OnLive gaming hits Android devices, iOS app coming soon

Video game streaming firm OnLive has launched a mobile client for select Android devices, bringing the latest and most graphically intensive titles to the fastest-growing category of consumer electronic devices. The service, which launched last year for Windows and Mac OS X systems, promises console-like gaming on a multitude of devices without compromises and without big downloads gobbling up local storage.

There are currently over 25 games optimized for touchscreen environments, some of them using overlay controls, while others including L.A. Noire and Defense Grid have been specifically redesigned for touch input. The company is working with publishers to make more games in the OnLive library touch-compatible.

For those not too keen on playing AAA game titles using a touch interface, OnLive plans to release a $50  wireless controller compatible with smartphones and tablets that allows users to explore the entire OnLive game library. It also works with the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Mac or OnLive's MicroConsole using a USB dongle.

OnLive's Android app is free to download and includes a copy of Lego Batman: The Videogame for free to get you started. An iOS version will be out soon pending approval. Users will be able to stream games through both Wi-Fi and mobile networks, provided they can get speeds between 1Mbps and 5Mbps.

Here's a list of devices that currently support OnLive's mobile client:

Tablets

• Acer Iconia Tab A500
• ASUS Eee Pad Transformer
• HTC Flyer
• HTC Jetstream
• Motorola Xoom
• Samsung Galaxy Tab
• Sony Tablet S
• Toshiba Thrive

Smartphones

• HTC EVO
• HTC Nexus One
• HTC Rezound 4G
• HTC Sensation
• HTC Sensation XL
• Motorola Droid 2
• Motorola Droid X2
• Motorola DROID BIONIC 4G
• Motorola DROID RAZR 4G
• Motorola Photon 4G
• Samsung Galaxy S II 4G

Seagate intros mobile wireless HDD for iOS, Android devices

Seagate has announced an interesting new addition to its GoFlex range of external storage devices. Dubbed GoFlex Satellite, it's the first battery-powered hard drive to wirelessly connect to any Wi-Fi-enabled device, including iOS and Android tablets or smartphones. Priced at $200 for 500GB of storage it's certainly not for everyone, but Seagate believes that since most mobile devices are limited in storage, it can be a handy companion to take on the road.

The device's wireless radio supports up to three connections and lets you access any media on the drive through a web browser. There's also a dedicated GoFlex Media app for iOS that will let you transfer files between your device and the hard drive -- the Android version is said to be coming soon. Battery life will last about 5 hours of operation and about 25 hours when idle, and like other GoFlex drives, you can still hook it up to any computer via USB 2.0 or USB 3.0.

"With the GoFlex Satellite mobile wireless storage, we wished to create an elegant solution that provides real value to the multitude of iPad users out there by delivering a seamless connection to local storage," said Patrick Connolly, VP and general manager of Seagate's retail group. "No longer will a consumer feel as though it is a compromise to purchase a lower capacity tablet or iPad. With GoFlex Satellite, people will be able to carry their entire media library with them without the need for wires or the web at a fraction of the cost of adding 3G or purchasing or a higher capacity tablet."

The new device is basically a portable external hard drive, almost exactly the same as the GoFlex Pro or the GoFlex Ultra-portable, but with the addition of a built-in battery and Wi-Fi. Despite the additions is not too bulky for a 2.5-inch hard drive at 4.72 x 3.46 x 1.26 inches and weighing just over half a pound.

The GoFlex Satellite is available for pre-order now from Seagate.com, Amazon and BestBuy.com. It should arrive in retail stores this July, and an eventual global roll out is planned for later this summer.