Philips touts amBX gaming peripherals at IFA

Although amBX was launched some two years ago, not a whole lot has come of it. Earlier this year, Philips briefly mentioned the technology during its CES press conference, and now we're finally getting more details on its range of amBX-enabled peripherals. Reportedly, the lineup will be clad in graphite and silver and include "a pair of left and right satellite lights, a pair of left and right satellite 2.1 speaker lights and subwoofer, a pair of desk fans, a wrist rumbler, and a directional wall washer light that doubles as controller unit." The lights, of course, are meant to "change color and intensity in the context of what's happening onscreen," and the 160-watts of power should provide plenty of juice to rock your room of choice. Philips will be offering up four different kits depending on just how immersed you'd like to be, and while the starter kit will run you €199 ($272), the Premium Kit is likely to cost you quite a bit more when it lands in "select European markets" later this year. Check out another shot after the break.

[Zach @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:33PM]

I think I just threw up all over my laptop. having "ambient" lights on my speakers sounds so cheaply 2004. I'll stick to my z-2300s thank you very much.

[Jouke90 @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:36PM]

It looks cool and I think it will add something to your " gaming experience" but it costs too much.

[hartmania @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:48PM]

They are taking this Ambilight stuff too far.

[DarkAardvark @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:08PM]

i dont want them to stop until they come out with an "ambilight" toilet.

[LegendZ28 @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:09PM]

Actually, having lights behind your monitor does help, I installed led lights behind my TV and it allows me to avoid having a glare on the TV, by turning off all the other lamps, without having the room be completely dark.

[ryan @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:49PM]

Why don't they just make that ambilight thing on the monitor, like a tv? it makes more sense.

[Richard Lai @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:12PM]

I guess I can just turn them off when playing Doom 3?

[Justin B @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:19PM]

Naw, they're always off.

[Richard Lai @ Sep 3rd 2007 7:32PM]

That's what I meant. No point in leaving the lights on (if there is a separate swtich for them).

[sntXrrr @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:37PM]

It's not very clear but what I understand from the brochure is that games need to be programmed to support amBX, even just for the ambient wallwasher. Suddenly, 200 euros sounds even more expensive. Pity, I kinda liked the wallwasher.

[711 @ Sep 3rd 2007 3:56PM]

Why does orange light make the wall turn green?

[Aaron @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:15PM]

I need Ambilight household appliances. The toaster and refrigerator need 3D color behind them to tell me the temperature.

Agree with above. This Ambilight thing has gone way too far.

[Alexandre Ste-Marie @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:26PM]

What the hell is wrong with philips?! Sticking lights everywhere?

[PRESofUNIVERSE @ Sep 3rd 2007 6:13PM]

OMFG colored leds!!!

[Roy P @ Sep 3rd 2007 9:57PM]

if only this was out back when diablo 2 first came out :)