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Gameboy Advance Users to Get Bluetooth Internet

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the now-thats-what-I'm-talking-about dept.

AEton writes "According to this Extremetech article, X-Tra Fun has developed a Bluetooth module for the Gameboy Advance which is expected to ship by Christmas 2003. The $49 module includes Bluetooth connectivity, although a cellphone or other Bluetooth device with Internet access is required to use the Internet, and it comes with an embedded eCos Linux kernel with a Web browser and 255 pages' worth of cache. A $99 upgrade adds a Secure Digital card slot and a dongle!"

7 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Linux distros? by bigattichouse · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Is there a linux distro that runs on Gameboy? I'd like to have swarms of little Gameboys in a cluster ;)

    --
    meh
  2. Dongle? by freeze128 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I'm am very disappointed by the widespread misuse of the term "dongle".

    A dongle is a hardware security device to prevent software piracy. It plugs into your PC's Parallel port. It was named after its creator, Don Gall.
    I mostly blame Xircom for propagating this mistake. They advertise a PCMCIA network card that "eliminates the dongle".

    Just because it DANGLES, it doesn't mean it is a DONGLE.

  3. Re:MMMORPG by bigattichouse · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Wow, too bad we can't put GPS on it, and make a MMPRPG that maps to the real world!... so as you walk around the real world, you have a "window" into the game... so I see you have one, and we can do battle, or some such... put some "god" users to walk around and create the world (like tunnels where there are real subways, etc.) Sort of a geocaching+multiplayer... now all you need is a pair of HUD glasses to make a completely nerd-immersion game! And you could "disoconnect" the map so you can wander around without needing to actually walk anywhere. That could be really cool.

    --
    meh
  4. What about typing? by Tafs · · Score: 3, Interesting

    How am I supposed to enter URIs and fill out forms on this thing? If the system is the same as for entering names in games, it's going to take a loong time. But you could always make a page with all your favourite links, I guess.

    Then again, maybe you won't be able to access any other sites than theirs anyway : "X-traFun, Inc. (XFI) is committed to building the world's largest and safest mobile wireless online community for children. Through the creation and development of innovative wireless Internet-safe products, we provide children with fun, easy-to-use, and meaningful tools for their education, entertainment, and exploration of the 'Information Superhighway' in a safe and secure environment."

  5. What's the range? by gilesjuk · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I thought Bluetooth had a very limited range? doesn't make sense to use Bluetooth unless there are many access points.

  6. According to the FAQ: by lightspawn · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Q. When will the X-traFun cartridge be available for purchase by consumers?
    A. Q1, 2003

    By my calculations, Q1 2003 is already over.

    Furthermore, the top of the web site proudly displays both the GBA and the GBC logos, although the FAQ states it's a GBA-only product.

    The 'developers' section contains no useful material of any kind, and the 'click here to upload your software applications' link is broken.

    Are we supposed to take this product/company seriously?

  7. Re:MMMORPG by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    we're working on it:

    http://www.cc.gatech.edu/ccg/publications/imagin a2 000/