Game streaming has gone from something that could only be imagined as a far-fetched futuristic concept, to something that is actually something and even got some steam among users (although some businesses are not really doing so well). And everyone wants a piece of the gaming streaming game, from companies like Nvidia to even Microsoft, which also has their own game streaming service called Xbox Cloud Gaming and was formerly called xCloud (we’ll still call it simpler than xCloud). Given the way you can not currently buy an Xbox Series X (or maybe it is), this is probably the next best thing, but it has some limitations. The good news is that most of the limitations disappear with new features and improvements in the works.
The first of the improvements is the fact that Microsoft is making a Windows app called Xbox Game Streaming. With this Windows app, not only can you stream your games from the cloud and deliver the xCloud experience on devices and computers running Windows 10, but you can also stream games from your own consoles if you have an Xbox series S or An Xbox Series X, although this latest feature is not yet functional in this (very rough) version of the app that has not been released The edge got their hands on.
This app is nothing new, as it was first discovered in a much rougher state last year, which means Microsoft is actively working on it. Not only will it deliver the xCloud experience on Windows computers, but it’s also compatible with ARM devices, which means you can also play your games on your always-connected laptop or tablet. This app also includes features like touch support (which allows you to play without a controller) and gyro support (though it also appears to be broken).
and yes, the xCloud app for Windows will work on ARM devices like the Surface Pro X 👍 https://t.co/ymyjQDmaeH pic.twitter.com/3XXYAGaVRH
Tom Warren (@tomwarren) 27 February 2021
The second of these enhancements is support for 1080p streaming, as reported by Windows Central. Right now, xCloud streaming is limited to 720p, which is probably good for smaller screens and smartphones and is actually better in terms of bandwidth and responsiveness, as it’s easier to move a 720p stream over a network, but quite can quickly become muddy on a larger display. 1080p streaming offers better quality for your games, as long as your internet connection allows it.
Other competitors such as Google Stadiums already support 1080p streaming, so Microsoft is catching up on this. At the same time, most of Microsoft’s server infrastructure is based on Xbox One architecture, and Microsoft will switch to Xbox Series X architecture later this year, so 1080p streaming may be one of the first results of the changes.
Are you an xCloud user? How do you like these changes?