Zeebo
  | |
 A Zeebo console wrapped in plastic and its power connector | |
| Manufacturer | Zeebo Inc. |
|---|---|
| Product family | Zeebo |
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation era[1][2][3] |
| Lifespan | June 25, 2009 (Brazil) November 10, 2009 (Mexico) |
| Discontinued | September 30, 2011 |
| Media | Digital distribution |
| CPU | ARM11 clocked at 528Mhz |
| Storage | 1 GB NAND flash |
| Graphics | ATI Imageon |
| Controller input | 6-button dual analog gamepad |
| Connectivity | 1 SD card slot 3 USB 2.0 ports 2G GPRS |
| Online services | ZeeboNet on Claro 3G (Brazil) Telcel (Mexico) |
Zeebo is a 3G-enabled entertainment and education system from Zeebo Inc. It enables users to play video games, and also connect to the Internet, communicate online and run educational applications. The Zeebo is targeted at developing markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and Mexico.[4][5][6] Zeebo Inc. says that the Zeebo brings "the fun and excitement of interactive entertainment and education to those who—until now—have had little or no access to such technology."[7]
Overview
The company's stated intention was to create an affordable console with inexpensive games and educational content delivered via wireless digital distribution to circumvent piracy.[8] There are no DVDs and cartridges; games and other content are downloaded wirelessly over broadband cellular networks.[9] In addition to games, the Zeebo system also provides Internet connectivity, enabling users to access educational and information content, communicate via e-mail and do social networking (this capability is currently supported in Brazil and Mexico).[10][11][12]
Zeebo has attracted a growing list of content from companies such as Activision, Capcom, Digital Chocolate, Disney Interactive Studios, Electronic Arts, Fishlabs, Flying Tiger, Gamevil, G-Mode, Glu, id Software, Limbic Software, Namco, Polarbit, Popcap, Twelve Interactive and Vega Mobile.[13][14][15][16][17]
History
The Zeebo was first announced in November 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and went on sale there in limited quantities on June 1, 2009 with a suggested retail price of 499,00 Brazilian reais.[6][18] In September of the same year, the price was cut to R$399,00,[19] and the price was reduced again in November to R$299,00 (~170USD).[20] The console was distributed nationwide in Brazil in December 2009. By August, 2010, there were approximately 40 games launched for Zeebo in Brazil. On September 1, 2010, Zeebo announced that it was adding new capabilities and accessories to the Zeebo in Brazil, including Internet connectivity, a keyboard and new more ergonomic gamepad. The new Brazilian system configuration is priced identical to the previous one: R$299 (~170USD). The company announced that Brazilian owners of previous system configurations can upgrade to the new one for free.[21][22]
The Zeebo was launched in Mexico in November 2009. It shipped to national retailers across the country on November 4, 2009, with a suggested price of 2,499 Mexican pesos (approximately $205 US). The Mexican system configuration is similar to that introduced in September, 2010 and includes Internet connectivity, a keyboard and ergonomic gamepad.[23] The price was cut to 2249 pesos (approx. $184 US) in April 2010.[24]
The Zeebo is currently available in Brazil, Mexico, and India. Reports indicated that the Zeebo would be available in China by 2011.[25][26]
Wireless capabilities
The Zeebo system 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).[27] 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.[28][29] The user is always connected to the wireless network without any subscription fee. Purchases are made through an online store 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.[30] Z-Credits are purchased by bank transfer, credit card, bank debit or prepaid cards. Games cost from about 500 to 2500 credits.
The console's wireless connectivity also allows users to browse web sites, send and receive e-mail and take part social networking activities via the wireless network. The Zeebo can also perform "over-the-air" (OTA) updates to the console's firmware—delivering new content, features and bug fixes.[31][32]
Accessories
Z-Pad
The standard Zeebo "Z-Pad" 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 takes the user back the start screen of 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.[33]
Boomerang
The 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.[34] 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.
Keyboard
The Zeebo also includes an external keyboard, used with the system's web-browsing, email and social networking functions.[35]
Games
The Zeebo features remade versions of games from mobile phones and other consoles, such as FIFA 09, Resident Evil 4, Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D, Galaxy on Fire and Rally Master Pro.[36][37] There are also a number of original game titles developed specifically for the Zeebo, including “Zeebo Extreme” racing games, "Boomerang Sports" games, Zeebo "Football Club" games and Un Juego de Huevos (known as Um Jogo de Ovos in Brazil), an action-adventure game based on the hit Mexican animated film "Una Película de Huevos" from Huevocartoon.[38][39] In March 2010, Zeebo began releasing a series of classic arcade games. These games were originally created in the 1980s and 1990s by Data East Corp. in Japan and have been modified to run on the Zeebo system. The titles include Caveman Ninja (originally known as Joe & Mac), Spinmaster, Super Burger Time and Dark Seal (also known as Gate of Doom).[40]
In June, 2010, in advance of the World Cup, Zeebo released the first of its Football Club ("F.C") titles, Zeebo F.C. Foot Camp, developed by Zeebo Interactive Studios in Brazil. It includes four mini-games, each emphasizing a particular soccer skill, such as dribbling, juggling and goal-kicking. Along with Zeebo F.C. Foot Camp, the company released Zeeboids, an application that enables users to create personal characters ("avatars") to be used with the Football Club games.[41] Also in June, Zeebo announced a variety of forthcoming games from independent developers such as Digital Chocolate, Fishlabs, Limbic Software, Twelve Interactive and Vega Mobile.[16]
In Brazil, the 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").[36] Three other games, all in Portuguese, are available for free download with new systems: Prey Evil, Zeebo Extreme Rolimã and Zeebo Extreme Jetboard. More 30 other titles are available for purchase (via Z-Credits) and download.[39]
On September 1, 2010 Zeebo announced a number of new games and educational applications to be launched in 2010 and 2011. They include a new Zeebo Football Club game, called Zeebo F.C. Super League; a series of titles from Disney Interactive Studios, including Disney All Star Cards, Alice in Wonderland and Jelly Car 2; and a series of titles based on the popular Monica's Gang ("Turma da Monica") comic books in Brazil from cartoonist Mauricio de Sousa.[21][42][43]
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, 2009. More than a dozen more have since been introduced, all in Spanish.[44] Zeebo has also announced that the English language teaching company Interlingua will be developing entertainment and education applications for the console.[45][46]
In addition to games and educational content, the console provides access to more than 50 web sites, grouped in subject categories, called "Z-Channels."[23][47]
Recent developments
Zeebo Inc. announced an agreement with AT&T in March, 2010. The company stated that "The agreement gives us access to AT&T's international roaming network, allowing us to carry out rapid trials of the Zeebo platform in new geographic areas as we establish longer-term agreements with local carriers for deployment of the system. It will also give us a chance to explore opportunities in the US market in the future."[48] However it appears that Tectoy has decided against the Zeebo and on its homepage now states that they are gearing towards a more educational market.
On May 27, 2011 Zeebo announced its end of operations in Brazil and Mexico.[49][50] According to the company, all games would undergo a price reduction and Zeebonet 3G would remain active until September 30, and all warranty services would be honored.[51] On the same day, on ZeeboNet 3G, a message was added to the details of the game "Turma da Mônica em Vamos Brincar" (Monica's Gang in Let's Play) stating that the game would be unavailable for purchase by the end of the day.
Zeebo's official website states that the company is working on a new "Android-based platform" to be released in 2012.[52] However the company could be on Hiatus as its official website shows news dating back to 2012 and no new product has been released.
Technical specifications
- ARM11 / QDSP-5 in Qualcomm MSM SoC running at 528 MHz[53]
- ATI Imageon, later renamed to Adreno
- 1 GB eNAND Flash
- 128 MB NAND Flash in MCP
- 160 MB RAM, 128 MB DDR SDRAM in MCP + 32 MB stacked DDR SDRAM in MSM7201A
- VGA (640×480) – 4:3 aspect ratio
- 3G (scaling back to 2.5G or 2G where necessary)
- 3 USB ports 2.0 Standard A (for accessories)
- SD Card Slot / Interface
- Interface: USB HID
- Power: AC adapter 5V 3A
- Consumption: 15 W max.
- Graphics: 4 million triangles / second
- Audio: 8 channels simultaneous MP3, ADPCM, MIDI
- Resolution: 640×480
- Size: W × D × H – 157 × 215.4 × 44 mm
- Weight: 1.3 kg (3 lb)
Development
Content for the Zeebo is based on the BREW platform and is created using the Zeebo SDK, downloadable from the Zeebo Inc. website. Gamepad peripherals are made possible by a BREW extension. The Zeebo system supports OpenGL ES 1.0/1.1. Applications are downloaded wirelessly over-the-air and commonly range in size from 5–25MB.[54]
References
- ^ The Zeebo game console: Why it matters | The Digital Home - CNET News
- ^ Zeebo - the fourth game console? | Tech News on ZDNet
- ^ Ralph, Nate (March 25, 2009). "GDC: Zeebo To Bring Gaming to Emerging Markets". Wired.
- ^ "Zeebo, console da Tectoy, quer competir com o PS2" (in Portuguese).
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- ^ a b "Innovative Independent Publishers and Developers Bringing New Content to the Zeebo Platform" (PDF).[dead link]
- ^ "Disney Mobile to Launch Popular Games on Zeebo System". Newswire.
- ^ "Zeebo 3G Wireless Console Ships to Retailers in Brazil". BizSanDiego.
- ^ "Zeebo Planning to Deliver More Games and Lower Console Price for Children's Day in Brazil".
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- ^ "Big News From Brazil: Zeebo Adds Internet, Keyboard, New Controller".[dead link]
- ^ a b "Zeebo 3G-Connected Digital Gaming, Entertainment and Education Platform Ships to More Than 2,000 Retail Stores in Mexico". Reuters. November 4, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ "Children's Day Sale on Zeebo Systems in Mexico".[dead link]
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- ^ Laura June. "Tectoy's Zeebo gaming console to run on 3G network in Brazil". Engadget. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
- ^ "Zeebo Gaming for the "Next Billion"". Mobilesociety.typepad.com. April 10, 2009 in Games. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Zeebo to Debut in Mexico in 2009". Reuters. August 25, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ "Qualcomm collaborates with America Movil to launch Zeebo in Mexico".
- ^ "Zeebo User Information".
- ^ "zeebo.com.br – Console" (in Portuguese).[dead link]
- ^ "Using Keyboards with the Zeebo".[dead link]
- ^ a b "Zeebo.com.br – Jogos" (in Portuguese).[dead link]
- ^ "Interview: Fishlabs talks Galaxy on Fire for hybrid console Zeebo".
- ^ "Huevocartoon's Un Juego de Huevos Videogame Now Available Exclusively for the Zeebo System" (PDF).[dead link]
- ^ a b "Zeebo Brazil Games".[dead link]
- ^ "G-Mode Co. Ltd. to Bring Classic Data East Arcade Titles to Next Billion Consumers" (PDF).[dead link]
- ^ "Zeebo, Inc. Launches Zeebo F.C. Foot Camp Game and Zeeboids Avatar Application" (PDF).[dead link]
- ^ "Disney Mobile to Launch Popular Games on Zeebo System". Newswire.
- ^ "Coletiva novo Zeebo – Cobertura completa" (in Portuguese). Zeebo Brazil.
- ^ "Zeebo in Mexico".[dead link]
- ^ "Popular Huevocartoon Characters to Come to Life in Videogames Developed forZeebo". Reuters. November 4, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ "Zeebo Teams With Interlingua to Bring Language Training and Educational Content to Families in Mexico". Reuters. November 4, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ "Console de videogame Zeebo ganha acessórios e acesso à web" (in Portuguese). IDG Now!.
- ^ "Zeebo and ATT Agreement: Reaching Out to New Markets".[dead link]
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- ^ "Preguntas" (in espanhol).
{{cite web}}: Text "Zeebo Mexico" ignored (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)[dead link] - ^ "Zeebo, Inc".
- ^ Tectoy, Qualcomm Aim Emerging Video Game Markets with Zeebo. Zeebo Presents Gaming For The Next Billion // XBit Labs, Anton Shilov, 03/23/2009
- ^ "Zeebo Inc. Developers Page".
External links
- Official Corporate Website (International)