Industry site Gamasutra.com today reveal that troubled 'broadband console' manufacturer Infinium Labs may have found a way to boost their ailing coffers, after conditional investment to the eventual tune of five-million USD was received from Golden Gate Investors. The investment will allow the company to begin developing and marketing their Lapboard accessory without delay, with the company aiming for a mid-2006 launch. The lapboard incorporates a keyboard and mouse, and is rotatable for left and right-handed users. Infinium reckon it's the first PC control system which could comfortably be used sat on a sofa. It certainly looks sleek, as well.

Eventually, the peripheral will work with the console itself, which seems to be in limbo at the moment as the company attempt to continue funding the ambitious system's progress to market. "This commitment gives the Company a funding path to begin manufacturing the Phantom Lapboard and to launch marketing and for the lapboard which we target for mid 2006 allowing us to start building our manufacturing lines this year, and continue our initiative to launch the Phantom Game Service," enthused big cheese Greg Koler.

Despite this new venture then, the future remains shrouded in doubt for Infinium, whose most recent financial results reveal a decidedly challenging position. More soon.

By Luke Guttridge