Nvidia at the GPU Technology Conference announced GeForce GRID that will allow gaming-as-a-service companies to stream and host games efficiently while gamers will be able to play the high-end games at virtually any internet connected device.

For an end consumer, its working is similar to the OnLive service but for service providers, Nvidia GeForce GRID will help to streamline the available resources.

The Nvidia GRIDGPUs are based on Kepler architecture GPU which in combination with the encoder and 3,072 CUDA technology cores helps to reduce the load on the CPU and simultaneously run more game streams. Additionally, Nvidia’s tech is equipped with Fast Streaming that claims to reduce server latency to 10ms, thus enabling an almost real-time gaming experience.

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Subsidized gaming consoles are unheard of but Microsoft has done the inevitable by offering its Xbox 360 at a very attractive price of $99. Of course, this takeaway price for the hardware is tied to the commitment for the software, which is a contract of Xbox Live Gold account for two years at $15 per month.

Needless to say, the Xbox 360 with a contract will be expensive than buying Xbox 360 with Kinect on a contract.

To put it in perspective, Xbox 360 with Kinect on contract will cost $459 ($15/month X 24 months + $99) compared to buying off contract which comes to around $419 ($5/month X 24 months + $299).

Microsoft Store

[Via Engadget]

Microsoft has launched a new Kinect sports value bundle for the Indian market. The new Xbox 360 bundle comes with a white 4GB Xbox console, Kinect sensor and two games – Kinect Adventures and Kinect Sports and three months subscription of Xbox Live Gold. Its priced at Rs. 24,990.

Kinect for the uninitiated, makes users act as controller as they can user their hands to control the console and play games.

Ready for some bird slinging action in zero gravity? Rovio has now released its much anticipated Angry Birds Space that takes the birds to the intergalactic to fight the egg stealing pigs. The game includes 60 levels with new birds and their powers. There’s also a 30-level pack called Danger Zone as an in-app purchase but Samsung Galaxy users can grab this level pack as well as an additional Galaxy Note level for free.

The game goes for free on Android whereas costs 99 cents on iOS.

iTunes Store

You’re in for some bird slingshot treat if you happen to own a Samsung Galaxy device. Samsung has teamed up with Rovio, makers of Angry Birds to provide free levels to all Galaxy users. Post the launch of Angry Birds Space, all Galaxy users will get an exclusive Galaxy Note level and a 30-level “Danger Zone” level pack which will be a paid in-app purchase for the non-Galaxy users. Do note, this level pack will be free for the first three months from the release.

The game will be available on Google Play Store and Samsung Apps from March 22.

[Via Sammy Hub]

Sony today announced the availability of its handheld console, PlayStation Vita in India. The PSP successor will sell in India for Rs. 19,990 (Wi-Fi) and Rs. 24,990 (Wi-Fi+3G). On the hardware front, Vita packs some serious power that includes a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, PowerVR SGX543MP4+ GPU, 5-inch touchscreen OLED display, rear touchpad, front and rear-facing camera, dual-analog sticks and GPS.

Additionally, PS Vita supports cross-platform play with PS3, location-based gaming and voice or text chat support during gameplay.

Some of the titles available at launch are:
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
WipEout 2048
Little Deviants
ModNation Racers
Everybody’s Golf
Hustle Kings
Top Darts
EA SPORTS FIFA Football
Ridge Racer
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
Rayman Origins
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition

Sony has released a new firmware update for its PS3 gaming console. The update takes firmware to v4.10 and brings two changes – the first one is the renaming of PSN Account to Sony Entertainment Network Account. The name change Sony says is due to an effort to unify its PlayStation Network (PSN) and other Sony Entertainment Network services.

The second change is on the web browser front which now boasts an improved loading speed.

[Via PlayStation Blog]

Christmas holiday season shoppers would want to add a new gadget to their list this year. Nintendo’s President Satoru Iwata confirmed today that the next-generation Wii aka Wii U will be released before end of this year to take advantage of the important holiday season shopping.

Although there are no exact dates, Wii U will make its way to US, Europe, Australia and Japan later this year.

Wii U looks similar to the original Wii but comes with a 6.2-inch touchscreen display that acts as a controller as well as secondary display to play games on.

[Via Reuters]

Razer showed off its recently unveiled Project Fiona Tablet concept at CES 2012. For the uninitiated, Project Fiona Tablet is a concept design based on Windows OS that will enable an immersive gaming experience.

Although intrinsic specs are a mystery, Razer did confirm to work with Intel to harness the power of the third-gen Intel Core i7 processor. Moreover, Razer has integrated couple of controllers at the side that claims to give an accurate full force feedback.

Razer plans to commercially sell the tablet by end of this year for under $1000.

Featuring integrated dual game controllers with ultra-precise analog sticks, Project Fiona runs gamepad-enabled PC games right out of the box. Along with the game controllers, Project Fiona is also designed with ultra-precise accelerometers and a highly sensitive multi-touch screen. This provides game developers with new game experiential opportunities to develop around the hybrid game control experience offered by Project Fiona. It also ensures current-generation PC games run on the tablet concept, as well as any existing games optimized for the touchscreen interface of a tablet.

Developer units of the Project Fiona Concept PC Gaming Tablet will be made available soon. The retail version is expected to ship during 2012 and will be priced below USD 1000.