LONDON, 5th August 2005 - Gizmondo Europe Ltd subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics Inc (other OTC, TGTL), has rescheduled the launch of the Gizmondo multi-entertainment handheld in North America from its original 11th August street date in favour of targeting the more active fourth quarter sales period commencing in October.
Two USA-specific pieces of software in development had originally prompted a summer launch. A much anticipated satellite navigation package utilising the unique GPS functionality, and, an as yet unannounced highly significant game title for the North American market, have been subject to short delays. Consultation with US retailers has influenced the move to a fall release, which will now benefit from a larger launch game portfolio, higher levels of inventory than was originally possible, and will be supported by the new Los Angeles offices due to be opened on 15th August.
Mike Carrender, CEO, Tiger Telematics, said in a recent interview: We have requested and are looking for 500,000 units from the Gizmondo manufacturer to be available during the USA introduction in the fourth quarter. Gizmondo sales executives have had discussions with numerous USA retailers that have indicated plans to stock the product, and we will be press releasing shortly the specific details of the North American launch along with an expansion of our retailing plans, which includes many more Gizmondo owned retail sites.
Detailed information regarding the North American launch will be announced over the next two weeks.
Carl Freer, Co-founder and Chairman, Tiger Telematics, added: Were mindful that North America is a hugely influential and strategically important market, and were determined to package every aspect of the US launch to succeed. Right now this means a short term delay, but the benefits clearly outweigh any criticism we may have to face.
Gizmondo is powered by Microsoft Windows CE advanced real-time operating system, boasting a 2.8-inch TFT colour screen with a Samsung ARM9 400Mhz processor and incorporates the GoForce 3D 4500 NVIDIA graphics accelerator. It provides cutting-edge gaming, multimedia messaging, an MP3 music player, Mpeg4 movie playing capability, a digital camera and a GPRS network link to allow wide-area network gaming. Additionally, it contains a GPS chip for location-based services, is equipped with Bluetooth for use in multi-player gaming and accepts SD and MMC card accessories.
The Company cannot project the number of units that it will sell of the device.
