At the heart of Gametrac is a 400MHz ARM9 processor running Microsoft's Windows CE .NET operating system.
 
Gametrac says it chose Windows CE .NET as the gaming device's embedded OS based on "its easy-to-use, rapid development tools, including device emulation, board support packages, and the Platform Wizard; for its leading-edge multimedia technologies; and for the ability to combine that rich functionality into a small footprint. The intention is to maximise the inevitability of growth through convergence between the content-driven mobile device market and Internet protocols."
 
Gametrac selected Intrinsyc Software to provide application development and Windows CE .NET integration services for Gametrac's advanced series of "Gametrac" handheld gaming devices. Intrinsyc says it will develop fully-customized embedded software based on Microsoft's Windows CE .NET operating system along with telephony application software based on Intrinsyc's GSM/GPRS intellectual property, and will provide systems integration services for the new gaming devices.
 
Scott Horn, Director of Microsoft's Embedded Devices Group, said Microsoft is "delighted that Gametrac chose Window CE .NET to power their cutting edge mobile entertainment device." Additionally, he noted that "as a Microsoft Gold Level Windows Embedded Partner, Intrinsyc Software is an ideal systems integrator to assist Gametrac in building its next-generation consumer device based on the Windows CE .NET operating system."
 
"We welcome Intrinsyc and Microsoft into the Gametrac operation," said Tiger Telematics CEO Mike Carrender.
 
"We chose the Windows CE .NET platform for two main reasons. Firstly, the world already knows of its comprehensive, user friendly and familiar access memory. This coupled with a global support infrastructure and striving design ethos was an important element within our decision making process."
 
"Secondly, the ability to run such a feature-rich catalogue of multi-media content was irresistible and complements both our technical and commercial ambitions. Using some of the highest speed processing engines available on the market today, we hope to utilise Windows CE .NET to the full."
 
"We are delighted by this partnership and look forward to a long and fruitful future with Intrinsyc. Intrinsyc's inherent ability to adapt these types of applications onto consumer mobile platforms, combined with their association with Microsoft makes this deal a must," Carrender added.
 
"This is a very significant contract for Intrinsyc that demonstrates the wide range of devices and applications that we are capable of helping device manufacturers deliver," commented Intrinsyc CEO Derek Spratt. "We continue to win new contracts in the consumer electronics space and help companies such as Tiger Telematics break new ground with innovative wireless computing solutions".
 
Intrinsyc says the contract is valued at approximately CDN $900,000 and includes provisions for ongoing royalties based on unit sales.

The Register reports that the Gametrac, that portable video game console that will play MP3s and MPEG-4 video files, send and receive text messages, and will have a built-in digital camera, Bluetooth for wireless multi-player gaming, and GPS, might retail for as little as 60 pounds (about $100) in the UK after carrier subsidy. Compare this with the N-Gage, which goes for $300.