One of the novel features of the upcoming Xbox One that Microsoft detailed on Tuesday was the ability of the device to offload certain processing tasks to servers in the cloud. This optional feature will take advantage of the more than 300,000 servers that Microsoft is rolling out for the console’s launch. While the Xbox unveiling didn’t reveal further details, Ars Technica spoke with General Manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms Matt Booty to clarify the console’s capabilities. Microsoft…
NVIDIA Shield Now Available for Pre-Order with Late June Launch
NVIDIA’s ambitious plan to carve out a slice of dedicated Android-based mobile gaming is now ready for consumer consumption. The NVIDIA Shield handheld console is available for pre-order today for $349.00, with an expected shipping date in late June. NVIDIA first unveiled the console, then called “Project Shield,” at CES in January. It was designed only as a proof-of-concept but, after initial reactions were positive, the company decided to produce the device for sale, shortening its name to simply “Shield.”…
Social Gaming Features Coming to Android with Google Play Games
Apple’s Game Center, the social iOS gaming service introduced as part of iOS 4.1 in September 2010, is about to get a doppelgänger in the form of “Google Play Games,” a new feature coming soon to Android. According to Android Police, which obtained an early build of the service, Google Play Games will likely feature syncing saved games between devices, shared game lobbies for chatting and matchmaking, invites and challenges, icon badges and notifications, score leaderboards, and achievements. The service…