While we've covered work by BlueStacks to bring Android apps to Macs and PCs, the company has an even more interesting announcement to make today, revealing that its upcoming GamePop set-top box designed to offer subscription mobile gaming on TVs will also include support for iOS games. 9to5Mac has more on the developments, which include word that Fieldrunners developer Subatomic Studios will be the first major partner on the service.
As for what developers will have to do before submitting their apps, John tells us it’s as simple as changing in-app payments to use Google or Amazon like the rest of the content on GamePop. The rest of the magic is handled by BlueStacks’ API-level virtualization technology dubbed Looking Glass. It’s what will allow just about any iOS game with next to no tweaks to run on the TV through GamePop. John notes it’s similar to how BlueStacks’ “Layercake tech does a ton of heavy lifting to make Android apps work on PC and Mac.” It will also take care of mapping controls for each app to the various controllers planned for the device including iPhone and Android apps and a physical controller that will sell with the GamePop console.
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GamePop's subscription service is priced at $6.99 per month, with the company offering a free set-top box and controller to customers signing up for a one-year contract before the end of the month. After that, the box and controller will cost $129.
Apple has been rumored to be looking at opening up its Apple TV platform to third-party applications, perhaps alongside a new television set product. When Apple launched the redesigned Apple TV in late 2010, Steve Jobs noted that the company could launch an Apple TV App Store when the time is right, but the company has yet to announce any efforts in that direction.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)You can't use a touch screen to things if you're looking at the tv screen.
Mirroring introduced a lot of lag that makes any game that requires fast, accurate input difficult to play.
Hi there,I don't know how much better gamepop would be - as I'm still trying to wrap my head around what exactly it is! There's a console box, and a controller 'like none you've seen before'. Where does the iOS device fit into this system? Or does the console replace the iOS device and just play iOS games? If so, does it connect to the App Store? Or will it just play iOS compatible games hosted on its own store? And if so, does that violate Apple's T&Cs?
Very confused..
We won't be mirroring at all. The device will run natively on the console using our API layer. If you want to do an IAP, you can no problem using another payment method through Amazon or Google. The games will be on our cloud and don't touch any Apple bits so it does not violate any T/Cs or the Developer Guidelines.
You can download our companion app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device and use that to play the games, or you can use the included controller. We do all the device mappings ourselves to ensure that no lag occurs and the experience is seamless for the user.
- Ben from BlueStacks
they can be the first to market this. but when apple comes late to the party, apple can be the winner.