When it comes to upgrading hardware for a newer version with more technologically advanced specs it’s almost a no-brainer for some people, and this is especially the case for Apple fans looking forward to the release of iPhone 5 and iPad 3.
Over the last few weeks we’ve studied the latest iPad 3 rumors from the gamer perspective, and looked at what this release could bring for those that love to play graphic intensive games while mobile. This included the possibility of a new A6 chip that could offer a quad core and graphics power 20x the iPad 2, although these are just rumors waiting to be confirmed by an Apple event unveiling the new iPad.
More money for better hardware could be a thing of the past – in the future you might not need to keep upgrading hardware for better graphics when gaming, and instead the idea of cloud computing is gaining increased publicity. OnLive is driving the idea of cloud gaming and saving you money by only spending on games, and letting OnLive worry about the hardware needed to run these games.
OnLive has started to offer support for Android and iOS mobile devices, including phones and tablet PCs. in 2012 some gamers that want extreme mobile graphics, similar to those found on the Xbox 360 and PS3, might not worry about the upcoming iPad 3 release that is expected to push mobile gaming to new levels. These casual gamers could find satisfaction with OnLive and an older iPad they already own rather than upgrading for improved specs, or a mobile phone and older PC that does not need an upgrade thanks to OnLive.
Hardcore gamers not ready just yet – there are still a few reasons why some people find the need to spend money on the latest gadgets to support their gaming, and these include lag and an Internet connection. The connection issue with OnLive can be solved in the U.S. and Europe as support for 4G mobile broadband increases, although the lag issue could still be there until technology improves. Why do you love to buy hardware with higher specs, and do you think cloud gaming could change your ways?
We’ve embedded a video below that runs for around 37 minutes, get a snack first, and gives you some real insight into OnLive. The same video shows you gameplay from a number of games that feature graphics along the lines of the PS3/Xbox 360, although when playing a fighting game the lag is very noticeable and seasoned gamers would not like the experience.
To show you how integrated cloud gaming is becoming we’ve featured another video, which shows a new Google TV with OnLive built-in so you can game without the need for a PS3 or Xbox 360 console, but with similar graphics. Again the lag issue would still be there, and is more noticeable in racing and fighting games.
The choice comes down to the type of gamer you are – It has been rumored that the raw horsepower of the upcoming iPad 3 could equal that of an Xbox 360, which should mean graphics in apps that are right up there with the PS Vita. if you’re a casual gamer always near a Wi-Fi connection then OnLive could be a better and cheaper solution than continually upgrading iPad/phone/PC hardware.
If the iPad 3 released with an LTE/4G connection then this could be the last mobile gaming device you need, which can be paired with OnLive and improved support for 4G connections. then you should never need another gaming device again for better graphics, which could increase to PS4/Xbox 720 type graphics on low spec mobile hardware next generation.
Have you had enough of upgrading hardware for games, and could OnLive gaming for a growing range of devices suit you better? Will you buy the iPad 3? See the videos below to better understand OnLive, and let us know if this type of service is ideal for your gaming needs.
Those of you looking for some of the latest iPad 3 news might want to see a few articles published this week, which includes details on iPad 3 cases and the iPad 3 retina display rumor mentioned again, although in the code for iBooks 2 this time. You might also want to watch out for an Apple event that is rumored for early February and could showcase an iPad 3 with a release date a few weeks later.