Tiger Telematics’ Confirms The Completed Development Of The 2006 Release

Tiger Telematics’ Confirms The Completed Development Of The 2006 Release Of A Widescreen Next Generation Model

Gizmondo Europe Ltd subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics Inc (other OTC, TGTL) today addressed media speculation that the widescreen model in the Gizmondo range is now developed, following the publishing of unofficial prototype photographs.

The WiFi and GSM Voice-enabled Gizmondo Widescreen had been kept under wraps as part of a multimillion-dollar R&D project. It was developed as a key component of an ongoing product roadmap that currently includes plans for a number of different devices, all of which feature the unique combined functionality of games, music, movies, messaging, a digital camera and GPS technology.

The new Widescreen device will compliment the current Gizmondo, due to launch shortly in North America, and give entertainment-hungry consumers more choice in terms of specification and feature sets, as well as an upgrade path - which will be detailed prior to the projected release in the second quarter of 2006.

As its name entails, the Widescreen has a larger 4" razor-sharp display. The Processor's power and memory are increased to power a suite of new onboard applications serviced via WiFi (WLAN 802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2, and tri-band GSM technology, making it the most powerfully connected handheld entertainment device available. WiFi expands the multiplayer and interconnectivity possibilities for all Gizmondo owners.

Steve Carroll, CTO, Tiger Telematics, says: "We're dramatically increasing the processor power to above 500MHz on this Widescreen model and significantly escalating the amount of memory. Although the 3D graphics accelerator used in the Gizmondo is the current best of breed, this next generation takes us visually into a new dimension."

The new model specification includes:


GSM voice telephony


Handsfree speakerphone


Voice control using voice recognition software


LCD TFT screen 4.0" 480 x 272 pixels


Upgraded 3D graphics chip


Analogue TV out


500MHz (min) processor


Onboard RAM


Onboard flash


SD flash card reader, externally accessible


Transflash card reader for user upgradeable flash memory


GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900MHz or 850/1800/1900MHz tri-band


USB 2.0 OTG


High sensitivity GPS receiver with assist capability


Two analogue joysticks


3.5 Ah Li-Ion 'smart' battery


2 mega pixel auto focus camera with LED flash


Stereo speakers


Bluetooth class 2


WLAN 802.11b/g


Wired stereo headset/mic


Remote control pod for wired headset

Additional features:


SMS/MMS/IM receive and send


Email client


Satellite Navigation


Audio and video playback


Vibration mode


'Flight Mode' – games operational but radio services switched off


Approved for sale initially in USA followed by Europe


Temperature range 0ºC - 55ºC


Windows CE 5.0 operating system and DRM 10


.NET compact framework 2.0


SD card and Transflash interfaces


USB OTG interface for synchronisation to a PC and connecting to a USB memory device


MP3/WMA/HE-AAC audio playback, MPEG-4/H.264/WMV video playback with hardware acceleration


High level 3D games


Smart ADDsTM


Downloadable screen 2D & 3D 'skins' for personalisation/market positioning


Bluetooth support for telephony (Headset/Handsfree), gaming, stereo headset (AV)

Carl Freer, co-founder and Chairman, Tiger Telematics, added; "The convergence technology category is similar to that of cell phones where a one-size-fits all approach does not work. Our long-term objective is to provide a range of entertainment and messaging devices that cater to different entertainment desires. Widescreen will favourably compare to Sony PSP but with even more power and features. Also, ensuring backwards compatibility and a clear upgrade path for future models is an integral part of our multi-product roadmap. A personal favourite feature is the TV/Video out connection which will enable you to play your favourite games on your TV, using the Gizmondo Widescreen like a console joypad."

The new widescreen model and its new features will be unveiled at January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, giving attendees the chance to try the new hardware out first hand.