Q&A: OnLive Makes PC, Console Gaming Possible on IPad, Android

web apps" like Facebook, which run on a distant computer and send information (like wall posts and pictures) back to ours. So why can't we play games like this? A company called OnLiveand is bringing full PC and console games to the iPad and Android tablets, reports BGR.

But I already play online games. How is this different?

It's true that Flash arcade sites like Kongregate and Newgrounds have a ton of free games that you can play in your web browser. MMORPGs like World of Warcraft also run on a remote computer and send information back to yours, and some MMOs -- like Vendetta Online --

OnLive's service isn't an MMO. What it is is streaming video games, just like how YouTube streams video. You subscribe to OnLive's service, or rent or buy games through it, and then you can play them on your PC or Mac, even if it couldn't normally run the games. You can also buy a little box called theand hook it up to your TV, then play games using the Game System's controller.

Wait, so I need a separate box for this?

No. According to OnLive's press release, all you need is a subscription to OnLive's service and an app for your iPad or Android tablet. Then you can use your tablet as a game controller, paired with an external screen. Or you can buy an OnLive game controller and use your tablet as a screen.

How is this different from buying an actual game console?

It's like YouTube crossed with a game console. The game runs on OnLive's computers, and then they stream the video of your gameplay session. So instead of having to lug a gaming-class PC or Mac with you everywhere, or even a game console, your iPad or Android tablet becomes your game console. Just prop it up against something and get out the controller, and you can play games on your tablet that you'd normally need a gaming PC or console to play.

What about lag? Won't that be a problem?

The people who tried it out at OnLive's E3 demo seemed to think it worked pretty well! If you want to try it out, though, you can sign up for a free trial on your PC or Mac and see how the game demos work. There will probably be an option like that in the iPad and Android app as well.

Ohh, OK. So when is this coming out?

"Autumn 2011 in US and Europe," according to the press release.

And how much will it cost?

Well, again, the game demos are free. Andlets you play over 50 games for $9.99 a month.

So what's the downside?

Well, the biggest downside is the fact that these games aren't on your tablet. You aren't buying them so much as getting permission to play them on OnLive's service, and new game purchases typically cost as much as it would to buy the boxed games in stores. So if OnLive suddenly folds or gets bought out or something, you may be out of luck.

Besides that, whether or not you'll have fun with OnLive will depend on how good your wireless Internet connection is. A 4G tablet like the Motorola Xoom may have a better time of connecting to OnLive than an AT&T 3G iPad. Again, though, you should be able to see for yourself.

Jared Spurbeck is an open-source software enthusiast, who uses an Android phone and an Ubuntu laptop PC. He has been writing about technology and electronics since 2008.

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