OnLive offers streaming of video games

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Chris Morris

While gamers have been able to rent new titles by mail for years, the options have been limited when it came to streaming services.

That’s changing now, as OnLive looks to leverage cloud computing and a Netflix-proven business model to offer instant streaming of new hit titles to players. Last month, the company released a set-top box, letting customers buy recent and catalog releases on an a la carte basis; this week it released an iPad app; and starting in January, it will offer a pair of new payment options.

Let the iPad 2 rumors commence!

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Chris Morris

It was only a matter of time…

While the iPad is the season’s hottest gift, the tech world is already looking toward the sequel – and the rumor mill suggests that a follow-up to the tablet could begin within the next 100 days.

Microsoft’s mobile reboot

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Chris Morris

Critics, analysts and carriers have all lauded Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7, the company’s latest attempt to reclaim ground in the mobile space. But in a field increasingly dominated by Apple and Android, the biggest name in personal computing is still far from a major player.

Opening day sales figures for the phone line were anemic, coming in at a reported 40,000, despite a lavish marketing campaign and worldwide media events. (To put that in perspective, Apple sells roughly 270,000 iPhones per day.) But the early numbers don’t necessarily tell the full story.

OnLive, Amazon set their sites on Netflix

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Chris Morris

Those pundits who have been focusing on the threat OnLive, a video game streaming service, poses to the traditional video game industry might want to expand their focus a little.

The company now says it plans to expand into subscription video streaming in 2011. And Amazon could be right behind it.

Avatar 3D finally headed to homes

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Chris Morris

The marketing relationship James Cameron and Panasonic struck in the fall of 2009 continues to bear fruit. Panasonic today announced that the 3D Blu-ray version of “Avatar” would be available exclusively to buyers of its 3D TV sets.

From now through Jan.1, consumers who buy a Vierra 3D TV will receive a copy of the film – which has previously only been available in 2D in homes – as well as two pairs of rechargeable 3D glasses.

Sony, Microsoft give sales updates on motion control

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Chris Morris

The battle over video game motion control devices has moved to the accounting department.

Sony and Microsoft are both claiming to have momentum on their side with their new devices, releasing updated sales figures. No matter how you slice it, though, it’s clear that both the PlayStation Move and Kinect are enjoying a strong holiday season.

Xbox 360 TV rumors resurface

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft seems to be pressing forward with its plans to launch its own TV channel.

The company has reportedly held talks with several media companies about acquiring content for a pay-television subscription service that would stream through the Xbox 360 dashboard. The service, assuming it comes to pass, isn’t expected to launch for roughly one year.

Sony adds BBCA programming to PS3

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Chris Morris

Sony’s keeping up the pressure in the console wars. The company has begun streaming content from BBC America onto the PlayStation 3.

Episodes of “Top Gear,” are currently available for $1.99 (standard def) and $2.99 (HD) per episode. Other programs, including “Doctor Who” and “Being Human” will arrive in December. To promote the new offering, Sony is offering users the chance to download an episode for free through Dec. 7.

Google/Miramax deal in the works?

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Chris Morris

While the networks and other content providers are throwing up hurdle after hurdle to slow Google TV, the search engine giant is looking for new ways to ensure the service stays relevant.

The Wall Street Journal reports Google is in talks with the holding company that’s in the process of aquiring Miramax to license the digital rights to the studio’s entire film catalog. If successful, the films would be available two ways: Via paid rental on YouTube and, for older catalog titles, free to watch, with ads.

Nintendo returns to CES

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Chris Morris

It’s been 16 years since Nintendo showed up at CES – but with competition growing and a revolutionary product launch looming, Mario and Co. are packing their bags and heading to Vegas this January.

The company will be one of the flagship exhibitors in the 2011 CES Gaming Showcase when the consumer electronics tradeshow returns to Las Vegas Jan 6-9. All totaled, more than 35 video game companies will be part of that display.

Chris Morris: Journalist

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