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More details emerge of Zeebo 3G games console

In advance of official launch at GDC next week

More details emerge of Zeebo 3G games console
It might not be officially unveiled until next week, but more details have emerged about Zeebo, the 3G-enabled games console that uses Qualcomm's chipset and BREW platform.
VentureBeat has an article about the San Diego company, which took a $5.5 million investment from Qualcomm, and counts the latter's Mike Yuen (pictured) on its board of directors. It's also funded by Brazilian games firm Tectoy.

The article reports that Zeebo is a Wii-sized console capable of graphics midway between PSone and PS2, and a 3G chipset that allows BREW games to be downloaded over-the-air - with 1GB of storage space for them on the device.



It's designed for emerging markets - starting with Brazil - where traditional console and fixed-line broadband penetration is low. The company is partnering with Brazilian mobile operator Clarao in its launch market.

VentureBeat reports that Zeebo will go on sale this month in Brazil, before rolling out in Mexico later this year, then China and India in 2010.

It's a big opportunity for mobile games developers and publishers with BREW experience, and several are already on board.

They include EA Mobile, Gameloft, Com2uS and MachineWorks, with games including FIFA, Quake, Brain Challenge and Super Action Hero. Most games apparently weigh in at around 20MB in size.

Contributing Editor

Stuart is a freelance journalist and blogger who's been getting paid to write stuff since 1998. In that time, he's focused on topics ranging from Sega's Dreamcast console to robots. That's what you call versatility. (Or a short attention span.)