Google on Tuesday launched two new Chrome Experiments, both games, that let you play with other people using phones, tablets, and computers via the company’s browser. Both experiments stay synchronized using WebSockets, which allows data to be sent between multiple devices and servers at any time, and is Google’s way of demonstrating the power of the latest Web technologies implemented in Chrome.
Roll it is a classic bowling game typically found in arcades. You’ll need a phone as well as a desktop or laptop computer, both running Chrome. The former lets you aim and roll the ball with a flick of your wrist, while the latter renders the 3D graphics.
Here it is in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4RFIcuuHBE
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Racer meanwhile lets you build slot-car-style race tracks which align across up to five mobile screens. Touch your screen, and your car speeds across all the phones and tablets, not just your own.
If you think this one is familiar, you probably saw it shown off at Google’s I/O 2013 conference. Here it is again:
Again, the sole purpose of these games is to promote Chrome. Whether you have the browser already, or have to go out and get it, Google wants you to associate it with having fun.
Just over three months ago, Google launched Super Sync Sports with the same idea in mind: a multiplayer desktop browser-based game that lets you control your character with either Chrome for Android or Chrome for iOS. Clearly it was successful enough in promoting Chrome for Google to develop two more games.
Games work best for this purpose because they target both users, who are more likely to try to play something together than experiment with an app, as well as developers, who are more likely be intrigued by the cross-platform multiplayer component than note-taking alternative. Games have been available for Chrome for a while now, but clearly Google wants both users and developers to get excited about ones that can work across desktop and mobile.
Top Image Credit: Robin Norman
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.