Gizmondo Europe Ltd has confirmed that the widescreen model in the Gizmondo range is now developed, following the publishing of unofficial prototype photographs.

The WiFi and GSM Voice-enabled Gizmondo Widescreen had been kept under wraps as part of its R&D project. It was developed as a key component of an ongoing product roadmap that currently includes plans for a number of different devices, all of which feature the unique combined functionality of games, music, movies, messaging, a digital camera and GPS technology.

The new Widescreen device will compliment the current Gizmondo, due to launch shortly in North America, and give entertainment-hungry consumers more choice in terms of specification and feature sets, as well as an upgrade path - which will be detailed prior to the projected release in the second quarter of 2006.

The new model comes with a 4" Widescreen (480 x 272 pixel). The Processor's speed has been moved up to 500MHz and memory are increased to power a suite of new onboard applications serviced via WiFi (WLAN 802.11b/g), Bluetooth version 2, and tri-band GSM technology, making it the most powerfully connected handheld entertainment device available. WiFi expands the multiplayer and interconnectivity possibilities for all Gizmondo owners.

Also new is the addition of a Transflash card reader, while keeping the SD slot. The Bluetooth software now offers support for telephony (Headset/Handsfree), gaming, and stereo headsets.