Philips have launched their amBX gaming hardware at CES 2007.

amBX is a system developed by the Surrey based Philips amBX Group which aims to produce a full sensory experience for games, movies, music, websites and other media through the use of furniture and accessories including fans, lights, heaters, rumble-packs and other potential devices. The amBX system utilises scripts built into games, DVDs and other media, but will most likely include an automated option for providing basic lighting effects for non-amBX enabled content, similar to how Ambilight, another Philips Technology, works. The first amBX-enabled game, Broken Sword: The Angel of Death has already been released and Philips have now showcased the technology with a demo of Supreme Commander.

US boss, Stewart Muller told the audience,"What you have is a wall-washer, which displays 16 million colours behind the computer screen. You have two desk fans which blow at different intensity levels depending on what's happening in the game. You have two satellite speakers with integrated lights. What's not shown here is the wrist-rumbler and the subwoofer.

"In essence, the amBX technology you have just felt represents a totally new software language that gives gamers an experience in the real world, not just the virtual world."

Philips are hoping to bring many more publishers on board after Codemasters, Juju Entertainment and THQ teamed up with the electronics company last year.

The first range of amBX products will start at US$199 for a basic kit, which contains “directional wall washer light, controller unit and satellite lights”, $99 US$ 99 for an extension Kit, which includes a set of desk fans and wrist-rumbler or a full kit which features all of the products for US$399.

Photos of the amBX hardware can be viewed here

Sources : Wikipedia and Games Industry.biz