Boxee Partnership with OnLive

**makru** · November 20th, 2010, 06:50 PM

I have been testing out the latest versions of both the Boxee software and OnLive and I have to say that these two pieces of software are meant for each other. For those who aren't familiar with OnLive, it's a new PC gaming platform for renting, purchasing, and playing games remotely on the company's servers. The client-side requirements for the software are basically limited to a single ethernet connection and OnLive can even run on netbooks without a hitch. Amazingly enough, the software works really well and the lag between the user input and the output on the screen is only several milliseconds. The company recently launched hardware to accompany this service, which consists of a set-top box and gaming controller for $99 (which does not put it in direct competition with Boxee Box pricing).

In many ways, OnLive and Boxee are both in similar positions. They each have revolutionary software and their business models are highly dependent on the number of eyeballs that they can deliver to a computer or TV screen. This is why Boxee should partner with OnLive to deliver a gaming solution to (at least) the Boxee Box. The desktop-side software clocks in at around 8 megabytes, so there should be no problem with space constraints. Similarly, the hardware for the Boxee box and the OnLive Gaming system are nearly the same (HDMI out, Ethernet, optical out, and 2 USB). Hardware compatibility with peripherals would also not be an issue, since OnLive is compatible with any USB-enabled keyboards, mice, and even Xbox controllers.

Of course, OnLive may not even want to partner up with any other hardware/software providers, but it will be a while until they become profitable enough to support themselves financially. Furthermore, whether Boxee does this or not, someone else will take advantage of this kind of integration down the road. Google TV will obviously make a push in gaming on the television, but its hardware will limit the games to basic offerings like sudoku clones and marble maze games. So just imagine if Boxee could allow users to play and rent copies of games like Assassin's Creed II and the new Deus Ex directly on their TVs. It would be a killer app and a killer marketing tool. Tell me what you guys think.

**opm881** · November 22nd, 2010, 09:00 PM

The boxee remote is not really styled to be able to play games, so thats the first hurdle. Second hurdle is anyone who has a high speed net connection and wants to play games will have a PC, and Onlives quality of service isnt that great. I can see the appeal but I cant see it taking off.

**makru** · November 22nd, 2010, 11:54 PM

Thank you for your response. This is actually why I mentioned the Boxee Box's two USB ports. Users could either plug in a keyboard and mouse, an Xbox 360 controller, or OnLive proprietary controller. I realize that most people with high speed connections will have other means of using the service, but very few people actually purchase the video cables necessary to hook up their computers to their televisions. Obviously, having OnLive would be great for the sake of convenience and most of Boxee's apps are just that: conveniences. There is really no need to purchase a $200 dollar streaming box when you could do the same thing for free on any laptop or desktop. Yet, there is clearly a market for these "10ft. experience" devices and they are all lacking in gaming options.

**Tuskone** · November 24th, 2010, 02:40 AM

and you totally forgot the xbox 360 with a kinect... voice/movement controlled media center on your game console doesn't count?
And both ps3 and wii(through homebrew) can play media. PS3 even plays blurays. I mean if you want to play on your tv, get a console.

**Blueman101** · January 10th, 2011, 11:24 PM

You guys are missing the point, if you dont have the ability to build a gaming machine and you already own a Boxee (even the free pc version hooked up to a tv), but want to play games, why would you not want this. Its true that Onlive not an xbox or a ps3, but if you can play 720p games on a little weak netbook, why wouldt you want it on any platform that can support it?

I want, no, Boxee NEEDS this on their platform!

**Luklonium** · March 9th, 2011, 11:45 PM

Onlive's wireless controller should work with Boxee Box, and it's supposedly soon to be compatible with android and iOS devices. Why not the Boxee Box, also Onlive is an app on newer Vizio TV's , couldn't they port their app over to Boxee?

**tbag** · March 10th, 2011, 07:06 AM

Awesome idea mate! I would love 1 box that I can buy PC games on and watch TV shows. Would be great to be able to use a keyboard n mouse on my big tele. No i don't want to connect my laptop to my TV i want it to be easier. This would be awesome

**Garagegoblin** · June 26th, 2011, 11:04 AM

I hope someone important is seeing this thread, I love this idea!!! Please Boxee Team consider talking to the crew at OnLive!! I love my Boxee Box, it would be 1000x's better if I could play games from it as well.

**iRoNBiLL** · June 27th, 2011, 11:48 AM

Maybe someone at Team Boxee should give OnLive a call and see if this is even remotely possible... even if it were with less graphically intense games.

iRoNBiLL