GDC: Philips Debuts amBX At GDC 2006

Philips amBX, a subsidiary of Philips Electronics, has announced the first phase of signings to its new Ambient Intelligent technology, including a range of Philips peripherals and accessories products, and game developers Revolution Software and Sumo Digital. Due for release in May 2006, amBX technology will offer a full 'sensory surround experience' to computer and video gamers by giving developers the ability to use light, colour, sound, heat and even airflow in the real world during gameplay, creating what the company calls an Ambient Intelligent environment in the process. Gamasutra recently published a hands-on look at amBX, conducted at the company's laboratory in the UK. Combining a scripting language, software engine and architecture, amBX is designed to deliver player experiences through enabled devices such as LED colour-controlled lights, active furniture, fans, heaters, audio and video, all placed strategically around a player's room. amBX provides the support framework for peripheral manufacturers to develop the related products, allowing both developers and publishers to make amBX-compatible games. Philips Electronics will be producing a range of amBX-enabled peripherals, with a number of other manufacturer announcements imminent. GDC also brings the signing of agreements with UK-based Revolution Software and Sumo Digital as official amBX developers. Philips amBX supports third party software and hardware manufacturers to develop their amBX-enabled products through technology licensing. As part of a licensing program partners will receive full support from the amBX development team including engineering, scripting services, training, software development kits and hardware reference designs.