[url=http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/7/5284730/playstation-now-hands-on]The Verge has posted a hands-on with Sony's Gaikai-based streaming service.[/url] While it seems to work pretty well, the "bombshell" here is that you don't need a PlayStation at all to play the games: the service streams to phones, tablets, and TV's as well as the PS4. The experience obviously depends on the strength of your connection, but it's one step closer to the future. Sony is holding a closed beta beginning this month where it will hopefully iron out the issues it can. After that, PlayStation Now is set to open to the public this summer. Sony also announced a cloud [url=http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/7/5284530/sony-cloud-based-tv-service-live-tv-dvr-and-video-on-demand/in/5046387]video streaming service[/url] that integrated live TV with DVR and video-on-demand. It is supposed to be compatible with all of Sony's internet-connected devices, including its game consoles. Microsoft is reportedly working on a service of its own, appropriately codenamed [url=http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-company-meeting-more-on-rio-moorea-and-remix-7000021273/]"Rio".[/url]