Philips Announces amBX Collaboration for rFactor

Representatives from Philips have announced a partnership with Intel and Image Space Incorporated to add new amBX features to the PC racing game rFactor Special Edition 2006, already enhanced with optimizations for Intel Core 2 Extreme processor technology. For the new amBX version, rFactor will feature new raceway realism by adding effects such as variable airflow over cars, road surface vibration and both environmental and dynamic lighting, including track lighting conditions, crash flashes and explosions, brake lights, start lights, warning lights and flags, dashboard information lights and even the flash of red and white rumble strips. amBX, Philips' "ambient intelligence technology," is an integrated software engine, scripting language and hardware peripheral solution that adds additional light, color, sound, and tactile wind and rumble capabilities to a user's PC setup to further enhance the gaming experience. Philips has begun to see developers coming aboard for the experience, with Kuju and THQ both recently promising enhanced versions of their own titles. Said amBX chief marketing officer Jo Cooke, “Image Space has the attention and admiration of serious racing gamers worldwide and rFactor is the perfect vehicle to showcase amBX in action at CES and with the Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme processor, Intel have once again demonstrated their commitment to creating products which enhance the PC gaming experience for the consumer.” She added, “Thanks to the ongoing feedback of the gaming, modding and racing communities, the rFactor series and associated amBX effects will evolve side by side and the Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme processor will enable this experience to be delivered to the consumer in the best possible way. This is the start of an exciting revolution for the car racing gameplay experience.”