CIE Components in Electronics
Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) and Antix Labs are collaborating in a move designed to enhance user experience and extend the potential monetisation of games for content owners and distributors. As part of the co-operation, Toshiba is demonstrating how its TransferJet based accessory adapters work with the Antix Games Service to enable the fast and easy sharing of mainstream games across platforms both securely and transparently.
The Antix Games Service allows individual games to be played on multiple platforms including TV, set top box (STB), smartphone, tablet and PC while retaining the performance of device-specific native versions. Users benefit from being able to purchase a single copy of a game but then being able to play it across all their supported devices and progress is automatically synched. Publishers and content owners wont have to stock games in multiple platform formats and the system will provide for a new range of commercial opportunities. For example, users will be able to share games with friends on a trial basis, encouraging further sales. A secure DRM system both protects intellectual property and simplifies the sharing and access process for users.
Armin Derpmanns, General Manager of Business Development, Toshiba, commented: “Some people still believe TransferJet technology is in competition with Wi-Fi. The truth, however, is that a technology like TransferJet will enhance user experience because of the way its operation parallels natural human interaction. The Antix Game Service model is a breakthrough in bringing content to consumers beyond existing business models. Both companies have been focusing on developing solutions that enhance consumer benefits. The collaboration with Antix is a perfect match to combine service and technology with similar intentions in mind and to bring those enhancements to the consumer.”
TransferJet, which enables large data files, such as movies and games, to be transferred between devices in seconds just by touching them together was seen as a natural fit for the Antix business model. Its fast and simple and encourages content sharing unlike any other existing transmission standard. Further to adoption by device manufacturers, Toshiba is also enabling the addition of TransferJet technology to existing devices through its microUSB adaptor module, USB dongle and microSD card options.
Francis Charig, Founder of Antix Labs, said: “When we received the invitation from Toshiba to collaborate, the speed, of course, excited us but it was that speed combined with the exceptional ease of use that truly impressed us as being disruptive. To be competitive, any games service has to be fun, efficient and straightforward. TransferJet achieves all of this. With game files becoming ever larger to take account of increasing screen resolutions, we must have highly efficient methods of transfer if we’re to keep the consumer’s attention. TransferJet encourages users to share because it eliminates the barrier of technology.”
TransferJet is a close proximity wireless transfer technology standard promoted by the TransferJet Consortium whose membership consists of 45 companies, including Toshiba. TransferJet technology provides simple wireless connection and high-speed (up to 560Mbps) data transfer with low power consumption just by selecting on the screen of a device the data file to be transferred and by touching the receiving device with that device. Applications for TransferJet technology are expected to expand when combined with various devices and technologies, such as digital signage and Near Field Communications (NFC).
