Well, I'd given up on reporting about the Gizmondo. I hate the name, and it really has very few games (I think it's now four or five). Of course, that's not all it has to offer, with integrated GSM/GPRS, Bluetooth, and GPS ... but it's still a big part of the marketing hype. Anyhow, I couldn't ignore this one since it's my home turf.

The Gizmondo is set to hit Australia and New Zealand courtesy of Auckland-based Renaissance Corporation, and is expected to hit our region in 2005. Renaissance currently distribute products from Apple, FileMaker, palmOne, US Robotics, and more. It seems they expect to sell 150,000 units per annum in the region, something which needs to be back up by serious marketing hype - and games. Lots of games. Serious applications would hopefully be used as well, but games are likely to be the real winner here.

I suspect it would be easier to market with it's original name - GameTrac - but that's a thing of the past now. Renaissance have what I feel will be an uphill battle ahead of them, and I wish them all the best.

Specifications of the GameTrac can be viewed here. The press release is included below.

"Tiger Telematics Signs Heads of Agreement With Renaissance Corp Providing Gizmondo With Access and Collaboration in New Zealand and Australia

LONDON, 16 June, 2004, PR Newswire

    Gizmondo Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Jacksonville, FL Tiger Telematics Inc (TIGR), announced today the signing of a heads of agreement, (a letter of intent in U.S. terminology), with Renaissance Corporation Ltd, the Auckland-based, specialist technology distributor and marketer. The agreement allows for the signing of an exclusive distribution contract, which would pave the way for a launch of the Gizmondo device into the New Zealand and Australian markets in 2005.

    Renaissance currently distributes technology products through a nationwide reseller channel and e-tailing, including the marketing of exclusive products for Apple, FileMaker, palmOne, SonicWALL, U.S. Robotics and Wacom. And now Gizmondo.

    "We're delighted to welcome on board a company with such fine credentials as Renaissance," says Carl Freer, Managing Director, Gizmondo Europe Ltd.
"They would set up a business unit under the Gizmondo brand and I'm sure Renaissance with their local market expertise and technology experience will help launch Gizmondo with strength and impact, as well as leveraging the brand in the trade environment."

    Paul Johnston, Managing Director for Renaissance says: "We're very pleased about the exclusive arrangement that covers full retailer and e-tailer sales, as well as account management, logistics and support programmes"

    "The market for handheld gaming devices is growing rapidly and the heads of agreement covers a targeted volume of 150,000 units per annum in New Zealand and Australia. The amazing versatility of the Gizmondo would complement our existing range of products and provide Renaissance with an exciting opportunity in the future."

    Both Gizmondo and Renaissance look forward to a 2005 launch in New Zealand and Australia.

    The Gizmondo, powered by Microsoft Windows CE.net platform, boasts a 2.8-inch TFT color screen with a Samsung ARM900 400MHz processor and incorporates 64-bit graphics accelerator. It provides cutting-edge gaming, multimedia messaging, a MP3 music player, Mpeg4 movie playing capability, a digital camera, and a GRPS network link to allow wide-area network gaming. It also contains a GPS chip for location based services and it is equipped with Bluetooth for use in multi-player gaming."