I was posting last night about how even if Google wows me with their offering, I'd hold off for a year to see how they support the thing. Now they're downsizing their tablet and laptop divisions.
https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/...asking-employees-to-transfer-to-other-groups/
Yeah, if it plays local games and has games I want, I'll be interested down the line and hope it does well in that case. But I could see them abandon it quickly if it's not a smash hit.
As awesome as that would be, I don't think you're going to get that in a $399 box at this stage.If it is a traditional console then Google legitimately has a chance imo.
Also, if Google decides to partner with Nvidia for the GPU and has the only console on the market capable of hardware-based raytracing...
The patent explains that in a standalone headset, the data lanes from the SoC (system-on-chip) to the display have limited bandwidth. Increasing this banwdith would have a non-trivial effect on energy consumption. Specifications like DisplayPort include an optional compression system already, however the algorithms behind it were not designed for elements of varying visual acuity in a single frame.
The new compression system described gives priority to elements within the high detail area, where the result should be "virtually lossless". Combining the high and low detail images without visible artefacts is described as requiring a custom chip. Thankfully however this chip is described as "relatively simple".
I could see google buying bungie now that they left activision
Oh don't know didn't see anything about itHaven't they done a $100 million deal with a Chinese publisher?
As awesome as that would be, I don't think you're going to get that in a $399 box at this stage.
Haven't they done a $100 million deal with a Chinese publisher?
Legit Voxel based game in the style of Resogun would be pretty ballin'
SONIC: the movie - the gameI'm mostly interested in Sega's involvement. I mean they're the only major studio force that are "partnering" on this new console, correct? And Google's specifically interested in reviving Sega's legacy IPs? Like are they partnering with them as in Sonic Pocket Adventure on the Neo Geo Pocket Color - or are they partnering with them as in Jet Set Radio 3 is an exclusive? Either way I'm marking my calendar for next week. Very interested to see what Google has on the horizon.
This is definitely intriguing. Some thoughts;
I think all three console manufacturers are at risk if the rumors are true and Google are serious about tackling gaming with a multi-tiered approach.
For Nintendo, a big part of what makes the Switch such an appealing platform despite some of its shortcomings is the ability to provide a true console-like experience on the go. If Google gets most of the big publishers on board and their streaming solution is reliable enough for the average gamer on a mobile device, be it a smartphone or tablet, then the Switch could lose quite a bit of its appeal. With a business model that relies primarily on their own exclusive IP, Nintendo are well equipped to stabilize into a profitable niche after such a disruption but the Switch would go back to being a Nintendo box and probably end up somewhere around GBA/3DS numbers at best instead of potentially rocketing past 100 M. They would also need to reinvent themselves again with their next system rather than simply improve on the hybrid concept.
Sony has a vested interest in keeping the traditional TV box model going for as long as they can. This is their area of expertise, and all of their gaming initiatives that tried to deviate from the blueprint established by the PS1 have been middling successes at best. Unlike Nintendo, much of the appeal of Sony consoles comes from third parties - if the Google console/streaming service becomes a viable home for the likes of FIFA and GTA, then quite a few people who don't really care for Sony's first-party may opt for the Google platform instead, especially when you consider things like Android integration. Another thing to consider is that Google has the means to establish a robust distribution network outside of North America, Western Europe and East Asia, areas where Sony basically wins just by showing up. Moreover, if the streaming experience on a stationary console becomes good enough for the average gamer, Sony could be in trouble as their cloud computing infrastructure lags far behind Google's and especially Microsoft's.
Microsoft may have the highest likelihood of being made obsolete by Google due to how similar their rumored approach is to xCloud and Scarlett but they also have a better chance at competing with Google due to how similar they are as a company. If cloud gaming takes off, then Microsoft already has a massive cloud computing platform at their disposal in Azure, second only to AWS. They are still one of the wealthiest tech giants in the world and will spend aggressively to prevent Google from gaining too much ground in the streaming market if necessary. Unlike Nintendo or Sony, Microsoft has no problem with, and even welcomes a streaming future. A gaming market disrupted by streaming is the preferred outcome for them because unlike the hardware race, the streaming race is one where they actually have a chance at winning.
On Google's side, I think they will have to bring their A-game to gain a sizable foothold in the industry, much like Microsoft did in with the original Xbox and the 360. This isn't a PS1 situation where hundreds of third party studios were stuck between Nintendo's tyranny and Sega's incompetence and could easily be swayed with CDs, good development tools and some money. All three console manufacturers know their market and have good relationships with their third party partners. Their hardware will need to be top-notch, their streaming reliable and their library at least somewhat comparable with everyone else's.
Even if there is hardware, bear in mind that Google's approach to literally ever single piece of hardware in recent years has been to have market-standard specs backed up by software and AI. If there's something remarkable about a Google console, it won't be raw power.
I mentioned this earlier but I really have no confidence in Google supporting products long-term.
These are two news stories that just came out today
- Google Allo officially shuts down
- Google has told dozens of employees on its laptop and tablet division to find new jobs at the company, raising questions about its hardware plans
- Google is killing Inbox
I also don't trust Google's hardware whatsoever.
- The Nexus 5 and 6P had numerous hardware issues, specifically with boot loops
- My Google Pixel (and others) had a data drain issue until Android Oreo was released
- The Google Pixel 3 has a ton of buggy software, specifically with the camera
While I get it's exciting having a new player in the market, the issues I've faced with Google's hardware in the past, bundled with the fact that they like to give up on their products after a few years doesn't really invoke confidence in me about their gaming plans. I'm aware we know next to nothing about what this is, but I'm less likely to invest my own money in this given the numerous examples of Google giving up halfway through a product's life cycle.
I mentioned this earlier but I really have no confidence in Google supporting products long-term.
These are two news stories that just came out today
- Google Allo officially shuts down
- Google has told dozens of employees on its laptop and tablet division to find new jobs at the company, raising questions about its hardware plans
- Google is killing Inbox
I also don't trust Google's hardware whatsoever.
- The Nexus 5 and 6P had numerous hardware issues, specifically with boot loops
- My Google Pixel (and others) had a data drain issue until Android Oreo was released
- The Google Pixel 3 has a ton of buggy software, specifically with the camera
While I get it's exciting having a new player in the market, the issues I've faced with Google's hardware in the past, bundled with the fact that they like to give up on their products after a few years doesn't really invoke confidence in me about their gaming plans. I'm aware we know next to nothing about what this is, but I'm less likely to invest my own money in this given the numerous examples of Google giving up halfway through a product's life cycle.
Yes, and they are priced as such, but in hardware terms, they meet the current standard of excellence or slightly skimp on it. Pixel phones compete with iPhones as a complete service, but not as a hardware product.Pixelbook, Pixel phones and most Nexus phones are all high-end products.
EA and Sony are both not having conferences. This will be a tamer E3 again I guess.
I wouldn't be surprised if they did announce one following GDC.
Yes, and they are priced as such, but in hardware terms, they meet the current standard of excellence or slightly skimp on it. Pixel phones compete with iPhones as a complete service, but not as a hardware product.
Google copying Apple has gone too far
I wouldn't be surprised if they did announce one following GDC.
They have so many devices like that already. I highly doubt they'd even need to release more hardware. They'd just release an app and a controller and call it a day. I guess a controller alone would still be hardware but that would be so disappointing."Hardware" probably just means an HDMI streaming stick and a controller.
If it is streaming, it has no chance in emerging markets. Internet quality + latency just kills the whole thing.
If it is streaming, it has no chance in emerging markets. Internet quality + latency just kills the whole thing.