Microsoft is desperate for gamers to adopt Windows SideShow
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted May 20th 2009 4:53PM
posted May 20th 2009 4:53PM
Microsoft really, really wants to convince you that in the high stakes world of multiple displays, SideShow is the only way to go. To that end, the company has put together a little white paper meant to sell us on the idea of using their product to for extra screen real estate as you flail about Azeroth (or whatever it is that you do in your free time). And it's not like we need to be sold on the concept -- we love our Mimo as much as the next guy or gal -- but as wary as companies have been of this technology, we're guessing that it'll take more than some fancy Photoshoppin' to get hardware vendors on board. But who knows? Hit the read link to discover all of Microsoft's thoughts on the subject.
[Via SlashGear]
[Via SlashGear]
STUPIDEST THING EVAR
Actually, Age of Empires 3 is an amazing game. You should try it sometime.
Hey, how about some *real* multiple monitor support in games, first. You know, for those of us who already have multiple displays.
I have two 24" monitors, oneof which (the non primary one) sits unused, displaying my desktop background in 90% of games. Nvidia's SLI and DirectX are all the reasons why developers have failed to capitalize on multiple monitor setups, and it's frustrating and upsetting.
Last thing I'm going to do is buy a proprietary monitor when I have a few of the real thing.
Yea, I agree.
If you set the screens to "span" under XP, it'll stretch it across both, but for most games it ends up throwing your targeting reticle in the dead spot.
Pretty much sums it up.
Why waste money on some additional miniature monitor if even the second large one isn´t used?
Isn't it on the game developers to make your second monitor work? SupCom comes to mind. Worked flawlessly. Excellent execution of a perfect idea.
I tried playing COD4 with my two 24" monitors (can't remember which program I used to span across the two). Didn't last long cause' the I couldn't easily work around the lack of crosshairs at the center of the screen. Now if I ever get a third, that would be sweet... Waste of money, but sweet :p
I usually keep the 2nd one off while gaming.
FPS go into the cellar if you would use 2 full sized screens in many games though, and to be honest although I'd like more dual-screen support too and it's idiotic how slow it is in coming I do see some fun use in a small side-display, if it doesn't cost more than you'd expect that is, $40-$50 should be enough for them to make a profit, since those small displays are less than $20 wholesale nowadays.
if you want multiple screen gaming, then you have two very viable options (both require 3 screens):
Matrox TripleHead2Go - around $200
or if you have 2 graphics cards:
Kegetys' SoftTH - free
I have tried both, and now use the 2nd as there is no resolution limit and it supports side screens in portrait - research & enjoy!
Most Games allow you to use the console to set a custom resolution. If you have two identical monitors each with a resolution of 1920*1200 then go in to the console and set it to run at 3840 by 1200. I run 3 monotors and use 5760 x 1200. I have been able to do this for many years on old games including the original half life (and it's derivitives DoD), battlefield 1942, medal of honor allied assault (mohaa), and may other games.
I have an old Mio GPS running CE6.0 and I use it as a second monitor on my XP screen. I dont even utilize even small monitor of space, and the GPS has a 4.3" screen. All it is used for is IM boxes and a Windows Media Center Controller, as the touchscreen is fully functional and is very convenient in Media Center.
What a complete stupid drivel, use 3rd party stuff, use 3 monitors although all graphicscards only support 2, what a genius at work here, the point is that MS and gamemakers should support what people have, and we all have connections for 2 (two, you hear that? Two) monitors nowadays, and you can buy monitors relatively cheap, so don't go telling people you need to get matrox or a new system that can support 3 monitors or join scientology or burn an eggplant and chant or whatever else you can think up.
I'd quite like my second monitor to be utilised fully first.
Not a bad concept, but need a way to customize where that little screen goes. Maybe make it able to latch onto the main monitor at any position around it? Also, would be cool to have something like this with multiple sideshow screens e.g.: in racing games 1 for rear-view, and 2 for side view mirrors, or in an RPG, have your inventory on one screen, character status on another, etc.
how about those gamers who use HDTV as display to play PC games?
What the hell is your point?
My TV has a USB port on the side, but no pass-through to the computer.
usb on the side wtf? thats not a video port bro
@ acme
You can use USB for display I believe...they just had an article about Linux getting the ability to do this a couple days ago...
...these comments truly make me sad.
:'-(
Didn't Supreme Commander already do something more impressive than this over two years ago?
They did and it rocks
Indeed with individual resolution settings for the secondary too, which sort of shows it's not impossible but it's the gamemakers that need to shape up rather than that we can blame it all on MS.
I do blame MS for not allowing to keep a game maximized when you tab to another screen though in normal games.
BEST IDEA EVER.... and long overdue, I must add.
FPS and RTS, two gaming genres unrivaled on PC, always have either a "map" or "radar" taking out a considerable portion of the screen.
I hope, wish, nay... DEMAND that Command and Conquer Generals 2 takes advantage of this...
3D vision + extra display = gaming paradise.
Yeah moving some of the map/radar stuff in shooters to a secondary display would also be something that might work.
Pretty good idea actually. If you follow the link and read their white paper they give several examples - all of which I would like to be able to use when gaming - like having the map open on a smaller 6" display attached to your monitor, or have your bags open, chat windows etc. leaving the main monitor free to show only the gameplay.
Nice idea actually
Quite like it
How exactly does publishing a whitepaper qualify as "desperate?"
Engadget + Microsoft News = Random Negative Words
Louis, don't worry. If this was a paper by Apple, Engadget would be acting as if God himself had shit a golden pokemon.
@AVG - Wow so true! It is a moronic and cheesy headline which isn't so surprising but even the, "really wants to convince you" is dumb. If they took out a huge ad campaign okay but no consumer would ever read a whitepaper. Only nobody-posters desperate for MS bashing click bait do that.
@Samboini: that was funny, good one!
There's more:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/sideshow/default.mspx
hey Microsoft, if you're so desperate, you can, oh i don't know ACTUALLY MAKE SOME SIDESHOW PRODUCTS! I can't think of one that's actually available and that I can buy.
I agree, I only recall seeing a handful of products using it, and sadly, most of them have been discontinued.
The only ones I can think of off the top of my head are the Logitech G15 and G19 keyboards. I don't know about the G19, which has a rather large color display, but I have a G15 and SideShow is useless on it as the apps that are available make nowhere near full use of the available display space. For example, there's an Outlook SideShow plugin that's supposed to display new messages from the inbox. Trouble is, all it displays on the G15 is "1 message(s) unread. Last updated: May 20, 2009 15:00". No viewing of messages, no new message alerts, no nothing. :/
@itsnotabigtruck
Are those really Sideshow devices? From what I've read they aren't, they use Logitech software.
Windows SideShow Team Blog
• Logitech G19 and G15 keyboards support Windows SideShow!
Thu, 14 May 2009 21:59:00 GMT
source: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/sideshow/default.mspx
I like the idea but there is no way im paying more than $100 for a 6.5 inch screen. For me its all in the pricing and support.
I would like to see a map/radar or ammo display on that screen like TareX suggested
I have no problem with this, and as an occasional visitor to Azeroth myself, I kind of like the mockup.
Build a product, and I'll be glad to take a look at it...
I agree, make use of my second monitor and then we'll talk about the little dead fetus monitor attached to the monitor getting put to use.
This is just another example of microsoft raising their hand and suggesting a badly thought out version of a good idea someone had 5 years ago. Namely have multiple monitors on 1 computers.
WoW! This could be cool.
I like the idea, I play RTS mainly, so this would bi qiut handy when u have the panel on touch right by ur mouse. I would buy this thing
If the little second monitor is touch capable, I'm in.
It could usher in a whole new era of game design .... but it probably won't.
It is a touch screen. That would be pretty slick.
Sideshow® "Finally, a second monitor that is not a second monitor... or is it?"
I would love to be able to put game interface elements on a second monitor, but until it can be done and NOT change the viewpoint on the main monitor I won't spend any cash.
I already run a dual display. It would be good if they actually made use of the 2nd screen. My 2nd screen is 100% covered with instant messengers, twitter and RSS feeds and Winamp - so it does serve a purpose. Everytime I run a game - the 2nd screen has no effect (except for Flight Simulator) so it would be great if game manufacturers provided stuff for the 2nd screen. I presume dual/triple displays are not of much interest for most people. One thing I can say is that once you are used to a dual display, a single monitor just seems cramped. I'm considering getting the Dell 3008WFP 30 inch monitor - at that high resolution maybe I won't need 2 displays.
I'd rather just have a bigger, higher resolution display.