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[Raistlin]

If the rumors of Nintendo trying for an iPhone style app store are true there's nothing (except Nintendo's stubbornness) to stop 3rd party remote apps with greater functionality from coming along. That does negate the whole out of the box argument though.

That would be great if true. Though yeah I'd be concerned about what Nintendo would actually allow through stubbornness.

I still think it's important to note that the ultimate goal is to eliminate competition for TV usage and become the device of the living room.

Again though if the remote is as crippled as has been demonstrated thus far, it isn't just an issue preventing competition. It's preventing usage of components necessary for actually using the Wii U in their setup. Which brings us back to the original point - as it stands, it is not a universal remote and therefore will not be able to replace peoples' remotes in all but the simplest setups.

 

[Raistlin]

Would be really cool to be able to use Netflix to stream two different movies/shows on two different Upads.

That may be possible actually.

Based on that gametrailers vid, if what the rep saying is true you are able to stream 2 different shows - one to the TV, and one to the pad. I can't imagine it would be too difficult to stream to two pads instead?

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2012-nintendo/731550

 

[Agent X]

i see no reason for netflix to take advantage of smartglass.

Are you serious? Netflix is aiming to be as ubiquitous as possible. They're not going to take sides with one hardware manufacturer.

If Microsoft believes it would be advantageous for Netflix to work with Smart Glass, then they'll do whatever they can to make it work. It's mutually beneficial to the business of both Netflix and Microsoft.

in a thread about movie viewing it is more than semantics. Apparently the machine cannot play dvd movies or blu-ray movies.

That's a shame.

You see, if the system could play DVD and Blu-ray movies, then they could do something like detecting which movie you're watching, and then automatically pushing relevant information about that movie on the Wii U GamePad screen. Ironically enough, this (unlike fetching Netflix's synopsis data) is something that is not easily done by partnering a smartphone or tablet with a TV-based device (though I suppose Xbox 360 Smart Glass could handle this).

I think there's great potential for the Wii U GamePad to be a good movie companion, but it is not the only movie companion, and (with the lack of DVD and Blu-ray support) would not be the best movie companion, either.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

That would be great if true. Though yeah I'd be concerned about what Nintendo would actually allow through stubbornness.


Again though if the remote is as crippled as has been demonstrated thus far, it isn't just an issue preventing competition. It's preventing usage of components necessary for actually using the Wii U in their setup. Which brings us back to the original point - as it stands, it is not a universal remote and therefore will not be able to replace peoples' remotes in all but the simplest setups.

I think most companies want a future where their device is the only thing you're using. Already you can use a 360 in place of a cable box for certain providers. I doubt Nintendo is going to be as progressive about it but they're definitely looking to integrate more than just gaming into their device. If you watch movies and TV shows through services like netflix or amazon and they offer a fully functional web browser that makes available all the popular music services what's left to control? You could probably use the limited remote they've shown for basic control of your sound system.

 

[lednerg]

...
As I've been saying throughout this thread ... there's a lot of hyperbole about the functionality here, and little of it is based on actual confirmed features. Much of it isn't even considering known limitations of the tech.

lol, I forgot it's hyperbole to say something should be possible.

 

[Vandiger]

I guess it's an added bonus. I doubt it's for me since I like watching content on a decent display. I hope they come out with pricing and online plans, kinda ridiculous they are going to wait for several months prior to launch.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

That may be possible actually.

Based on that gametrailers vid, if what the rep saying is true you are able to stream 2 different shows - one to the TV, and one to the pad. I can't imagine it would be too difficult to stream to two pads instead?

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2012-nintendo/731550

I don't know if that's what he meant. It seemed like he was saying you could watch netflix on the gamepad and regular TV on the big screen but than he said you could switch it back and forth so either he got confused or you can actually watch two streams at once.

What he did say that was interesting was that you can browse and search on the gamepad while you're watching something on the TV and instantly start watching something new. That's more than likely possible with smartglass but wouldn't be possible with a standalone tablet and some other netflix capable devices. While you could browse on a tablet and put things into your instant queue, you'd have to stop whatever you have playing, go to your instant queue, select it, and then start playing it on the big screen.

A lot of people were saying the ability to switch between screens was possible already with existing tablets but it wouldn't be as quick as a single button press, and this "new" information is something that just doesn't exist.

 

[soulassssns]

The difference between WiiU gamepad and MS smartglass is I will actually use the WiiU gamepad.

 

[Raistlin]

I think most companies want a future where their device is the only thing you're using. Already you can use a 360 in place of a cable box for certain providers. I doubt Nintendo is going to be as progressive about it but they're definitely looking to integrate more than just gaming into their device. If you watch movies and TV shows through services like netflix or amazon and they offer a fully functional web browser that makes available all the popular music services what's left to control?

Anything that you might have in your setup that uses IR? Receiver, pre-pro, video selector, video processor, etc. There are plenty of devices people have in their setup that aren't direct competition to the Wii U even if it was 'the perfect set-top box'.


BTW - that 360 in place of a cable box is not even true. It's a limited selection of content for VOD services.

It's too bad the consoles are launching when they are. The FCC looks to be approving the replacement for CableCard at the end of the year (though I wouldn't be shocked if it's delayed), and if it's the current proposal I'd expect it will be used in other territories as well. It will allow any licensed device to decode both cable/sat and the providers VOD services. We'll finally have plug-n-play devices and competition ... and things like DVR's, online streaming services, and local files can all be searchable under one UI. Unfortunately I'm not sure whether this tech will necessarily be shoe-horn-able into already released consoles. Matters weather it requires something like MoCA, etc.

You could probably use the limited remote they've shown for basic control of your sound system.

Probably? Until it's demonstrated, why would you make that assumption? As it stands, it only has input, channel, and volume selection ... and it's unknown if that's only for TV or includes cable/sat, let alone volume on your receiver.

Even if it does work with your receiver, if what's been shown is the extent of the functionality, it hardly makes for a remote replacement for many people. Any time you want to do anything like change your TV to gaming mode, change the surround sound mode on your receiver, etc ... you're still going to reaching for your other remotes. Hopefully Nintendo will expand on it, but it still has other problems as a universal remote anyway. Hell just for cable box alone (assuming it works with this), there tons of commands I use every day beyond channel and volume +/-

I think people are looking too much into this. For what it does, it's convenient ... it's not meant to be a universal remote at this point though. It's there to potentially simplify using your Wii U.

lol, I forgot it's hyperbole to say something should be possible.

Oh jeez ... I wasn't saying what you said was hyperbole.

I was going to say something earlier, but jehuty made an excellent post on the subject. Maybe it's because i haven't been on the gaming side in a while, but it seems very difficult to have a technical discussion over here. Either you get accused of trolling, or of calling people dumb, or whatever. And no, I'm not saying you are a prime example of this. But there seems to be a lot of weird reactions when trying to have an objective technical discussion in this thread.

Point being, yes it's technically possible it could do this. It may also be technically possible for Nintendo to offer a BD license pack for playing movies. Does that mean it will happen? Until they show they are going in this direction it's just hopeful speculation.

 

[bigtroyjon]

BTW - that 360 in place of a cable box is not even true. It's a limited selection of content for VOD services.

360 is a cable box replacement for Verizon that lets you watch a sub set of channels live. Also is a cable box replacement in other countries outside the US, like with Sky in the UK.

 

[Raistlin]

I don't know if that's what he meant. It seemed like he was saying you could watch netflix on the gamepad and regular TV on the big screen but than he said you could switch it back and forth so either he got confused or you can actually watch two streams at once.

Yeah that's why I included the 'assuming the rep is correct' bit. It was a bit unclear if that's what he meant. I'd like to hear some confirmation on the matter.

What he did say that was interesting was that you can browse and search on the gamepad while you're watching something on the TV and instantly start watching something new. That's more than likely possible with smartglass but wouldn't be possible with a standalone tablet and some other netflix capable devices.

While you could browse on a tablet and put things into your instant queue, you'd have to stop whatever you have playing, go to your instant queue, select it, and then start playing it on the big screen.

It matters the device. For example Roku supports a lot of deep integration in its api's. There are remote control apps that have this sort of coupling with YouTube and Netflix (search for content and have it automatically play on the Roku with the push of a button). The Boxee iPad App can do this sort of thing too, and I'd imagine Apple TV can (though can't confirm the latter).

A lot of people were saying the ability to switch between screens was possible already with existing tablets but it wouldn't be as quick as a single button press, and this "new" information is something that just doesn't exist.

Not sure that's the case.

 

[Raistlin]

360 is a cable box replacement for Verizon that lets you watch a sub set of channels live. Also is a cable box replacement in other countries outside the US, like with Sky in the UK.

Subset being the key point. I'm a FiOS user, and while better than nothing it's hardly a replacement at this point. Didn't realize it was a full-on replacement in some other regions though. Guess my egocentrism is showing through on that point ('MERICA ... FUCK YA)



Until CableCard and other proprietary formats are replaced though, this sort of support will remain quite limited, and in many cases, gimped in functionality.

Let's just hope AllVid actually passes, remains un-gimped, and can be shoe horned into next gen consoles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AllVid

 

[Concept17]

You can also browse something to watch next without interrupting what's currently playing. Good for when you're watching stuff with other people.

These are issues for people?

I can see this being useful for dvd/bluray information like 'how the scene was made' or 'directors comments' but for it just showing your progress and something you read before you started the movie seems pretty pointless.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

BTW - that 360 in place of a cable box is not even true. It's a limited selection of content for VOD services.

I know Comcast is just VOD but was under the impression you could use the 360 to watch a limited number of live TV channels if you are a Verizon FiOS customer. Is that not true?

Probably? Until it's demonstrated, why would you make that assumption? As it stands, it only has input, channel, and volume selection ... and it's unknown if that's only for TV or includes cable/sat, let alone volume on your receiver.

Because absent information to the contrary it's entirely possible. There is a probability that it could work.

Even still if it does work with your receiver if what's been shown is the extent of the functionality, it hardly makes for a remote replacement with most people. Any time you want to do anything like change your TV to gaming mode, change the surround sound mode on your receiver, etc ... you're still going to reaching for your other remotes. Hopefully Nintendo will expand on it, but it still has other problems as a universal remote anyway.

I think people are looking too much into this. For what it does, it's convenient ... it's not meant to be a universal remote at this point though.

Why does it need to be a fully functioning universal remote though? If the goal is to get you using a Nintendo system for things you normally wouldn't what good does adding all that extra ability do? Most people don't have much beyond game consoles, Bluray/DVD player, satellite/cable box, and a sound system of some kind hooked to their TV. Lots don't even have that much. If the console is meant to replace the Bluray/DVD, whether playing discs itself or through streaming services, and potentially the cable and satellite too what's left to control?

Edit:

It matters the device. For example Roku supports a lot of deep integration in its api's. There are remote control apps that have this sort of coupling with YouTube and Netflix (search for content and have it automatically play on the Roku with the push of a button). The Boxee iPad App can do this sort of thing too, and I'd imagine Apple TV can (though can't confirm the latter).

Again, this is functionality out of the box for Wii U. It requires no additional hardware or apps beyond netflix. There's no guarantee that the apps will run perfectly on any given device and in the case of Apple TV it requires that you buy or already own an iPad.

 

[Raistlin]

Holy hell ... sorry for all the edits on my last 2 posts. I'd like to say my incoherence is from being drunk ... but that's not the case

I know Comcast is just VOD but was under the impression you could use the 360 to watch a limited number of live TV channels if you are a Verizon FiOS customer. Is that not true?

I may be abusing the term VOD, so sorry for the confusion. Yes it does involve some live content, but I'm not sure if it's literally showing 1:1 content from a given channel (for example I'm not sure if you tune to say NBC, it will literally display all the content 24 hours a day).

For some channels that actually may be true, but I was talking more from the tech side. The fact you need to also be a Verizon internet subscriber tells me this is likely streaming over the internet ... it is not literally acting as a cable card and using Verizon's intranet. I suppose that's more of a semantics issue though.

The point is it only has some content, so either way it's hard to consider it a full-on replacement. Also as far as I know it doesn't allow streaming from your DVR? If that's the case, it's even more gimped for users of their whole-house DVR (like me :/)

Because absent information to the contrary it's entirely possible. There is a probability that it could work.

Of course it 'could' work, but why are we giving this the benefit of the doubt and not doing the same for alternatives? Especially given Nintendo's history for these sorts of features?

I'll reuse the shit example I gave before. Nintendo 'could' offer a BD license pack to playback, but will they? Obviously that's a bit of a stretch given at least the foundation exists for remote control ... but Nintendo's history for these sort of features is not one that would make me assume this.

Certainly I hope they do it, but I think people should wait and see instead of assuming the best (especially if in the same breath they're going to assume the worst regarding competitors' features). Moreover, there are plenty of other issues with this beyond a simple 'will they or won't they'. The devil is in the details for universal remotes. It's an area with a HUGE delta in performance and features ... and this coming from companies that specialize in this tech. That's of course before considering battery life, etc. Granted if you don't have any sort of universal remote and for whatever reason are obstinately against getting one ... obviously this is better than nothing. The issue is some are making grandiose assumptions on its capabilities and stating that this renders a universal remote moot. We just can't say that yet.

Why does it need to be a fully functioning universal remote though?

Woah ...

WOAH ...

I'm not the one saying it needs to. It's others who are and me stating we have no evidence it is. I've stated several times that this has its uses ... but people shouldn't assume it will be a fully functional universal remote until it's demonstrated as such ... and we know how good it actually works if it is.

Edit:

Again, this is functionality out of the box for Wii U. It requires no additional hardware or apps beyond netflix. There's no guarantee that the apps will run perfectly on any given device and in the case of Apple TV it requires that you buy or already own an iPad.

We're going in circles here.

Yes it's well established this is out-of-the-box functionality for Wii, and certainly that's a plus. No one is arguing a large number of people would go out and buy a phone or tablet just to get this functionality. The point is many people already have phones and tablets, and that number is predicted to skyrocket in the next few years. So for people that have one already (and the console in question) ... it's a nice perk, and in the case of SmartGlass (and apps for Roku and Boxee, etc) ... has demonstrated some deeper integration with certain content providers than what Nintendo has shown thus far.

As to the argument about having to download an app though, I just don't think that holds water in this day and age. People are used to it ... both from phones and tablets, and even from consoles and other set-top boxes. It's not like Netflix is preloaded on your PS3 or Roku ... you actually have to download it. That certainly hasn't hurt adoption. As long as it's advertised, people will do it.

Lastly, yes I can see some argument regarding app stability depending on your device ... though that's mostly on the Android side of things. iPad is a known target, and app compatibility has been demonstrated as very high. The same should hold true for W8. It's targeting relatively advanced HW and has relatively tight control over it. App performance and compatibility should not present a major issue.

SmartGlass on something like Android though, yes that could be more problematic. Some of the dedicated apps like Roku remotes and the like though aren't an issue. This isn't advanced stuff here. It's searching through Netflix and your queue ... and simply sending metadata on what item to launch when you press a button. Something more deeply integrated (like sending back live info on the specific scene you're watching) could present problems. Then again, it's not like Nintendo has demonstrated anything like that anyway (which has been part of the argument for SmartGlass to begin with).

 

[?oe?oe]

My tablet already controls my TV. I never use the function, only unless I'm pranking. But since the controller will be more integrated with the TV (Browser, movies etc), it would seem more natural.

 

[DGRE]

You can also browse something to watch next without interrupting what's currently playing. Good for when you're watching stuff with other people.

Can't believe it took someone this long to mention this. I think this is a great benefit that is easy to overlook.

 

[Gahiggidy]

The Wii U gamepad will be the first screen people pick up when they want to watch TV or play a game. Ironically, even for Xbox and PlayStation games.

 

[lednerg]

...
I was going to say something earlier, but jehuty made an excellent post on the subject. Maybe it's because i haven't been on the gaming side in a while, but it seems very difficult to have a technical discussion over here. Either you get accused of trolling, or of calling people dumb, or whatever. And no, I'm not saying you are a prime example of this. But there seems to be a lot of weird reactions when trying to have an objective technical discussion in this thread.

It also seems very difficult to have any thread that's even remotely positive about the Wii U without the FUD squad coming through to convince us Nintendo's days are numbered or what have you. It's so predictable, I could set my watch to it. Not that you're a prime example or anything.

Point being, yes it's technically possible it could do this. It may also be technically possible for Nintendo to offer a BD license pack for playing movies. Does that mean it will happen? Until they show they are going in this direction it's just hopeful speculation.

No, the point being is I never said it will happen. I said it should be possible. Nintendo already lets you control your cable box in Japan with the Wii and they have decades of experience with IRDA communications in handhelds, so is it really that far a stretch to bring up the possibility? Also, what is so wrong about 'hopeful speculation' in the first place? Without that, you'd practically have no speculation at all about anything.

 

[Oppo]

All this Second Screen stuff is a bit baffling to me for passive media.

I already look up occasional things while watching TV — on my phone or iPad. Tapping up or select to get show info isn't hard either. *shrug*

 

[XDDX]

Not sure if it's been posted already, but here's a video of it in action on the Wii U.

 

[marc^o^]

Not sure if it's been posted already, but here's a video of it in action on the Wii U.

This responsiveness. Cool idea for Netflix people: add rumble in key scenes of your 100 most viewed action movies

 

[Lynn616]

Also FYI the verge has done the best video demo of smartglass.... really gives better info about what it can and can't do since there seems to be quite a lot of confusion about it here (and rightfully so because ms really didn't do a very good job demoing it).... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0H9rzM5FTc&feature=player_embedded

That is really cool.

Not sure if it's been posted already, but here's a video of it in action on the Wii U.

Why is he using the TV remote to switch inputs? I thought the Wii U Pad was going to do that?

 

[Raistlin]

It also seems very difficult to have any thread that's even remotely positive about the Wii U without the FUD squad coming through to convince us Nintendo's days are numbered or what have you. It's so predictable, I could set my watch to it. Not that you're a prime example or anything.

It's funny how very differently you and I see this thread.

While certainly some posters have been trolling (what gaf thread wouldn't be complete with out it), I also see a number of posters trying to discuss what these techs actually can do based on what's actually been shown and discussed thus far. And for their troubles, being accused of being fanboys, attacking Nintendo, or worse.

Nice snark by the way. I was being completely serious why I stated you weren't an example of some of wider points I was trying to illustrate ... yet you continue to take this personally and see things that simply aren't there. And now you're even sarcastically rebutting my civility. I guess I'll return the favor and read into things that aren't there in your posts (though in reality, they actually are there in this case).

Mind pointing out what FUD I've stated, or where I said anything about Nintendo's prospects at all? The only thing that's predictable here is the histrionic defensive posture fanboys are taking when someone tries to objectively discuss things that result in their console/company of choice not having the be-all-end-all solution to all of electronics' problems.

I honestly don't know where this paranoia is coming from. I haven't attacked you or Nintendo. I've been trying to discuss what these various techs can and can't do from current information. I'm sorry if reality bursts some bubble.

No, the point being is I never said it will happen. I said it should be possible. Nintendo already lets you control your cable box in Japan with the Wii and they have decades of experience with IRDA communications in handhelds, so is it really that far a stretch to bring up the possibility? Also, what is so wrong about 'hopeful speculation' in the first place? Without that, you'd practically have no speculation at all about anything.

And I'm sorry if you took my post as claiming it never will happen.

If you've actually been following any of my posts - for the actual objective information contained within and not simply from a knee-jerk, don't kill my baby perspective - you'll see that I've been doing my best to counter actual misinformation and explain what capabilities these things have.

With that in mind, my point was until we see it demonstrating certain capabilities, it should be pointed out that at this point it is not known to do certain things since several people in this thread have been running under the false impression that it already has been demonstrated to do just that.

As I've said, I hope it does offer that feature ... and certainly it's fully capable of doing it from a technical standpoint. It has an IR transmitter, the rest can be handled through SW. Does that mean it will? Not necessarily ... and it's a good idea to get everyone on the same page as far as what capabilities actually are currently present.

Whether you like it or not, there are a ton of posters in this thread misinformed regarding actual capabilities. Attempting to get the correct information to them should be celebrated, not attacked. Why must every thread involve unnecessary defensiveness that completely disintegrates discussion of actual capabilities? It would be one thing if we were discussing subjective data, but other than some predictions/analysis regarding potential crossover with smartphone/tablet users, likelihood of usage, etc ... this has been an attempt to detail actual capabilities. That's the genesis of the core talking points ... yet it's still degenerated into a shit-fest.

 

[Hiltz]

Why is he using the TV remote to switch inputs? I thought the Wii U Pad was going to do that?

I think the guy said that not all of the Wii U's features are offered in the E3 build of the console. Either that or he was just lazy and didn't feel like bringing up the tv control touchscreen menu.

 

[Raistlin]

This responsiveness.

It really is ... looks great. Actually the big thing for me was them showing the back of the controller. It looks really ergonomic and comfortable.

Pursuant to the current discussion of remote control though ... it's pretty amusing that the person doing the demo did not use the Wii U Pad for switching inputs on the TV but instead relied on the TV remote

I knew this was going to turn into the wiiu gamepad vs smart glass debate..... I actually am interested to see both products and how good they actually will be in use. imo its far too early to tell how well either will actually work and how many apps will use the second screen and how well they will use them. We really will not know that until this fall when they both launch.

I do think Nintendo has the better integration story since every wiiU will come with theirs and they have the buttons but ms actually has the better overall solution imo.... only because they are working across pretty much every device you own and whatever they do for the 360 should be forward compatible and we won't have to fund the added cost in the next system to include such a controller. I already have those devices.... really smart to let me use them and not make me purchase one solely to use with xbox and make it cost even more.

Yeah I think the main positive differentiator for MS is two-fold:

1) They offer a lot more service providers and continue to be far more aggressive in garnering additional support

2) Their implementation has demonstrated much deeper integration with media, including real-time information about the current scene, etc. More importantly, they've opened it up with an API that allows content providers to run with it. Essentially it's a platform that devs can do what they want with. At this point there hasn't been an indication Nintendo has this level of integration nor that they are opening it up. As far as has been disclosed, Nintendo is running the show in terms of features.

So basically ... deeper integration, and more potential services/content to work with.

Also FYI the verge has done the best video demo of smartglass.... really gives better info about what it can and can't do since there seems to be quite a lot of confusion about it here (and rightfully so because ms really didn't do a very good job demoing it).... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0H9rzM5FTc&feature=player_embedded

Don't do this. Pointing out that there's confusion and misinformation about the current capabilities of these techs is trolling.

Jerk.

Why is he using the TV remote to switch inputs? I thought the Wii U Pad was going to do that?

 

[lednerg]

...

But we haven't seen anything about how it works, only that it somehow does. That means it could ask for device codes, it could present you with a list of devices to choose from, or it could learn from you pressing the buttons on your remote. Any of those scenarios are possible and quite easy to do.

We know that the Gamepad has an IRDA compliant IR communications module from the patents. It can receive IR signals. The Wii Fit U video even showed this in use. We also know that they have a guide in mind from the patents, which would download EPG data based on your local channel list. At no point have I said anything that is impossible or even unlikely. If other people have, then that's their problem.

 

[walking fiend]

I think the guy said that not all of the Wii U's features are offered in the E3 build of the console. Either that or he was just lazy and didn't feel like bringing up the tv control touchscreen menu.

Pursuant to the current discussion of remote control though ... it's pretty amusing that the person doing the demo did not use the Wii U Pad for switching inputs on the TV but instead relied on the TV remote

he says it's not the final build; he couldn't even move through the playback.

Anyhow, in a practical usage scenario, the person who changes the TV channel obviously is the one with the TV remote and not the one with the GamePad.

Yeah I think the main positive differentiator for MS is two-fold:

1) They offer a lot more service providers and continue to be far more aggressive in garnering additional support

2) Their implementation has demonstrated much deeper integration with media, including real-time information about the current scene, etc.

You think Microsoft is going to make a better netflix interface for netflix or that they will provide a more popular streaming service?

 

[AzaK]

I thought I recall reading the UPad didn't work outside of the same room?

So I'm not sure where the comments about watching in bed come from - unless you already have the WU in your bedroom.

Depends how far away you want to get

I imagine it will all depend on how good your wifi signal between console and GamePad is. It'd be a little weird if Nintendo clamped the signal strength to keep it to some arbitrary distance.

 

[jrDev]

Not sure if it's been posted already, but here's a video of it in action on the Wii U.

The gamepad looks like a huge PSv there. The black is gorgeous. This means they are launching in black too right?

 

[Brad Grenz]

All this Second Screen stuff is a bit baffling to me for passive media.

I already look up occasional things while watching TV — on my phone or iPad. Tapping up or select to get show info isn't hard either. *shrug*

Agreed. Seems like a lot of work to replicate capabilities tablets and smartphones inherently posses. I'm dubious of SmartGlass in particular having access to the scene by scene meta data for enough content to make that feature even viable for anything but a few nerd tentpoles (Game of Thrones). Besides, usually if I'm using a tablet while watching TV it's to check email, browse my rss feeds or check in on various forums. Tighter "second screen" integration offers basically zero benefit for the way I use my devices. And if I'm curios about something playing on the tv, well, google is my friend.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

It also seems very difficult to have any thread that's even remotely positive about the Wii U without the FUD squad coming through to convince us Nintendo's days are numbered or what have you. It's so predictable, I could set my watch to it. Not that you're a prime example or anything.

FUD eh. People are simply pointing out that these non gaming features arent revolutionary or going to be what sells the device. Thats all. The features are nice but theyre not OMG I've never seen this before I MUST HAVE THIS!! amazing.

 

[ThankeeSai]

The gamepad looks like a huge PSv there. The black is gorgeous. This means they are launching in black too right?

Apparently not

 

[Graphics Horse]

Apparently not

Wow. Strange they were showing it off so much.

 

[marc^o^]

FUD eh. People are simply pointing out that these non gaming features arent revolutionary or going to be what sells the device. Thats all. The features are nice but theyre not OMG I've never seen this before I MUST HAVE THIS!! amazing.

I think you are completely wrong on that. Wii U non gaming features won't sell Wii U to people not interesting in games at all. But they will help sell Wii U to people who like games, and feel the value they get beyond games will be worth they jump in.

 

[mrklaw]

sounds like how plex works between my ipad and mac mini (you could probably do similar with a cheaper apple TV and airplay).

I can browse my library and start to play something, or choose to play it instead on the mac mini, with the ipad as a remote control. Its really nice. I think the relatively small screen and low resolution would mean I wouldn't choose to do that on WiiU but it could be popular.

 

[Pociask]

...but can it do two streams? i.e., stream one movie to the big tv, and a different tv show to the pad? I assume if it's outputting at 1080p to the tv, there aren't enough hertzes and cycles and rams left over to push something else. Is that right?

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

I think you are completely wrong on that. Wii U non gaming features won't sell Wii U to people not interesting in games at all. But they will help sell Wii U to people who like games, and feel the value they get beyond games will be worth they jump in.

Thats the problem. Nintendo was able to do so well with te Wii because they 'got' the non gamers. The Wii U lacks a truly revolutionary idea/feature. Nintendo believes these non gaming features will help them win the non gaming group and it wont.

 

[ThankeeSai]

Wow. Strange they were showing it off so much.

Indeed.

Really quite annoying, as it looks far better in black.

Can't remember how long it took them to launch the Black Wii, but I'm sure it was a long time before it was available...Hope it's not the same case with Wii U.

 

[marc^o^]

Thats the problem. Nintendo was able to do so well with te Wii because they 'got' the non gamers. The Wii U lacks a truly revolutionary idea/feature. Nintendo believes these non gaming features will help them win the non gaming group and it wont.

They already got the non gamers. They became WiiFit/Just Dance/Wii Sports/Mario/Mario Kart gamers. Nintendo now needs to make them update their console with a new stunning console playing updates to the franchises they learnt to love.

It's not because E3 presentation was badly orchestrated that Nintendo is doing a bad job at pursuing this goal. On the contrary.

- First they read the market perfectly. Mobility and social content are at the core of Wii U's gaming experience. Perfect time to do that.

- Then they have with the GamePad an AWESOME concept, which melts iPad, 3DS, Wiimote and x360 controller (with an obscure NFC feature so far, but hey it can't hurt), to offer the most versatile amount of controls on the market.

- Asymmetric gameplay can't hurt either. It gives a second breath to local multiplayer games. It closes the bridge between super casual iPad gamers (from 4 years old to 77 grandmas) and core gamers, who can both play and enjoy the same game at the same time (quite crazy if you think about it).

I don't think you realize all this yet.

 

[Dabanton]

Thats the problem. Nintendo was able to do so well with te Wii because they 'got' the non gamers. The Wii U lacks a truly revolutionary idea/feature. Nintendo believes these non gaming features will help them win the non gaming group and it wont.

The Wiimote was more revolutionary at the time than even Nintendo probably realised. You feel with the WiiU that they've been scratching around for ages trying to think of a hook for the system.

And not really finding something firm.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

They already got the non gamers. They became WiiFit/Just Dance/Wii Sports/Mario/Mario Kart gamers. Nintendo now needs to make them update their console with a new stunning console playing updates to the franchises they learnt to love.

It's not because E3 presentation was badly orchestrated that Nintendo is doing a bad job at pursuing this goal. On the contrary.

- First they read the market perfectly. Mobility and social content are at the core of Wii U's gaming experience. Perfect time to do that.

- Then they have with the GamePad an AWESOME concept, which melts iPad, 3DS, Wiimote and x360 controller (with an obscure NFC feature so far, but hey it can't hurt), to offer the most versatile amount of controls on the market.

- Asymmetric gameplay can't hurt either. It gives a second breath to local multiplayer games. It closes the bridge between super casual iPad gamers (from 4 years old to 77 grandmas) and core gamers, who can both play and enjoy the same game at the same time (quite crazy if you think about it).

I don't think you realize all this yet.

You actually believe that grandma and auntie are going to buy a Wii U? The Wii U wont sell as much as the Wii. Most people Ive seen believe this and with good reason. Many of these individuals have moved on to tablet devices. Many never bought any game besides the Wii Play or dance dance. I think you severely overestimate just how many blue ocean folks will purchase a Wii U.

 

[marc^o^]

You actually believe that grandma and auntie are going to buy a Wii U? The Wii U wont sell as much as the Wii. Most people Ive seen believe this and with good reason. Many of these individuals have moved on to tablet devices. Many never bought any game besides the Wii Play or dance dance. I think you severely overestimate just how many blue ocean folks will purchase a Wii U.

I'm not saying Wii U will sell as much as Wii did. As you mention there is far more disruptive competition than there used to be, and that is without Apple yet entering the leaving room battle. I can definitely see them sell >50 millions Wii U though, which would be enough to be the best selling console. Next gen won't sell nearly as well as this gen, because of the increased competition, because of the economy, because of the PC becoming relevant due to the time Sony and Microsoft take to transition, and because Wii U's focus on local multiplayer will make it the party game console to own, which will turn PS3/x360 most casual gamers into Wii U customers.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

I'm not saying Wii U will sell as much as Wii did. As you mention there is far more disruptive competition than there used to be, and that is without Apple yet entering the leaving room battle. I can definitely see them sell 50 millions Wii U though, which would be enough to be the best selling console. Next gen won't sell nearly as well as this gen, because of the increased competition, because of the economy, because of the PC becoming relevant again due to the time Sony and Microsoft take to transition, and because Wii U's focus on local multiplayer will make it the party game console to own, which will turn PS3/x360 most casual gamers into Wii U customers.

I wouldnt be too sure that 50 million will do the job. If Microsoft goes the contract route from GO next gen they may do just as well as this gen. But I agree that next gen overall wont be as successful for the big three as this gen.

 

[Raistlin]

But we haven't seen anything about how it works, only that it somehow does. That means it could ask for device codes, it could present you with a list of devices to choose from, or it could learn from you pressing the buttons on your remote. Any of those scenarios are possible and quite easy to do.

Yes we haven't seen anything about how it learns IR commands, though no one has been arguing that point. What we have seen however ...

... shows that at this point there is only a single page of basic controls. No indication of deeper functionality, and no indication of it working with multiple components.

We know that the Gamepad has an IRDA compliant IR communications module from the patents. It can receive IR signals. The Wii Fit U video even showed this in use. We also know that they have a guide in mind from the patents, which would download EPG data based on your local channel list.

I'm not sure why one would need to look at patents for this. They talked about the guide and it's shown on the picture.

Again though, we don't know what that entails. While useful in some regions, if this is simply an OTA EPG ... it's useless for the majority of people in the US. If they can actually pull off cable and satellite EPG's though (assuming it works with cable/sat boxes) ... that would be quite impressive and useful.

At no point have I said anything that is impossible or even unlikely. If other people have, then that's their problem.

There seems to be a failure to communicate here. When did I say any of this was impossible? I've consistently stated the opposite. In this thread though, numerous people have been trying to decipher what actually is at this point since there's a ton of confusion on the matter.

If you want to speculate on what is or isn't possible with these techs ... fine, I'd enjoy that ... but I think it would make more sense in a thread dedicated to that.

 

[Raistlin]

You think Microsoft is going to make a better netflix interface for netflix or that they will provide a more popular streaming service?

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking here or how it relates to my post ... but I'll bite.

What I was stating is based on what MS has demonstrated vs Nintendo ... whoever makes the interface (be it Netflix, MS, etc) could in fact make a better one due to the platform and tools that have been created. Do I actually expect that to happen? No. I expect we'll see essentially the same interface.

As for providing a more popular streaming service than Netflix ... huh? What are you getting at? Netflix isn't the only content provider. There are dozens, and Nintendo only has a handful. MS has far more and is also far more proactive in getting more content.

I imagine it will all depend on how good your wifi signal between console and GamePad is. It'd be a little weird if Nintendo clamped the signal strength to keep it to some arbitrary distance.

This isn't using WiFi, it's some proprietary com solution. And they wouldn't be intentionally gimping signal strength for some arbitrary distance. It's a question of bandwidth over distance. The further you are from a signal, the worse it is ... and for a usage such as this, there's a baseline bandwidth they need for it to function properly. It's not like WiFi in the sense you can still use a connection from relatively far away even though it's a shitty/slow.

Agreed. Seems like a lot of work to replicate capabilities tablets and smartphones inherently posses. I'm dubious of SmartGlass in particular having access to the scene by scene meta data for enough content to make that feature even viable for anything but a few nerd tentpoles (Game of Thrones).

I too wonder about this. I'm not expecting a ton of scene-by-scene stuff. What wouldn't surprise me though is if a lot of content at least directs to a show site with info on the show and actors. Or even a link to the episode page. A lot of that sort of content already exists, and all this really needs is a URL in the metadata which isn't costly to do. So if it has that plus controls/search, to me at least that would be a decent usage.

Besides, usually if I'm using a tablet while watching TV it's to check email, browse my rss feeds or check in on various forums. Tighter "second screen" integration offers basically zero benefit for the way I use my devices. And if I'm curios about something playing on the tv, well, google is my friend.

Agreed. That's actually why I like Win8/WinRT from a usage standpoint vs iOS and Android. In this scenario you can have the SmartGlass page up on one side and email/facebook/whatever on the other.

It's a bit schizophrenic, so it matters how good at multitasking you are. For a serious movie or show, I generally prefer no distractions. Certain shows though I would be fine with this scenario.

FUD eh. People are simply pointing out that these non gaming features arent revolutionary or going to be what sells the device. Thats all. The features are nice but theyre not OMG I've never seen this before I MUST HAVE THIS!! amazing.

Quit FUDing

 

[Monty Mole]

Or if your TV is in another than your bed and you want to watch a movie in bed. TBH, does anyone not have a TV in their room these days?

This won't work. You can only use the GamePad in the room the Wii U is situated in due to the wireless range.

I bet you that Nintendo don't make this clear in their advertising though.

 

[Brad Grenz]

I too wonder about this. I'm not expecting a ton of scene-by-scene stuff. What wouldn't surprise me though is if a lot of content at least directs to a show site with info on the show and actors. Or even a link to the episode page. A lot of that sort of content already exists, and all this really needs is a URL in the metadata which isn't costly to do. So if it has that plus controls/search, to me at least that would be a decent usage.

I watched Tested.com's video on SmartGlass and the MS rep made it clear the burden was on their "content partners" to generate that data. I just don't see Netflix or HBO going through every single movie and episode in their library to add scene by scene metadata just for this application. Even the Game of Thrones thing draws from a previously existing official iOS App for the show. Like I said, newer stuff and nerd tent-poles may receive that treatment, but the vast majority of stuff you might watch is just going to have basic IMDB info.

 

[Mr. B Natural]

Finally, a way to watch tv with headphones on while being beside my tv but for some reason not able to turn on my tv.

If the Wii-U had house-length range, then yeah, stuff like this and the "mobile" features would be cool, because, well, it would actually be mobile. Features people were imagining in 2011, before 2012's E3. Watching tv in a room that doesn't have one could sell systems to people that otherwise weren't interested...I guess.

This sounds like 5 year old transition tech before the tablet was invented. It's a nice-to-know feature that just made sense but it's not a big deal, especially since this console is not going to be 99 dollars, so you're not going to be selling this kind of tech to people that either already have the capabilities or simply aren't interested.

And it's only going to get worse at time goes by with cheaper tablets, more tvs with wifi, cheaper ultrabooks, more mobility and more things doubled as tv streaming crap in our day to day tech-filled lives. And every new tech that offers exactly the same services diminishes the value of the other products that offer the exact same thing. In the year 2015, we could be saying "Watch tv on your ______? So what? My ladle can watch tv, too."

During their E3 conference, they mentioned Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and that's all that really needed to be said. "We got it. There's no premium, let's move on" and that's what they did. They showed their touch screen as a convenient input device as well, and that's what the tech-folk may latch onto. However, this "watch tv while beside your tv" thing is a check-box, an obvious feature, sure, but nothing more.

This is the kind of thing Microsoft should be selling for smart-glass, an extra peripheral for the tech lover whose obsessiveness for features will drive them to buy it just to buy it. Or Apple. They're fans are notoriously in that sort of mindset 24/7.

 

[IdeaMan]

I added the video of Netflix in the OP