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August 16th, 2013, 22:06 Posted By: wraggster
via http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft...-openness.aspx
You may be wondering what happened to the YouTube app for Windows Phone. Last May, after we launched a much improved app on our platform, Google objected on a number of grounds. We took our app down and agreed to work with Google to solve their issues. This week, after we addressed each of Google’s points, we re-launched the app, only to have Google technically block it.We know that this has been frustrating, to say the least, for our customers. We have always had one goal: to provide our users a YouTube experience on Windows Phone that’s on par with the YouTube experience available to Android and iPhone users. Google’s objections to our app are not only inconsistent with Google’s own commitment of openness, but also involve requirements for a Windows Phone app that it doesn’t impose on its own platform or Apple’s (both of which use Google as the default search engine, of course).When we first built a YouTube app for Windows Phone, we did so with the understanding that Googleclaimed to grow its business based on open access to its platforms and content, a point it reiteratedlast year. As antitrust enforcers have launched investigations against Google – some of which are still ongoing – the company has reiterated its commitment to openness and its ability to stick to its openness commitments voluntarily.With this backdrop, we temporarily took down our full-featured app when Google objected to it last May, and have worked hard to accommodate Google’s requests. We enabled Google’s advertisements, disabled video downloads and eliminated the ability for users to view reserved videos. We did this all at no cost to Google, which one would think would want a YouTube app on Windows Phone that would only serve to bring Google new users and additional revenue.There was one sticking point in the collaboration. Google asked us to transition our app to a new coding language – HTML5. This was an odd request since neither YouTube’s iPhone app nor its Android app are built on HTML5. Nevertheless, we dedicated significant engineering resources to examine the possibility. At the end of the day, experts from both companies recognized that building a YouTube app based on HTML5 would be technically difficult and time consuming, which is why we assume YouTube has not yet made the conversion for its iPhone and Android apps.For this reason, we made a decision this week to publish our non-HTML5 app while committing to work with Google long-term on an app based on HTML5. We believe this approach delivers our customers a short term experience on par with the other platforms while putting us in the same position as Android and iOS in enabling an eventual transition to new technology. Google, however, has decided to block our mutual customers from accessing our new app.It seems to us that Google’s reasons for blocking our app are manufactured so that we can’t give our users the same experience Android and iPhone users are getting. The roadblocks Google has set up are impossible to overcome, and they know it.Google claims that one problem with our new app is that it doesn’t always serve ads based on conditions imposed by content creators. Our app serves Google’s advertisements using all the metadata available to us. We’ve asked Google to provide whatever information iPhone and Android get so that we can mirror the way ads are served on these platforms more precisely. So far at least, Google has refused to give this information to us. We are quite confident that we can solve this issue if Google cooperates, but fixing Google’s concern here is entirely within Google’s control. If Google stops blocking our app, we are happy to work with them on this, entirely at Microsoft’s expense.Google also says that we are not complying with its “terms and conditions.” What Google really means is that our app is not based on HTML5. The problem with this argument, of course, is that Google is not complying with this condition for Android and iPhone. Again, we’re happy to collaborate with Google on an HTML5 app, but we shouldn’t be required to do something that apparently neither iPhone nor Android has successfully figured out how to do.Google raises concerns about our branding too. The funny thing about this point is that we’ve been using the same branding continuously since 2010 for an inferior YouTube app. Now that we have an app that gives users a fuller YouTube experience, Google objects to the branding (even though we’ve taken additional steps to clarify that we are the author of the app). Go figure.Finally, Google cites a degraded experience. Since 2010, Google permitted a Windows Phone app that was far below the iPhone and Android app experiences. Reviews of our new app are unanimous that the experience is much improved, and we’re committed to making adjustments to improve it further. If Google were truly concerned about a degraded experience, it would allow our users access to the new YouTube app they love.We think it’s clear that Google just doesn’t want Windows Phone users to have the same experience as Android and Apple users, and that their objections are nothing other than excuses. Nonetheless, we are committed to giving our users the experience they deserve, and are happy to work with Google to solve any legitimate concerns they may have. In the meantime, we once again request that Google stop blocking our YouTube app.
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August 16th, 2013, 21:35 Posted By: wraggster
Samsung’s Android-powered smart watch will be announced two days before IFA, reports Bloomberg.
According to ‘two people familiar with the matter’, the Galaxy Gear, a wristwatch-like device that can make phone calls, will be unveiled on September 4th.
The source also told Bloomberg that the wearable tech will go on sale this year to beat Apple’s highly rumoured iWatch.
The Galaxy Gear is expected to not only be able to answer and make phone calls, but to surf the web and handle emails.
Earlier this year, Samsung’s executive vice president, Lee Young Hee, revealed that a smart watch was in development.
Early rumours suggested that the watch would be named the Galaxy Altius. Which may have been a code name or working title for that device which is now expected to be called the Galaxy Gear.
At the beginning of August, Samsung filed a trademark for the ‘Galaxy Gear’ so it’s safe to say that’s the name they’ll be sticking with.
Samsung isn’t the only firm trademarking a name for its new wearable device. Apple recently went on what appeared to be a trademarking rampage, registering the name ‘iWatch’ in a number or countries, including Russia, Mexico and Japan.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...veiling/031664
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August 16th, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggster
 Sprint customers looking for a handset with panache may be happy to learn that the network is offering the "glamor red" version of the HTC One as a carrier exclusive. Launching tomorrow, August 16th, the device will set you back $199 on a two-year deal or with an eligible upgrade. Although, given HTC's newly-minted partnership withRobert Downey Jr, we kinda wish the company had gone all out with an Iron Manedition.
http://newsroom.sprint.com/news-rele...ing-aug-16.htm
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August 16th, 2013, 00:04 Posted By: wraggster
Everyone was understandably excited when Windows Phone got its own nativeYouTube app. That is, until Google decided it violated the terms of service by blocking advertisements and promptly asked Microsoft to remove the app. The two companieskissed, made up and collaborated on a new version that would adhere to Mountain View's developer guidelines. Unfortunately, it appears that, despite Big G's involvement, the latest version of YouTube for Windows Phone still has some issues that can't be overlooked. Only two days after returning, with the ability to upload video added as a bonus, Google has again begun blocking Microsoft's efforts.
In an official statement YouTube said:"We're committed to providing users and creators with a great and consistent YouTube experience across devices, and we've been working with Microsoft to build a fully featured YouTube for Windows Phone app, based on HTML5. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not made the browser upgrades necessary to enable a fully-featured YouTube experience, and has instead re-released a YouTube app that violates our Terms of Service."
Sources tell us that, specifically, Microsoft was not on board with developing an HTML5 based app. Instead the company quietly went back to work on its own native version and reverse-engineered the ad system in order to satisfy Google's terms of service. Unfortunately, this work-around means that Google can't guarantee the correct ads will be served up, leading the company to revoke Redmond's API key. We've reached out to Microsoft for comment and will update when we hear back.
Update: A Microsoft spokesperson provided us with the following: "Google is blocking our updated YouTube app for Windows Phone. We are working with them to resolve the issue."
Update II: And now, Microsoft has issued a longer response, and it's a doozy. We'll let you have a gander right here.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/g...ube-app-again/
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August 16th, 2013, 00:02 Posted By: wraggster
Those unofficial Amber ROMs you (briefly) considered toying with 10 days ago? History. Nokia has just announced that the honest-to-goodness, ready-for-consumption Amber code has been approved, and Lumia owners the world over will begin seeing it hit their Windows Phone 8 handset in the coming days / weeks. The software update is a fairly major one, delivering a wide range of new and improved features and apps, like Nokia Glance Screen with the standby clock and an even better imaging experience that mirrors the one found on the 1020. Users will be graced with a new FM radio player and improvements to Xbox music and the Internet Explorer browser, as well as improved image processing and the Nokia Smart Camera app (which debuted on the Lumia 925).
The Glance Screen acts a bit like the glanceable extras added to the Moto X, but sadly, it won't be available on the Lumia 520 and Lumia 625, which have a smaller display memory. Longstanding Nokia loyalists will surely appreciate the addition of "Flip to silence" and "double-tap to unlock," and those who rely heavily on Here maps will find future updates easier to install. The rollout starts now first for the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 in selected countries as well as the Lumia 521, Lumia 810, and Lumia 928 in the US, while owners of the Lumia 520, Lumia 620, Lumia 720, Lumia 820 or Lumia 920 will likely have to wait until the end of September.
Update: There's one more important tidbit: if you're using a Lumia 920, 925 or 928, you also get the Nokia Pro Camera app.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/n...ndows-phone-8/
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August 15th, 2013, 23:57 Posted By: wraggster
Developer guidelines for getting into Apple's good graces have never been static, but today's update to the App Review Guidelines revealed a few more notable changes than usual. Specifically, the folks in Cupertino have unveiled new rules regarding gambling and children's apps. With the former, all gambling apps that offer real money need to be free, have proper licensing and permissions, be restricted in areas that disallow it and can't offer credit through in-app purchases.
As for the latter, children's apps must now reflect an additional restriction in the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) that prevents developers from collecting media-related data like photos and videos from minors. Further, all apps for kids now require a privacy policy, behavioral advertising restrictions and a prompt for parental permission prior to any in-app purchase. As iTunes has recently allowed kids under 13 to have their own accounts, certain apps may also ask for a child's birth date, but only in accordance with current privacy statutes. iOS devs interested in making the App Store cut should certainly take heed of the new guidelines and get to coding -- at least while they still can.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/a...lines-updated/
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August 15th, 2013, 23:35 Posted By: wraggster
30 per cent unavailable on Google Play and 18 per cent not optimised.
Android has previously appeared seamless and unbeatable, kind of like a termite which can live through anything - even a nuclear blast, and can survive a week after having its head cut off! Well it appears that this termite has met its match.
In the form of an Apple.
Well, half of the top 50 free and paid apps for the Apple iPad to be precise.
A mere 52 per cent of apps from the App Store had an equivalent on Google Play, or were optimised - if even a bit - for an Android device.
Tim Shepherd, senior analyst at Canalys, said: "Quite simply, building high-quality app experiences for Android tablets has not been among many developers' top priorities to date. That there are over 735,000 apps in the Apple App Store that are designed with iPad users in mind, versus just a fraction of this - in low tens of thousand - available through Google Play, underscores this point."
The optimised apps that work cross platform, are only available as free, ad-supported versions, delivering poorer and occasionally more limited experiences.
Consumer trust needs to be earned by Google regarding its app store, which can only come with time - however with these bad in-app experiences plaguing Google Play, it makes it that much more difficult to get people spending.
Daniel Matte, analyst at Canalys, said: "Improved consumer willingness to spend will increase developers' monetisation potential and options, and help to reduce their reliance on in-app ads, leading over time to an increase in app quality."
Developers need to be more enticed by the Android tablet platform, which even if it seems pretty ugly right now, is a strong base to build apps on. As its ever increasing popularity - what with it accounting for 67 per cent of tablet sales last month - will prove to be exactly what they are looking for to better the performance and profitability of their apps.
Google needs to make more prominent moves to ensure more rigorous management of high-quality, optimised experiences within its Google Play store and within the apps that are available on it.
Even though it all currently looks a bit grim, when the nuclear blast - or the influx of better apps in Google Play as is the case - happens, who will be laughing then? The termite or the Apple?
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...android/022148
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August 15th, 2013, 23:34 Posted By: wraggster
The BBC talks to Mobile Entertainment about its rich and engaging CBeebies app and how it can be a great learning tool for children, while explaining why the usage should be controlled.
The BBC has made mobile an increasingly prominent part of its business this year, using the technology for Wimbledon, Glastonbury, BBC Weather, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport and BBC World Service.
Usage has spanned responsive design, the mobile web, streaming and apps, with the latter achieving downloads in the millions. On a personal note, I'm a big fan of the Weather app, which helpfully updates based on the user's location.
The broadcaster has now reached what it tells Mobile Entertainment is a "really big moment" by launching its first app for its CBeebies brand, which is for young children aged between one to six.
Should children that age be using phones? They already are – and the Beeb simply wants to make sure that they're along for the ride, providing secure, educational and friendly content throughout the journey.
I went along to a demo of the CBeebies Playtime app earlier in the week, and while not a parent, I'd be more than happy for my nephews to use it.
The app was built from a single code base and has launched simultaneously in the UK on Android and iOS, with availability from Google Play, the Apple App Store and the Amazon Appstore for Kindle Fire.
While some children are undoubtedly playing games that don't stimulate their grey matter and making unauthorised in-app payments on their parents' devices, the Beeb has produced a useful app that connects adults with their offspring and children with their favourite TV shows.
Alison Stuart, head of CBeebies production, animation and acquisitions, said: "We tried to choose a selection of TV shows that children across all age ranges can appreciate, using titles that support reading and marine biology.
We also cater movement with action-adventure title Tree Fu Tom, which is designed to help children with dyspraxia through movement magic. The beauty of the game is that the learning is embedded, but it's not in your face. Kids just think it's a grown-up animation."
It turns out the marine biology aspect can be found in The Octonauts, which technical project manager Jon Wellard – who is tasked with product delivery by working with editorial, UX designers and developers – explains harnesses the power of mobile.
"With each of these games, we've tried to utilise the native features, such as the microphone, the accelerometer, vibration, touches and swiping. It offers a really nice way for the children to interact with the devices."
He wasn't joking about the microphone, swiftly demonstrating what happens when children are required to shout in order to attract the characters on screen.
Something Special, meanwhile, is built for children with learning difficulties. Parents – who are key to the platform – have the power to adapt the difficulty based on the requirements of the individual.
And talking of adults, a special section built into the app where they can access information about the content on offer, access external links and cue special rewards for youngsters.
Wellard said: "We know we have dual audience: parents and children, and the parental feature is designed to fade into the background for youngsters, though it's obvious to the adults and can be accessed by holding the screen down.
"Any external links that take the users away from the app can only be accessed after entering a security code, which means clamping down on the potential for kids to access inappropriate web content or making rogue purchase elsewhere."
I asked about the introduction of in-app items and plans to turn the game freemium.
Patrick Healy, head of product, BBC Children’s, said: "That's not an approach we're looking to take. We don't want to take business away from competitors, and secondly, we don't want children sitting in front of mobiles all day.
"We've seen different use cases for the app, such as in a car, in a restaurant, or when children get together. The idea is to educate and entertain, but we don't want them using the tech for hours on end.
"Mobile is necessary for us because we want to be as cross-platform for our audience as possible, reaching across TV, desktops and connected devices."
Stuart, added: "All of the games are designed to be simple yet effective. Ultimately, TV is still our biggest product, but mobile can keep children engaging with the brand.
"We've actually included information in the adult section of the app, which redirects parents to information about real-world activities nearby, so we're trying to encourage exploring the outdoors too."
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...all-day/022147
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August 15th, 2013, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster
The Apple iPhone 6 – which is what everyone is assuming Apple’s next iPhone will be called – has had no official confirmation, but that won’t stop it being the most wanted gadget on the planet.
Apple makes a point of not giving away a single drop of info prior to launching products – which tends to further prod the rumour dragon, which periodically belches out potential fiery clues as to what the next gizmo will be. If you’ll pardon the unpleasant imagery.
Now, some of these turn out to be duff leads of course – but often, as was with the iPhone 5, a lot of the technical specifications do end up leaking ahead of the launch. So those eager to find out what Apple has up its sleeve for the iPhone 6 may well find the answer in the glut of speculation and technical clues fluttering around the web.
The iPhone 6 isn’t to be confused with the iPhone 5S – which again is a totally unconfirmed smartphone, and which solidify the rumblings that perhaps Apple will make a cheaper iPhone. This may also be called the iPod Nano. Or quite possibly it never has or will exist – but hey ho, that’s the fuzzy world of tech rumours.
We’ve gathered together what we think are the most likely iPhone 6 rumours, and we’ll keep this updated as more clues emerge.
iPhone 6 release date September 10th?
Apple has already held an event showing off its next mobile operating system iOS 7, featuring a brand new look and a bunch of new features. The release date has been set for the fall (that’s Autumn for UK readers), and as several nose tappers have pointed out it would seem to make logical sense for this to emerge alongside the iPhone 6.
Unfortunately ‘fall’ is a fairly vague term, occupying a quarter of the annual calendar as it does.
Rumours of a more specific date - September 10th - are growing momentum.
This is largely based on past Apple launch schedules which is a fair enough extrapolation – though we won’t know anything concrete until Apple sends out one of its cryptic invites to the press. And even then, we won’t know exactly what the event is in aid of until Tim Cook pops out out on stage.
Of course, this could be in relation to the iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5C, or any other combination of speculative reasoning.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-design/031415
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August 15th, 2013, 01:43 Posted By: wraggster
As smartphone sales stayed well ahead of feature phones with 225 million sold in Q2 2013, Android was by far the greatest beneficiary, according to stat analyst Gartner. That OS lept from a 74.4 percent share in Q1 2013 to 79 percent, while iOS declined sharply from 18.2 to 14.2 percent. Samsung helped that along by moving 6.4 million more smartphones this quarter than last, while Apple sold 6.6 million less over Q1 2013. Of course, Samsung has a wide range of inexpensive devices that still fall into the "smart" category, which may explain why Apple is rumored to be launching a more budget-oriented iPhone.
Meanwhile, there's further evidence of a BlackBerry decline (as if more were needed), as Gartner's stats now have Microsoft's Windows Phone well ahead. Last quarter, BlackBerry's OS share was larger by a hair, but Redmond's OSes gained significantly in Q2 with a 3.3 percent share compared to 2.7 percent for Waterloo. Another notable stat had Lenovo elbowing Huawei and ZTE down the chart for a fourth place finish in smartphone sales -- quite a feat, considering that unlike its rivals, Lenovo sells almost all its handsets in China.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/g...-of-ios-in-q2/
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August 15th, 2013, 01:41 Posted By: wraggster
Since we saw PowerA's Moga Pro controller at CES earlier this year, the company has shown that it's keen to evolve its product line based on early adopter feedback. Its two latest Bluetooth Android controllers -- the Moga Pro Power and the more petite Moga Hero Power -- bring some added functionality to PowerA's lineup while building on the successes (and shortcomings) of the previous iterations. In addition to enhanced ergonomics and an improved grip, Moga's newest offerings also boast multiplayer support and the ability to charge your phone while you play. The latter might be PowerA's ace in the hole, but do the upgrades make for an even better mobile gaming experience? Read on to find out.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/p...lers-hands-on/
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August 14th, 2013, 23:44 Posted By: wraggster
The CyanogenMod team has announced the release of version 10.2 nightly builds, which are based on Google's latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The currentnightly builds have been released for the Google Galaxy Nexus, HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3, LG Optimus G, Sony Xperia Z, and Motorola Razr among others. As always, CyanogenMod team reminds that these are experimental
http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/08...ghtlies-arrive
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August 14th, 2013, 23:34 Posted By: wraggster
Find out how you can expect your iPhone to improve with Apple's new iOS 7 operating system.
One of the major reasons some of us will be excited to try out iOS 7 is for the fresh look it’ll give our handsets, with Apple promising new fonts and colour schemes. But it’s not just a cosmetic overhaul that’s set to be officially rolled out next month, as a number of practical updates have been included too, which might encourage some to consider purchasing one of the 4G mobile phones.
Airdrop
Sharing photos is set to become easier than ever on the new operating system, as Airdrop allows you to do thiswirelessly with any iPhone or iPad nearby. There’s no need to upload to a service or even be on the same wi-fi network to do this, so taking a snap and passing it on to your friends should be a much quicker process.
Siri gets better
Whether you’re a Siri fan or otherwise, the voice search features is set to become better. You’ll be able to search Twitter, Wilkipedia and Bing using the service, so finding the information you need won’t require you to go online or search with an app manually.
In addition to this, Siri has new male and female voices, which sound much more natural than the existing the offering. It remains to be seen whether the changes will see Siri edging ahead of Google Now in the popularity stakes, but it’s likely we’ll find out in the coming months.
Swiping and scrolling
In the past it was necessary to jab the back button with your finger to return to a webpage you were previously viewing. However, in iOS 7 you’ll be able to do simply by swiping your finger from left to right. It’s a minor change, but one that should make using the device a far more fluid experience.
Similarly, when you turn on your phone it’ll no longer be necessary to push the specific tab to the right, but rather to just swipe to the right anywhere on the display. The spotlight feature is also easier to get to, as no more will you need to go all the way to the left. You can simply pull top to bottom wherever you are to search the handset.
Have you tried the iOS7 beta versions for yourself? If so, what are your thoughts on them? Has Apple done enough to please new and old users alike, or does it need to start getting a little more innovative to avoid people switching to 4g phones by other manufacturers?
This is the first in a series of pieces that Mobile Entertainment is running in association with EE.
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...xciting/022133
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August 14th, 2013, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster
North Korea’s state media yesterday released details of its first home-produced smartphone, following a similar launch of a tablet last year.
Referred to as a ‘hand phone’, the Arirang handset was demonstrated to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un as he toured a factory. Named after a popular folk song, the phone’s camera was praised by Kim Jong-un for its ‘high pixels’, while the Korean Central News Agency gave some specifications, including ‘an application program in Korean style which provides the best convenience for the users while guaranteeing security’ and ‘convenient for its user when that part of the phone is sensitive’.
While some experts believe that the phone, like the North Korean produced Samjiyon tablet last year, may in fact originate from China, Kim Jong-Un apparently commented on ‘how nice [it is] to see hand phones being successfully produced with indigenous technology’, ‘adding it is of educational significance in making people love Korean things.’
North Korea has only had a national mobile network since 2008, but mobiles cannot access the Internet or dial internationally, with many turning to illegal alternatives in order to contact those outside of the secretive country.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...d-phone/031635
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August 14th, 2013, 23:28 Posted By: wraggster
Following rumours in the last few days that BlackBerry may be forced to sell itself in order to recover after a difficult year, it has been confirmed today that the Canadian smartphone maker is now seeking a sale deal.
A special board committee formed to examine what a press release deemed as ‘strategic alternatives’ is also being supported by representatives from financial services firm JP Morgan as the company searches for any potential buyers. Prem Watsa, chairman of BlackBerry’s largest shareholder, Fairfax Financial, resigned from the board citing that, despite his support of the plan, there had been a conflict of interests. Fairfax is itself considered as a potential buyer, with the Toronto-based private equity funder avoiding the issues faced by buyers overseas. With BlackBerry providing its devices to governments and businesses due to advanced security features, the Canadian government may attempt to keep the company within Canadian borders.
BlackBerry’s shares were frozen preceding the announcement, but reopened later to rise 9.4 percent in per-market trading in New York. The BlackBerry 10 operating system was released at the start of this year to praise from critics, but has so far failed to halt the company’s decline in popularity, with figures last month showing Microsoft’s Windows Phone outselling Blackberry 10 three-to-one.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...or-sale/031636
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August 14th, 2013, 23:25 Posted By: wraggster
The latest small company to be snatched up by Apple is the second-screen service Matcha.tv, which provided a universal video guide until it went offline with little explanation in May.
Matcha.tv released an iOS app for the iPad last year, which allowed users to browse selections of content from online streaming services including Netflix and Hulu, US cable TV provider Comcast and digital video stores such as iTunes and Amazon. The app displayed the selections in a similar manner to a TV program guide, using user feedback to aggregate recommendations and linking into social networks to show any watching trends among friends.
The service shut down in May, with CEO Guy Piekarz only telling TechCrunch that Matcha was working on a new direction.
When questioned by VentureBeat about the acquisition, Apple replied by stating ‘Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose’. VentureBeat’s source, who originally brought attention to the deal, has valued the deal at between $1 and $1.5 billion, while another source, also of VentureBeat affiliation, has dismissed such as estimate as completely wrong.
The move by Apple to adopt the TV-related service of Matcha.tv could be seen as another step by Apple in its acknowledgement of plans to intrude on the television industry.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...tcha-tv/031640
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August 14th, 2013, 01:16 Posted By: wraggster
Autobiographic raising a kid with cancer simulator, That Dragon, Cancer, will launch first on Ouya in the second half of 2014.Ouya is supporting the two-person studio's development costs so the pair can make a game based on Ryan Green's real-life story of raising his son Joel - now five - who has cancer. None of the parties I spoke to could give me a straight answer on how long That Dragon, Cancer needs to stay exclusive to Ouya.
How did this happen, you ask?It's simple, really. Green and his programmer partner Josh Larson got in touch with Ouya's developers' best friend (that's her actual title), Kellee Santiago, best known as one of the founders of Journey and Flower's studio, thatgamecompany. Larson and Santiago met in a quiet little carpeted hallway off the beaten path of the Moscone Center during GDC earlier this year where she was instantly taken by the game."I played it, then I took a moment and I knew that I wanted to see this game exist. And it had to exist. And Ryan's story needed to be told," she told me in a recent phone interview. "Over the next couple of months we talked more and they iterated on the idea, and as their vision for the final game became more solidified it became apparent to me that Ouya would be a really great platform for the game and we were in a position to help them make this game a reality."As a result, Ouya will be paying for all the developer's expenses, from a liveable salary, to hiring an additional artist and composer, to travel expenses and marketing costs. "Josh and Ryan had been working on the game a bit, but we are now fully funding the development of the project, which allows them to make the game without the added stress of worrying about their financial situation. And also hiring some team members to help flesh out the content and make it a professional title," Santiago said.Covering all of a game's funding costs isn't common with Ouya, but the fledgling console manufacturer is making an effort to invest in more products. "I think part of it is timing," said Santiago. "Developers have only had since December, and my job was created in March. We've been helping developers finish their projects on Ouya, but only now have we started with projects like this. With the Free the Games Fund our goal is to fund a game from beginning to end for Ouya," she added, referring to the company's new initiative to match Kickstarter support for Ouya-exclusive projects. Joel Green, not letting that dragon keep him down.
Green and Larson seem pleased as punch with this new arrangement that allows them to be at the vanguard of the world's first indie game focused console. "What I like about the Ouya is we're kind of creating an indie ecosystem," Green told me over Skype. "It seems to me like Ouya, over some of the big guys, really mean it. Like wanting to see an indie ecosystem throughout. I think in part because they're a startup. They don't need to have the big breakout blockbusters that PlayStation and Xbox have to have... so they have the ability to take some risks."Larson was particularly taken with how Ouya, as a company, was to work with, probably because his main liaison, Santiago, used to be in his shoes. "It's been really great working with Kellee," Larson said. "She definitely understands the development process. Especially a more experimental process, [for] a game that's trying to do something different. A lot of it has to do with the fact that she's been there. That's been really nice. So it seems like they understand what we're doing.""It's great to see them trying to build a platform that focuses on indie games," he continued. "It's definitely easy to complain about existing platforms and their drawbacks and stuff, but here's a new one and it's a chance for us to contribute to this direction.""It's one of those things where it is what you make of it," Green added. "There's been some people that have complained that maybe at launch the Ouya sales aren't what they need to be or they've had some different issues with the launch at retail and the Kickstarter, but one thing that's fairly known is they're a startup and this is their first piece of hardware. And so they way I see it is Ouya delivered a product and a platform and they're working out the kinks because they're indie, just like we're indie." I hope That Dragon, Cancer is a big enough hit that someone makes the parody game 'That Double Dragon, Cancer.'
Green believes if things are ever going to change someone has to take a chance with Ouya's relatively quiet launch. "We have to show up, you know? Like it's a chicken or the egg thing: they provide the platform, we have to provide the games."He added that Ouya is "interested in enabling indies do what they do best. Enabling them, and then getting out of the way".Part of the new funds will go towards hiring a full-time artist, Nat Iwata, as well as composer Jon Hilllman. "Outside investment allows us to do is bring in people to the areas where we're weaker," Green explained. "Josh and I are both artists/coders, but I'd say that we're primarily coders, so having somebody who does art all the time for their full-time job certainly helps us increase the production value of the game from an artistic standpoint."The That Dragon, Cancer demo features an exasperated Green who sullenly ponders why the hospital walls are coloured the way they are as he finds himself unable to ease young Joel's pain. It's a clever subversion of the point-and-click template where, usually, interacting with the right objects results in a satisfying solution. But nope. Not here. It won't all be doom-and-gloom, though, as we'll also experience a lot of the joy in seeing Joel play, learn to walk, and learn to love life in spite of his condition.For more information on That Dragon, Cancer, our Simon Parkin previewed it at GDC and Family Gamer TV interviewed Green and Larson about the game.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...sively-on-ouya
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