS message or an email.
Here are three images showing what the device will look like:
A sequence of screen images from a flash Gizmondo presentation on Gizmondo's website is available here, and you can access preliminary information about the new Windows CE handheld gaming device on the company's website.
Windows CE inside
At the heart of the Gizmondo is a 400MHz ARM9 processor running Microsoft's Windows CE operating system, along with a 64-bit graphics accelerator.
Gizmondo says it chose Windows CE as the gaming device's embedded OS based on "its easy-to-use, rapid development tools, including device emulation, board support packages, and the Platform Wizard; for its leading-edge multimedia technologies; and for the ability to combine that rich functionality into a small footprint. The intention is to maximise the inevitability of growth through convergence between the content-driven mobile device market and Internet protocols."
Tiger Telematics selected Intrinsyc Software to provide application development and Windows CE integration services for its Gizmondo family of handheld gaming devices. Intrinsyc says it will develop fully-customized embedded software based on Microsoft's Windows CE operating system along with telephony application software based on Intrinsyc's GSM/GPRS intellectual property, and will provide systems integration services for the new gaming devices.
Scott Horn, Director of Microsoft's Embedded Devices Group, commented that Microsoft is "delighted that [Gizmondo] chose Window CE to power their cutting edge mobile entertainment device." Additionally, he noted that "as a Microsoft Gold Level Windows Embedded Partner, Intrinsyc Software is an ideal systems integrator to assist [Gizmondo] in building its next-generation consumer device based on the [Windows CE] operating system."
"We welcome Intrinsyc and Microsoft into the [Gizmondo] operation," said Tiger Telematics CEO Mike Carrender.
"We chose the [Windows CE] platform for two main reasons. Firstly, the world already knows of its comprehensive, user friendly and familiar access memory. This coupled with a global support infrastructure and striving design ethos was an important element within our decision making process."
"Secondly, the ability to run such a feature-rich catalogue of multi-media content was irresistible and complements both our technical and commercial ambitions. Using some of the highest speed processing engines available on the market today, we hope to utilize [Windows CE] to the full."
"We are delighted by this partnership and look forward to a long and fruitful future with Intrinsyc. Intrinsyc's inherent ability to adapt these types of applications onto consumer mobile platforms, combined with their association with Microsoft makes this deal a must," Carrender added.
"This is a very significant contract for Intrinsyc that demonstrates the wide range of devices and applications that we are capable of helping device manufacturers deliver," commented Intrinsyc CEO Derek Spratt. "We continue to win new contracts in the consumer electronics space and help companies such as Tiger Telematics break new ground with innovative wireless computing solutions".
Intrinsyc says the contract is valued at approximately CDN $900,000 and includes provisions for ongoing royalties based on unit sales.
Note: Gametrac announced on April 16, 2004 that it was changing its name to "Gizmondo Europe Ltd.," and the name of its product to "Gizmondo."
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