Microsoft have been busy over the past few months, updating their products to accommodate current needs for teleconferencing and even stepping into the social media space with ongoing TikTok discussions. Microsoft were not able to propel their streaming platform, Mixer and salvaged the project through deals with Facebook but it’s important to remember that the company also have a sizeable market share of gamers. Microsoft Xbox and upcoming next generation Xbox Series X are set to go head to head with Sony. Gaming architecture is also changing and Microsoft are pushing ahead with their own game streaming services in the form of xCloud, an effort to spread over 100 games anywhere on the go.
xCloud will be a complimentary add-on to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate holders, currently available for under $15). Cloud gaming is not easy to get right and various companies have not been able to find staying power but game streaming has picked up in popularity over the years. Services such as parsec that allow online access to couch coop games and NVIDIA game stream have both gained traction for their respective focus. Complaints over title availability has been a point that customers have been vocal around recently. The titles being offered on xCloud will bring triple-A titles and it’s something that I am very interested in trying. Netflix has been a great gateway to stream my favourite shows on the go whenever I need to. Being able to stream my games on just a phone or tablet might encourage me to finish some of those titles I had long put off over the years.
Due for initial release on the 15th of September, Android devices will be able to access the video game streaming service. I am very curious as to whether a 4G or 5G connection will suffice for accessing games. Cloud saves between mobile device and console will also be a feature I will look to try out. A promotion is also running alongside the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 as 3 month subscription will be provided for free, whether the device will deliver a superior and enhanced experience remains to be seen. Apple users will have to wait a long while yet before Microsoft’s application gets the green light. I will be taking a look at the xCloud service in detail in the coming month and will try the service out on multiple devices. Fingers crossed, it might perform better than Stadia at least!
https://www.laptopmag.com/news/xbox-game-pass-on-samsung-galaxy-note-20-what-you-need-to-know
