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OnHand wrist PDA unstrapped
The last time we heard anything about the OnHand wrist PDA was probably close to two years ago. So, given its almost complete lack of marketing, distribution, buzz or sales, we're not exactly surprised that manufacturer Matsucom has decided to call it quits and stop producing the device, which managed to incorporate a full set of PDA functions into a fairly ugly watch. The OnHand was hobbled not just by a laissez-faire approach to marketing and a poor design, but by its use of proprietary technology and limited PC support (despite being introduced in 2003, it used a serial cable instead of USB). The small OnHand community did come up with some decent hacks, including a GPS hookup and an external keyboard, but that wasn't enough to keep this going. If you're still dying to get a wrist PDA, though, all hope isn't lost. Despite constant rumors of its death, Fossil's Palm-based Abacus wrist PDA is still available from TigerDirect for about $50.
Is it a console? Is it an MP3 player?
The PocketPlay handheld from Lavod can't quite make up its mind. Making its debut across Europe in April, the device lets users play digital audio files along with a selection of Sega classic games. Although not much solid information about the PocketPlay series is available (such as, crucially, its price), we can't help but wonder how it will be received.If you're bored with the Solitaire and Breakout clones that came with your iPod, then perhaps the retro games on the PocketPlay will soothe your gaming withdrawal symptoms while you wait for a bus. However, if you're the sort to get itchy when away from a console for too long, you've probably already got a DS or PSP; if you're really into your retro games, you've probably got something else that will play them already. Combining the buzzwords "portable", "retro" and "MP3" might work, especially if the price point is attractive, but we're not convinced just yet.
End of the line for Gizmondo Europe
We've followed the Gizmondo from the beginning, so it only seems right to see it through to its end. After filing for bankruptcy, Gizmondo UK has been ordered to liquidate by the High Court. As part of this, the liquidators will probably have to sell off the company's assets -- watch out, discount Gizmondos may be coming to market stalls near you.The company is still continuing operations in the US, but this is hardly going to imbue buyers with confidence. Despite Gizmondo's failure so far, other portable gaming companies are still trying to make it big, but will they find the market too impermeable? Or was the Gizmondo simply aiming for the wrong niche, with the wrong timing? It's not impossible for new handheld devices to succeed, but it may require a stronger brand to create a third player in the portable market.[via Engadget]
