Bigfoot Networks, Inc., makers of the award winning Killer™ NIC gaming network card, today announced a joint development agreement with DiamondWare, the leading provider of 3D spatial Voice over IP technology. The companies are developing a hardware-accelerated voice solution for MMORPG and FPS games that fully offloads all client-side processing to the Killer NIC. DiamondWare's 3D positional voice technology accelerated with Killer hardware will enable online gamers to experience higher-quality multiplayer voice while gaming, without impacting game performance.
Powered by Bigfoot Network's proprietary LLR™ Technology and a dedicated onboard NPU (network processing unit), the Killer gaming network card is optimized to reduce the lag and network latency associated with high action MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Play) and FPS (First Person Shooter) games. In addition, the card supports a variety of popular gamer applications that run directly on the card's NPU instead of the CPU all without affecting game play or performance through its Flexible Network Architecture (FNA). Currently supported FNA clients include Firewall, Game Patcher, BitTorrent, FTP, Telnet and now 3D voice from DiamondWare.
"Voice chat while gaming adds a whole new level of realism that gamers crave," said Harlan Beverly, co-founder and CEO of Bigfoot Networks, Inc. "Our users have told us emphatically that voice chat is the #1 capability that they would use more if it had no impact on frame rate and Lag. By partnering with DiamondWare we will be able to offer Killer owners the best 3D voice technology at zero impact to gameplay."
The DiamondWare Platform enables integrated high-definition, proximity-based positional voice in games. DiamondWare's patent-pending technology provides custom spatial positioning of each voice for each listener in the game. Spatial voice in multiplayer gaming creates a more natural audio experience that significantly enhances immersion and gamers' perception of the playing field.
"DiamondWare upgrades the plain old voice experience into the digital age, offering an experience like being in the room with people," said Keith Weiner, CEO of DiamondWare. "By partnering with Bigfoot we will be able to offer game players an even more immersive 3D multi-player voice experience without the worry of any PC performance impacts."
The companies plan to initially release a Beta version open to Killer NIC owners before the end of this year.
Bigfoot Networks:
Bigfoot Networks develops technologies designed to fight Lag in online games. The company's mission is to enhance Internet-based online game experiences in multiplayer action games. The company's hardware and software solutions are targeted at gamer PCs and game hosting servers. Powered by its highly acclaimed (patent-pending) LLR™ Technology, the flagship Killer™ NIC is the industry's first network interface card (NIC) designed specifically to improve PC game network performance for a smoother, more responsive online game experience. Bigfoot Networks is headquartered in Austin, TX. To learn more visit www.killernic.com.
DiamondWare:
DiamondWare provides best-of-breed real time voice technology with ground-breaking 3D positioning and high-definition quality. Applications include games, simulators, conferencing, VoIP, and radio over IP. Customers include DARPA, the US Special Forces, Navy, Air Force, as well as game developers, carriers, and equipment manufacturers. DiamondWare has received acclaim and recognition from numerous organizations, including TMC Labs Innovation Award, Best of Show at Internet Telephony, Product of the Year from Communications Convergence magazine, and has been on the Pulver 100 list since 2004. The company holds many patents. Founded in 1994, DiamondWare is headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. More information is available at www.dw.com.