The company has established a latest gaming console company called Beijing eedoo Technology Ltd., which will manage the development of an entertainment console called eBox. The console was first developed internally by Lenovo.

Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo may soon have a new competitor in the console business.

Lenovo has developed a game console, called eBox, that will launch in China by the end of the year. According to Lenovo spokesperson Jay Chen in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the company “saw game consoles as an area with growth potential.”

Lenovo has been working on the eBox for a while, but it only recently split off a team of employees into its newly formed game company, Beijing Eedoo Technology. According to the Journal, those employees built the eBox with Microsoft Kinect-like functionality.

In an interview with China Daily, Jack Luo, president of Beijing Eedoo, said that his venture is “the world’s second company to produce a controller-free game console, behind only Microsoft.”

Lenovo’s decision to break into the motion-gaming space with its console isn’t much of a surprise. After Nintendo and its Wii enjoyed such success in that space, both Sony and Microsoft announced motion-gaming peripherals–the PlayStation Move and Kinect, respectively–that are scheduled to hit store shelves later this year. It would only make sense that a new entrant into the market would attempt the same strategy.

Lenovo will go head-to-head with the big boys in the video game console market, looking to snatch away market share from the likes of Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.

On Aug 9, a team of some 40 Lenovo software engineers was spun off from the Lenovo Group to develop and market the “eBox”, a platform similar to Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360.

The Kinect enables users to control and interact with the device without the need for a game controller.

The device leverages a user interface and reads user gestures with a webcam.

The spin-off firm, called Beijing eedoo Technology Ltd, was formed to rival well established brands including Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PlayStation.

Lenovo Group, Legend Holdings and Legend Capital co-invested in the newly launched company. Officials refused to disclose investment figures.

“We are the world’s second company to produce a controller-free game console, behind only Microsoft,” said Jack Luo, a former department chief with Lenovo, and now president of Beijing eedoo Technology.

EBox uses a camera to track player movement, but unlike Nintendo’s Wii or Sony’s Move system, eBox can plot movements and translate them into onscreen action without the need for a controller.

“Our product is designed for family entertainment. EBox may not have exquisite game graphics, or extensive violence, but it can inspire family members to get off the couch and get some exercise,” Luo said.

The company estimates up to 120 million urban families in China are potential buyers of the eBox.

If Beijing eedoo charges 3,000 yuan ($441.17) for every unit, more than 19 million Chinese families can afford one, according to a market survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group.

The survey also found that if the price falls to 2,500 yuan per unit, over 29 million families may be able to afford one.

“I expect more than 1 million eBox’s may be sold annually after the first two to three years,” Luo said.

He also revealed a dozen investment organizations have contacted Beijing eedoo, and new funding, estimated at around $10 million, will be injected into the venture by the end of this year.

“The long-term goal is to get the company listed,” Luo said.

At present, 16 global video game developers have signed contracts to provide content to Beijing eedoo.

Kinect is expected to go on sale in North America this November, with a base price of $149.99 per unit. EBox will also make its debut this November.

Full details on the eBox haven’t been divulged, but Lenovo did confirm that the console will arrive in China first. It hopes to bring the device to store shelves by the end of 2010, but may not hit the market until the first quarter of 2011.

Lenovo’s Game Console "eBox".

Genovo has developed a game console, called eBox. The company has established a game console company called Beijing eedoo Technology Ltd., which will manage the development of an entertainment console eBox. It will be launch in China by the end of the year. The console was first developed internally by Lenovo.

Lenovo employees built the eBox with Microsoft Kinect-like ontrol scheme that will recognize shapes and movement without the need for a controller. They believes, they will be “the world’s second company to produce a controller-free game console, behind only Microsoft.

Lenovo’s decision to break into the motion-gaming space with its console isn’t much of a surprise. After Nintendo and its Wii enjoyed such success in that space, both Sony and Microsoft announced motion-gaming peripherals–the PlayStation Move and Kinect, respectively–that are scheduled to hit store shelves later this year. It would only make sense that a new entrant into the market would attempt the same strategy.

Lenovo will go head-to-head with the big boys in the video game console market, looking to snatch away market share from the likes of Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.

The device leverages a user interface and reads user gestures with a webcam.

EBox uses a camera to track player movement, but unlike Nintendo’s Wii or Sony’s Move system, eBox can plot movements and translate them into onscreen action without the need for a controller.

The company estimates up to 120 million urban families in China are potential buyers of the eBox.

At present, 16 global video game developers have signed contracts to provide content to Beijing eedoo.

Kinect is expected to go on sale in North America this November, with a base price of $149.99 per unit. eBox will also make its debut this November.

Zeebo Console

Zeebo announced the launch of the Zeebo console, intended for emerging markets worldwide, specifically BRIC – Brazil, Russia, India, and China, which represents 800 million people.

“In 2000 Bill Gates introduced the original Microsoft Xbox at GDC,” said Mike Yuen. “We’re honored here to release what we believe will be the fourth big console.” Zeebo is based on Qualcomm mobile technology, from the graphics chipset to the 3G wireless network, and has positioned itself as a piracy-free alternative to the larger, more expensive consoles.

In Brazil, for instance, where the console is launching first, a PS3 costs the equivalent of US$1,100 new, and the Wii costs US$1,000, because neither console has officially launched there — the only alternative for those consoles is piracy.

The Zeebo is launching at the equivalent of $199 USD, with games costing in the range of $5 to $15. Games are download-only across a 3G wireless network, which can also be used as a connectivity point for laptops in those homes without internet.

Yuen compared the video game market to the Matterhorn, in that many have died trying to climb it. “Lots of companies have tried to conquer the big three, and died doing it. So, within Qualcomm we’ve been thinking about how we can do this differently, and with cellular technology.”

BLAZEPRO 3D Motion Freedom Controller Freestyle Motion Movement for PSC/PC

This 3d Motion sensor gaming experience now available in PC and PS3! This controller has built-in sensor to detect your movement in playing games, which brings you to the next level of enjoyment that you can’t imagine! And it doesn’t need to install. Use it just to plug into your PSC or PC. The turbo fire button makes you comfortable when clicking.

Specifications :
* Latest Dynamic Design
* 3D motion sensor
* Plug and play
* Support MS Windows, MAC and PS3
* Turbo fire button
* USB 2.0 2.4 GHz digital connection ( 10m operation range)
* Racing Wheel included
* Power : 3 x AAA batteries (not included)
* Measurement : 1 1/2″ x 5 3/4″ x 1 1/4″ inches

GP2X Wiz Game System

“Not another handheld console!” might be the exact words when you come across the GP2X Wiz Game System from Gamepark Holding. Well, this offers nothing new in terms of portable gaming, although it seems to skew more towards computer-based hardware, with a Linux-based operating system and 1GB of internal memory which can be further augmented by an SD memory card slot. The GP2X Wiz is the sequel to the GP2X, where it boasts multimedia support for that added dimension to portable entertainment, while the 533Mhz 3D accelerator plus flash engine support handles all its games with aplomb. Each purchase will come with 12 games already preloaded, and some of these are demos of future titles. We wonder how the touchscreen display function is going to be exploited by developers for new, engaging titles to be released. Do you think the asking price of $179.90 is a wee bit too high?

XCM Eye Candy Replacement Shell Kit for Nintendo DSi

Those that enjoy seeing the inside of their gadgets are going to love this new kit for the Nintendo DSi. It coats your DSi in a bright candy color and keeps things nice and clear. It’s far more interesting than just slapping a skin on the outside and a little easier than attempting to create a clear case that will show the insides of it all on your own.

The kit comes in various colors, those being candy apple red, emerald green, electric blue, a completely clear shell and then a non-clear matte black and then a white one. Not only is there a shell included, but color coordinated buttons to complete the transformation. They also include the tools you’ll need to make the case your own and keep it customized to your tastes. As far as putting the shell on all you’ll need is a screwdriver. The shell will cost you $25.99 from Divineo.

Ice Blue DS Lite Arriving on 19th July: Nintendo

Looking for some interesting gaming news! Press site of Nintendo Australia has been modified last week. It has added some rocking images of Ice Blue Nintendo DS Lite. But for the gamer’s disappointment, no announcements have yet been made.
But, here is some great news for all you gamers! While addressing a press release today, Nintendo Australia has announced the arrival date of Ice Blue Nintendo DS. On 19th July, Ice Blue Nintendo DS will arrive in Australia and it will cost around RRP of $199.95.

Zune and Xbox 360, combined!

Just to let you know, this product here, complete with picture, is a rumor. The source of this story comes from Team Xbox, who say that Microsoft is working on this Digital Entertainment Handheld. This is what it is: an Xbox 360 with a Zune. Your two favorite things in one package? Well, maybe not the Zune, but one out of two ain’t bad. (Not another “Zune slam”, stop it already.)

Anyway, the project is codenamed “xYz”. I am assuming the “X” comes from the Xbox 360 and the “Z” comes from the Zune. As for the “Y”, the answer to that is “because they can, and it would make money”.

Other facts are pretty sketchy at this point, but we do know that the xYz will come with a WVGA touchscreen. Assuming, of course, that it gets created.

Pocket Retro Game Emulator

Despite all the advancements made in the world of portable gaming to date, there is just something appealing about going retro, even more so when you can carry those classic games with you wherever you go to kill time during short breaks at work or on a long commute back. ThinkGeek understands this and has released the Pocket Retro Game Emulator to cater such needs.

The Pocket Retro Game Emulator looks a bit like the GameBoy Pocket but that’s where the similarities end. Load on NES, SNES, GBA, Sega Genesis, or Neo Geo roms and play your old favorites in the palm of your hand. With 4GB of built-in storage and a mini SD slot for expansion you can bring every single game from the best classic consoles with you. Of course in typical all encompassing gadget style you can also play movie files, audio files, use the built-in FM radio, view jpg images, read E-books, do voice recording etc…

The Pocket Retro Game Emulator will come with four control buttons on the right alongside two shoulder buttons – just nice for games up to the 16-bit era. You will need to transfer ROMs over to the Pocket Retro Game Emulator via USB from a computer, but we won’t tell you where to get those. No idea if you would want to fork out $99.99 for this when the PSP already comes with homebrew solutions to handle old school games…