New Technology TV

Video games are poised to invade your cell phone courtesy of companies such as T-Mobile, SBC, Nokia, along with some of the big players in gaming such as Electronic Arts Inc. EA, the biggest gorilla in the video gaming industry, is teaming up with Amp’d Mobile to provide the service of more than a dozen video games on their phones. Amp’d Mobile is a privately owned company and is leasing bandwidth from Verizon. Video games are positioned to overtake ringtones as the main moneymaker for many operators. During the summer of 2005, Verizon Wireless was building out a number of high speed wireless networks designed to enable video streaming and other on demand features. They were joined by other companies such as Qualcomm and Tivo, who see the potential for interactive broadband over cell-phones and PDA/s. Among the games planned for this service are The Sims 2, Need for Speed Underground 2, and Madden’s NFL 06. In addition to the games, MTV, which is involved financially with this venture, will offer music video clips along with other content such as user ratings and peeks at new videos. Another company, based in Arizona, and recently purchased by a Toronto based firm is developing interactive Texas hold ‘em games as well as original, complex role-playing offerings. Strategic multiplayer games are gaining popularity as wireless networks continue to grow. Connected mobile gaming is expected to be a growth industry during the next few years. Even persons speaking different languages can play against each other because the software supports this capability. A number of small companies involved in this area are planning to double in size this year to accommodate the demand. One of their games is in 3-d, reminiscent of chess, with strange fantasy characters. The game will have both an online and mobile version. Nokia has a multiplayer game system based on the programming language Java.

You can also download Tetris and Pac-man. With simpler graphics and easier programming, we will see many of the video game manufacturers putting more and more effort into this area. Viacom, which owns MTV, is expected to continue work in this area, especially as color screens improve.
The high-speed wireless network of Verizon is offering the ability to download music over the network; you just can’t talk on the handset at the same time, apparently—at least not yet.

In the midst of all this content production, Samsung has announced a new, 1.7 inch screen that can be seen in any light—even bright light outdoors The reflection rate is nearly 3 times the regular VGA resolution in the display screen. Called (SR) for super reflective, this new LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) will be introduced in phases. Get ready; interactive video games are coming to a handset near you.