PDP Unveils Gametrak Freedom at GDC

**Armoured Hawk** · 25th March 2009

Just found on TeamXbox, wonder if ms is ready for TV claims:

PDP Unveils Gametrak Freedom at GDC

By:C�sar A. Berardini - "Cesar" C�sar A. Berardini - "Cesar"

Mar. 25th, 2009 7:03 am_

Performance Designed Products has unveiled an ultrasonic 3D motion sensing wireless game controller for the Xbox 360 called Gametrak Freedom. The system is comprised of a base unit, which attaches to the Xbox 360 system via USB, and a hand-held controller. PDP will launch the Gametrak Freedom exclusively for Xbox 360 in fall 2009 bundled with Squeeballs, a game specifically developed to showcase the technology.

PDP Unveils New Technology at Game Developers Conference

Motion Sensing Technology and Smart Styluses Provide Gamers a New Dimension of Game Play Game Developers Conference

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Performance Designed Products (“PDP”) unveiled its latest technology that will change the face of gaming, introducing two new products at this week’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Gametrak Freedom™ is a proprietary and patent-pending ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology that delivers performance, increased control and flexibility. The system is comprised of a base unit, which attaches to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft via USB, and a hand-held controller. Unlike other motion sensing gaming systems, Gametrak Freedom™ does not rely on the gamer pointing a controller at the screen, nor does it restrict the gamer to limited movements. The system accurately tracks the true 3D position and precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment. This technology provides players with total control and unrivaled game play opportunities.

PDP will launch the Gametrak Freedom™ exclusively for Xbox 360 in fall 2009. The system will be bundled with “Squeeballs™,” a game specifically developed to showcase the technology. PDP recently received a worldwide product licensing agreement to publish games for Xbox 360, and “Squeeballs” is their first Microsoft-approved title.

Click here to view screenshot in high resolution

“Squeeballs™” is a collection of over 150 unique challenges that showcases the capabilities of the controller. In the game, Squeeballs are toys that are manufactured on a secret island somewhere in the Pacific. Before the Squeeballs can be sold to children across the world, they must be fully tested by the players of the game. By using the controller, players can blow up, cook, slice, bat, bowl, shoot and bounce the Squeeballs with greater accuracy than is capable with any other controller.

PDP also unveiled the new revolutionary wireless SmartStylus™ 1 and 2 devices for the Nintendo DS™. The patent-pending SmartStylus™ 1 and 2 both feature a vibration feedback that players using the stylus will feel based on movements and commands in the game. The SmartStylus™ 2 can include a variety of added features, including LEDs, sound and motion feedback. With the motion feedback capability, the stylus can now act as a motion input device, allowing you, for example, to hit a home run by swinging the stylus off the DS screen. The SmartStylus™ 1 will launch this fall and is pending licensing by Nintendo.

“The technologies offered by both the Gametrak Freedom™ and the SmartStylus™ tools are the first of their kind,” said John Moore, senior vice president of marketing for the California-based PDP. “PDP is excited to be introducing these new technologies. They will create a new level of gaming that can be enjoyed by the whole family.”

PDP enjoyed a big year in 2008, with increased sales year over year compared with 2007. The company will be introducing several new gaming products in 2009.