Gaming grows up, moves out
By Chris Chiarella Posted 07.08.2009 at 1:45 pm 16 Comments

Dim Those Dashboard Lights Courtesy OnLive

Play the latest videogames without investing in an ultra-fast computer, a pricey console or even a disc from the local game store. Just log onto OnLive, a Web service that runs processor-hogging games on its own computers and zaps them over the Internet to almost any screen, including your cheap laptop or TV.

Game Show: Play OnLive’s games on a TV using a controller and small console. Or 
play on any computer, no extras needed  Courtesy OnLive

The action is almost as quick as if it came from a box in your living room. When you press a key, whether to shoot an enemy or catch a ball, OnLive’s servers calculate the next image at least 15 times as rapidly as an ordinary desktop PC does. Then software compresses the image so it can reach you in less than 80 milliseconds. This compression differs for each user, because OnLive constantly measures the speed of your Internet connection to determine how much data it can squeeze through. Sometimes it decreases the pictures’ quality, but they look natural in motion.

Kiss Disks Goodbye:  Courtesy OnLive

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Tags

Entertainment & Gaming, july 2009, online gaming, videogame consoles, videogames, What's New
OnLive works on PCs and Macs with a simple browser plug-in, and on TVs when you add a small console [right]. The beta program begins this summer, and although subscription prices for the winter launch haven’t been set, they’ll certainly beat the cost of buying a gaming rig plus Crysis Warhead, Major League Baseball 2K9 and the rest of the dozen-plus available games.

Get It: OnLive Game Service and MicroConsole
Price not set; onlive.com

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16 Comments

link to this comment
jpf190279
06/26/09 at 9:58 am

This is one of the most exciting and game changing ideas to enter the gaming community since the invention of the games console.

This idea really does have near infinite potential.

I am personally eagerly awaiting its deployment in the UK.

"I'm smarter than the average bear" - Yoga Bear of Yellowstone Park

link to this comment
meyaht
07/08/09 at 2:45 pm

I have been using VNC to play games (poorly) on my home PC from my friends house who's computer can't run the game. Its a low-quality result but thats because i am doing it myself. I'm excited to see someone smarter then me polish this idea to work up to it's potential. I just hope they offer World of Warcraft.

link to this comment
bgres07
07/08/09 at 2:58 pm

Doubtful, I want to be able to take my game anywhere I want without having to unhook my entire console. DLC is crap, it just means you can only play it on one console and then if that console dies you lose everything you bought. I'll stick with my discs.

link to this comment
Khayman
07/08/09 at 4:26 pm

Hmmm interesting. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this development. This is an outstanding concept if they manage to get it off the ground, and if it performs as advertised. Plus I like the controller.

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mitEj
07/09/09 at 9:03 am

I think many people (myself included) will continue to play on the pc. This is an interesting thing but it does require a few services to work. Also have you done a side by side comparison between the results of playing these games in different formats (console/pc/this service) ?

With out a genuine side by side there is not enough here to make me excited.

Now if you want to set up the test for me I would be more than happy to try it out for you :) I already own the 3 current gen consoles and a nice (not newest top of the line) gaming rig.

link to this comment
Unintended
07/09/09 at 10:49 am

Here is what you will need:

A subscription
An Internet Connection

Simple, thats for sure but how will the subscription play out? Will the price of being able to play a game you dont own be say $15 a month? Maybe more? That would be like paying $15 for an MMO. You bought the game but you cant play it unless you pay more and more. People like to own what they play. Cultures do change but will this?

So many questions but this is old news. Took Popsci a freakin long time eh? haha. This may change everything. Thats true. We'll just have to wait.

link to this comment
canlarseslichat
07/12/09 at 4:54 pm

This idea really does have near infinite potential.

I am personally eagerly awaiting its deployment in the UK.

"I'm smarter than the average bear" - Yoga Bear of Yellowstone Park
www.canlarseslichat.com

link to this comment
DsDude
07/16/09 at 10:41 am

Brilliant, let's hope they live up to what they say. I'm sure with today technology it will not lag.

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FriendyAnil
07/24/09 at 6:11 pm

Hi sir such very awesome post. and I also like online game. my favorite online game is counter strike. it's very Entertaining game. game is part our like and it create our mind. thanks for your posting.
--
FriendyAnil
--

Real Estate--Real Estate

link to this comment
aya87
07/27/09 at 8:12 am

It's amazin
http://games.maktoob.com/

link to this comment
mgal
07/28/09 at 9:51 am

but when are not online for any reason......

then no games for you

-------------------
games are the life's oxygen
my home page: http://girls.sh3bwah.maktoob.com/

link to this comment
wrcousert
08/01/09 at 12:52 pm

OnLive has the potential to be so much more than just a video game console.

With the proper software, it could replace the PC.

Why not extend the service to applications software? In addition to playing the latest first person shooter, why can't we use it for Photoshop or Microsoft Office?

Anyone with an HDTV and a $25 Onlive adapter could have access to a vast library of PC software for a small monthly subscription. No need to buy software or worry about upgrade costs. No more expensive computers to buy.

OnLive? Are you listening?

link to this comment
wrcousert
08/01/09 at 1:09 pm

And why limit OnLive to running software? Why not video and music on demand? NetFlix currently has a library of over 12,000 videos on demand - work with them. It could also be your cable box - full access to television programming, an alternative to cable or satelite.

With a USB phone or phone adapter, OnLive could be your phone company as well.

link to this comment
sb44xx
09/03/09 at 1:06 am

I have been waiting for something like this. I see it catching on since people love playing each other online already.

George-San Diego carpet
http://www.olympiccarpet.com

link to this comment
crackpot
10/05/09 at 10:55 am

this is sick

link to this comment
Sesli Chat Sesl...
01/13/10 at 12:57 am

I want to thank this kind of good-quality shares continued my wish

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