Don't really see any synergies, yet! What's it supposed to do once connected to the net; my assumption is it will serve double duty as a browser and hence be a cheap replacement for a PC (at least for net connectability).
As far as multi-player gaming over the net goes, there's more to it than just having a graphics power box. The key is in the communications, i.e., messaging. So far, it seems very apparent that HLA/RTI is being proven as an extremely viable network architecture for implementing multi-player games... It's my bet that in the near future, HLA/RTI compliance will be a selling point of these boxes.
The military has spent a good deal of money to prove HLA/RTI is a more viable network architecture than others for multi-player game implementation. Perceptronics is not the only company involved in the proof-of-concept... there are a number of others involved with the tech. Likewise, there are a number of groups pushing standards initiatives as well. The tech has every appearance of being viable. The companies that both create the most value-added products and get their offerings to market first will probably make the most money. While there's a slew of feel-good points about Perceptronics for me, my investment/bet is based on two primary assumptions: 1. I'm betting on HLA/RTI as being widely accepted as "THE" framework for development multi-player net games; 2. I'm betting that given the extremely large market forecasts of multi-player gaming in general, a good number of companies will make very nice money off of HLA/RTI, and those companies involved in the development of the standard stand a good chance of being one of 'em.
Oh ya, my "yet" comment. If HLA/RTI does prove to be the most effective means for implementing net-enabled multi-player gaming, then you can be sure that Sony, Sega, and Playstation will HLA/RTI enable their systems. Likewise, all companies that target those machines with their games will do the same (if they want net capabilities). This would seem to indicate a need for HLA/RTI tool licensing at both the content and connection points.
By the way, thanks for all the kind comments. Hope we make a bundle!
JN |
