Tiger Telematics'(r) Begin Retailing First Windows-Powered Games and Multi-media Handheld in London
Windows CE Based multi-entertainment device goes on sale with the opening of a flagship store in London's busy West End
LONDON, 18th March 2005 - Gizmondo Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics Inc. (other OTC, TGTL), this weekend begins retailing the Microsoft Windows CE based Gizmondo multi-entertainment device and opening of its flagship store.
At the heart of the Gizmondo is the Windows CE.NET operating system and Windows Media Player. This, coupled with a Samsung ARM9 400MHz processor, 64MB onboard memory, limitless storage via SD card, and a 128-bit NVIDIA GoForce 3D 4500 graphics accelerator, makes it the most powerful mobile entertainment and handheld gaming devices available.
The compact handheld device delivers an armory of features, which include gaming, music and video playback, SMS, picture messaging, email, a camera, and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) hardware.
One of the many things that make this pocket-sized device unique is the GPS functionality. As well as offering location-based services, the Gizmondo will be able to perform satellite navigation, permissions-based tracking, geofencing, and location broadcasting to mobile telephones. But one of the most significant advances affects the mobile gaming genre; GPS functionality is already being developed into games to make the users' location in relation to other gamers and their environment an actual game element.
The Gizmondo flagship store at 175 Regent Street, London, is the perfect location to showcase the Microsoft software in action. Three games titles have already been announced for the Gizmondo from Microsoft Games Studios, with further announcements expected later in the year.
Carl Freer, Managing Director, Gizmondo, says: "We've used best-in-field components in every aspect of the design, and we believe the Gizmondo is taking an ambassadorial role in showing the versatility and robust nature of the Windows software. Essentially it is allowing us to spearhead the onset of digital-convergent devices. We enjoy an extremely close working relationship with Microsoft, their entire Windows Embedded team has been thoroughly supportive throughout this process, and we welcome their continued backing as we turn our attention to global markets with the Gizmondo."
Doug Follett, European Partner Manager in Microsoft's Device Solutions Group, says: "The Gizmondo is an impressive device and we've been following its development intently. It epitomizes digital convergence through the use of Microsoft Embedded technology, delivering a breakthrough in device integration and a platform for a multitude of incremental services."
The Gizmondo device and its games are in retail stores from 19th March 2005 in the UK, and in North American and Continental Europe markets from Spring 2005.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Visit the Microsoft homepage for further information on Microsoft products. Microsoft, Windows CE.NET and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
About Tiger Telematics and Gizmondo
Gizmondo Europe Ltd. is an owned subsidiary of Tiger Telematics Inc (TGTL) and is the maker of Gizmondo, a next-generation mobile entertainment device. Launched in 2004, the gaming device includes built-in music, video, messaging and picture functions and GPS.
Tiger Telematics is a designer, developer and marketer of mobile telematics systems and services that combine global GPS functions and voice recognition technology to locate and track vehicles and people down to street level in countries throughout the world. The systems are designed to operate on GPS and are currently being marketed to GSM current and potential subscribers, primarily by the company's United Kingdom based subsidiaries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For further information please contact:
Global Media:
James Beaven
Indigo Pearl
+44 208 964 4545
US Media:
Bryan Lam
Kohnke Communications
(415) 777-4000
German Media:
Torsten Oppermann
Indigo Pearl DE
+49 40 25330267
French Media:
Frederic Henry
Frederic Henry Communications
+33 1 55 34 24 24
Except for historical matters contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect Tiger Telematics, Inc. and its subsidiary businesses and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ are Tiger Telematics Inc.'s operating history; competition; low barriers to entry; reliance on strategic relationships; rapid technological changes; inability to complete transactions on favourable terms; the schedule and sell-through for new software release; consumer demand for video game hardware and software; the timing of the introduction of new generation competitive hardware systems, pricing changes by key vendors for hardware and software and the timing of any such changes, and the adequacy of supplies of new software product and those risks discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC.
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