Pixel Technologies of Israel has signed a cooperation agreement with US company Handango, which distributes software for mobile devices. Pixel develops content and technology for interactive applications involving many platforms and participants. Handango will use Pixel's JIVE technology as a general global platform for games with many players. The deal is worth $3 million over the next two years.
The agreement grants Handango a license to use Pixel's technology and distribute multi-participant games based on that technology. Developers of content for cellular devices and PDA pocket computers will use Pixel's system.
The two companies will also develop and market multi-participant game services for cell phone manufacturers and operators. The US company has agreements with 8,000 applications developers, who use its systems.
Pixel has 35 development employees in Tel Aviv and five employees in London. It recently signed an agreement with Static 2358 to provide a multi-participant game platform for British Sky network's interactive channel. Pixel is planning another financing round to raise several million dollars.
Pixel was sold in 2000 to GamePlay for $50 million in shares. After the acquiring company encountered financial trouble, the company founders, headed by Ramy Weitz, bought the company back for $1 million. Pixel's current shareholders are Weitz, Guy Poran, and Jeff Braun, whol also invested in SimiGon, another Weitz company.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 9, 2002