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Sony Unveils PSP Handheld Gaming Device

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 2:05am.
Los Angeles -- Sony gave attendees at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles the first peek at its new PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld gaming system, which it intends to release in Japan by the end of the year and in the U.S. and Europe by March 2005. The device, expected to cost between $199 and $299, features a 4.3-inch widescreen display, will support Wi-Fi networking, and also may be used to play music and video. Games will come loaded on Sony's new proprietary UMD discs, which are just 6cm in diameter and hold 1.8GB of data. Sony is also touting the UMD format as a means for record labels to distribute full-length albums with added video or other programming.
tags: Sony | PSP | Handheld | Gaming Device |

FCC Proposes Using Space Between TV Channels for Wireless Services

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 2:04am.
Washington, D.C. -- Over the objections of some television broadcasters, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Thursday voted to propose using the airwaves between TV channels for wireless communications services, Reuters reported. The FCC stipulated that the services could not cause any interference on TV stations. Wireless companies have been clamoring for additional airwaves that would allow them to offer more products and services, such as wireless Internet. The FCC now will begin gathering comments on the plan before ultimately making its decision.
tags: FCC | Space | TV Channels | Wireless Services |

Online Game Technology Developer WildTangent Raises $16.5 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 2:03am.
Redmond, Wash. -- WildTangent, a provider of online game development technology and online gaming support services, announced on Thursday that it has raised $16.5 million in its fourth round of venture capital financing. Advanced Technology Ventures led the investment round; Greylock Ventures, Madrona Venture Group, New Millennium Group, IDG Ventures, Venture Law Group and Washington Mutual also participated. Redmond, Wash.-based WildTangent has developed games used as a form of advertising for customers including Coca-Cola, Nike, GM and Samsung. The company will use the funds for international expansion, research and development, and marketing efforts.
tags: Games | Internet | VC | WildTangent |

Sprint Launches Wireless Version of Web Reality Series "The Spot"

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 2:02am.
Overland Park, Kan. -- Wireless network operator Sprint on Thursday launched a new wireless version of "The Spot," a reality drama series following the lives of five twenty-somethings living together, which was one of the first popular entertainment series on the Internet when it first aired in 1995. The show is being produced by Santa Monica, Calif.-based Cyber Oasys Corp. and StewdioMedia Entertainment Group, and will use content conversion services provided by V-Star's 1KTV. "Reality series have developed an avid following, and Sprint is excited to deliver the first reality series to the mobile world," said Sprint vice president of consumer product marketing Jeff Hallock. "The Spot" will be available on select Sprint PCS Vision phones.
tags: Wireless | Sprint | Reality Series | The Spot |

Digital Ad Distributor DG Systems Acquires AGT-Broadcast for $15 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 2:01am.
Dallas -- DG Systems, a provider of digital media distribution services for advertisers and broadcasters, announced on Thursday that it has acquired New York-based AGT-Broadcast, a provider of TV and radio commercials to network and cable stations, for $15 million in cash. "This transaction significantly expands our customer and revenue base and is consistent with our stated strategy of seeking growth in 2004 through a combination of new business initiatives and strategic acquisitions," said DG Systems chairman and CEO Scott K. Ginsburg. Dallas-based DG Systems' network serves over 5,000 advertisers and agencies, 2,000 broadcast and cable TV stations and over 10,000 radio stations.
tags: Digital | DG Systems | AGT-Broadcast |

Scottish Game Developer Real Time Worlds Raises $1.75 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 2:00am.
Los Angeles -- Scottish video game developer Real Time Worlds announced on Thursday that it has received a $1.75 million investment from CIM Venture Fund for Creative Industries and Scottish Enterprise. The company was founded in 2002 by three industry veterans, including one of the original developers of "Grand Theft Auto," and currently employs a staff of 40. Real Time Worlds will use the funds to complete two titles currently in development, and also to hire additional engineering and creative staff.
tags: Games | VC | Scottish | Real Time |

Study: British Uninterested in Multimedia Messaging

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 13, 2004 - 1:59am.
London -- According to a new study conducted by NOP, as much as 80% of British mobile owners has no interest whatsoever in MMS (multimedia messaging service), a technology that allows users to send and receive pictures and download music and video clips on mobile phones. Considering the fact that the British are some of the world's most avid SMS users, the news will be of some concern for mobile companies that have invested hundreds of millions of euro in MMS. NOP said that many new MMS users were still confused about costs of picture messaging, while as many as 17% of those surveyed did not even know how to send multimedia messages. Of the 21% of mobile users in the U.K. who have used multimedia messaging, the vast majority have done so only to send pictures to friends and family, NOP said.
tags: Study | Multimedia | British | Messages | Uninterestes |