Netflix’s Video Game Plans Raise A Whole Lot Of Questions - Forbes

Tech

Netflix’s Video Game Plans Raise A Whole Lot Of Questions – Forbes

Published

3 years ago

July 16, 2021

Harry Miller

Yesterday, reporting revealed that Netflix is hiring a former EA/VR/mobile executive to head up a newfound gaming division, after years of claiming that games like Fortnite were their biggest rival, sucking away screen time, even if the forms of media are disparate.

The idea is that Netflix is going to have a games section, which raises all manner of questions about what this is going to look like in practice, and what it will actually be competing against.

So, for starters?

Streaming or download? Early reporting says the games will be downloadable, not streamed, which would cut contrary to Netflix’s current format. It would also limit where they could be played with devices that have hard drives big enough to hold them. Streaming games instead would open up the concept to essentially all devices, including TVs.
Controller support? Will these games all be mobile-focused using touchscreen controls? That highly limits the types of games you can make. Will Netflix have these games support controllers, or will they build their own controller like we’ve seen from places like Google Stadia?
Will it cost extra? Early reporting says no, but it also says it means to compete with Apple Arcade to a certain extent, which has a subscription fee.

Will there be any AAA games? All indications appears to be no, given the format these games must be in, if we’re talking touch controls and mobile-like gameplay.
What about the App Store? Netflix suddenly offering games within its app seems like it could run afoul of App Store policies, but if each game is submitted for individual review, that may be the way around that. And yet it does seem like it would limit the types of outside games you could get on the service, as presumably Apple wouldn’t want say, Bloons Tower Defense available on its own app store but also through the Netflix app.
How would microtransactions work? Would any of these games have in-game microtransactions to generate additional revenue? How would that work with app stores and overall game design?
How much of a budget is Netflix devoting to this? If Netflix is not just licensing existing games for this, which they do not seem to be, and greenlighting original games or ones based on its IPs, how much are they willing to spend? Even if we’re not talking AAA here, it’s a huge proposition to build up an original roster of games big enough to adequately fill an entire games section on the app.

Tech

BikeRadar Podcast | Sea Otter 2024 mountain bike round-up | BikeRadar – BikeRadar

Published

34 seconds ago

April 23, 2024

Harry Miller

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, George Scott and Jack Luke look back over the best MTB tech they sniffed out at Sea Otter 2024.

Neko Mulally’s bonded DH frame is discussed, alongside the much anticipated Maxxis Aspen ST tyres, which have been teased by professional riders over the past couple of years.

George and Jack also share their thoughts on Atherton’s new S-Range alloy bikes, with the S.170 making its trade show debut after being released in February.

We’ve also put together an article on all the new and oh-so-shiny MTB tech from the show, so be sure to check that out.

The BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you’re a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.

From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.

To make sure you don’t miss a future episode, you can subscribe via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Adblock test (Why?)

Source link

Tech

Apple's FineWoven cases rumored to get one final release – AppleInsider

Published

1 hour ago

April 23, 2024

Harry Miller

Apple’s range of FineWoven cases

Apple has probably stopped production of its poorly-received FineWoven cases for the iPhone, but a new report from the same herald of its death says there is one last set of seasonal colorways coming.

Now according to leaker Kosutami, who first reported the cancellation, there could still be one more push for the FineWoven cases.

Pressed on the rumor, Kosutami emphasizes later in the same thread that if this is correct, it will be for only one more season. It’s now almost eight months since the launch of the iPhone 15 range, so it’s unlikely that there is to be a new mid-cycle color of the iPhone, but perhaps there can yet be new colors for the FineWoven cases.

Consequently, this rumor can at best be said to be possible, especially if Apple had already committed resources to the new colors. However, since FineWoven has proven to be startlingly poor at stain resistance or even just durability, it’s more believable that it is gone for good than it is that FineWoven will get a last hoorah.

Adblock test (Why?)

Source link

Tech

Meta Expands VR Operating System to Third-Party Hardware Makers – MacRumors

Published

12 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Harry Miller

Facebook parent company Meta today announced the upcoming expansion of Meta Horizon OS, a virtual and augmented reality operating system that will be available to third-party hardware manufacturers that want to design their own headsets.

Right now, Meta sells the Quest line of headsets, but the company wants to provide the software for third-party VR and AR products in the future, much like Microsoft offers Windows for all manner of third-party PCs.

Meta Horizon OS is the mixed reality operating system that Meta created for its own Quest headsets, and it has support for eye, face, hand, and body tracking along with passthrough, spatial anchors, scene understanding, and other features. There is a “social layer” that will allow the identities, avatars, and friends of users to move between virtual spaces on different devices.

According to Meta, multiple companies are working on devices that will use Meta Horizon OS. ASUS ROG is developing a performance gaming headset and Lenovo is working on mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment. Meta says that it is also creating a limited edition version of Meta Quest in partnership with Xbox.

With the expansion of Meta Horizon OS to third-party hardware manufacturers, Meta is making it easier for any developer to ship VR software on the platform by removing barriers between the Horizon Store and App Lab.

By creating an operating system that can be used by other hardware manufacturers, Meta is inserting itself into the growing AR/VR ecosystem and creating opportunities for it to outpace Apple in mixed reality development. Apple launched the Vision Pro headset earlier this year, but software is lacking given the high price and limited distribution of the device.

According to a report from earlier today, interest in the Vision Pro is already waning at Apple’s retail locations with fewer people requesting demos.

Adblock test (Why?)

Source link