Skip to main content

Apple TV to offer online games?

apple-tv-with-game-controller
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Could Apple be preparing a move into the digital games business? Engadget thinks so. A “trusted tipster” has informed the site of several references to gaming in the iOS 4.3 beta 3 firmware code. While it is impossible to say for sure, lines like “com.apple.appletv.play.live.thunder” and “.play.archive.thunder,” sprinkled throughout the code may refer to controllers, a leaderboard system, multiplayer scheduling, and an iTunes-like game storefront.

apple-tv-game-code-rmeng
Image used with permission by copyright holder

OnLive is the only service that currently streams games and the company claims it has fundamental patents on the technology behind their distribution system. Has Apple found a way around these patents? More importantly, is the company planning on streaming or simply downloading games? The current Apple TV model isn’t exactly built for gaming in any shape or form, but the 2011 model could be.

Sadly, that’s all we know at this point. The code has us speculating on features could and may exist, but it’s a longshot to actually try and decipher what Apple’s intentions are with its code. For all we know, an intern threw this code in on the day he got fired for playing too much Xbox at work. Or perhaps Apple has intentions with gaming, but never actually follows through. Apple is one of the most focused companies around. If it plans to start competing in the home gaming  space, OnLive, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have reason to worry. We may have a fifth legitimate contender entering the fray.

Editors' Recommendations

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
The best Apple TV games you need to play
Apple TV Gaming

Apple has done its best to corner every niche in the market, and video games are not an exception. Owning an Apple TV comes with a few different perks, and the games that you can download from the App Store is one of them. 

If you’re looking for something new to play, here are some of our favorite Apple TV games that’ll occupy your time for hours (or maybe even days).

Read more
Fortnite finally comes back to Apple devices via GeForce Now
Spider-Man in Fortnite.

Nvidia announced today that it's bringing Fortnite back to Apple platforms with an open beta on Android and iOS devices through its cloud gaming service, Nvidia GeForce Now. This limited-time testing will take place on the Nvidia GeForce Now Android app and the iOS Safari web browser. Note that it's the Apple web browser, not an app.

GeForce Now members can sign up for the open beta before it starts next week. However, there's limited space available, so everyone who signs up won't necessarily receive an invite. Those who want to participate but don't yet have a Nvidia GeForce Now account can sign up for free.

Read more
Today’s best tech deals: AirPods, HP gaming PC under $600, and more
memorial day sales you can shop now 2020 early

If you still have some loose ends for your Christmas shopping, the good news is that there's no shortage of tech deals from different retailers. No matter your budget, you'll be able to purchase gifts for your friends and family members, and even for yourself, through discounts on products like the 3rd-generation Apple AirPods, the Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatch, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop, and many more.

With the holiday season fast approaching, stocks of the most popular products aren't expected to last much longer, and deliveries will soon start suffering from delays as shipping channels get congested. To avoid all this hassle, you shouldn't take up too much time in thinking about whether a product is worth buying. If you see a deal that you like, you should click the Buy Now button immediately, to secure stocks and to make sure that the item arrives at your doorstep in time for Christmas.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm, Bluetooth) -- $130, was $250

Read more