Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[British Telecom says it's 'highly likely' to write off OnLive stake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/british-telecom-says-its-highly-likely-to-write-off-onlive-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/british-telecom-says-its-highly-likely-to-write-off-onlive-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/british-telecom-says-its-highly-likely-to-write-off-onlive-st/#comments 0British Telecom has reported that it is "highly likely" to simply write off the 2.6 percent stake it invested in the recently rebooted cloud computing service, OnLive. The issue isn't yet settled, but a BT spokesperson told TechRadar that "the 2.6 percent shareholding in OnLive does not represent a significant investment for BT as a whole. We consider it highly likely that we'll have to write off our investment."

HTC also made a $40 million investment in OnLive, and it has already reported to the Taiwanese Stock Exchange that it considers the money written off. With all of OnLive's assets being transferred to form a new company, getting compensated for their investments may be more trouble than it's worth for both HTC and BT.

But the book isn't closed just yet - BT says it will "keep a close eye on developments" with OnLive, and that current customers who are able to access the service can continue to do so for the time being.

JoystiqBritish Telecom says it's 'highly likely' to write off OnLive stake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british-telecombtcompanieshtcinvestmentmobileonlivepcstakestockstaiwanTue, 21 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Onlive launches in UK, offers cheap games and other deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/onlive-launches-in-uk-offers-cheap-games-and-other-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/onlive-launches-in-uk-offers-cheap-games-and-other-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/onlive-launches-in-uk-offers-cheap-games-and-other-deals/#comments As promised, OnLive has brought its brand of cloud gaming to the UK as of today. If you're interested in checking it out, the service is offering some worthwhile deals.

If you use BT's broadband service, you'll be able to subscribe to the "PlayPack," a monthly program that gives you unlimited access to over 100 games, for 3 months at no cost. That offer through BT can be found here. Oh, and OnLive play won't count toward your BT usage limit from now until January 2, 2012. It may start accruing after that, unless BT offers any other usage deals.

Additionally, if you visit OnLive at the Eurogamer Expo, you can get a free MicroConsole, and all new UK OnLive users can get their first game for £1. Regular prices for those services are £6.99 a month for the PlayPack and £39.99 per purchased game, should you like it enough to use it again.

JoystiqOnlive launches in UK, offers cheap games and other deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btcloud-gamingonlivepcukThu, 22 Sep 2011 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive hopes to make it to the UK by 'the end of 2011']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/onlive-hopes-to-make-it-to-the-uk-by-the-end-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/onlive-hopes-to-make-it-to-the-uk-by-the-end-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/onlive-hopes-to-make-it-to-the-uk-by-the-end-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"We'll announce further details about our launch plans later this year, but we would hope to make it available by the end of 2011," a British Telecom spokesperson told PCR. BT, who announced this partnership last month, will offer OnLive through select broadband bundles -- it will also be available to existing customers and PlusNet subscribers. "Over time, as consumer broadband connectivity increases and as games become more complex, we expect cloud-based distribution models for gaming to become increasingly attractive and mainstream," the spokesperson added.

OnLive is currently set to launch in the US on June 17. Pre-registrants gain access to a free game and free year's subscription. As of now, no such incentive has been announced for the UK.

JoystiqOnLive hopes to make it to the UK by 'the end of 2011' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BTcloudcloud-gamingcloud-storagegame-streamingOnLiveonlive-game-servicepcPlusNetUKMon, 07 Jun 2010 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive headed to the UK through BT partnership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/onlive-headed-to-the-uk-through-bt-partnership/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/onlive-headed-to-the-uk-through-bt-partnership/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/onlive-headed-to-the-uk-through-bt-partnership/#comments
Streaming games on demand spearheader OnLive has announced a partnership with BT, whereby the British communications firm has taken a 2.6 percent share in the company and will have the exclusive rights to bundle OnLive service with its broadband packages in the UK. "We're really excited about OnLive's potential in Europe, and looking forward to kicking it off in the UK through our partnership with BT," OnLive CEO Steve Perlman said in a post on the company's blog.

"Today we are announcing that BT, the largest broadband operator in the UK, has formed a partnership with and has made an investment in OnLive. We'll be working together with BT to bring the OnLive Game Service to the UK, such that it operates reliably and with high quality over the UK's Internet backbone to BT's broadband customers," Perlman wrote. "I know everyone would like the exact details of when OnLive will be available in the UK, but we are not announcing dates just yet. We're completely focused on our US launch this summer. Once we get the US service up and running, we'll be sharing more details, including when we'll be starting a UK public Beta."

Addressing those in the region who already have broadband service, Perlman said that "UK gamers will also be able to order the OnLive Game Service directly from OnLive to run over any UK ISP," adding that, "What's great about Western Europe geographically is that so many countries are within a 1000 mile (1600 km) radius, which is within the latency limit for a single OnLive data center. We've tested OnLive across all of Western Europe spanning from the UK to Italy and from Scandinavia down to Spain."

The OnLive service is slated to launch in the US this June 17 for PC and Mac users, with an initial lineup of titles numbering in the teens. The company's stand-alone "micro-console" hardware has yet to be dated for release here, but will be available at the service's UK launch. We're in touch with OnLive with the hope of bringing you more details regarding this morning's announcement later today.

JoystiqOnLive headed to the UK through BT partnership originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btcloud-gaminggame-streamingonlivestreamingukThu, 13 May 2010 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP's Go!Messenger to Go! away next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/psps-go-messenger-to-go-away-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/psps-go-messenger-to-go-away-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/psps-go-messenger-to-go-away-next-month/#comments Goodbye Go!Messenger. Apparently no one is using you. Sony is pulling the plug on the free VoIP service for PSP after only one year of use. Edge Online confirms that Go!Messenger, which launched in Europe on February 29 of last year, will be shutting down next month on March 31.

The service utilized the Go!Cam peripheral for live videochat, and though Go!Messenger will be gone soon, Sony promises other services that use the add-on device are on the way. You hear that? Don't chuck that camera in the rubbish bin just yet.

JoystiqPSP's Go!Messenger to Go! away next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btgo-messengervoipMon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IPTV on the 360 still in test, not totally dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/iptv-on-the-360-still-in-test-not-totally-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/iptv-on-the-360-still-in-test-not-totally-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/iptv-on-the-360-still-in-test-not-totally-dead/#commentsFiled under:


Xbox 360 IPTV, a feature that was announced back in 2007 and has been on the back burner since, is still in the works and may still see a worldwide launch.

Zatz Not Funny! is reporting that IPTV is going through "multiple carrier field trials" and that U.S. 360 owners may be able to get IPTV access through AT&Ts U-verse. Though, that's only speculation. As far as Europe goes, BT is still the go-to IPTV carrier, but official launch details are still up in the air. All said, we wonder if anyone is still interested in IPTV functionality on the 360. Anyone?

[Via Gizmodo]

JoystiqIPTV on the 360 still in test, not totally dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btiptvxbox-360Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 as set-top box: 'not able to receive or record live TV']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-as-set-top-box-not-able-to-receive-or-record-live-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-as-set-top-box-not-able-to-receive-or-record-live-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-as-set-top-box-not-able-to-receive-or-record-live-tv/#commentsFiled under:

Puzzling details about Microsoft's partnership with UK telecom company BT Group have begun to trickle down. According to BBC, when used as a set-top box to deliver BT's television service, Xbox 360 "will not be able to receive or record live TV." Say what?

The report describes the subscription-based service (with 12-month contract) as a library of on-demand content - yeah, like this one - that includes "near-live" Premier League soccer matches. "The reason for streaming-only on the Xbox is because currently the console does not have the capability for live TV or enough hard drive [space] for practical downloading of content," a BT spokesman told BBC, seemingly hinting that a firmware update could be in the works to enable live streaming. [Update: BT's current service only offers over-the-air live broadcasts (and not via IPTV); without a tuner, Xbox 360 is not capable of receiving the company's live programming.]

Whatever the case, something ain't right here, so we've put a call into Microsoft for answers. Stay tuned.

We've finally heard back from MS; their statement is attached after the break:

Continue reading Xbox 360 as set-top box: 'not able to receive or record live TV'

JoystiqXbox 360 as set-top box: 'not able to receive or record live TV' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btbt-visiondvriptvstbXbox-360Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BT's 360 TV service on-demand only, over the air live TV not possible [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/british-telecom-360-tv-service-on-demand-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/british-telecom-360-tv-service-on-demand-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/british-telecom-360-tv-service-on-demand-only/#commentsFiled under:

Upon reading a BBC article published today, it seems that British Telecom's planned IPTV service is much less attractive than we had hoped. It turns out that the service does not support live TV or digital video recorder (DVR) functionality, but will be entirely on-demand. In other words, 360 owners will have access to BT's programming library, but won't be flipping channels or recording their favorite shows to watch later. Looking through the CES press release again, the only advantage we can see over the standard set-top box service (which offers live TV and DVR) is that gamers can stay connected to Xbox Live while watching on-demand programming through their 360s, allowing them to send messages and receive game invites among other things. We're not sure that alone justifies a 12-month contract. Of course, if you're interested in nabbing a BT set-top box and you just happen to have a 360 as well, it makes some sense.

Perhaps the most interesting quote in the BBC article is from a BT spokesman: "The reason for streaming only on the Xbox is because currently the console does not have the capability for live TV ...." Now, we know the 360 is capable of live TV, as it was demonstrated at last year's CES. Furthermore, all IPTV is streaming, which makes the quote a bit odd. As far as we know, the only thing keeping the 360 from streaming IPTV is a firmware update. For now, we'll give BT the benefit of the doubt and assume that's what the spokesperson was referring to. We've got a call in to Microsoft for clarification.

Update: After a helpful comment and some digging, we've figured out the basis for British Telecom's claim that the 360 couldn't support live TV. It turns out that BT's live TV offerings are all made over the air. In other words, live TV is received via an antenna, something the 360 currently can't do. The on-demand services, on the other hand, are offered through IPTV. Still, as the first official IPTV offering on the 360, it seems a bit lacking. (Thanks for the insight, mike.)

[Thanks, Scotty Turbo]

JoystiqBT's 360 TV service on-demand only, over the air live TV not possible [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british-telecombtiptvWed, 09 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK telecom company BT Group first to use Xbox 360 as set-top box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/uk-telecom-company-bt-group-to-use-xbox-360-as-set-top-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/uk-telecom-company-bt-group-to-use-xbox-360-as-set-top-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/uk-telecom-company-bt-group-to-use-xbox-360-as-set-top-box/#commentsFiled under: ,

Having previously announced its intentions to have the Xbox 360 as a set-top box (STB) at last year's Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates told the audience at this year's keynote that British telecommunications company BT Group will be the first company to use the console as a set-top box, whose interface was most recently seen by accident in a repaired console.

Said Gates, "The final announcement, last year we talked about the 360 being an STB -- this year we're excited to announce that BT will be the first to provide that capability. Buy a 360 and use it as an STB for your TV." No other details are given (what about DVR?), but we're hoping to hear some more soon. Check out our hands-on with the service from last year's show.

JoystiqUK telecom company BT Group first to use Xbox 360 as set-top box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gatesbreakingnewsbritish-telecommunicationsbtbt-groupcesces-08ces-2008consumer-electronics-showdvrgatesiptvmicrosoftXbox-360Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Go! Messenger brings IM, voice and video chat to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/go-messenger/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/go-messenger/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/go-messenger/#commentsFiled under:

Sony has officially unveiled PSP's upcoming VOIP service, to be called Go! Messenger. The program will be downloadable and installed into the XMB in a future firmware upgrade. Through it, PSP owners will be able to instant message each other using a "new and intuitive on-screen keyboard." By using a headset, users will be able to voice chat; and by using Go!Cam, video chat will also be enabled.

"With Go!Messenger, PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication functionalities to all the existing multimedia experiences," said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "Enabling more than 8.5 Million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through Video or Voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP.''

The service has been developed in partnership with BT, one of the world's leading telecom providers. Sony plans on adding even more functionality to the PSP through Go!Explore and the Go! branded video download service. European PSP owners will have a lot to look forward to -- hopefully, SCEA will follow-up with its own American service.

JoystiqGo! Messenger brings IM, voice and video chat to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btleipziglgc07voipWed, 22 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BT demonstrates its PSP VoIP technology]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/bt-demonstrates-its-psp-voip-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/bt-demonstrates-its-psp-voip-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/bt-demonstrates-its-psp-voip-technology/#commentsFiled under:

BBC News has an exclusive video of PSP's upcoming VoIP functionality. In a deal made with BT, PSP users will be able to make free video calls to other PSP owners, and PC users equipped with the appropriate software. The service will initially only work at home and at BT hotspots, but can be expanded in the future.

In the video above, you can see BT's Steve Andrews speaking on the potential of the platform: "What we've done is allow users to talk, see each other, and send messages to each other on something they take for granted, which is a wonderful device that's called the PSP."

JoystiqBT demonstrates its PSP VoIP technology originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbtsteve andrewsSteveAndrewsvoipThu, 07 Jun 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP getting VoIP'ed in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/psp-getting-voiped-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/psp-getting-voiped-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/psp-getting-voiped-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

hit me up, yo
UK telecommunications operator BT has developed software for PSP that will enable Sony's handheld to call other participating PSPs and some BT phones in the UK, and eventually PCs, landlines and other cellies in as many as 100 additional countries. Using the Go!Cam peripheral (currently scheduled for a UK release on May 25), the service will utilize BT's 21 Century Network, which has been designed for IP technology -- supporting both voice and video calling. BT plans to reveal further details during the Leipzig Games Convention in August, but the service's initial launch will be limited to UK calls to and from home or BT-operated wireless hotspots (there are roughly 2,000 scattered in and around airports, train stations, hotels and fast food joints in the UK).

BBC recalls that Nintendo was the first to has also attempted to transform a portable gaming device into a clunky, crippled phone, revealing DSpeak in 2005, which enabled Mario-mimicking VoIP calls -- but the application was never released. Still, with a headset, DS users can make calls to friends while both are playing VoIP-compatible games like Metroid and Pokémon.

Update: PSP games like SOCOM Fireteam Bravo also support player-to-player VoIP communication via a headset.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqPSP getting VoIP'ed in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btgocamMobilepspukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvoipWed, 23 May 2007 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP gains phone functionality in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/psp-gains-phone-functionality-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/psp-gains-phone-functionality-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/psp-gains-phone-functionality-in-uk/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe has partnered up with BT to provide "high-quality video calls, voice calls and text messaging" for PSP users. The four-year deal will first provide Softphone, a service which will allow PSP owners to communicate with other internet-connected Softphone users (similar to other VoIP services). The program will eventually expand so that PSP owners can make calls to standard land and mobile phones.

David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said: "It is very exciting for us to be partnering with BT on such a unique project. The opportunity to combine our market leading expertise with BT's knowledge in communications opens up many possibilities and we look forward to bringing many exciting communication functions to PSP fans."

An American version has yet to be announced. However, a look into the PSP firmware reveals future plans for a Skype extension. We hope that VoIP will be made available soon for PSP users all over the world.

[Thanks, KanataThunder!]

JoystiqPSP gains phone functionality in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btphonesoftphonevoipWed, 23 May 2007 10:00:00 EST