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[Niloct]

I read this today in a brazilian website:

http://jovem.uol.com.br/ultnot/ult530u6121.jhtm

I will try to translate it below:

Patent reveals new Tectoy videogame project

Neither PlayStation 3, nor Wii nor Xbox 360. As it seems, Tectoy is creating a new proprietary videogame. Or something bigger, since, in the words of marketing manager André Faure, Jeanie, the project's codename, is "a tecnology that can turn itself into several products". A patent request describes a "electronic games device" and a digital distribution system.

The paper, published in 4th of December of 2007, pictures a kind of "set-top box" - like those cable TV devices - in which games are executed. Obviously the control - wired, as it seems by the illustrating picture - is designed for interactive entertainment, like videogame's joypads.

In February, Tectoy sold 42,5% of Tectoy of America, based in USA, to the american Qualcomm Inc., in a US$ 5,4 million deal. Qualcomm would be the main tech developer of this project, and Jeanie would be their main bet to bring Tectoy back to profit.

The device

Based upon the patent's request, the device's greatest feature is download-delivered content, with no use of physical media like CD or DVD. The current generation consoles do have internet-based game distribution systems, but their main distribution method is still disc-based.

This model Tectoy suggests to adopt is a system which resembles N-Gage, a virtual platform for Nokia cell phones that sells games via download, using celular carrier's network as a media. More precisely, it is close to the concept of Phantom, a videogame based upon PC architecture and idealized by Infinium Labs in 2002, whose games would be delivered by demand, via download. But the console was never released.

Still analysing the patent, Jeanie could use wireless networks of celular, radio, internet providers and TV broadcasters. Using wires, it could connect itself to the phone line, together with coaxial or fiber optics cables. The device still intends to use the PC to download the games and then transfer them to the console using [USB] cables or memory cards.

Using the console, gamers access a virtual store, paying their orders with credit card. The system should support other payment methods, like debit on the cell phone bill, using pre-paid cell phone credits or even using bank payment slips. There is a system which protects content, and this won't permit games piracy.

Jeanie would be manufactured in Tectoy's factories at Manaus, which have been expanded to obtain an increase of 287% in the manufactory line, growing from 4 to 10 assembly lines.

Sidetracking

Inquired by UOL Editorial, Faure confirmed the project, but sidetracked: "It is worth reminding that a written patent doesn't imply in its complete implementation. Sometimes companies use part of a patent, or just submit patents to protect ideas that will never be executed. Therefore, I can't comment this document, because its implementation - partial or complete - is not asserted."

According to the executive, Tectoy is preparing several announcements for the next semester and Jeanie "is in 2008's horizons". For now, he prefers to keep (and foment) the suspense, saying that their project is still bigger than the patent.

[james costello]

I wonder if they have open use to Sega's back catalogue of titles to re-produce? Alot of the classics i.e. Miracle World featured on their 2007 SMS console, so they must have at least some sort of rights in that department..

[djbass]

So you reckon its going to be a wii style virtual console in hardware form?

[Stan]

Eventually all things like this will probably be condensed into a single unit, ie computer, phone, television, etc will become one thing you have sitting there. So the theory goes, but I don't know, I like things separate. Computer here, video game system there, TV in the other room (the 'watching' one). This is an interesting idea, but it's difficult to say how it will fly.

Most people are buying newer systems to play the newer games on them, not the old ones (as far as I know), so unless they can somehow secure downloads of them, which I doubt, it might not be the best of ideas. That picture kind of made me laugh too, it reminded me of that mock-up Active Enterprises did for an old CES where they said they were going to make a system that could play any cartridge you put in it at the time (NES, SNES, Genesis, etc.).

[D]

This is all very exciting news.
Thanks for the news.

[Niloct]

[james costello]

[mattmess]

No, they don't.

[Niloct]

There is a ministry in our government that funds research on new technology, on bonds starting on R$ 1 million.

Well, there is raw competition between companies to get that loot.
You have to submit a business plan, and then if you get accepted you have to explain how you're gonna spend the money.

Summing up: I looked in the winners of the 1st phase and lo and behold, what I've found amongst them:

SBV10785 Videogame Genie TECTOY S.A. Manaus AM N