CEBIT 2007: Light, wind and vibrations for your PC games
Philips amBX
system is made to help gamers immerse in computer games using lighting effects.
Special chambers installed on each speaker contain lighting units capable of
reproducing 16.7 million colours. Colour that prevails on your screen will be
emitted from the speakers, and if the game supports amBX, it can add special
lighting effects. All you need is a spare USB port.
The amBX
peripherals are offered in four packages. The first package, named Starter kit,
is a 2.1 sound system. An 80 Watt subwoofer with two 40 Watt amBX satellites
will cost 199 euros.
Pro gamer
kit ads more light effects, but with the same 2.1 sound system. It will cost
about 399 euros. The strongest system, named Premium kit is a 5.1 sound system
with vibration and air effects. These vibration effects are similar to Force
Feedback, but as we have learned they are not compatible so the game has to
have amBX support.
Two little
external 5000 rpm fans blow air to your face, simulating air effects. Well, we
didn't like it because our eyes dried out ASAP. Premium kit will cost 399
euros.
The fourth
kit is an extension kit with the vibration pad for your keyboard, and two fans
for air effects. It will cost 129 euros.
We have to
admit that the lightning effects look awesome, but the other two effects (vibration
and fan) are not so good. The vibration effects are inferior to force feedback,
and from the air ones we got red eyes. You will finally be able to really enjoy playing Gone with the wind 2.
