Microsoft does not seem to be resting on its laurels with Project xCloud – the streaming technology that allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to play a variety of titles remotely.
First, Windows Central has heard from ‘trusted sources’ that the improvement of the Xbox cloud stream servers is showing good results, and the resolution is being pushed from 720p to 1080p. Here is a screen cover sent with the developer cover that contains all the relevant statistics.
Your quality can vary, of course. Just like how Netflix can get a little soft if your internet connection suddenly slows down, xCloud can bump up your resolution if that will help performance. This is what Windows Central found when they tried the same test and were locked in a disappointing 720p, arguing that they were simply too far from a data center running the 1080p test.
The bump to 1080p brings Microsoft’s offering in line with Google Stadia’s free level – although the service is facing its own many public teething problems with the closure of its first two party studios and a limited number of triple-A titles that is currently in the schedule. .
But Microsoft is not done there. The Edge managed to get its hands on an internal test of the Xbox Game Streaming app for Windows, and found interesting changes. Not only does the app add home streaming support from Xbox Series X and S consoles, but it also introduces xCloud streaming on Windows computers.
scoop: here’s a look at Microsoft’s unknown xCloud app for Windows. With this app, you can stream Xbox games from an Xbox Series X / S console or from xCloud. Full details here: https://t.co/ymyjQDmaeH pic.twitter.com/V3U3PXe7LO27 February 2021
The Xbox Series S and X support works the same way as for Xbox One: you can wake up the console remotely, sign in, and then play games on your Windows desktop, laptop, or tablet.
Interestingly, Microsoft seems to be considering the specific issues with the latter, and it now includes touch screen support that allows you to play games without a controller. Not only that, there is apparently also an option to enable gyro controls – although this is an option that currently looks nothing like when activated. Clearly, the company is exploring ways to ensure that tablet players do not have to push their device while playing.
Not to be outdone, the PS5 has a version of this called Remote Play, which lets you stream from PS5 or PS4 to Android, iOS, Windows or MacOS via WiFi or LAN connection (you can even go from PS5 to PS4 current if you feel like wasting electricity). With PlayStation Now, you can also stream a variety of PS2, PS3, and PS4 games for $ 9.99 per month, but at the time of writing, there is no support for phones or tablets.