Gizmondo Hardware FAQ
-----------------------
Version 2.01
FAQ INFO
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Gizmondo Hardware FAQ
Version 2.01
Copyright © 2005 Gearóid Moroney
Created 3rd June 2005
Last Update 30th October 2005
Email g.moroney@gmail.com
Before e-mailing me, please make sure your question is not answered in the FAQ,
and try these sites first.
>> http://www.gizmondo.com
>> http://www.gizmondoforums.com
***********************************
* Table of Contents *
***********************************
0. Glossary
1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Comparison
4. Features
5. The Console
6. Games
7. Updates
- 7.1 US Release
- 7.2 Service Pack A
- 7.3 Navigator 2006
8. Version History
9. Copyright / Credits
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0. Glossary |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Here is a quick overview of names and acronyms used in this FAQ.
Gizmondo - A multimedia capable portable games console
Bluetooth- Used to send information locally (within 10 metres) by radio signals
Tiger - Tiger Telematics, the company behind Gizmondo. Not to be confused
with Tiger Electronics.
GPS - Global Positioning System. Pinpoints your exact location
TFT - Thin Film Transistor. Technology associated with LCD screens
LCD - Liquid Crystal Display
ARM9 - A type of processor, common in portable consoles
GPRS - General Packet Radio Service. A way of transmitting data over
cellular (mobile) networks. Exoensive, and relatively slow.
WAP - Wireless Application Protocol. Similar to GPRS.
MMS - Multimedia Messaging System. Picture Mesages, sent over GPRS.
SMS - Short Message Service. Text Messaging.
JPEG - Compression standard for digital photos
MP3 - MPEG Layer 3. Most common form of music encoding on computers.
WMA - Windows Media Audio. Better music compression than MP3.
WMV - Windows Media Video. A form of video compression.
SD - Secure Digital memory cards
MMC - MultiMedia Cards. Very similar to SD cards.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1. Introduction |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
A lot of you might be coming here, having heard the name "Gizmondo", but don't
know what it is. Well, now that it has finally been released in the US, things
should start to kick off.
By this FAQ, I intend to give you an idea of what the Gizmondo is, what it
does, and answer any other questions you might have had.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2. Specifications |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
- TFT screen 320 x 240 pixels
- 400Mhz ARM9 from Samsung
- 128-bit 3D Graphics accelerator from Nvidia
- GPS tracking application
- GPS mapping application
- MP3 playback
- MIDI/WAV formats
- SMS
- Speaker
- Windows Media Player 9
- MPEG 4 video playback
- JPEG camera
- SD flash card reader
- Mini-USB client
- Bluetooth class 2 for multiplayer gaming
- Temperature range 0°C to 55°C
- Removable SIM card
- Removable battery
- Polyphonic ring tones
- Stereo headset socket for MP3 and games
- Flight Mode
- GSM tri-band
- GPRS Class 10
- WAP 2.0
- MMS receive and send
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3. Comparison |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Gizmondo | Nintendo DS | PSP | N-Gage QD |
-----+-----------------+------------------+----------------+----------------+-
GRAP | nVidia GoForce | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 3D 4500 | | | |
COL | 65,536 | 260,000 | 16.77m | 4,096 |
DISP | 2.8" LCD | 3" LCD | 4.3" 16:9 LCD | 2.1" LCD |
RES | 320 x 240 | 256 x 192 | 480 x 272 | 176 x 208 |
GMF |SD, MMC, Download| Cartridge, Card | 1.8GB UMD | MMC |
COMM | GSM, Bluetooth | 802.11 Wi-Fi | 802.11b Wi-Fi | GSM, Bluetooth,|
| | | | Infra-Red |
STOR | SD, MMC | n/a | n/a | n/a |
PROC | ARM9 | ARM9 | MIPS R4000 | ARM9 |
SPD | 400Mhz | 67Mhz | 1-333Mhz | 104Mhz |
RAM | 64MB | 4MB | 8MB | 3.4MB |
FEAT | Cam, MP3, Video,| Touch Screen | MP3, Video | Phone |
| GPS | | | |
SPK | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | n/a |
VDM | n/a | n/a | 2MB EDRAM | n/a |
-----+-----------------+------------------+----------------+----------------+--
GRAP = Graphics Processor
COL = Colours (on screen)
DISP = Display
RES = Resolution
GMF = Game Media Format [SD = Secure Digital Card, MMC = Multimedia Card,
COMM = Communication UMD = Universal Media Disc]
STOR = Storage
PROC = Processor
SPD = Processor Speed
FEAT = Features
SPK = Speakers
VDRM = Video Memory
The comparison shows how powerful the Gizmondo is, with exponentionally more
RAM than the others, as well as a faster processor. However, it's only if
developers use this power that we'll see great games.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4. Features |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
You probably don't have a clue what half the specs mean, so here, I'll explain
the main features of the Gizmondo.
TFT/LCD Screen <<
------------------
The Gizmondo's LCD screen has a resolution of 320 x 240, with a maximum display
of 65,536 colours, and is 2.8 inches wide (diagonally). Basically this means
the screen can display pin-sharp graphics and videos. There is a strong
backlight, with four different brightness settings.
The screen itself is embossed low into the console, in comparison with the DS
and PSP. This is to prevent scratching or other deformation of the screen.
Games <<
---------
The console has a 400Mhz ARM9 processor, 64MB of RAM, and a 128-bit graphics
accelerator. The console has the potential to have graphically stunning
graphics (portable-wise), though no released games push it to the limits yet.
Look out for the upcoming Colors, which looks promising.
For more info on Gizmondo Games, go to Section 6.
GPS <<
-------
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It relies on readings from satellites
to tell you your precise location. You need to get at least 3 satellites in
range for a fix. This will tell you precise co-ordinates of where you are. A
map of your location will display if you have Gizmondo Navigator. Alternatively
the map can then be downloaded via GPRS. Other features of GPS show you the
nearest points of interest (POIs). POIs include restaurants, shops and cinemas.
Routing (if you have Gizmondo Navigator) gives you voice directions to your
destination.
For more on GPS Navigation, see Section 7.3 [Gizmondo Navigator 2006].
It is also set to be used in games. Colors sees you in a gang. Using GPS, you
can set boundaries around your home as your territory. Someone who comes into
the zone in real life will show up in your game, where you have to deal with
them.
And if you ever get lost (or kidnapped) there's an alarm button on the console.
Press and hold this, and it will text a nominated number your location based on
the GPS reading.
Phone <<
---------
The Gizmondo also has mobile phone features. It can be used to send texts,
picture messages (MMS), and connect to the internet using GPRS. It can't be
used to make phone calls, as of yet, though a Bluetooth headset to allow calls
is rumoured to be in the works.
Typing texts is surprisingly easy, despite the lack of enough buttons for a
keypad. The letters are laid out as below. Each time you type a letter, it
returns to the blank space in the middle. You can take a backspace by pressing
<< rewind. As you type, it predicts words you may be trying to type. These
display in a list below your text. The more you use a word, the higher it goes
in the list.
The character set can be changed by selecting any of the 5 below in the square
brackets, or by pressing the >> fast forward button.
A B C D E
F G H I J
K L M N O
P Q R S
T U V W X
Y Z ! ? ;
' " - , .
[A][a][é][1][@]
GPRS is essy to use, though by nature is very expensive. When connected to the
computer, the Gizmondo will connect via the computer's internet connection.
Because of its phone features, the Gizmondo is very reliant on the SIM card. It
will not work without a SIM card inserted. You are supplied with a Vodafone SIM
card, but changing this can lead to problems with MMS and GPRS.
[NOTE] The US Version comes with a Cingular SIM Card
(Thanks to Auron for this info)
Camera <<
----------
The built in camera takes 0.3MP pictures (640 x 480 resolution). In light, it
takes very good, clear pictures. But, in the dark, pictures turn out very
grainy, and lack detail. However, in the future, the camera will be used as a
direct input to games, similar to the PS2's eyetoy.
Connect to PC <<
-----------------
Using the supplied software and USB cable, the Gizmondo can be connected to
your computer. It uses Microsoft ActiveSync to connect. You can transfer your
music, movies, and pictures to you console using this.
You can also update your Gizmondo with periodic updates from the Gizmondo.com
website.
Music and Movies <<
--------------------
The Gizmondo's operating system (OS) is a modified version of Windows CE.
Because of this, it has Windows Media Player 9 built in. Currently, it plays
MP3s and WMAs on the music side. The playback is quite good, and can be
listened to through the speaker, or the supplied earbuds. Video playback is
limited to WMVs at the moment, so many videos you want to watch may need to be
converted first. Gizmondo have promised the more codecs are on the way.
Storage <<
-----------
The Gizmondo can use both SD and MMC cards for storage. The console itself also
has a small built in flash disk for storing pictures. The games come on SD
cards.
Bluetooth <<
-------------
Bluetooth is used for wireless multiplayer gaming on the Gizmondo. It can also
be used to send music and videos to other consoles, as long as the files aren't
copyright protected.
Flight Mode <<
---------------
With all it's phone and GPS features, the Gizmondo would be a hazard on a
plane. But, it is still a gaming console, so if you turn on flight mode, all
the features that might interfere with airplane equipment are turned off. You
can still play games, watch movies, and listen to music in this mode.
Smart Adds <<
--------------
Smart Adds is a feature in the Gizmondo whereby advertisements are downloaded
to your console via GPRS. It's free, and you can choose to turn them on or off.
But, you can get a Smart Adds enabled version (no option to turn it off) for
£100 less than the normal console. The only difference is the Smart Adds.
There is no ad-free version of the Gizmondo in the US. Originally, an ad-free
$399 version was planned, and was scrapped. However, an ad-free version is now
available in the US Webshop.
For more info on Smart Adds, check out:
>> http://www.smartadds.com
>> http://www.dreamstation.cc/news/video_games/id6566
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5. The Console |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Now you know what the Gizmondo can do, but how about the aesthetics?
Like any console, the screen in the focus, in the centre of the console. To the
left is the directional pad. It is a disc, with an emphasis on the four main
directions, with the top, bottom, left, and right, slightly raised. It is very
responsive, and feels comfortable to use.
On the right of the screen, are four control buttons. If you needed any
confirmation that this is more than a games console, you just need to look at
the unorthadox buttons. Instead of letters, it resembles a remote control. You
have a stop button on top, rewind on the left, fast forward on the right, and
play on the bottom. Despite the strange labelling, the buttons in function are
similar to the layout on the PS2. These four main buttons feel clicky, and they
need a good press to respond.
Below these is the speaker. While it looks pretty small, it can pump out pretty
loud sound. Above the LCD screen, still on the face of the console, are five
buttons, shaped like small strips. From left to right are Home, Sound,
Brightness, Alarm, Power. Its almost like have five "start" buttons. The five
are kind of unresponsive to touch. They need to be depressed the whole way to
get a reaction.
On the top, you have the L and R buttons. They are round, unlike on other
consoles. On the back of the Gizmondo is the camera, and battery compartment.
The reachargable battery is removable.
The bottom of the console houses all the connections. First there's the
connector for charging, about the same size as a headphone jack. To it's
immediate right is the USB connector for conencting to the computer. To the
right of this again is the headphone jack. Further right past this is the
springloaded SD/MMC card slot.
Go to the Gizmondo website for pictures of the console.
>> http://www.gizmondo.com
For help of any kind relating to Gizmondo, try Gizmondo Forums.
>> http://www.gizmondoforums.com
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 6. Games |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
At the moment, there are very few games released, but there are many in
development.
>> Released Games
------------------
Trailblazer
Fathammer Classics (Angelfish, Stuntcar Extreme, Super Drop Mania)
Sticky Balls
Hockey Rage 2005
Pocket Ping Pong 2005
Toy Golf
Gizmondo Motocross 2005
Classic Compendium
Classic Compendium 2
Fifa 2005
SSX 3
Interstellar Flames 2
POD: Point of Destruction
Richard Burns Rally
>> Release TBA
---------------
Agaju
Battle Stations Midway
Carmageddon
Catapult
Chicane
Colors
Conflict: Desert Storm II
Conflict Vietnam
Furious Phil
Future Tactics
Guardian
Hit and Myth
Jump
Johnny Whatever
Milo and the Rainbow Nasties
Momma Can I Mow The Lawn?
>> Cancelled
-------------
Fallen Kingdoms
Speedgun Stadium
The Great Escape
For a more complete, and continually updated list of games, try these links:
>> http://www.gizmondo.com/games/
>> http://www.start-again.net/gizmondo/index.php?page=listgame&lang=en&typ=2
>> Watch These Games
---------------------
Agaju looks to be very promising, and will utilise all of the Gizmondo's
features. There is not much information available at the moment, but the game
is set to make use of the new camera features - Gyroscopic Camera Technology
and Augmented Reality. In the E3 tech demo, to turn left, you would turn the
Gizmondo that way. The camera picked up the movement, and moved you in the game
accordingly. It will also be GPS enabled, but how remains to be seen.
Colors is a GPS game which looks very interesting. It is a gang game á la GTA,
in which you must defend your territory. Using the GPS, the Gizmondo will set
boundaries around your home, which is then your territory. If someone playing
Colors wanders within your boundaries, it is your job to defend your territory
and deal with the trespasser.
Chicane is the Gizmondo's first racing game. Jenson Button, F1 driver, has been
paid a tidy sum, and so the subtitle to it is now "Jenson Button Racing".
Though the game doesn't use GPS, it is multiplayer, and uses Bluetooth to race
against your friends. It uses cel-shaded graphics, which work nicely for it,
and it seems to run smoothly.
As of writing this, none of these 3 games have a set release date.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 7. Updates |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
This is where major updates will be added.
>> 7.1 >> US Release
----------------------
Release Date: 22nd October 2005
Price: $229
Well, after many setbacks, the Gizmondo has finally been released in the US.
The Smart Adds ($229) version is the only version available. A Gizmondo with
Navigation Pack is also available.
The US Gizmondo comes with the longer life 6-hour battery (as opposed to the
3-hour one that comes with the UK Gizmondos [or is that Gizmondoes? hmm...]).
>> 7.2 >> Service Pack A
-------------------------
The Service Pack was released in early September. It was the first downloadable
update available for the Gizmondo.
It offers some new features, though nothing too groundbreaking.
The Gizmondo website lists these as the main updates:
1. GPS Firmware update.
2. User interface enhancements.
3. Multi language support.
4. Power management enhancements.
1. According to the site, the GPS Firmware has been updated, allowing an easier
GPS fix. It may just be me, but I found that the update did little to
improve GPS on my Gizmondo.
2. The menus were revamped, one of the main noticable changes being the
addition of a "Smart Adds" button on the main menu. At the moment, it is
greyed out.
More options are now available in the Settings menu, though the battery %
has been removed for some reason.
3. This was a crucial update if Gizmondo is going to be sold worldwide. It
offers six European languages - English, German, Spanish, French, Italian,
and Swedish.
The Service Pack also adds Time Zones, selectable by via a world map.
4. I would be led to believe this means a longer battery life, but the update
has made very little difference to battery life on my Gizmondo.
The update can be found at:
> http://www.gizmondo.com/mygiz/support.asp
>> 7.3 >> Gizmondo Navigator 2006
----------------------------------
Gizmondo Navigator 2006 comes on an SD card, and allows you to use GPS to its
full ability. At the moment, in the UK, there is one version out - UK & Ireland
maps for £99.
Navigator has detailed maps, and gives voice directions to your destination.
The main problem is getting a GPS fix. It is sometimes difficult to get a GPS
fix on the Gizmondo. A car cradle is due for release soon to boost the signal.
For more info on it:
> http://www.gizmondo.com/mygiz/giz_navigator_2006.asp
>> 7.4 >> Gizmondo Email
-------------------------
Originally set for release on October 28th, the date passed (unsurprisingly)
without any news on it. It was due to come out alongside Service Pack B.
However, Tiger Telematics caused uproar when they announced that it would cost
$29.99 for the e-mail program. This is a one-off free, but on top of this, GPRS
charges would apply for the e-mails you access.
Time will tell on this one.
For the fully story, see:
> http://www.gizmondo.com/news/item.asp?id=1023
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8. Version History |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
>> Version 1.0 // 3rd June 2005
--------------------------------
* First Version of the FAQ
* All Sections Done
>> Version 1.01 // 5th June 2005
---------------------------------
* Updated info in the comparison section
* Added Credits
* Fixed some spelling errors
>> Version 1.1 // 21st June 2005
----------------------------------
* Added more camera info
* Added more games
>> Version 2.0 // 30th October 2005
-------------------------------------
* Pretty much a complete re-write of the FAQ
* Games listing updated
* Added Glossary
* Added info on Satnav
* Added Gizmondo Email
>> Version 2.01 // 5th November 2005
--------------------------------------
* Minor changes about the US launch
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 9. Copyright / Credits |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
This document is © Copyright Gearóid Moroney. It cannot be reproduced in any
way, shape or form, in any part, without my prior written consent. This
document may not be hosted on any website other than www.gamefaqs.com.
By reproducing this document, you infringe on the Copyright Laws of the
Republic of Ireland and can be held criminally responsible in a Court of Law.
Gizmondo is © Tiger Telematics. All other game and console names © their
respective owners.
If you find this document on any site other than www.gamefaqs.com, please
e-mail me at the address below, and tell me.
>> Credits
-----------
Thanks to the users of http://www.gizmondoforums.com for corrections.
> f0cus, for a correction on the PSP stats in the comparison list.
> Auron for info on the US Gizmondo
Thanks to Michael Sliger, for interesting info such as the camera upgrade.
_______________________________________________________________________________
All Rights Reserved. © Gearóid Moroney 2005 // g.moroney@gmail.com
