Collaboration to Include Verizon Games on Demand Experience for Intel Viiv
Technology-Based PCs, New PlayLinc Game Messenger
NEW YORK and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon and
Intel Corporation have collaborated to enable consumers to play popular PC
games on their television sets through Intel(R) Viiv(TM) technology-based
PCs, making the games more enjoyable and accessible than ever before.
The companies also will market a version of PlayLinc, a new game
messenger that provides a faster and more entertaining way to enjoy
multiplayer games online. PlayLinc, which is free, provides a variety of
features, including free private servers, VoIP integration and the ability
for players to track when their friends are online and ready to join a
game.
"We're creating a graphics-rich, big-screen game-playing experience for
the entire family," said Colson Hillier, director of new product
development for Verizon. "The games that families now enjoy on their PCs
will become larger than life, more fun to play and accessible in virtually
every room of the house, through linkages between a family's PC and their
TV. This is an extension of Verizon's commitment to provide customers with
the content and service they want, whenever they want it, and however they
want to receive it."
Verizon Games on Demand for Viiv
The Verizon Games on Demand service enables users to play popular PC
games on their TVs through Intel Viiv technology-based PCs running
Microsoft Windows XP* Media Center Edition 2005 (MCE). Using a wireless
game controller and MCE remote control, consumers can play a broad array of
games from the comfort of their favorite couch or easy chair, also referred
to as the "10-foot view" of the television set. Consumers can access the
service through the Media Center Edition menu system by selecting the
service using their remote control.
Verizon Games on Demand combines the power and flexibility of the Intel
Viiv technology platform, featuring the Intel Core(TM) 2 Duo processor,
with the speed and reliability of Verizon's broadband networks and the
innovation of its growing online gaming services.
Kevin Corbett, vice president of Intel's Digital Home Group and general
manager of the company's Content Services Group, said, "Intel Core 2 Duo
processors deliver exceptional PC gaming performance and are the foundation
for Intel Viiv technology, which is helping to ignite new digital
entertainment experiences. The combination of Intel Viiv technology and
Verizon Games on Demand provides consumers with a wide selection of popular
gaming experiences for both the PC and the TV, which adds a whole new
dimension to online gaming."
Intel Viiv technology helps connect the PC to the TV and enables
consumers to simplify, share and control their games, music and movies with
the energy- efficient performance delivered by the Intel Core 2 Duo
processor(1) The technology is widely supported by a number of PC and
consumer electronics manufacturers, as well as content and service
providers such as Verizon.
Verizon Games on Demand features click-and-play access to a wide
variety of popular, full-version PC games that appeal to many different
gamers, including adults and children. The service was named a Popular
Mechanics Editor's Choice at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics
Show. The service subscription costs $9.95 per month. The service will
feature:
* Easy, 3-D navigation and launch via the MCE remote control
* Schedule game downloading and prioritize or change the schedule for
future game play
* Click-and-play experience with no game installation process
* Wireless gamepad controls that create a console-like playing experience
* Ability to choose games based on rating, genre or other criteria
* Automatic system check to ensure the PC has the necessary drivers and
available memory, among other things, to run each game, along with
automatic system updates
* Accelerated game downloads to begin playing even before the download is
completed
* Rich graphics that make casual game playing as exciting as sophisticated
console gaming
PlayLinc Game Messenger
PlayLinc provides online gamers with a single, easy-to-use interface
and all the tools they need for a superior playing experience, including
the ability for gamers to launch their own servers for free, true
server-based voice capabilities for up to 32 players, seamless integration
of America Online's AIM(R) messaging service, in-game and on-game chat and
Internet browsing, buddy tracking, team management and other tools.
PlayLinc supports both PC and console games and allows players to host any
LAN-enabled multi- player game on a virtual LAN.
PlayLinc takes advantage of Intel dual core technology by shifting
communications functions to the second core, which allows the service to
run faster and more efficiently. PlayLinc can be used with any broadband
connection, but customers of Verizon's fiber-based FiOS Internet Service
will benefit from the power of a super-high-speed fiber connection directly
into their homes. Intel and Verizon will promote PlayLinc through a variety
of channels, including gaming events and online initiatives.
Verizon's PlayLinc service was developed in relationship with
SuperComputer International (SCI), a leading provider of high-performance
game-server hosting solutions, gameplay-related services and fully
integrated gaming portals. Verizon acquired an equity position in SCI in
May.
About Intel:
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies,
products, and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live.
Additional information about Intel is available at
http://www.intel.com/pressroom.
About Verizon:
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader
in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication
innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.
Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving
nearly 57 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of
the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is
deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the
benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment
services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce
of approximately 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating
revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit
http://www.verizon.com.
Intel, Intel Viiv, and Intel Core are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States
and other countries. (1)Verified services will vary, and content
restrictions may apply. Wireless and network performance varies with
specific hardware and software configurations, usage, and environmental
interference. Use a wired connection for improved performance with video
and other media. May require TV tuner card and/or remote control which may
be sold separately. Instant on/off feature works after initial boot, when
activated. See http://www.intel.com/go/viiv_info for more information.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches
and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other
information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at
http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the
News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news
releases.
SOURCE Verizon
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Related links:
http://www.verizon.com
http://www.intel.com/pressroom
http://www.intel.com/go/viiv_info
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html /
CONTACT:
Bobbi Henson, Verizon, +1-972-718-2225,
bobbi.henson@verizon.com; Claudine Mangano, Intel,
+1-408-765-0146, claudine.a.mangano@intel.com
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