Verizon, Intel join forces to bring online games for TVs

U.S. communications and network services provider Verizon Communications and chip maker Intel Corp. are collaborating to launch a gaming service that allows consumers to play popular PC games on their television sets using Intel's Intel Viiv technology-based PCs.The service, called Verizon Games on Demand, will also be equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Verizon's broadband networks. Gamers will be able to access the Windows XP Media Center Edition menu system by selecting the service using a MCE remote control.

Colson Hillier, director of new product development at Verizon, said the two companies will be 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."Intel's vice president of digital home group and general manager of the company's content services group Kevin Corbett said the combination of Viiv technology and Verizon Games on Demand will provide consumers with a wide selection of popular gaming experiences for both the PC and the TV, which adds a whole new dimension to online gaming.The service will also offer click-and-play access to a wide variety of popular PC games.