OnLive now playable on tablets and phones

OnLive launched its on-demand game-streaming service as an application for the Windows and Mac operating systems last year. Since then, the company has released a dedicated console for the service, allowing for play directly on a TV. The list of gameplay-supporting devices is about to expand yet again, with today's announcement that OnLive will be launching a new application for tablets and phones.

The new OnLive app is available for Android devices now and expected to launch for iOS products soon. Although previous reports revealed that the OnLive mobile app would allow games to be played using a new wireless controller or onscreen virtual controls, OnLive announced today that 25 titles have been specifically optimized for touch input. Reworked titles include L.A. Noire, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and 5-7, and Defense Grid Gold.

The new Universal OnLive Wireless Controller is said to use "exclusive adaptive wireless technology" to automatically find and connect to OnLive-compatible tablets, smartphones, PCs, Macs, TVs and Blu-ray players. Specific compatible devices were not detailed, but GameSpot can confirm that it works over Bluetooth on iOS devices and Bluetooth or USB connections on Android devices. The new controller is set to be available soon for $50 and £40 in the US and UK respectively, and it will support most of OnLive's 200-strong catalogue of games.

OnLive also announced that the game-streaming service is compatible with high-speed cellular services. Such devices as the HTC Jetstream, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Motorola Xoom are said to be capable of streaming games in HD resolution over 4G LTE connections.

As a special push for the launch of the mobile app, those who download the free player will also gain free access to the Lego Batman: The Videogame.

[CORRECTION 12/8]: This article originally stated that those who downloaded the OnLive app would receive free access to L.A. Noire in addition to Lego Batman. It also reported that the OnLive app was already available on the iOS. GameSpot regrets the errors.