OnLive intros universal gamepad for Macs, PCs, and mobile
updated 08:00 pm EDT, Thu June 2, 2011
OnLive gets Wireless Controller and Facebook
OnLive swung into action ahead of E3 on Thursday with the unveiling of a gamepad that should work on nearly every platform. Its Universal Wireless Controller can directly control the streaming game service from not just Macs or Windows PCs but also the MicroConsole, Android tablets like the HTC Flyer, the iPad, and some Vizio TVs. Bluetooth is available for those devices that can use it but is braced by a USB adapter that can plug directly into devices that normally want a wired link.
The controllers are designed primarily for OnLive and have dedicated media buttons for watching game replays (Brag Clips) as well as a wireless signal that prioritizes low lag. One of the USB adapters is enough to handle four gamepads if a game has local multiplayer.
Universal Wireless Controllers should arrive in the fall with pricing to be set later.
In tandem with the gamepad, OnLive also rolled out Facebook integration. Signed in users will automatically post their game statuses on each others' walls and give the option to either play the same game separately, in free or demo versions, or in multiplayer mode. Recorded videos will also post on a wall to let anyone watch, including in HD. Subscribers have the option of rating clips, and future updates should let game developers post achievements or help requests in mid-game.
Rounding out news was a deal with Intel to officially support Intel-based set-top boxes, including with 5.1-channel surround and 3D when it arrives. Disney Interactive Studios are coming to OnLive, and the UK will have the option of the service in the fall both by itself and as a bundled option with BT Internet service.
TAGS :
industry, gaming, peripherals, gadgets, htc, Android, Facebook, Vizio, Disney, BT, mobile phones, Apple, OnLive, iPad, iPad apps, Flyer
Via Facebook
Joined: Jun 2011
Try it out
I really recommend people try out OnLive. I'm on wi-fi and in Vancouver, BC, so the service doesn't work that great, but I still bought a few games (on sale) just to help support them a bit. It has the potential to be the NetFlix of gaming. But I also kind of think of it as the Gmail of gaming, cause you can access your account from any PC or Mac. I guess that's typical "cloud" stuff. I can even use my wireless Xbox 360 controller on my Mac in OnLive, right out of the box without setup or installing drivers. I think they are a pretty keen company, and there are always sales, and of course, the unlimited play package. I'm gonna try get an AirPort router to see if the dual-band radio helps the quality, otherwise I'll run some ethernet.