Microsoft And D-Link Partner To Deliver Wireless Connectivity To Xbox Live Enthusiasts In Europe
Gamers Benefit from Greater Flexibility and Freedom; Agreement Extends D-Link’s Reach into Gaming Market
For Immediate Release
London, 19 May 2005 - D-Link, the leading provider of networking and communication solutions to the consumer, SMB and enterprise markets, today announced that Microsoft® has certified D-Link's AirPlus XtremeG DWL-G810 wireless adapter for use with its online gaming service Xbox® LiveTM in Europe, enabling members to play games wirelessly.
The certification enables D-Link's DWL-G810 adapter to be used to transform a gamer's Xbox® into a wireless gaming console, thereby enabling a new level of freedom and flexibility for gamers.
Installation is easy, configuration is all done through the Xbox console, gamers simply use their existing Broadband connection to connect to Xbox® LiveTM. The DWL-G810 delivers a high performance wireless connection, offering speeds of up to 108Mbps[1].
The agreement with Microsoft is part of D-Link's strategy to extend its reach into the gaming market. Many of the company's highly functional, fully interoperable wireless products are ideally suited for gaming applications.
"With this partnership we are delivering a whole new level of convenience to power gamers," said Kevin Wen, President of D-Link Europe. "Often, cords and cables get in the way of truly enjoying a game. But now with one quick, easy and cost-effective step, Xbox Live members in Europe can go wireless. Gaming is a natural application for our product range and users can expect further offerings from us in the future."
"We're always looking for great ways to bring value to Xbox gamers in Europe, and this partnership is a great way to do that," said Richard Teversham, Director of Xbox Product Marketing, EMEA. "By partnering with D-Link, we're offering the thousands of European Xbox Live members added flexibility in how they enjoy playing games like Halo 2 on Xbox Live."
Technical support is available for the DWL-G810/Xbox Live configuration from both D-Link and Microsoft. Owners of the current DWL-G810 can download the Microsoft compatible firmware for free from www.dlink.co.uk.
About the AirPlus XtremeG DWL-G810:
D-Link's DWL-G810 is a high-speed Ethernet-to-wireless LAN client adapter that converts virtually any Ethernet device such as set-top box, game console, printer, laptop and desktop computer to a wireless network device. The DWL-G810 acts as a client bridge between Ethernet and a wireless LAN, providing seamless integration between the two network types. With the DWL-G810, users can also share Ethernet-enabled printers in the home or office without running cables through walls or ceilings. Gamers can join multiple-player video games with others on the Internet wirelessly, using a high-speed broadband connection.
About Xbox Live
Xbox Live is the first comprehensive, online game service fully dedicated to fast-action broadband gaming experiences. Xbox Live allows gamers to play multiplayer Xbox games with other gamers everywhere via a broadband Internet connection. With a built-in hard drive and Ethernet port, the Xbox console was built from the ground up to be an online gaming system so there's no need to buy additional peripherals.
Xbox Live enables all gamers to find and play with their friends easily; talk to other players during game play through the Xbox Communicator headset; and download current statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox hard drive; and play online. There are now more than 1.4million members of the Xbox Live service.
END OF ANNOUNCEMENT
About D-Link:
D-Link is a worldwide leader and award-winning designer, developer, and true manufacturer of networking, wireless, broadband, digital electronics and voice and data communications products. These products provide the ideal solution for digital home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small to Medium Business (SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments.
Established in 1986, D-Link is completely committed to technology excellence and quality production. Throughout the years, D-Link has strengthened its position as one of the industry's leaders in data networking, wireless, broadband and communication solutions. Worldwide revenues reached US$728 million for the year 2003.
D-Link employs over 1,600 people worldwide and has R&D centres in Taiwan, USA, China and India; 1,000,000sq feet of manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, China, and India; 87 worldwide sales offices in 36 countries.
D-Link is built on a fundamental core competency that is well founded in the concept of communications. With a strong foundation and expertise in networking solutions, D-Link is transforming and continually expanding the scope of technology expertise and leadership to develop cutting-edge communications solutions.
Press Contact:
Balvinder Singh Phull
Marketing Communications Manager
D-Link (Europe) Ltd
T - 020 8731 5555
David Evans
Account Executive
Cohesive Communications
T - 01291 626 200
[1] When used in conjunction with a 108Mbps router such as the D-Link DI-624.