OnLive streaming app vows console-quality gaming on mobile devices

Cloud gaming services provider OnLive announced the launch of a free application trumpeting console-class titles and player experiences across smartphones and tablets.

OnLive's wireless controller uses adaptive wireless technology to automatically identify an optimal wireless connection.

According to OnLive, the streaming app will offer 25 games at launch, including hits like L.A. Noire, LEGO: Batman, Defense Grid Gold, Dirt 3, Split Second and Darksiders. All titles are optimized for touch-enabled gaming and available for instant play via both Wi-Fi and mobile networks in the United States. and the United Kingdom, leveraging 4G LTE technologies to deliver low-latency, high-definition gaming. OnLive also will offer access to nearly 200 titles compatible with its Wireless Controller unit, which utilizes adaptive wireless technology to automatically identify an optimal wireless connection for a particular tablet, smartphone, PC, Mac, TV or Blu-ray player. The OnLive Wireless Controller retails for $49.99.

OnLive states that the app is compatible with AT&T (NYSE:T) and Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) 4G LTE services. The firm will issue the app across multiple mobile operating systems, with release dates and times subject to app store certifications. OnLive adds that any game purchased across supported platforms can be played instantly on any other OnLive app device with full cloud save-game data intact, enabling users to start a game on one device and continue it on another. OnLive also touts exclusive social features like BragClip videos as well as Facebook messaging and achievement sharing.

Palo Alto-based OnLive said it will expand operations into Europe and Asia in the coming months. Investors include AT&T as well as Warner Bros., Autodesk, Maverick Capital, British Telecommunications, HTC and Juniper Networks.

For more:
- read this release

Related articles:
Flurry: Smartphone game revenues eclipse Nintendo DS, Sony PSP
Flurry: Freemium titles yield two-thirds of App Store gaming revenues
Nielsen: iOS users spend twice as much time playing mobile games
Flurry: iOS, Android games rake in $800M in 2010
PopCap: One third of adults play mobile games each month