Tiger Telematics’ Gizmondo Shakes Up Handheld Market

Tiger Telematics will showcase its new handheld multi-entertainment device, Gizmondo, this week at the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Visitors to booth #446 in the South Hall will be able to try out the portable gaming unit, which also incorporates multimedia messaging, an MP3 music player, MPEG 4 movie capability, a digital camera and a GPRS network link to allow wide-area network gaming.

Powered by a Microsoft Windows CE.net platform, Gizmondo boasts a 2.8-inch TFT color screen with an ARM9 400Mhz processor and incorporates a 64-bit graphics accelerator. It also contains a GPS chip for location-based services, is equipped with Bluetooth for use in multi-player gaming and accepts MMC card accessories.

In addition to the launch of the device, Gizmondo will introduce its first proprietary game, Colors, in which players can integrate their physical surroundings into the game’s logistics through the GPRS capability. The Gizmondo is scheduled for worldwide distribution early in the fourth quarter of 2004 and will be available through consumer electronic and toy retailers.