the act of being signed on to xbox live

1.) A cloud computing project announced at the GDC 2009, OnLive is essentially gaming - streamed. Allegedly you get no noticeable framerate (fps) issues or lag when playing Crysis on mother's computer (you know, the one with terrible resolution...) so long as an OnLive server is available, internet connection (1.5 mbps for SD and 4.5 for HD), functioning video card (called graphics card in the world of gaming), a monthly fee of 14.95 USD and finally a rental fee for games (some games might be for keeps). If OnLive his isn't another Steam there will be no rational use for your $8,000 computer with a liquid nitrogen colling system, Steam will evaporate and then Valve will be forced to conclude their Half-Life series for revenue.

MicroConsoles - are being planned for consumers who have access to the internet yet don't have a suitable computer, they require any modern television and (might require) mouse and keyboard.

2) Alternatively if OnLive does not live to the premarket hype this is how the service can turn out. - You send a data packet from your micro console/browser to the OnLive headquarters...