Samsung, Handmark intro innovation fund

Mobile phone manufacturer Samsung has just paired up with Handmark, a creator and distributor of mobile apps and services, says Moby1.

The companies have introduced something called the Global Venture Fund, which aims at investing in individuals and companies who have innovative gaming ideas that could suit the upcoming line of next-generation Samsung handsets.

The senior vice-president of global sales and strategic partnerships for Handmark, Chris Barnett, stated of the partnership: “We know there's a wealth of great ideas out there waiting to be discovered,” adding that, “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, including big brands, mobile developers or any individual with a unique, creative idea to make it a reality.”

Digital distribution of video games and downloadable content will outstrip traditional retail sales within three years, according to TNS, the company that conducted the survey, reports Telegraph.co.uk.

Analysts believe 40% of companies within the game development and retail sector are "unprepared" for the rate at which this shift from physical sales to digital downloads will take place.

More than half the UK population plays video games on a console, such as an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii, while 35% play games on their home computer, and 19% play on their mobile phones.

Nintendo has taken the wraps off a new version of the DSi handheld that sports larger 4.25-inch dual screens, according to CNET News.

The portable gaming unit will be considerably bigger than current and previous DS and DSi models. It will be dubbed the DSi LL in Japan where it goes on sale on 21 November for 20 000 yen (about $220).

In Europe, the unit will be known as the DSi XL when it appears on store shelves in the first quarter of 2010. Nintendo did not provide details on a possible North American launch.