Gizmondo(TM) Spotted Out on the Piste
Gizmondo proud sponsors of Verbier Ride and announce game in development
LONDON, 16th March, 2005 - Gizmondo Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics Inc. (other OTC, TGTL), is delighted to convey the overwhelming success of the 2005 Verbier Ride freeskiing event, of which the Gizmondo multi-entertainment handheld was headline sponsor.
First run in 1999, Verbier, Switzerland, the Verbier Ride began as a social event and friendly competition for young freeskiers and Verbier locals. In just five years, the Verbier Ride has become one of Europe's premier freeride and new-school alpine events, attracting the best athletes from all over the world. The combination of the world's best ski terrain and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes this event incredibly popular with competing skiers and spectators alike, resulting in over 150 athletes attending.
The televised Verbier Ride, which ran from 5-9 March, is not an invitational event; all three disciplines are open to accomplished aspiring skiers that are eager to compete with the pros and sponsored riders.
Gizmondo's sponsorship package included extensive branding on the course, on freeskiers vests, and the opportunity to demonstrate the incredible functionality of the device. The GPS and multi-media entertainment functions were a big hit, as well as the device's ability to withstand a skier's 'active' lifestyle.
Gizmondo also made public at the event that a Verbier Ride freeskiing game has gone into development for the multi-entertainment handheld. This will be the first ever game based on the sport, and is due to be released later this year.
Warren Smith, Event Director, Verbier Ride, says: "We believe that it is important to encourage the development of our up-and-coming athletes, and to give them the exposure and experience they need to maximise their talents. Gizmondo as a brand is a perfect reflection of our audience and sport community. We were delighted to have them onboard as main sponsor."
Carl Freer, managing director, Gizmondo, says: "The event has proven a massive success for the organisers, and Gizmondo as the sponsors. We would like to congratulate all that took part, and look forward to releasing a Verbier Ride game that reflects the excitement and adrenalin rush of the sport itself."
The 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 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 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
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