G-cluster’s G-screen Tackles Wireless Gaming

G-cluster, a wireless entertainment company, is launching G-screen, a complete set of wireless networking and gaming technologies for bringing PC games to handheld devices. G-screen brings high-quality games to small screen handheld games that are usually very limited due to a lack of capacity in the devices. G-cluster's client/server technology allows developers and publishers to bring their best games to the wireless world, across multiple handheld platforms without speed or sound degradation. The games will be available initially in selected areas, called ``hotspots,'' where local wireless networks can be deployed quickly. Numerous hotels, airport lounges, amusement parks and coffee shops already have the existing infrastructure available to deliver the service. The first G-cluster hotspots will appear in Helsinki, Finland, in August 2001 with locations in the United States by 2002. G-cluster will provide hotspot operators with all necessary hardware and software, including wireless devices that can be rented for gaming. G-cluster also provides the operator with complete billing, marketing, management and support solutions. Users at hotspots can either rent a wireless device or use their own laptop to play G-screen games. Payment is based on the amount of time played. Because of the network technology, players also will be able to engage other players in their area in multi-player games. G-cluster has developed a partnership with a mobile communications, services and application provider Sonera, for the initial market offering of the G-screen technology. Sonera Mspace, an open environment for developing and testing the next generation of mobile services, will debut G-screen with early 3G technology adopters.