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OnLive brings cloud gaming to the masses

by Stephen Coleman on 22 September 2011, 10:41

Tags: OnLive

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OnLive's instant-play video game service is set to hit UK shelves today - potentially revolutionising gaming as we know it.

To clear up any confusion surrounding the new cloud gaming service we've put together a few frequently asked questions straight from OnLive to give you an idea as to what you can expect to see.

What is the OnLive Game Service?

The OnLive Game Service is a groundbreaking on-demand video game platform capable of delivering the latest and most advanced games instantly over a broadband connection. You can play on your TV via the OnLive Game System or on virtually any PC or Mac® via a small browser download. The OnLive Game Service creates an entirely new way to play, watch, share and demo premium games from the world's leading publishers.

What is the OnLive Game System?

The OnLive Game System delivers instant-play, high-end, new-release video games to TVs. Now players of all skill levels can enjoy games from the comfort of their living rooms—instantly and on-demand—without ever having to bother with discs, downloads or updates. Whether you are checking out a free trial, joining a premium multiplayer game or watching live gameplay from around the world, with the OnLive Game System it’s as effortless and as fast as changing channels.

What is the OnLive Viewer?

The OnLive Viewer is a free iPad App that lets OnLive members access the OnLive Game Service from almost anywhere and gives new members a window into on-demand instant-play video games on the Service. You can Spectate gameplay, watch and rate Brag Clip™ videos, check out news and offers in the Showcase area and connect with Friends in the OnLive community.

What is the MicroConsole TV adapter?

The OnLive MicroConsole TV adapter is a sleek, pocket-sized device that connects to your broadband Internet connection and your TV. It’s backed by high-performance, Internet-based game servers to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience. You can launch top-tier games in seconds that would take minutes to start on high-end consoles or PCs. Through the MicroConsole TV adapter, you have instant access to OnLive’s Marketplace of premium new release, indie and classic games, with free game demos.

What are the Computer and Internet Requirements to use OnLive?

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Internet Connection: 2 Mbps, wired connection or Wi-Fi connection

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or Vista (32 or 64-bit) or XP SP3 (32-bit), Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later

  • Computer: Most PCs and netbooks, all Intel-based Macs

  • Screen Resolution: 1024x576

  • Graphics card with Pixel Shader 2.0 or better (PC)

  • CPU must support the SSE2 instruction set (PC)

RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Internet Connection: 5 Mbps, wired connection or Wi-Fi connection

  • Operating System: Windows® 7 or Vista (32 or 64-bit) or XP SP3 (32-bit), Mac® OS X 10.6 or later

  • Computer: Dual-core PCs, all Intel-based Macs

  • Screen Resolution: 1280x720

  • Graphics card with Pixel Shader 2.0 or better (PC)

  • CPU must support the SSE2 instruction set (PC) 

Almost all OnLive users have had good results if their system meets the above requirements, but note that many factors affect network quality and computer performance, including other applications using computer resources and other users sharing your network.

Can I use a gamepad with my PC/Mac or the OnLive Game System?

The OnLive Game System includes one OnLive Wireless Controller with media controls.

In addition, it supports these Xbox 360-compatible gamepads:

  • Microsoft® Xbox 360® Controller for Windows
  • Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows (requires the Microsoft Wireless Gaming Receiver)
  • Logitech® F510
  • Logitech® ChillStream™ Game Controller for PC (some models) 
  • Saitek® P3200 Rumble Pad
  • Mad Catz® GamePad (some models)
Keep an eye out for the upcoming review from Steven Williamson as he details the OnLive service and OnLive Game System.


HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

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I'm signing up just to have a go with some demos, always wondered what it would be like although the chances of me actually buying from them are slim.
Rob_B
I'm signing up just to have a go with some demos, always wondered what it would be like although the chances of me actually buying from them are slim.

I was very impressed TBH.

Graphics weren't as good as consoles, but that can only improve with Internet speeds.

Didn't have any issues with latency or lag input.

+ Tried it on my laptop over my Wireless connection.
I found it very washed out, very low res (to be expected) and (in DNF) had laggy input. Funnily Dirt3 was ok (apart from low res) but I'm not blown away. If I was away a lot with work and had a laptop with a good internet connection then that's a different story…

It'd be nice to have but I certainly won't be paying for it.
crap in my opinion, seems a bit pointless saying how amazing it is to play high end games when the end result looks so bad it reminds me of an xbox/ps2 game… not even kidding :(.

It has potential but at the minute i wont touch it with a barge pole, seems to be worse than xbox360 aswell so if i really wanted a console id just buy the 360 and play from there and have cheaper games. Generally if im away from home on laptop then its either away with a bad connection or at university with an amazing connection which still wont help as its limited before the bandwidth(i had no issues with my internet here and its a mere 10mb/s).