Mobile Magreports that Philips will be releasing a new "sensory surrounding" technology called amBX for gamers in May, 2006. amBX involves using special lighting, fans, heaters and other equipment to surround gamers with different experiences that operate in sync with the games they are playing.
Phillips, hot on the heels of their "innovative" Ambilight technology, announced that they're shifting their focus slightly and are going to aim at gamers for another application of their visual witchcraft. They’re dubbing this incarnation amBX - pronounced am-bee-ex.
amBX will not only feature the technology behind Ambilight, but will incorporate "active furniture," fans, heaters and audio/video to completely envelop the gamer in a "sensual masterpiece" (well, I made up that last quote).
Aimed initially at the PC gamer, Phillips believes that this has what it takes to take gaming to the next level. It will use scripted events that will be programmed into games, and these will interact with the peripherals you have "strategically placed" around your gaming environment. Phillips will be working with peripheral manufacturers and game developers to get this technology all in sync.
An ABC News article about amBX pulled this explanation from a Philips press release:
"Imagine the room of the future, where all electronic devices are amBX-enabled," the company proclaimed in a press release about the new technology. "The treacherous road to Saigon will turn your room jungle green, swimming with dolphins will splash it deep blue, 'Halo' [a hit Xbox video game] jumps will turn your fans on full, lightning storms will strobe your white lighting, and attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion will blast on your heaters."
ABC News said that games will need to be amBX-enabled in order for the amBX devices to operate. Gamers will have to wait and see how much an amBX set-up will cost and how many games will be available that are amBX enabled. ABC News said Philips is in talks with equipment makers and game developers so gamers should expect at least a few amBX-enabled games this year.
