Apple TV Hacks » games

BlueStacks GamePop console to bring iOS games to your TV

editor @ AppleTVHacks.net — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:38:37 +0000

Waiting for Apple to bring the App Store and iOS games to the Apple TV? Well, it looks that BlueStacks will be first to make this move and bring iPhone and iPad games to your TV screen. The company has added virtualization technology to its upcoming GamePop console, making it possible to run iOS apps on it. Initially, the device was going to run only Android games but there has been a new development and games written for iPhone and iPad will also run on console through a virtualization process called LookingGlass.

This is how the LookingGlass technology works: the platforms are virtualized by BlueStacks on the apps programming interface level. Whenever an app makes a call to an item on the Apple platform menu, it goes to an iOS library so as to draw the menu. In this case, though, BlueStacks intercepts these calls and becomes the one to draw the menu. The virtualization process modifies the Apple games to run on the Android-based console.

This move makes BlueStacks’ console the first non-Apple device to accomplish such a feat.

The technology is independent of Apple, so the company can approach iOS developers directly and ask them to modify their games a little to run in the GamePop service. According to BlueStacks CEO Rosen Sharma, “developers really like this because it gives them another way to monetize.”

Subatomic, the Fieldrunners tower defense games designer, is one of the gamemakers who are set to try out GamePop.

“The capability to bring iOS games to TV is unprecedented,” said Subatomic CEO Jamie Gotch. “At the same time, this is a natural evolution. Mobile games are providing richer graphics and gameplay and heading towards the living room fast.”

Sharma said BlueStacks was also careful not to use any Apple code on LookingGlass. Powered by its Android engine, BlueStacks uses its emulation software to run the developer’s apps, and this software is in turn run using Google’s open source code.

GamePop will be competing with Xbox One, PS4, Ouya, and other Android solutions tailored for mobile-based TV games. The console can be connected to a TV via a wired HDMI cable, and the games displayed include those with HD resolution. The emulation specialist did not integrate straight emulation with the LookingGlass technology, so the gameplay should be speedy.

When the GamePop service arrives sometime in the fall, there is expected to be a disruption of the console market as it merges with the mobile game market. The service will be availed on the Android game console and it will facilitate a market test to see which option consumers prefer: playing free or 99 percent free games on their TVs or parting with about $400 for a game console and an additional $60 for each game.

The GamePop service will not be restricted to the GamePop console; BlueStacks is in talks with TV manufacturers, carriers and cable companies to avail it through other devices as well.

The service will be available at a $6.99 monthly subscription fee and will grant players access to over 500 leading mobile games. Anyone who pre-orders the GamePop console by June will receive one controller for free. BlueStacks also plans on freely offering games worth about $200.

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Visions of the new Apple TV: Hardware, UI and OS Concept

Jason — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:19:02 +0000

Rumors have been swirling for nigh on a year now about what would come to pass when Apple finally delivers its television. Not that the Apple TV is any slouch mind you, but visions of a fully integrated Apple HDTV have had experts and fanboys alike drooling. News about a possible release schedule and what could be expected of this hardware has been slow to nonexistent in recent months leaving many people filling that informational void with speculation. One particularly juicy daydream was just delivered by our friend over at The Verge and we simply had to pass it on. So here is one die-hard’s dream of the perfect Apple TV.

The goal is to explore what would be possible if the software manufacturers and the cable providers could hold hands and work together. After all, the HDTV technology today has plenty of punch behind it, but 2K or 3K resolutions wouldn’t mean a thing unless there was a way for subscription-focused live internet streaming to link without limitations to Apple’s superior content delivery system. So the Apple TV would seamlessly integrate with all of our mobile devices, while maintaining a more friendly relationship with non-apple products as well.

When it comes to hardware, it’s obvious what should go on the ‘must’ list. You’ve got to have Bluetooth and AirPlay, as well as integrated WiFi technology that passes muster. That beautiful HD quality FaceTime camera and software should make an appearance, as well as 3D technology if they can get it right (which means losing the terrible glasses, of course). Resolution should bottom out at 1080p, and outputs should include USB, Optical Audio, HDMI and Apple’s new Thunderbolt. That will allow for an expanded hard drive, though inclusion of a DVR with at least 1TB of storage should be in the conversation.

Of course, FaceTime won’t be the only iOS App to make an appearance. What would be perfect is a fullscreen App store, where you could buy and utilize many of the apps that make the iPhone, iPod and iPad so fantastic. But you would also be able to download one-click access to the various players you most frequently use (Hulu Plus, VUDU, Netflix, etc.) AND to purchase subscriptions to pay cable networks. Ideally you’d be able to pick a monthly or yearly subscription to ShowTime or AMC, while also paying for membership to HBO Go or one of the other fantastic cable streaming sites.

As with your other Apple hardware, the Apple TV would certainly utilize Spotlight for searching. But in our ideal device it would be able to search not only your library’s content, but anything available on iTunes, within an app Store, or upcoming in a TV guide listing. That way you’d immediately see any free and paid options. If Siri was integrated to help remind you of subscribed shows or TV Guide alerts, that would just be the icing on the cake.

And as far as that TV guide is concerned, the closer the resemblance to our app screen the better. All the channels could be listed vertically, with click-through descriptions. The guide would cleanly integrate with iTunes, so you could see all upcoming releases the same way. Previews would be available for all movies (as on Apple Trailers), and anything you bring to the party through an external drive would upload to the same guide and be visually cataloged.

Is all of this probable, or even possible? Who really knows. This is the Apple TV that will live in our dreams until we are given one in real life. It’s going to take Apple becoming more willing to accept non-Apple products, and the cable providers choosing the joy of the user over maximizing advertising profits. If you think it’s probably not going to happen, you can dream at least. It’s what Steve Jobs would have wanted.

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Apple TV’s increased popularity is creating ecosystem of tools and apps

tomek — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:37:13 +0000

Apple TV, which has recently taken the #1 spot of top-sellers in the TV and Video category on Amazon, is experiencing a surge in sales in recent months and developers like Firemint, Splitmo or Cerebral Gardens are taking notice.

“We are excited about how popular Apple TV has become as a way to enjoy content without paying high cable bills,” said Rob Witman, founder at Splitmo, makers of Air Show, a photo sharing and editing tool for iPad and iPhone via HDTVs. “And we are taking it a few steps further. We are focused on letting customers enhance their devices and use their HDTV and iPad for a shared video and entertainment experience. Companies like us see an opportunity to create very cool experiences to share on the big screen using platforms like Apple TV.” Apple has sold 5 million Apple TVs in fiscal 2012.

Also read: Air Show HD – Review

Cerebral Gardens is a developer that leverages AirPlay‘s dual screen capabilities with their popular app Party Doodles for iOS. “Apple’s AirPlay technology opens the door to all kinds of innovative app ideas that aren’t possible on other platforms,” said Dave Wood, president at Cerebral Gardens. ”Being able to wirelessly connect a big HD screen to a mobile device enables developers to create a much more immersive experience for their customers.”

Also read: Apple TV gaming: Party Doodles for iPad and Apple TV

Whether it’s multi-player games like Firemint’s Real Racing 2 HD, which offers a split-screen gaming experience from iPad to HDTV, or MetalStorm: Wingman from Z2Live that features seamless AirPlay compatibility, an ecosystem of games and tools is emerging around Apple TV.

Also read: Real Racing 2 HD First to Support Wireless Gaming over AirPlay on Apple TV 2

Witman says that Splitmo has a few additions to Air Show in the works like stickers, art and freehand (you can already share your HDTV-edited photos through the app on Facebook and Twitter). He say that Splitmo is also rolling out some “unique mobile to HDTV products” in the coming months that will add to the growing array of offerings that enhance the Apple TV experience for customers.

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Mountain Lion with AirPlay Mirroring now available to download

tomek — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:05:20 +0000

Mountain Lion, a new version of Mac OS X that has been unveiled in February, is now available to download from the Mac App Store for $19.99. Mountain Lion comes with more than 200 new features including the all new Messages app, Game Center, Facebook integration, Notification Center, Power Nap Dictation and Gatekeeper. But the coolest feature of Mountain Lion is undoubtedly AirPlay Mirroring that lets you wirelessly send an up-to-1080p stream of what’s on your Mac to an HDTV using Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3 or send audio to a receiver or speakers that use AirPlay.

With AirPlay Mirroring built into Mac OS, you are able to stream whatever is on your desktop – webpages, photos, videos, presentation – directly to your HDTV, with only one click on an AirPlay icon on the OS X menu bar.

Mountain Lion automatically detects an Apple TV when it’s on the same network and AirPlay icon simply appears in the menu bar. Mirroring sends up-to 1080p video stream with stereo audio. All information sent using AirPlay Mirroring uses encryption.

Game Center

Now that Mountain Lion also includes Game Center, and thanks to AirPlay Mirroring, your Mac becomes a game console! At this year’s WWDC Apple showed a very impressive demo of an iPad and a new MacBook Pro (yes, Game Center for Mac is cross-compatible with iOS) playing CSR Racing head-to-head, with the Mac streaming to a TV with little to no lag.

Apple TV set

PCMAG‘s Edward Mendelson believes AirPlay Mirroring built into Mac OS X could be another evidence that the Cupertino-based company will unveil its own television soon: “Apple of course didn’t say anything about the much-rumored Apple-branded television, but I somehow doubt that AirPlay Mirroring got into OS X only because Apple wanted to sell a few set-top boxes,” he said.

Download Mountain Lion [iTunes link].

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Apple TV gaming: Party Doodles for iPad and Apple TV

Jason — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:09:22 +0000

Gamers rejoice! Cerebral Gardens, a software development studio specializing in iOS and Mac apps, is launching the “first game for Apple TV” through the App Store. It’s called Party Doodles, and it’s a multiplayer, interactive party drawing and guessing game game you’ll certainly be busting out at your next gathering. Dave Wood, the founder and president of Cerebral Gardens, calls Party Doodles the first game ever designed specifically for the Apple TV, and it’s certainly about time. And when integrated with AirPlay, it really represents the next generation of gaming.

Party Doodles seamlessly integrates the Apple TV with the iPad, a perfect fit that fans of party games should love. Which means Cerebral Gardens will love checking their bottom line next month, as more than four million Apple TVs were purchased in 2011. Sure, that’s still a small segment of all the millions upon millions of gamers out there, but there’s certainly something to be said for being the first kid on the block. Party Doodles in pioneering a new market, and eager fans will probably reward their work.

Cerebral Gardens first thought of the game last summer, when Apple launched their mirroring technology, giving users the ability to link their iPad directly to their Apple TV wirelessly through the AirPlay. Party Doodles is a drawing game designed for multiple users, so it really takes advantage of that cutting edge technology.

So what will Party Doodle fans find outside of integration with their Apple TV? Well, the game comes stock with hours of free content, more than enough to make your next get together a hit. And since the game is app-based, users can always buy additional gameplay if they run out of free time. Party Doodle also integrates with social networks like Facebook and Twitter, and fully supports the new iPad’s retina display.

Head over to What’s on iPhone to read the full review of Party Doodles for iPad, and then make your way over to your friendly neighborhood App Store to pick up your copy today.

Party Doodles is a free download from the App Store.

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

How to watch live sports on Apple TV

umOuch — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:35:18 +0000

Wondering how to watch live sport streaming on Apple TV? The answer is easy: XBMC, AirPlay, Mac/PC screen mirroring and, of course, native Apple TV sport apps. Finding football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, UFC, WWF, or anything else on your Apple TV can feel like and impossible task to anyone one who sits down and sees the limited options in Apple iOS interface, with its limited content partnerships. Though it looks bleak there is a very bright cloud to this quandary and that is the never-ending combination of features we can through at this magical little box.

XBMC

If you have read any of my other pieces, you already know that I am an XBMC fan-boy. XBMC is the best thing to happen to the Apple TV for many reasons, the least of which being its ability to stream live sports content. There are many addons that can be found at forums.xbmc.org to fill your gaming needs! Here is a list of the most popular, stable tools:

SportsDevil

This is easily one of the more popular, and better-known, add-ons when it comes to sports and XBMC. This add-on is great because it works 95% of the time. I have only ever missed one college game with SportsDevil. This add-on is free and there is no charge for connecting to the streams it makes available.

Download SportsDevil addon (note: you’ll need to add the Max Mustermann repository to get SportsDevil working on your Apple TV.)

Rumor: Apple working on a revolutionary, Kinect-like video game console

umOuch — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:35:35 +0000

It was reported last week, by AppleInsider and the guys over at Cult of Mac, that the Apple CEO Tim Cook was spotted at Valve’s headquarters located in Bellevue, Washington. You may recognize Valve for their gaming platform Steam, and their work in creating games such as Half-Life, Team Fortress and the wildly successful Portal.

It is far too easy, and fun, to begin speculating at what this could mean. We all know that Tim Cook doesn’t spend his time visiting companies like this for no reason. So what could it mean? For me, it seems like a perfect fit. Get involved with a company to that already has a digital gaming platform integrated for mac, PC and platform games alike.

According to sources to Cult of Mac:

Apple is working on a television set with an iTunes-integrated touch screen remote and Siri-like voice command technology. The TV set will be coming before the end of 2012. Furthermore, Apple’s television set will come with an Apple-branded, Kinect-like video game console. The interface will rely heavily on motion and touch controls.

Simply put, we are one, well designed, physical remote away from Apple taking over the gaming sector. There I said it! I have been a long time lover of iPad mirroring iOS games to my Apple TV 2. The limitation has always been controls. If Apple integrates either Kinect –like features or and external remote. I may be sold!

Update: Valve co-founder Gabe Newell has said that Tim Cook never visited his company, but, according to Cult of Mac sources, Apple is still working on a Kinect-like video game console:

The company’s plans are always subject to change, but gaming for the upcoming television is definitely on the table right now.

[via: Cult of Mac]

umOuch (Andrew Brasher)

You may also want to read:
Munster: Apple TV set will be the biggest thing in consumer electronics since the smartphone
FireCore: Work is underway on Apple TV 3 jailbreak and Apple TV 2 5.0 untethered jailbreak
aTV Flash (black) 1.5 for Apple TV 2 is live
How to install IceFilms on your jailbroken Apple TV

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!