Tiger Telematics’ Confirms The Completed Development Of The 2006 Release Of A Widescreen Next Generation Model.
LONDON, 16th September 2005 - 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.
(ENDS)
For further information please contact:
Global Media:
James Beaven
Indigo Pearl
+44 208 964 4545
US Media:
Bryan Lam
Kohnke Communications
(415) 777-4000
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.
www.gizmondo.com
www.tigertelematics.com
'Gizmondo', 'Tiger Telecom', 'Gizmondo Games', and the 'Gizmondo' logos and devices are trademarks of Gizmondo Europe Limited. All rights reserved. All third party trademarks and/or copyright material are the property of their respective owners.
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.
In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements, these statements should not be regarded as a representation by Tiger Telematics, Inc. or any other person that the projected results, objectives or plans will be achieved. Tiger Telematics, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof