OnLive is a gaming service that will provide users the ability to stream games in HD to their PC, Mac or HDTV through a MicroConsole. Games will include the latest blockbuster PC titles such as Crysis, Tomb Raider: Underworld and Bioshock among many others.
What sets OnLive apart from other gaming platforms are the system requirements. Instead of requiring a high end PC or console, any basic PC running Windows XP or Vista, or an Intel based Mac running a current version of OS X will work just fine. Running games on a PC will run through a web browser and require a plug-in.
This alone opens the door up to gaming virtually anywhere. Just bring a laptop or login at an Internet cafe and continue gaming from a previous game save. OnLive also supports multiplayer and social features such as sharing recorded clips of your favorite game.
To run games through a television requires a MicroConsole from OnLive. The main system requirement for all games is a broadband connection. To stream games in SD (Standard-Definition), a broadband connection of 1.5 Mbps is needed. HD (720p60) requires 5 Mbps.
Games are designed to stream very fast (almost instantly). There’s virtually no waiting, no downloading. Just select a game and start playing. As well all patches and updates are done on the server so there is nothing to download.
New titles are available as they are released and demos of games are available for playing before purchasing.
How Does OnLive Work?
The magic behind OnLive is compression technology which streams games in a highly efficient manner from their data center servers through the Internet and onto a MicroConsole or personal computer. This whole process takes milliseconds and the quality of game play is practically the same as if the game was installed on the user’s computer or console. It’s that seamless.
The rollout for OnLive will be throughout the continental US but will expand into Canada and overseas as the service progresses.
Two Caveats with the OnLive Service
OnLive is aiming to provide a lag-free experience for gamers but there are a couple of potential issues that need to be addressed. One is the distance of OnLive data centers in relation to the end user. There could be possible delays and lag the further away the gamer is from the data center. This could be alleviated through additional data centers.
The second is the availability of a reliable 5 Mbps broadband connection for HD streaming in certain areas. In major centres this is not a problem. In smaller communities and in rural areas this poses a serious problem. Over time broadband speeds will increase and become more available in rural areas.
Pricing has not been set. There is speculation on whether OnLive will offer both a purchase to play or an 'all-you-can-play' monthly subscription.
On the whole OnLive is a remarkable breakthrough in gaming technology and its infrastructure opens the door to many other streaming services (music or movies come to mind). Time will tell how OnLive evolves but one thing is certain - this technology is here to stay.
For more information, on OnLive check out this article from Suite101.com
 |
 |
 |
