Verizon, Intel Bring Online PC Gaming to TV

Communications network provider Verizon and Intel have collaborated, to enable users to play popular PC games on their television sets through Intel Viiv PCs, using Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (MCE). The two companies will also promote a version of PlayLinc, a free game messenger that provides a faster multiplayer gaming online. Users will be able to access the Windows XP Media Center Edition menu system by selecting the service using the MCE remote control.

Colson Hillier, director of new product development for Verizon said, “We’re creating a graphics-rich, ‘big-screen’ game-playing experience for the entire family. 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.”

PlayLinc, the service which will be promoted by the two companies, provides a variety of features, such as free private servers, VoIP integration and the ability for players to track when their friends are online and ready to join a game. Other features of PlayLinc include true server-based voice capabilities for up to 32 players, integration with America Online’s AIM 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.