Gizmondo American Launch Delayed

Gizmondo Europe, subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics, has rescheduled the launch of the Gizmondo multi-entertainment handheld in North America from its original 11th August street date in favor of targeting the more active fourth quarter sales period commencing in October.

Two USA-specific pieces of software in development had originally prompted a summer launch. A much anticipated satellite navigation package utilizing the unique GPS functionality, and, an as yet unannounced highly significant game title for the North American market, have been subject to short delays. Consultation with US retailers has influenced the move to a fall release, which will now benefit from a larger launch game portfolio, and higher levels of inventory than was originally possible.

Mike Carrender, CEO, Tiger Telematics, said in a recent interview: “We have requested and are looking for 500,000 units from the Gizmondo manufacturer to be available during the USA introduction in the fourth quarter. Gizmondo sales executives have had discussions with numerous USA retailers that have indicated plans to stock the product, and we will be press releasing shortly the specific details of the North American launch along with an expansion of our retailing plans, which includes many more Gizmondo owned retail sites.�