Mobile games are coming to the TV with the help of Sony
Acclaimed Japanese technology giant Sony has taken a bold step in the game industry by unveiling its new PS Vita TV, a small but powerful console based on the company’s modestly popular Playstation Vita. Unlike its handheld counterpart, the PS Vita TV does not feature a screen or any sort of controls. Instead, the console allows users to play games exclusive to the Vita on their televisions, without actually having to own a Vita console. This could set Sony up to compete with others that have been showing a strong interest in mobile games.
Game industry continues showing support for mobile titles
While mobile games are often played by consumers on the move, the vast majority of people playing these games do so from home. Smartphones and tablets are preferred platforms for many, but other handheld devices, such as the Playstation Vita and the Nintendo 3DS, have become a staple among gamers interested in portability. Recently, several game companies have been looking to take advantage of the popularity of mobile games by creating consoles that allow consumers to play these games on a bigger screen and with better controls. The Ouya is one of the most recent, as well as most criticized, console to attempt to accomplish this.
PS Vita TV to make Vita games more accessible
PS Vita TV will support all Vita games and will cost approximately $100 for the standard edition. While there are not many Vita games available today when compared to games exclusive to its handheld counterparts, these games typically receive high praise from the game industry and avid gamers. There are many developers interested in mobile games that are looking to bring new titles to the Vita as well and these future games will also be supported by PS Vita TV.
Mobile games continue to gain favor with consumers
When many people think of mobile games, they usually get the idea of gaming applications played on smartphones and tablets. Mobile games were common on handheld consoles long before smartphones were invented, however, and mobile gaming has evolved aggressively over the past decade. Today, consumers have become very comfortable with the concept of mobile gaming, which has encouraged the game industry to attribute more attention to this sector in recent years.
BWild |
September 13, 2013
Apple unveils iPhone 5S and 5C
Apple revealed its highly anticipated iPhone 5S this week during a special press event, but the famed technology company also unveiled some unexpected products as well. Apple has been fighting to maintain its market share in the mobile sector for some time, and this fight has became more desperate when long-time rival Samsung took the top spot in the global market. In an effort to boost device sales, Apple unveiled the iPhone 5C, which is meant to be a low-end smartphone designed to appeal to the world’s low-income populace.
New 5S could be a hint at Apple’s mobile payments interests
Apple’s event was enough to generate hype among long-time supporters of the company. The iPhone 5S has won praise for the new features it offers, the most notable of which is fingerprint sensor technology that could make the device much more secure than its predecessors. This technology could also help Apple break into the mobile payments space, which the company has been approaching with caution for some time. While Apple sees a great deal of promise in mobile payments, the company considers this sector to be somewhat dangerous due to the lackluster security features that some payment platforms offer.
Fingerprint technology may help make mobile payments more secure
While Apple has not yet made an announcement concerning its plans for mobile payments, the iPhone 5S could provide some insight on where the company is heading in this sector. Equipped with a fingerprint scanner, the iPhone 5S is able to function as the most secure mobile payments platform available. The technology is able to authorize payments more effectively than conventional platforms, many of which are based on NFC technology. Apple considered NFC technology to be lackluster for mobile payments because the technology is susceptible to hacking, putting a consumer’s financial information at risk.
5C designed for low-income consumers
The iPhone 5C and other models are not designed with mobile payments in mind. The 5C is meant to appeal to low-income consumers who have an interest in smartphones but not necessarily enough money to purchase cutting-edge models. The iPhone 5C is expected to retail for approximately $99, whereas the iPhone 5S will feature a significantly higher price tag.
