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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/#comments ImageHawken keeps surprising us. First, we were surprised that the really great-looking mech shooter is being made by an indie studio, then it surprised us to learn that it would be free-to-play. And here's another surprise: Dave Perry's cloud gaming system Gaikai has signed a deal to let players see Hawken running through the service in advance of the planned December 12 release date.

Gaikai allows nearly any game to be streamed directly from its servers to any browser, which means that the first impression of the graphics-intensive Hawken will be playable anywhere Gaikai will run (including on some tablets, and computers of all shapes and sizes). This deal makes a lot of sense from both sides: Hawken needs a large audience to get its free-to-play engine running, and Gaikai could use a big title to connect users to its servers. The Gaikai demo will be on playhawken.com and a few other sites, so eyes open until then.

Continue reading Hawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release

JoystiqHawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adhesive-gamesclouddave-perryfree-to-playgaikaihawkenmechpcservershooterstreamingSun, 20 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stream IGF nominee games through OnLive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/stream-igf-nominee-games-through-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/stream-igf-nominee-games-through-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/stream-igf-nominee-games-through-onlive/#comments Haven't had a chance to play all of the IGF nominees this year? Well, a lot of them aren't out, so that makes sense. OnLive is providing the most stress-free avenue for catching up, with a two-week Indie Showcase on the streaming service.

Through March 11, you'll be able to play timed demos of 16 nominees, including: Atom Zombie Smasher, Be Good, Botanicula, Dear Esther, Dustforce, English Country Tune, Frozen Synapse, FTL, Lume, Nitronic Rush, Once Upon a Spacetime, POP, SpaceChem, To The Moon, Toren, and WAY. Your "likes" and play sessions will be tallied by OnLive to determine the most popular IGF game on the service.

Then, starting March 5, OnLive will put a bunch of previous IGF honorees on sale. Basically, no matter what, you're going to be able to find some kind of indie thing to play.

Continue reading Stream IGF nominee games through OnLive

JoystiqStream IGF nominee games through OnLive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>igf-2012indieonlivepcstreamingstreaming-gameplayTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/gface-crytek-backed-streaming-game-network-goes-into-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/gface-crytek-backed-streaming-game-network-goes-into-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/gface-crytek-backed-streaming-game-network-goes-into-beta/#comments No longer content with making incredibly technologically advanced games, Crytek is going after the casual space with a browser-based, social gaming platform called Gface (so that's what that trademark was for!), developed and maintained by an affiliate, also called Gface.

Gface is sort of like a game-focused Facebook: a cross-platform social network designed to facilitate playing casual or hardcore, 2D or 3D games with people, and finding more people to play with. Games are delivered through a plugin based on the "Seed Engine," enabling installation-free, streaming gameplay.

If you're interested in checking out Gface, the company is hosting signups for a closed beta. Maybe if you get in, you can find out what the games are!

JoystiqGface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekgfacemobilepcsocial-networkingstreamingSun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/xbl-getting-crackle-cinemanow-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/xbl-getting-crackle-cinemanow-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/xbl-getting-crackle-cinemanow-apps/#comments If Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus and the Zune marketplace haven't been enough to satiate your unquenchable thirst for all things cinematic, perhaps two more apps will help quell the raging torrent in your soul. Crackle, a free service, has a somewhat limited and eccentric selection of movies and television shows to choose from, although they do have a rather impressive selection of classic anime like Ah! My Goddess and Galaxy Express 999.

Best Buy's CinemaNow ecosystem has more new releases to choose from, but its services require cash money. It's unclear whether all of the content on these two services will be available through the respective apps, or if some content will be restricted, like the YouTube and Hulu Plus apps. If our calculations are correct, Xbox Live only needs 2 more movie apps and 4 more internet radio apps before it becomes self aware.

JoystiqXBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeappbest-buycinemanowcracklelivemicrosoftmoviesstreamingtelevisionxboxXbox-LiveSat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/#comments Unlike its unflinching US equivalents, News Corp-owned Sky TV is readying its service for availability via broadband, rather than solely through traditional cable box delivery. The company announced plans today to bring a mixed on-demand/pay-per-month streaming service to the UK in the coming months -- a move we've yet to see made on this side of the Atlantic from any major cable provider.

Sky's first step is competing with the likes of Netflix and LoveFilm with an on-demand video service, as well as a pay-per-month unlimited option. And that service is set to expand not long after the initial "first half of 2012" launch time frame, with sports and entertainment offerings said to be coming "soon afterward."

What does any of this have to do with gaming, you wonder? Well, silly, Sky TV is offered via both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and the plan going forward is to continue that support on "a wide range of connected devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and connected TVs." It's unclear how currently available apps will be affected, but we'll assuredly see more from the UK TV provider as we move through the first half of 2012.

Continue reading Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK

JoystiqSky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidenglandiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewscorppcplaystationps3sky-tvskytvstreamingstreaming-televisionstreaming-tvukunited-kingdomxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/#comments Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who you may remember from his Match.com profile video explanation video of Netflix's aborted split into two companies, said Netflix has no plans to offer video games right now, speaking in a Q4 investor meeting today. Hastings didn't offer more details on far-future plans, but he did confirm Netflix is investigating 3D streaming options to supplement its Blu-ray 3D disc service.

For now, it looks like gamers all will be getting is digital and physical disservice.

JoystiqNetflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftNetflixnintendoplaystationps3reed-hastingsstreamingwiixboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai full-game streaming to start 3 months after launching on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/gaikai-full-game-streaming-to-start-3-months-after-launching-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/gaikai-full-game-streaming-to-start-3-months-after-launching-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/gaikai-full-game-streaming-to-start-3-months-after-launching-on/#comments Gaikai is set to launch full-game streaming services on its network of gaming and entertainment websites, ramping up its current demo-only model, GamesIndustry reports. After launching its cloud service on Facebook, Gaikai will roll out full-game streaming on retailer sites such as YouTube, Best Buy and Walmart, and on publisher sites such as EA and Ubisoft.

Full-game streaming will go live about 90 days after the Facebook service begins, which should be soon, Gaikai head Dave Perry says. Gaikai's main competition is OnLive, but Perry says there is a huge difference between the two companies. "They have to modify the game; they have to get the source code to the game," Perry said. "Gaikai doesn't require modification of the game."

There are no direct plans to put Gaikai on console, but Perry can see the need for cloud services on all platforms: "You do not want to be the console that can't do this," he said. "You do not want to be the retail website that doesn't have playable games on it. You don't want to be the gaming website that you can't buy a game from.

"I don't want to take your console from your cold dead hands, that's not the case at all. You're going to continue to play the way you play, but just imagine that you could have an opinion on all games because you've been able to try all of them."

JoystiqGaikai full-game streaming to start 3 months after launching on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-BuycloudEAfacebookgaikaimacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3streamingUbisoftwiixboxyoutubeTue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai will introduce your mom to hardcore gaming through Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/gaikai-will-introduce-your-mom-to-hardcore-gaming-through-facebo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/gaikai-will-introduce-your-mom-to-hardcore-gaming-through-facebo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/gaikai-will-introduce-your-mom-to-hardcore-gaming-through-facebo/#comments Streaming service Gaikai has finalized a deal to bring hardcore PC game demos to Facebook, following previous deals made with YouTube, Wal Mart and others. Gaikai said it has been working with Facebook for some time, and it sees this as a golden opportunity for both parties.

"Facebook already owns the category of casual gaming; we're going to help them own core games," founder David Perry said at Cloud Gaming Europe, GamesIndustry reports. "A click and boom, you're playing World of Warcraft."

Perry demoed World of Warcraft on Facebook, but later clarified to GameSpot that Gaikai "is NOT bringing WoW to Facebook (at least not in the foreseeable future)." Gaikai's approach to streaming games sees it in more of a marketing role than a game-provider, but introducing the Facebook audience to more hardcore opportunities shouldn't be a bad thing. Unless your mom starts sending you invites to join her guild page, "Massive Mamacitas."

JoystiqGaikai will introduce your mom to hardcore gaming through Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudfacebookgaikaihardcoremacpcstreamingWed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/#comments If you're someone whose hatred of physical media and cluttered entertainment systems is rivaled only by your passion for contemporary gaming and universal controllers, your next television purchase may have just become as conflicted as your eccentric little heart of hearts.

Gaikai and LG have announced plans to place Gaikai's cloud-based game-streaming services inside of LG's upcoming 2012 line of Cinema 3D TVs. The service will use Gaikai's middleware to power an LG-branded gaming portal within the company's existing Smart TV app ecosystem. No information has yet been given regarding how these games will actually be played, but we're hopeful it will involve a controller of some kind, rather than creative use of the TV's remote.

OnLive has also announced further integration of its cloud-based game-streaming service into Google's GoogleTV platform, by way of Vizio's "next generation" of "Internet Apps Plus" devices. Vizio TVs equipped with Internet Apps Plus and GoogleTV 2.0 will allow users to connect their Universal Controller and stream games normally. This is a big leap from OnLive's current GoogleTV presence, which is currently limited to a "Player" app that allows GoogleTV users to spectate OnLive games happening on other devices. No word on whether full OnLive functionality will come to other devices running GoogleTV 2.0.

Continue reading Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs

JoystiqGaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2012Cloud-gaminggaikaiGoogle-TVGoogleTVLGonliveSmart-TVstreamingTVvizioWed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/#comments As of today, the lands of the UK and Ireland will use Netflix not only as a noun, but as a verb. Today they begin saying, "Wait, you haven't seen that? Netflix it!" The movie rental company's streaming service is available now on PC, certain televisions, PS3 and Wii. The Xbox 360 app will hit later today.

Netflix is available to try at no cost for one month, and after that it's £5.99 or €6.99, depending on your region. Netflix for the UK was announced late last year, shortly after the PR disaster that saw the birth and death of Qwikster in a little under a month. The company's stock is still recovering from the free fall.

JoystiqPSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeIrelandmicrosoftNetflixnintendoplaystationps3streamingstreaming-videoUKunited-kingdomwiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/#comments Microsoft's streaming television service in the US is still in its infancy, but the company reportedly has plans to greatly expand it in the coming months, even introducing its own programming. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is currently on the hunt for a television exec to handle said original programming, with two ex-NBC suits named as potential candidates (Marc Graboff and Jess Gaspin).

No details are given on what kind of content the company might provide, though the report says it will be paired with the already existing streaming offerings. Microsoft already dips its toe into original programming via the Xbox Live Dashboard (Major's Minute, Xbox 101, etc.), and hosts partners for promotional tie-in videos (IGN) alongside streaming services like Crackle, HBO Go, and the Zune Marketplace. The company also worked in the past with NBC on the network "MSNBC," though Microsoft later exited the partnership. The Redmond, WA-based company isn't offering any comment at this time regarding the report.

JoystiqBloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergjeff-gaspinlive-tvmarc-graboffmicrosoftnbcoriginal-programmingreportstreamingtelevisionxboxxbox-liveMon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/#comments NinjaBee's decidedly adorable city-building game, A Kingdom for Keflings, is the latest arrival on the recently launched OnLive mobile streaming application. As part of its welcoming celebration, the title will run players $2.50 (down from $9.99) through midnight on Monday, December 12. Better yet, anyone who bought the PC version of the game directly through NinjaBee's site are eligible to receive a free OnLive copy -- just email Swag@NinjaBee.com with the subject "Keflings OnLive," including the name and email address you used to buy the game.

The OnLive version is one of few games on the platform to be altered to include native touchscreen controls, making it a nice fit on tablets like the iPad 2 and Android devices. Keflings, you see, are meant to be poked and prodded, not manipulated with cold, unfeeling joysticks.

Continue reading Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls

JoystiqKingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsandroidiosipadmobileninjabeeonlivestreamingtabletThu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlive-releases-ios-and-android-apps-custom-touch-controls-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlive-releases-ios-and-android-apps-custom-touch-controls-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlive-releases-ios-and-android-apps-custom-touch-controls-and/#comments Cloud gaming service OnLive has been up and running for about a year now, and in all that time it's been doing exactly what many gamers thought impossible: Playing high resolution games over the Internet on any computer powerful enough to run a simple streaming app. Now, the company is taking its cloud-based show to smartphones and tablets, with a whole suite of apps available this week for Android and iOS devices.

Joystiq had a chance to chat with OnLive CEO Steve Perlman, and he told us how the company has brought OnLive's library of PC and console titles to touchscreens everywhere (with the help of developers like Rockstar Games and a brand new controller), how OnLive and its service compares to the Xbox 360 console, and how his company would rather play nice with traditional console makers like Microsoft and Sony than disrupt their current business models.

Continue reading OnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller

JoystiqOnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsceocloudgamingiosipadiphonemobileonlivesteve-perlmanstreamingtabletWed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon FiOS kicking off Xbox 360 streaming TV with 26 channels for subscribers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/verizon-fios-kicking-off-xbox-360-streaming-tv-with-26-channels/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/verizon-fios-kicking-off-xbox-360-streaming-tv-with-26-channels/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/verizon-fios-kicking-off-xbox-360-streaming-tv-with-26-channels/#comments Are you ready to watch a limited selection of channels (26) from Verizon FiOS via your Xbox 360? Verizon and Microsoft sure hope so, this morning announcing plans to offer cable access to Xbox Live Gold members who also pay for Verizon's FiOS TV and internet service plans. That's right: if you pay for a subscription to Xbox Live, and pay for a cable TV subscription, and pay for a cable internet connection, then you can watch 26 of your Verizon FiOS channels on an Xbox 360. Hot ... dog?

Additionally, Kinect "voice and gesture commands" functionality will come with the service, enabling you to shout, "Why am I paying so much to view something I can already watch on my television?" for instance. New FiOS customers can take advantage of an initial promo lasting until January 21 that discounts Verizon's "Triple Play" internet/TV/phone to $89.99 a month (at least for the first two years), and includes both a free 12-month XBL Gold membership and a copy of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

Comcast and HBO are also signed on for as yet unspecified streaming deals with Microsoft. A Bloomberg report from earlier this year indicated that even more content providers had signed on, though Microsoft has only confirmed a handful of said providers thus far.

JoystiqVerizon FiOS kicking off Xbox 360 streaming TV with 26 channels for subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fioshalo-combat-evolved-anniversarymicrosoftstreamingstreaming-cablestreaming-tvverizonverizon-fiosxboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda squinting at Skyrim's texture scaling issues on Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/bethesda-squinting-at-skyrims-texture-scaling-issues-on-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/bethesda-squinting-at-skyrims-texture-scaling-issues-on-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/bethesda-squinting-at-skyrims-texture-scaling-issues-on-xbox/#comments Poor vision and awareness may afflict some of Skyrim's population, but your bellowing, dragonborn protagonist is meant to have 20/20 vision. Blurry textures on the Xbox 360 version, which aren't replaced with higher-quality versions as they come into closer view, may be a symptom of having the mammoth RPG* installed on the hard drive, Bethesda now suspects.

"Skyrim uses a lot of dynamic streaming systems, including textures," says a Bethesda community manager posting on the official forums. "We've seen a few reports of certain textures temporarily scaling down on the Xbox 360, and not scaling back up. We have verified that this issue does not occur when playing off the disk and when the game is fully cached (not installed)." For now, it seems the streaming glitch can be avoided if you play directly from the disc, and imagine the loud whirring emanates from Dovahkiin's vocal chords warming up.

According to Bethesda, a solution is being prepared for installed Skyrim in the next title update. The patch notes for the most recent update are available here.

* Sorry, we just wanted to share that we've been thinking about turn-based tusk battles between customizable mammoths all afternoon.

JoystiqBethesda squinting at Skyrim's texture scaling issues on Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabugselder-scrolls-5microsoftpatchskyrimstreamingthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai powers streaming Dead Rising 2 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gaikai-powers-streaming-dead-rising-2-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gaikai-powers-streaming-dead-rising-2-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gaikai-powers-streaming-dead-rising-2-demo/#comments We're never going to to be comfortable with the kind of alchemy Gaikai is capable of. Capcom has partnered with the company to offer a demo of Dead Rising 2, right in your browser. You'll be so impressed you won't even mind it's a year late!

It's the actual game, inside a browser window. Being a demo, there are some restrictions: you can't save, and you can only play for 30 minutes. But it's still enough to give you a taste of the game, and to be really impressed with Gaikai.

JoystiqGaikai powers streaming Dead Rising 2 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-castle-gamesbrowsercapcomdead-rising-2demogaikaipcstreamingThu, 10 Nov 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai delivering FIFA 12 demo through YouTube (Or: The future cometh!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/gaikai-delivering-fifa-12-demo-through-youtube-or-the-future-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/gaikai-delivering-fifa-12-demo-through-youtube-or-the-future-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/gaikai-delivering-fifa-12-demo-through-youtube-or-the-future-c/#comments Remember when OnLive first debuted, and we were violently pulled from our provincial timescape and thrust into a future which, while notably devoid of flying cars and jetpacks, did have streaming video games? Well, hold onto your butts because the internet done did it again.

Streaming service Gaikai has always had a different business model than OnLive; instead of a direct-to-consumer platform, Gaikai wants to get you into a demo as effortlessly as possible. If you like what you play, the "Order Now" button is happy to connect you to a retailer. As a part of that mandate, Gaikai founder Dave Perry was "excited!" to announce that "Gaikai is the first ever to power 3D Games (FIFA 12) on YouTube." That would be the same YouTube that streams a bajillion videos of whatever to people every day.

If you follow this link and click on the "PLAY THE DEMO" banner above the video, you can see what all the fuss is about for yourself. When you're done, take a few minutes to remind yourself it's still 2011, and you weren't controlling the game with a bioport installed on your spine. The future is still a long ways out.

JoystiqGaikai delivering FIFA 12 demo through YouTube (Or: The future cometh!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-perryfifa-12fifa-soccer-12gaikaimacpcstreamingyoutubeSat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Extra Life 2011 charity event starts today, to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/#comments You may have already heard about this one, but in case not, know that starting today through tomorrow morning, quite a few folks online are going to be playing video games for 24 hours straight, aiming to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

The Extra Life Charity marathon is going on this weekend, and though players don't have to stream (or play the whole 24 hours, really -- it's all in good fun), lots of people will be doing so. Our very own Arthur Gies is even participating in the event all weekend long, as is Massively writer Beau Hindman. The Paragon Studios team will have a livestream up, Rift has a special in-game event going, and outlets like G4, GotGame, Aussie Gamer, and Platform Nation are all joining in to play and raise money.

If you'd like to contribute, it's definitely not too late. Play some games, watch some people playing others, and by all means, head on over to the Extra Life site and donate a few bucks to the cause. It's great to see gamers come together in a huge event like this, to both celebrate the act of playing games, and of course raise some money for charity as well.

JoystiqExtra Life 2011 charity event starts today, to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychildrens-miracle-networkdonationseventextra lifeExtraLifegamingmarathonraise-moneystreamingFri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop launching branded Android gaming tablet next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/gamestop-launching-branded-android-gaming-tablet-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/gamestop-launching-branded-android-gaming-tablet-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/gamestop-launching-branded-android-gaming-tablet-next-year/#comments Gamestop has come up with a thoroughly thought-provoking method to stop losing business to the ever-expanding mobile market: By jumping into that market with arms outstretched. The company hinted at the possibility of developing a gaming tablet earlier this year; today, Gamestop president Tony Bartel explained to GamesIndustry that they're currently testing the sale and distribution of an unspecified Android tablet which will be Gamestop branded, and paired with a dedicated controller peripheral.

The device will support (and, after a trip through Gamestop's refurbishment center, will be pre-loaded with) mobile apps, but the goal is to allow the tablet to stream full retail releases (assumedly using Spawn Labs' Player software). Bartel also mentioned that the company was working with developers to create titles specifically for the hardware -- though we'll probably have to wait until the device's launch next year to find out the identity of those titles, not to mention the tablet itself.

JoystiqGamestop launching branded Android gaming tablet next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamestopmobilespawn-labsstreamingtabletMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix streaming reveal of new Dragon Quest next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/square-enix-streaming-reveal-of-new-dragon-quest-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/square-enix-streaming-reveal-of-new-dragon-quest-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/square-enix-streaming-reveal-of-new-dragon-quest-next-week/#comments Square Enix will reveal the next Dragon Quest game live over Ustream and Nico Nico on September 5 at 2PM Japan time (1AM Eastern). While it's entirely possible this is a new game announcement, we find it more likely that it'll be a blowout of Dragon Quest X, which was announced for Wii in 2008 and never shown off in any capacity.

Square Enix will throw a trailer for DQX into the Wii anniversary collection that's coming out in Japan on September 15, so it will definitely have something ready to show next week. We'll probably get our first look at that trailer on the stream before it ships to retail.

JoystiqSquare Enix streaming reveal of new Dragon Quest next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questdragon-quest-xnintendosquare-enixstreamingustreamwiiFri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Half of all Netflix users connect via a game console,' Nintendo Wii used most]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/half-of-all-netflix-users-connect-via-a-game-console-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/half-of-all-netflix-users-connect-via-a-game-console-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/half-of-all-netflix-users-connect-via-a-game-console-nintendo/#comments Sorry Jackie boy, but it seems that Sony's PlayStation 3 has been dethroned as king of streaming Netflix. That's according to a recent Nielsen survey that pegs the Nintendo Wii as the most used device in households to stream Netflix (outside of the computer, of course), and puts all three gaming consoles in the lead in terms of Netflix streaming to devices.

The survey, based on 12,000 online interviews in March 2011, weighs a variety of devices against each other in terms of Netflix and Hulu streaming, from Apple TV on the low end at just one percent market share, to "Directly on Computer" as the most employed method at 42 percent for Netflix and 89 percent for Hulu. The Xbox 360 brought up the bottom of the list in terms of game consoles, with just 12 percent of Netflix users going that route and two percent of Hulu users.

The real bizarre factoid in this graph is that the Nintendo Wii is also (just barely) streaming more Hulu content than the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 -- especially odd considering there's no official support for Hulu on the Wii. We've reached out to Nielsen for clarification on that possibly erroneous statistic.

Update: Nielsen explained the Hulu on Nintendo Wii statistic as such: "The reason the survey shows 3% answering this way can be attributed to respondent error, which is common in survey research. In other words, because the survey measures self-reported usage, there can be a small margin of error in which some respondents will answer this way."

Joystiq'Half of all Netflix users connect via a game console,' Nintendo Wii used most originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hulumicrosoftnetflixnielsennintendopcplaystationps3streamingwiixboxThu, 28 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Let's Play' videos may soon make you a felon thanks to Senate Bill S.978 [Updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/lets-play-videos-may-soon-make-you-a-felon-thanks-to-senate-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/lets-play-videos-may-soon-make-you-a-felon-thanks-to-senate-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/lets-play-videos-may-soon-make-you-a-felon-thanks-to-senate-b/#comments [Update: This Is My Next's Nilay Patel has published an extensive break-down of S.978, and it looks like the bill, if passed, wouldn't actually change much of anything for the majority of people who don't profit from their YouTube videos. "Some of the outcry here is a little overblown, as the text of the bill isn't quite as bad as you might think."]

Hold on to your butts, Internet, because this party is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets any better. According to Game Informer, a Senate Bill has been introduced which, if passed, would make streaming unauthorized copyrighted material a felony, resulting in up to 5-years of jail time.

Bill S.978 states that "10 or more public performances by electronic means, during any 180-day period, of 1 or more copyrighted works" will result in "not more than 5 years" of imprisonment, so long as the performance in question is valued at at-least $2,500 USD, or if the value of a license to legally "perform" the content is valued at $5,000 or more.

These are, in essence, the same criteria that allow for DMCA take-down notices to be issued by copyright holders, however jail time and felony status are not currently associated with this particular flavor of copyright infringement. Should this bill jump through all the right hoops, its broadly worded contents could potentially cover everything from homemade gameplay clips (commonly referred to "Let's Play" videos), to fan-made music videos, webcam cover songs, and anything else that involves copyrighted music or video. S.978 could also potentially cover cell-phone videos of concerts and press events, making 13-year-old Beliebers and jaded gaming journalists alike equally in danger of losing their right to vote.

If accepted into law, these addenda will be attached to existing copyright laws and will not only apply to YouTube users, but to the sites that embed YouTube content as well. Internet activism group Demand Progress has set up a web-form for those who disagree with the legislation and wish to communicate their displeasure to their local representatives. We would be concerned about the bill's implications as well, but fear not dear reader: the legislation doesn't cover puppet shows as far as we can tell, so Joystiq Playhouse's shadow-kabuki production of Battle Arena Toshinden should still be on track.

Joystiq'Let's Play' videos may soon make you a felon thanks to Senate Bill S.978 [Updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-arena-toshindenBilllegislationS.978SenateSenate-Billstreamingstreaming-videous-senateyoutubeyoutube.comSat, 02 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBC News section on Xbox dashboard expanded, moved]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/nbc-news-section-on-xbox-dashboard-expanded-moved/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/nbc-news-section-on-xbox-dashboard-expanded-moved/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/nbc-news-section-on-xbox-dashboard-expanded-moved/#comments You know that well-hidden NBC News tab that lives on the Inside Xbox channel of your 360 Dashboard? No? Well, let's start over, then: There's an NBC News tab on the Inside Xbox channel, which allows you to stream content from NBC News. We wouldn't blame you for not being aware of its existence; fortunately, Microsoft has made the decision to move the content to the slightly more trafficked Video Marketplace portion of the Dashboard.

According to Major Nelson, the channel now features higher quality video, as well as additional categorized features like Most Viewed, NBC Nightly News and the Today Show. It's the closest you're ever going to get to playing Halo: Reach with Al Roker. Or is it? (No, it probably is.) (OR IS IT?)

JoystiqNBC News section on Xbox dashboard expanded, moved originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboardmicrosoftnbc-newsstreamingvideo-marketplacexboxxbox-liveSat, 25 Jun 2011 03:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony offering six months of Qriocity to PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/sony-offering-six-months-of-qriocity-to-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/sony-offering-six-months-of-qriocity-to-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/sony-offering-six-months-of-qriocity-to-ps3-owners/#comments Were you perplexed by the odd, seemingly misspelled word that kept periodically popping up during Sony's updates about the PSN outage? You know, Qriocity? It seems Sony is attempting to take advantage of your piqued attention, as PlayStation Blog has announced that all PS3 owners ages 18 and up are eligible to receive a free 180-day membership to the streaming music service.

To access the offer, PS3 owners simply need to select the "Music Unlimited" option under the Music pane of the XMB. After that, it's just a matter of figuring out which of the seven million tracks therein you want to listen to first. No, seriously, it's an important decision. If you kick off your Qriocity career with Hoobastank, we're going to be very disappointed in you.

JoystiqSony offering six months of Qriocity to PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicmusic-unlimitedplaystationps3qriocitysonystreamingWed, 15 Jun 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms Hulu Plus on Xbox 360 for tomorrow, free for all until May 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/microsoft-confirms-hulu-plus-on-xbox-360-for-tomorrow-free-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/microsoft-confirms-hulu-plus-on-xbox-360-for-tomorrow-free-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/microsoft-confirms-hulu-plus-on-xbox-360-for-tomorrow-free-for/#comments We knew it was coming, but Microsoft has finally gotten around to confirming the news: Hulu Plus will officially launch on the Xbox 360 tomorrow, April 29. Not only will it feature Kinect support, but it will also be free to all Xbox 360 users (Gold and Silver) for the first week thanks to a partnership with Jack Link's Beef Jerky. And to think, your mom said consuming so much beef jerky would never benefit you in the end. Shows what she knows.

After that free week, feel free to indulge in another free week by going on over to the Hulu Plus page -- just don't tell anybody we tipped you off! We're afraid you'll have to pony up some cash after that if you want to continue to use the service: $7.99 a month.

For the full press release, hit the jump.

Gallery: Hulu Plus (Xbox 360)

Continue reading Microsoft confirms Hulu Plus on Xbox 360 for tomorrow, free for all until May 6

JoystiqMicrosoft confirms Hulu Plus on Xbox 360 for tomorrow, free for all until May 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hulu-pluskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-kinectstreamingvideoxboxThu, 28 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Qriocity music streaming app on PSP today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/qriocity-music-streaming-app-on-psp-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/qriocity-music-streaming-app-on-psp-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/qriocity-music-streaming-app-on-psp-today/#comments It's now possible to access Music Unlimited Powered by Qriocity anywhere you can get a Wi-Fi signal. The PSP can now use the streaming music service, which offers "more than seven million songs" to paying users, with two tiers of playlist customization.

Sony announced this morning that the PSP app is now available in "UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia and New Zealand." Today is also the planned release date for the US. If you'd like to try Qriocity, Sony is offering 30-day trials to PSN members here.

JoystiqQriocity music streaming app on PSP today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemusic-unlimitedplaystationpspqriocitysonystreamingstreaming-musicThu, 14 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Unlimited platform coming to PSP, NGP and Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/#comments In a recent interview with Eurogamer, COO of Sony Network Entertainment Shawn Layden confirmed that the company's Music Unlimited platform would soon make its way to PSP owners living in the UK in "a matter of weeks," and would appear on the NGP and Xperia Play later this year. The cloud-based music streaming service (which kicked off in the U.S. this year as part of the PS3's Qriocity application) will let listeners access their music and genre channels set up on a PC or PS3 on-the-go -- for a monthly fee, of course. We've contacted Sony to see if this info applies to the States as well.

Layden explained the inspiration came from the PSP and PS3's ability to share games between one another, adding that Sony hopes to, "bring all those different content domains into a more comprehensive space for the user." Hey, we're all about synergy, here. We just hope Sony finds a way to add Qriocity support to our most anticipated NGP launch title, Now That's How I Touch Music: Vol. 6.

JoystiqMusic Unlimited platform coming to PSP, NGP and Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilemusicmusic-unlimitedngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspqriocitysonystreamingvitaxperia-playFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop indulges in some Impulse buying ... no seriously, it bought Impulse (and Spawn Labs)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamestop-indulges-in-some-impulse-buying-no-seriously-it-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamestop-indulges-in-some-impulse-buying-no-seriously-it-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamestop-indulges-in-some-impulse-buying-no-seriously-it-bo/#comments Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't say the people of GameStop are taking the challenge of "digital" lying down. The massive Texas-based retailer (everything's bigger in Texas) just announced the acquisition of streaming tech outfit Spawn Labs - you'll recall the HD-720 box we brought on the Engadget Show - and digital distribution portal, Impulse.

Whoa, whoa, whoa ... so GameStop purchased Stardock, Impulse's owner? Nope! "GameStop has acquired Impulse, Inc.," the official Stardock FAQ on the deal reads. "Impulse is a separate business unit from Stardock Entertainment." No layoffs are anticipated, staff stays with Impulse, customer service is still handled by Impulse (for now!), and the group is actually hiring.

The press release says that Impulse will offer "three specific components." First is the client, dubbed "Impulse::Client" here, which users can use to download games. Duh. Next is Impulse::Reactor, which "provides content publishers customer friendly DRM and copy protection tools. It also allows developers to enable achievements, account management, friend lists, chat, multiplayer lobbies, and cloud storage within their games." Last is Impulse::Publisher which gives pubs "real-time reporting and management tools."

GameStop's interest in Impulse - one of the industry's biggest competitors to market leader Steam - is obvious. What's not so obvious is its interest in Spawn Labs. "Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any Internet-enabled device," the press release reads. That sounds to us like GameStop is getting into the cloud-based gaming arena (ie: OnLive).

We're following up with GameStop, Stardock, and all the other concerned parties and we'll let you know what we uncover.

JoystiqGameStop indulges in some Impulse buying ... no seriously, it bought Impulse (and Spawn Labs) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gamingGameStopImpulseretailSpawn-LabsStardockstreamingThu, 31 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 'Qriocity' music service available in US today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/ps3-qriocity-music-service-available-in-us-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/ps3-qriocity-music-service-available-in-us-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/ps3-qriocity-music-service-available-in-us-today/#commentsIf you're, um, qrious about what it would be like to stream music through your PS3, you're in luq luck. Music Unlimited Powered by Qriocity, the cloud-based music service released in parts of Europe late last year, is available in the US today. Music Unlimited allows you to stream "more than six million music tracks from major recording labels, leading independent labels and major publishers around the world."

There are two options: a "Basic" service and a "Premium" service. Both offer commercial-free music and multiple genre-based channels, but "Premium" offers more channels and the ability to listen to specific songs on demand.

The service will be available for PS3, Bravia TVs, Blu-Ray players, and VAIO PCs "later this afternoon," with versions for other devices including PSP coming soon. If you somehow don't have enough ways to listen to streaming music, or aren't satisfied with the short name of your existing service, check out the preview video after the break and see if Qriosity is for you.

Continue reading PS3 'Qriocity' music service available in US today

JoystiqPS3 'Qriocity' music service available in US today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>music-unlimitedplaystationps3psnqriositystreamingstreaming-musicThu, 17 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive calls T5 Labs claim to key game streaming patent 'irrelevant']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/onlive-calls-t5-labs-claim-to-key-game-streaming-patent-irrelev/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/onlive-calls-t5-labs-claim-to-key-game-streaming-patent-irrelev/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/onlive-calls-t5-labs-claim-to-key-game-streaming-patent-irrelev/#comments OnLive had supposedly nailed down the patent it needed to run its cloud-based gaming service (quite successfully so far, from all reports), but a new challenger is claiming otherwise. A company named T5 Labs now says it has been awarded a patent that predates OnLive's registration and gives it control over the fundamental tech behind cloud gaming. OnLive's patent was originally filed in December of 2002, but T5's was filed in March of that year, so, if the two patents do in fact cover the same tech, T5 would appear to have precedence.

An OnLive spokesperson tells Joystiq that the company has examined both patent applications after being contacted by T5 head Graham Clemie and "saw no relevance whatsoever to OnLive and told him so. We are approached by people with irrelevant patents all the time. We are highly confident in our own patent portfolio, and have no further comment."

Things seem fairly cut and dry from OnLive's point of view. T5 only says so far that it is "deciding whether to commence a procedure in the U.S. Patent Office known as an 'interference,'" which would establish the correct patent ownership. We'll see what -- if anything -- comes of that.

JoystiqOnLive calls T5 Labs claim to key game streaming patent 'irrelevant' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud-gaminggame-streamingmaconlivepatentpcstreamingt5-labstechnologyusptoTue, 15 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions of OnLive, live on Vizio VIA Plus TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/impressions-of-onlive-live-on-vizio-via-plus-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/impressions-of-onlive-live-on-vizio-via-plus-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/impressions-of-onlive-live-on-vizio-via-plus-tv/#comments When OnLive announced its particular brand of cloud-based gaming was making its way to Vizio's VIA Plus line of connected products, we were eager to get some more details. We got an opportunity today at Vizio's CES suite. While the Vizio tablet and smartphone were on display, they weren't rocking the OnLive implementation just yet; however, that's hardly surprising since, while it was running on the above television, it won't be available publicly on VIA Plus devices until "late in the year."

So what did we learn? That by building the OnLive functionality right into the hardware, they're managing to bypass the input latency associated with an attached device. The television is also able to automatically switch to "game mode" to help ameliorate those delays. And since all of the VIA Plus sets support 3D, OnLive will be working with publishers to support 3D mode directly in the service.

Continue reading Impressions of OnLive, live on Vizio VIA Plus TV

JoystiqImpressions of OnLive, live on Vizio VIA Plus TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2011macOnLivepcstreamingTVsVizioThu, 06 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VUDU goes 2.0 on PS3, adds PlayStation Move support in time for holiday sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/vudu-goes-2-0-on-ps3-adds-playstation-move-support-in-time-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/vudu-goes-2-0-on-ps3-adds-playstation-move-support-in-time-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/vudu-goes-2-0-on-ps3-adds-playstation-move-support-in-time-for/#comments Vudu, the streaming Walmart alternative to the PlayStation Store, recently received an update. The new Vudu player for PS3, dubbed "2.0," adds support for the PlayStation Move motion controller, and overhauls the interface to be more pointer-friendly. The update comes just in time for Vudu's End of the Year Special, which offers over 400 movies to rent or purchase for only 99 cents. This even includes videos in Vudu's "HDX" format, which streams in 1080p with 5.1 Dolby surround sound.

In addition to this promotion, Vudu is still offering one free HD rental (up to $6 in value) for new users on the PS3. To access Vudu, you'll first need to download it from the PlayStation Store.

JoystiqVUDU goes 2.0 on PS3, adds PlayStation Move support in time for holiday sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3streamingvuduFri, 24 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai, Otoy not worried about OnLive's cloud gaming patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/gaikai-otoy-not-worried-about-onlives-cloud-gaming-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/gaikai-otoy-not-worried-about-onlives-cloud-gaming-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/gaikai-otoy-not-worried-about-onlives-cloud-gaming-patent/#comments OnLive's recently acquired patent, which covers "Apparatus and method for wireless video gaming," may seem like a death knell for other players in the cloud gaming space. However, Gaikai's David Perry recently told VentureBeat he's not too concerned with the future of his game-streaming company, saying, "We do not expect the general concept of remote gaming to be patentable, as many of us played remote games in the 70s, 80s and 90s." Should the patent stick, he added that Gaikai's focus on embeddable demos of PC games is far removed from OnLive's set top box business model, which should prevent any potential infringements.

Fellow game-streamer Otoy's CEO Jules Urbach also chimed in on the patent, saying, "We respect the valid intellectual property rights of others but we'd be surprised to see a valid patent issue today that would preempt the entire field of server-side rendered gaming." Wait, you can do that? Well, man, we've been wasting so much time. We patent ... um, sandwiches! And gardening! And pet supplies! And candy! We're going to be so super rich.

JoystiqGaikai, Otoy not worried about OnLive's cloud gaming patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-computinggaikaionliveotoypatentpcstreamingFri, 17 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive releases iPad app, reveals subscription-based movie streaming coming in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/onlive-releases-iphone-app-reveals-subscription-based-movie-str/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/onlive-releases-iphone-app-reveals-subscription-based-movie-str/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/onlive-releases-iphone-app-reveals-subscription-based-movie-str/#comments According to a report this morning, OnLive is launching a subscription-based movie streaming service on an undisclosed date in 2011. The news comes from the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), who cites growing concern among media companies that Netflix has grown too large on its own and diversification is desired (read: they want a piece of the large, money-filled pie as well).

In other OnLive news, the streaming-only company released its first iPad app today (creatively dubbed "OnLive Viewer"). The application allows user to see what's available for instant streaming (on a computer, not on your iPad), see other players' "brag clips," and watch trailers. Though the app has an official page on Apple.com, we're having some issues downloading it at the moment, but that could just be release hiccups.

Then again, you're probably already watching trailers (and reading news, reviews, previews, and so much more!) on your Joystiq iPhone App, right? Good! Glad to hear it!

Update: The App is currently only available in New Zealand, which explains our downloading issues. We understand that the App goes live for US residents tonight at 11:00PM EST. Enjoy your temporary exclusivity, Kiwis!

JoystiqOnLive releases iPad app, reveals subscription-based movie streaming coming in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeinstant-streamingmacmobilemovie-streamingnetflixonliveonlive-viewerpcstreamingMon, 06 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft streaming and playable on an HTC Desire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/world-of-warcraft-streaming-and-playable-on-an-htc-desire/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/world-of-warcraft-streaming-and-playable-on-an-htc-desire/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/world-of-warcraft-streaming-and-playable-on-an-htc-desire/#comments Hey GameString! You guys need to cut it out. Yes, the tech demo you've been circulating for your cloud-based, game-streaming technology is wicked impressive, but the subject of said demo is just plain irresponsible. Using its own "Adrenalin Host Server" and a customized, touch-based user interface, GameString has managed to run a playable version of World of Warcraft on an HTC Desire smartphone. (Check out a video demonstrations after the jump.)

Sure, we've seen WoW running on an iPad recently, and we've seen a few cumbersome attempts to put it on a mobile phone in the past, but we're concerned nonetheless. Until now, the only thing keeping the world from ... well, stopping, was the fact that you couldn't properly play World of Warcraft without sitting (or biking) at your computer. Just think: If GameString pulls this off, you could soon be able to grind, farm, raid and PvP your way through Azeroth using a thing that fits in the pocket of your skinniest jeans! That's gonna be it, man. That's gonna be the end of this great big beautiful experiment we call humanity.

If you're looking to contribute to, you know, the apocalypse, you can sign up for the Adrenalin Host Server's public beta on GameString's official site.

Continue reading World of Warcraft streaming and playable on an HTC Desire

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft streaming and playable on an HTC Desire originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcloudgamestringhtchtc-desiremobilepcstreamingWorld-of-WarcraftWoWFri, 03 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget gets its hands on Gaikai closed beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/engadget-gets-its-hands-on-gaikai-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/engadget-gets-its-hands-on-gaikai-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/engadget-gets-its-hands-on-gaikai-closed-beta/#comments Our geekier, yet still kind of cute in her own way sister site Engadget recently took Dave Perry-fronted streaming service Gaikai for a spin, and posted the results for all to see. Though the performance sounds about comparable to OnLive, the greatest strength of Perry's competing service is that it's not, in fact, attempting to compete.

Gaikai is primarily a way to sample games before purchasing them on a retail console or PC, so the inherent limitations aren't as large of hurdles as they are on OnLive, which aims to replace the home console. Or, at least, that's how Perry's pitching it. Get more of his take (and more Engadget reaction to the Gaikai experience) right here.

JoystiqEngadget gets its hands on Gaikai closed beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-perrydavid-perrygaikaionlinepcstreamingstreaming-gameplayThu, 02 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix launches streaming-only plan in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/netflix-launches-streaming-only-plan-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/netflix-launches-streaming-only-plan-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/netflix-launches-streaming-only-plan-in-us/#comments Netflix, currently available in North America on all major consoles, has officially announced a $7.99 streaming-only plan for the US (it's the only option available in the Great White North). For those who prefer their media to be disc-based, the service will be upping prices across the board for all unlimited plans by a few dollars, but you'll still get streaming included.

Netflix's streaming-only plan comes at a time when Hulu (the established DVD-by-mail service's heir apparent) begins building a base on consoles. Hulu Plus currently offers mostly TV show streaming (with commercials) on PS3 for $7.99, with other consoles expected to be supported sometime in the future.

JoystiqNetflix launches streaming-only plan in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilenetflixnintendoplaystationps3streamingwiixboxMon, 22 Nov 2010 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix native app for Wii available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/netflix-native-app-for-wii-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/netflix-native-app-for-wii-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/netflix-native-app-for-wii-available-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Netflix app that will allow movie streaming on Nintendo's Wii, without the need for a pesky disc, is available now on the Wii Shop Channel. The Netflix channel is free and streaming comes at no extra charge as part of most Netflix rental plans.

Today also marks the launch of the PS3's Netflix app, which supports 1080p HD output, 5.1-channel surround sound, subtitles and alternative audio tracks. Finally, Xbox 360 owners should receive an update to their Netflix app with the fall update. Isn't it nice to put aside those fanboy squabbles for a change, knowing that everyone can watch hours of television on their video game systems without even touching a disc?

JoystiqNetflix native app for Wii available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NetflixnintendostreamingwiiMon, 18 Oct 2010 08:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Lovefilm coming to UK PS3s in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/lovefilm-coming-to-uk-ps3s-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/lovefilm-coming-to-uk-ps3s-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/lovefilm-coming-to-uk-ps3s-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lovefilm - which is essentially European Netflix, for those of you who don't recognize the name - will have its streaming movie service available on PS3s in the UK this November. The app appears to be pretty robust, allowing users to not only stream movies, but also manage their general queue and search by films or actors.

A video explaing the app and its features -- likely the same one leaked yesterday -- can be found after the break.

Continue reading Lovefilm coming to UK PS3s in November

JoystiqLovefilm coming to UK PS3s in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lovefilmplaystationps3streamingWed, 13 Oct 2010 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuji TV streaming 3D videos 'daily' through Nintendo 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/fuji-tv-streaming-3d-videos-daily-through-nintendo-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/fuji-tv-streaming-3d-videos-daily-through-nintendo-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/fuji-tv-streaming-3d-videos-daily-through-nintendo-3ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Beyond gaming applications, Nintendo's upcoming handheld console will feature media functionality as well -- this much we knew. What Nintendo announced at its press conference today in Japan, however, is that the 3DS will also be streaming 3D videos "on an experimental basis" through a partnership with Fuji TV, available at launch.

Like Fuji TV itself, North Americans and Europeans likely won't be getting the service, but we have to imagine major US cable providers can't be ignoring the move. Just imagine a service to charge for individual episodes of children's programming on a Nintendo handheld! Wait, actually, don't imagine that. We're so, so sorry, world.

JoystiqFuji TV streaming 3D videos 'daily' through Nintendo 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3dtvdsfuji-tvjapannintendonintendo-conference-2010streamingWed, 29 Sep 2010 03:20:00 EST