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Zeebo is a video game console created by Zeebo Inc., targeted for "the next billion" consumers in developing markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC).[3][4] The company’s stated intention was to design an affordable console with inexpensive games delivered via wireless download to circumvent piracy.[5] There are no DVDs and cartridges; games and other content are delivered wirelessly over broadband cellular networks.[6] The console is manufactured for the Brazilian market in Free Economic Zone of Manaus and went on sale in limited quantities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 25, 2009 with a suggested retail price of R$ 499,00 (Brazilian reals).[2] In September of the same year the price was cut to R$ 399,00[7], and the last price cut was in November to R$299,00.[8] The Zeebo was launched in Mexico in November, 2009. It shipped to national retailers across the country on November 4, with a suggested price of 2,499 Mexican pesos (approximately $189 US).[9] The console is scheduled for nationwide release in Brazil in late 2009, in India in 2010 and China by 2011.[10][11] Zeebo has attracted a growing list of game titles from companies such as Electronic Arts, Activision, Namco, Capcom, and id Software.[12][13][14]
[edit] OverviewZeebo Inc. was formed by Tectoy and Qualcomm.[15][16] The console was developed by Zeebo Inc. with the participation of 12 companies, mainly Qualcomm and Tectoy. It is manufactured and distributed by local partners in target countries (e.g., Tectoy in Brazil).[17] The console uses a Qualcomm BREW mobile gaming chipset similar to that in mobile phones. Players are able to buy and download games and other content wirelessly through 3G or Edge.[18][19] Purchases are made using a virtual currency, Z-Credits. Zeebo's gaming delivery system reduces costs (with no discs or cartridges needed) and overcomes piracy barriers - two elements that have hindered sales of game consoles in developing markets.[20][21] Z-Credits are purchased by bank transfer, credit card, bank debit or prepaid cards, similar to the download system designed for Xbox Live Arcade or the canceled Phantom. According to Tectoy, which established a partnership with wireless carrier Claro to provide the data-only 3G network in Brazil, the user is always connected to the wireless network without any fee. Three different cards with Z-Credits are sold, with 2000, 3000 or 5000 points. Games cost from about 1500 to 2000 points. However, while the Zeebo has created buzz with this download-only sales model, the president of Qualcomm India indicated this would not necessarily be how games are sold in India: "The game would be available for download from the internet as well as in retail stores at the same price."[22] [edit] Over-the-Air Updates and New CapabilitiesThe Zeebo console's wireless connectivity also allows Zeebo to perform "over-the-air" (OTA) updates to the console's firmware--delivering new content, features and bug fixes. Among the latest enhancements, the Mexican release of the console now supports limited Internet connectivity. In addition to playing video games, users will be able to browse web sites via the wireless network. [23][24] [edit] Accessories[edit] Z-PadThe standard Zeebo controller includes a total of 7 buttons, a D-Pad and two analog sticks. On the right side, there are four buttons (numbered 1-4); two shoulder buttons rest on the top, called ZL and ZR; at the center, there's a "Home" button, which brings back the start screen when navigating the Zeebo interface, while functioning as a typical "Pause" button during games. Directly below this button are the two analog sticks, whereas the D-Pad is located at the leftmost side.  [edit] BoomerangThe Boomerang, sold by Tectoy in Brazil, is a wireless controller with a built-in accelerometer, using motion-sensing technology to play games with actual physical gestures.[25] It has a D-Pad, two buttons (labeled 1-2) on the top-left side, a "Home" button, a sliding on-off switch and a wrist strap. It requires two AA batteries as a power supply. [edit] GamesSee also: List of Zeebo games Zeebo features remade versions of games from mobile phones and other consoles, such as FIFA 09, Resident Evil 4, Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D, Dead Or Alive Xtreme 2, Quake and Galaxy on Fire.[26][27] Tectoy has also developed a line of new games, called “Zeebo Extreme,” created especially for the Zeebo.[28] In Brazil, Zeebo is sold with three free games embedded - FIFA 09, Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City and Brain Challenge (known in Portuguese as "Treino Cerebral").[26] Prey, Quake and Quake II are available to download for free,[29] all in Portuguese. In Mexico, the console includes five free embedded game titles (Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D, Pac Mania, Tekken 2, Zenonia and Zeebo Family Pack). More than a dozen games were available for wireless purchase at the time of the Mexican launch in November; Zeebo Inc. reports that over a dozen more will be introduced in time for the Christmas and Epiphany Day holidays.[30] Zeebo has also announced that Mexican animation company Huevocartoon and the English language teaching company Interlingua will be developing entertainment and education applications for the console.[31][32] In addition to games and educational content, the Mexican version of the console provides access to more than 50 web sites, grouped in subject categories, called "Z-Channels."[33] Tectoy and Zeebo Inc. have removed from their websites all previous references to Sega games for the console, including Sonic Adventure, leaving many confused as to the current relationship between Sega and Tectoy. [edit] Critical ReceptionThe first official Zeebo review was made by UOL Jogos, a popular Brazilian gaming portal. Zeebo was criticized for poor control response time, sluggish menu navigation, downloads via the ZeeboNet 3G network that took upwards of 5-times longer than promised, authentication problems with the network, and, most importantly, badly ported games (with the exception of Double Dragon).[34] The final conclusion was that Zeebo enters the market with a host of problems to conquer and that the overall quality is low, which could cause doubts about the console's future, and that the company needs to start releasing quality games and to justify its cost if it wants to gain popularity. [34] However, in the months since its initial launch, support for the console has grown. The game library has expanded, including exclusive “Zeebo Extreme” games and versions of popular established games like Galaxy on Fire from German game developer Fishlabs. Michael Schade of Fishlabs said, “I think the game experience on Zeebo is even better than on any other platform we have Galaxy on Fire.”[35] In August of 2009, Zeebo reported that its “successful launch” in Brazil prompted its decision to expand into Mexico later in the year.[36] A community of users has formed in Brazil with its own blogs and forums.[37][38] As the game selection has expanded and the console price has dropped, more favorable reviews have appeared.[39] In August, 2009, Zeebo announced that Mike Yuen, Qualcomm’s senior director of games and services, has joined Zeebo as vice president of content and services.[40] Shortly after the release of Zenonia, the console's first role-playing game, in November, Tectoy removed the game from its lineup due to numerous bugs being reported by users, including the game causing the console to reboot randomly.[41][42] [edit] Technical specifications
Operating conditions:
[edit] Zeebo Inc.Zeebo Inc. is the new name of TecToy of America, founded in 2007 by TecToy S.A., in San Diego, California. Qualcomm now controls 43% of the company, Tectoy holding the remaining 57%. [edit] DevelopmentThe Zeebo SDK is free downloadable, and it's programming is based on BREW SDK and OpenGL ES. Game sizes are divided in three categories:
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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