Gizmondo Central - Widescreen

Widescreen Pictures And Tech Spec Revealed!

After the prototype pictures seen on Gizone a couple of days ago comes news on friday that indeed a Widescreen version is in the works, not only just having a bigger screen but basically a 'Gizmondo 2' with every aspect receiving an upgrade not least the graphically performance of the machine.

The Widescreen model is now complete after receiving a multi-million pound R&D over the last 6 months or more, it will be shown first hand at the CES in Las Vegas In January 2006.

The full spec of the machine is here, note highlighted areas of the upgraded spec.

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 0 degrees C - 55 degrees C
    -   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 ADDs(TM)
    -   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 full press release can be viewed here.

What this means for the original Gizmondo is anyone's guess, there's a lot of questions to be asked and that need answers, for example Will the original Gizmondo still be supported and for how long? or Can existing Gizmondo owners upgrade to the WS model for a small fee? to discuss this and other things Gizmondo related go to our sister site Gizmondoforums and talk about them there.

Sunday 18th September 2005 - 11:55am BST