IFA 2006, Berlin, Germany – Philips is underlining its growing presence in gaming with demonstrations of the new Philips amBX technology and PC peripheral devices at IFA 2006.
Philips’ amBX technology is licensed across the gaming industry and offers a full ‘sensory surround experience’ by empowering developers to use light, color, sound, heat and even airflow during gameplay – creating an ambient intelligence environment in the process.
At IFA Philips is showcasing the future possibilities of amBX technology as a complete package, as well as demonstrating a portfolio of individual accessories to be introduced in 2007 to help enhance the gaming experience. Philips’ amBX PC peripherals deliver a new set of sensations to video game play, from wind and booming sound to vibrations that immerse players in dynamic sensations allowing the gamer to really see, hear and feel the action.
Philips’ first range of amBX-enabled peripherals will also be the first Philips products to be launched featuring this revolutionary new amBX technology. The products will be available in various configurations to suit all games players’ budgets.
Coinciding with the introduction of Philips’ first amBX-enabled products will be the first ever amBX-enabled game – Broken Sword: The Angel of Death from the award-winning computer and video game publisher THQ. The eagerly-awaited game will be available later this year and will introduce a breakthrough new element for both the gaming industry and ambient technology.
The license agreement with THQ will enable it to deliver Broken Sword: The Angel of Death as the first of a series of amBX-enabled games. Broken Sword is emotionally engaging but also a visual experience that is both dramatic and very unique. Philips worked closely with THQ to provide the resources and technology to develop the game alongside the new amBX technology.
A deep, immersive gaming experience
Philips amBX peripherals will help gamers maximize their gaming experience. Sensory enhancements created for USB-based amBX products allow games enthusiasts to get deeper into their favorite video games.
amBX will enable gamers to see atmospheric lighting in the corner of their eye while darting through claustrophobic caves; hear the sound and vibrations of alien monsters crawling up ‘behind them’; and feel wind brushing against their skin as they steer into a hairpin turn on a race track at frightening speed.
Envelop senses with world’s first amBX-enabled game
The core hardware elements of Philips’ amBX peripherals include:
- A series of LED based multi-color lights that engage the eyes and increase realism
- A powerful 2.1 speaker sound system providing booming audio that gives authenticity to the rumble of thunder or the blast of a gunshot
- Several fans that bathe gamers in air movement and wind effects
- A vibration unit that conveys the action and excitement completely in sync with the game situation
Setting up the devices is simple and all accessories necessary for installation are included in the amBX package. Gamers will find the hardware responds automatically with synchronized effects when used to play amBX-enabled games. Any combination of amBX peripherals can be selected and placed throughout the room for a new level of gaming immersion.
amBX-enabled gaming
amBX not only creates greater gaming immersion, but unleashes a venue of creativity for games designers. Developers can now add new layers to the sensory experience – including but certainly not limited to sound, wind and lighting – expanding beyond the current levels of dynamic visual and audio. To maximize the potential of amBX, Philips has devised a range of license options for developers to create experiences tailored for amBX-enabled devices.
As part of a comprehensive licensing program, partners will receive full support from the Philips amBX development team including engineering, scripting services and software development kits. Currently, there are three different licenses available specifically for hardware manufacturers, developers and publishers and a number of amBX enabled games are scheduled for release in 2006.
Leading the ambient experience
amBX technology has evolved from multi-year research into ambient intelligence conducted by Philips Research. Philips has long championed the benefits of ambient lighting in consumer technology with its popular televisions containing Ambilight backlight feature. Recently, Philips Lighting, together with Philips Research, developed the Ambient Intelligent Lighting project, which focuses on lighting and the home. Another development, Living Light, provides real-time light ambient settings and light effects that are synchronized with home entertainment content (audio and video). The system anticipates and extends the ambient lighting or special effects in order to take the experience beyond the boundaries of the room. Furthermore, Philips uses ambient lighting in a range of Ambient Experience projects by Philips Medical Systems to provide daily benefits in the hospital environment.