Cloud gaming specialist Gaikai may have been acquired by Sony for $380 million a matter of days ago, but the company's partnership with rival Samsung appears unaffected.

Indeed, after lifting the lid on a partnership that will see Gaikai's technology deployed with Samsung's range of Smart TVs back in June, the first fruits of said deal have now launched in beta form.

Going with Gaikai

The beta app – which is branded in Samsung colours – is available to download on Smart TV sets running the latest version of the platform's firmware.

Those who do pick up the download will be presented with an access code for Gaikai's website as the app starts up. After entering a few details in order to sign up to the beat program, the next step is waiting to be approved.

Samsung is currently offering a free Logitech game pad for use with the system for the first 150 people that make it into the beta program, though any XInput compatible controller will reportedly work with the platform.

Headline

"Our vision is to provide the same access to video games that consumers enjoy with TV shows, movies and music," said Gaikai CEO David Perry of the partnership when it was unveiled.

"Samsung is the largest TV manufacturer in the world and Gaikai is the industry-recognised fastest cloud-based streaming service for video games.

"Together, we will turn Samsung Smart TVs into a console-like experience capable of delivering the best-selling video games and other content instantly to consumers – no downloads, no extra hardware, no trips to the store."

Sony's plans for its new acquisition remain unclear, but suggestions the technology is to be built into PlayStation 4 risk putting Gaikai's Smart TV venture in competition with the Japanese giant's home console business in the years ahead.

[source: PC Perspective]