Tiger Telematics, the US-based manufacturer of the recently-released Gizmondo handheld games console, has already announced plans to grow its business by moving into the corporate handset business. Set to take on the likes of Nokia, PalmOne and Research in Motion (RIM), the Bizmondo (code name) handheld will be an enterprise-focused version of the Gizmondo, offering the same level of mobile connectivity (GPS, GSM/GPRS and Bluetooth) and multimedia features (MP3 audio and MPEG-4 video playback features).
The company has been active in other areas, too. On 19 October, it announced that games developer Warthog had signed an agreement to provide Gizmondo with ‘top class’ game content. Warthog’s first product for the Gizmondo will be Richard Burns Rally, a rally simulation game that promises to offer the most realistic and exhilarating rally experience on a handheld to date. Other games companies are also backing the platform, including SCi Entertainment Group Plc, who will develop and publish twelve products for the new Gizmondo platform.
Tiger Telematics also acquired UK-headquartered Integra SP on 29 October, bringing its real-time front-end product AltioLive onboard. With the integration of AltioLive software, Bizmondo will be pitched as a mobile trading tool and access point for business users. The deal brings together two organisations that will work on real-time functionality for deploying enterprise applications in a browser and next-generation services. Mike Carrender, CEO Tiger Telematics said, “This acquisition and creation of the Bizmondo device using the Altio platform is further evidence of our technology leadership position. With Integra SP’s rapidly expanding sales and customers that include Deutsche Bank, HSBC, The NASDAQ Stock Market and Deutsche Borse, we are adding a strong, established business entity in its own right, to the Tiger Group.”
Gizmondo is also getting its own high-profile retail spot in London’s chic Carnaby Street, a move which the company hopes will align its relatively expensive new device to Apple Computer’s trendy outlets. Carnaby Street will be the firm’s flagship store, as it attempts to push the handheld into an increasingly competitive market. The store is planned to open soon for the run-up to Christmas and will act as a showcase for the device itself, software and accessories. “We don’t see this flagship store as competition to other retailers. The store’s primary function will be to promote the device and the brand as a whole, which in turn, will drive more traffic to every retailer stocking Gizmondo,” commented Carl Freer, European Managing Director, Gizmondo Europe.