OnLive reports that Vizio's Co-Star stream player with Google TV is now available for pre-purchase at $99.99 on the Vizio.com web site. OnLive is making this announcement because the Google TV device is actually the first to hit the market with the game streaming service pre-installed. Customers who pre-purchase now will receive free shipping once the pocket-sized gadget becomes available.
As reported back in June when Vizio first introduced the product, the official specs are minimal at best: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity, Bluetooth, DNLA support, 3D support, and support for 1080p output via HDMI. It also features an HDMI input port, one USB 2.0 port, and a universal remote packing a keyboard and a touchpad. The PlayPoint app allows users to access content on DLNA-enabled network devices.
"The Vizio Co-Star turns any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV.2 With 1080p and 3D support," OnLive said on Tuesday. "Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This feature allows viewers to enjoy full screen web browsing with Adobe Flash Player and HTML 5, access to entertainment apps such as the OnLive Game Service, Netflix, YouTube® and more3 without switching inputs or remotes thanks to the universal touchpad remote with keyboard."
Through OnLive, users can demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for an independent game console. In addition, the Vizio Co-Star offers popular apps such as Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, iHeartRadio and more – all available for download through the Google Play Store.
In addition to the Vizio announcement, OnLive CEO and Founder Steve Perlman was the guest writer on the Google TV blog on Wednesday, discussing console-class cloud gaming on Google TV devices. "OnLive is integrated into the VIZIO Co-Star and will also be pre-installed on the LG Smart TV with Google TV (G2 Series) via a future software update. For other Google TV devices, an OnLive app is on its way to Google Play, making console-quality top-tier gaming a standard capability for any Google TV device," he said.
OnLive provides a wide selection of PC and console games that are streamed directly from the cloud including MLB 2K12, Sid Meier’s Civilization V, Batman: Arkham City, Darksiders II, Sonic the Hedgehog and more. Gamers can rent titles, purchase them outright for unlimited play, and/or subscribe to an all-you-can-eat sservice for $9.99 per month. Games can be played on a number of devices including tablets, smartphones, on the PC and via Google TV set-tops and HDTVs.
"Just as Google TV has reimagined how people watch television, OnLive has reimagined the way people game -- making playing the latest top-tier titles as simple and as instantaneous as streaming a movie. Welcome to the future of video games," Perlman said.
To pre-order the Vizio Co-Star Stream Player, head here.
