Philips uWand teams with Gamious for smart TV same-screen gaming

Philips uWand, which provides camera-based direct pointing remote control technology, has struck a partnership with game publisher Gamious to develop same-screen multiplayer gaming for smart TVs.

Philips has enhanced its direct pointing technology to enable up to four uWand equipped remotes to be used simultaneously and to individually control distinct on-screen elements.

uWand technology uses an infrared camera embedded within the body of a remote control. The camera monitors the remote’s position relative to a small ‘beacon’ on the TV, with the cursor appearing where the user is pointing. Up to four remote controls can be monitored at one time.

A multi-playable version of Gamious’ title Dark Day LA will be demonstrated at the uWand booth at the formthcoming IBC show. In the game, one player assumes the role of a vampire trying to mingle with the crowds, while the other is a police sniper tasked with tracking the vampire down.

“TV is a social experience and gaming is a social experience, but until now a multiplayer gaming experience has required a games console. Our technology and partnership with Gamious shows how that gap can be bridged and new audiences addressed,” said Navin Natoewal, general manager at Philips uWand. “We are seeing growing consumer demand for a more sophisticated TV remote control, both for navigating complex smart TV EPGs and also for multiplayer gaming. uWand technology is the answer.”