Following up yesterday’s announcement that it will offer Google Android phones and tablets, Vizio announced that it will embed the OnLive gaming service in its upcoming televisions, tablets, mobile phones, and Blu-ray players. Here’s a snippet from the press release and some quick analysis:
The partnership will incorporate the OnLive cloud gaming experience across the next generation of Vizio Internet Apps consumer electronics devices that share a unified, sophisticated and intuitive user interface for seamless access to high-end, interactive content.
With the integration of OnLive across the VIA Plus ecosystem of compatible Vizio devices, consumers can access the OnLive cloud gaming service directly through any VIA Plus HDTV, Tablet, Smart Phone or Blu-ray Player for instant gaming on any VIA Plus device — even seamlessly continuing gameplay from one device to the next — without the need for a game console.
Integrating OnLive in HDTVs and Blu-ray players is a sharp, sharp move that will appeal to casual gamers. Consumers that buy those products will have access to a sizable library of games without having to buy a console. Well played Vizio.
OnLive’s success on Vizio VIA phones and tablets will depend on the controls. OnLive claims that a large portion of the games will be retrofitted for touch controls. In my head, I see that being a rough and awkward experience, but that’s pure conjecture on my part. Of course this opens up the market for third-party controllers that will make OnLive on Android a more traditional videogame experience.
What do you think of OnLive and Vizio getting jiggy? Does an HDTV with integrated OnLive appeal to you? Do you think adding touch controls to old games that weren’t meant for them will work? Out of curiosity, do any of you own standalone Blu-ray players?
