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First look at xCloud for the web (Xbox in a browser)

cormack12

Gold Member
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/15/...shots-cloud-gaming-streaming-browser-features

xcloudweb.0.jpg


Microsoft has started testing its xCloud game streaming through a web browser. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s Xbox plans tell The Verge that employees are now testing a web version of xCloud ahead of a public preview. The service allows Xbox players to access their games through a browser, and opens up xCloud to work on devices like iPhones and iPads.

Much like how xCloud currently works on Android tablets and phones, the web version includes a simple launcher with recommendations for games, the ability to resume recently played titles, and access to all the cloud games available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Once you launch a game it will run fullscreen, and you’ll need a controller to play Xbox games streamed through the browser.

xcloudweb_2.jpg


It’s not immediately clear what resolution Microsoft is streaming games at through this web version. The software maker is using Xbox One S server blades for its existing xCloud infrastructure, so full 4K streaming won’t be supported until the backend hardware is upgraded to Xbox Series X components this year.

Microsoft is planning to bundle this web version of xCloud into the PC version of the Xbox app on Windows 10, too. The web version appears to be currently limited to Chromium browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, much like Google’s Stadia service.
 

Mister Wolf

Member
Only way I would care is if it grants me access on my PC to those console Xbox games that are on gamepass like Ninja Gaiden and many others.
 

Kuranghi

Member
It looks a bit EGS-y to me, I don't like it visually but would have to try it to see how it actually functions, if its really usable then who gaf what it looks like really.
 

sainraja

Member
I really hope that streaming does not become the only way for us to play games in the future! I am not looking forward to that future. =|
 

Derktron

Banned
This is what I care about more than anything, as someone who’s busy and doesn’t have time to download or upgrade any game I like the idea of Cloud Gaming. Can’t wait to drop Stadia for this especially for my PC. Which I started using Bluestacks to stream Xcloud on my PC.
 
This is the real game changer, if this is free with gpu I don't know how gpu is not the best gaming deal and doesn't penetrate mass market and attract casual audience
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion
You can use steam link for that I believe. It requires a workaround but it can be done.
Oh that's interesting, I know that streaming for the phones exist, but who wants that shit, I would like to have accesible from my PC.
 

cdthree

Member
If this worked exactly like Microsoft promises, would this ever become a thing outside the home? I could see some value being tether free and device agnostic inside the home. Who would and how would you play a game like Destiny 2 or Halo standing in line somewhere or commuting. Consoles game are designed for long stretches of uninterrupted play time. Not to mention the trillions of Gigabyte's of data little Johnny is going to consume a month. Not sure mobile companies are going to say no data caps or price increases or not slowing down you speeds. Not sure AAA game makers won't change the way games are played to suit 5-10 minute game runs. Nintendo's mobile plan makes more sense, or even Android, and Apple gaming. This seems like a red herring for Microsoft unless you apply this to business applications. This is leans to being an epic beat down of Microsoft along the lines of 3ds and Vita. I would buy Xbox studio games created for Android play store. Elder scrolls blade could be an example of how it's done. It's a really bad game, but you got to start somewhere. Total pay grab.
 
I'm too far from a center to use this. I have a 600+ Mbps connection and have no issues running 4k/60 video or downloading huge files quickly but even over a wired connection Xcloud breaks up really badly with a ton of artifacts and hanging frames.

I am pretty much in the dead center of Canada so maybe Microsoft just hasn't expanded services as much up here. Then again I also get 70-100Mbps download speeds when I install Gamepass games so I have no idea what to think.
 

Gamezone

Gold Member
They really need to upgrade the Xbox hardware for this to be a valid option on PC. Isn't this still running on last gen hardware? The sub 30 FPS in most games and low resolution is just pure horror on a PC.
 

Mikey Jr.

Member
Really glad xbox is investing in cloud streaming.

I really dont want to buy an xbox. But they have a handful of games here and there through the generation that I do want to play, especially with bethesda now.

So I'll cough up a dollar to play fallout 5 for instance.

Hopefully I can create a new account and sign up for a dollar again.
 

Agent X

Member
It's about time they did this. I didn't have any interest in Xcloud streaming when it was only available on mobile phones. Opening the service up to PC is much more appealing.

They really need to upgrade the Xbox hardware for this to be a valid option on PC. Isn't this still running on last gen hardware? The sub 30 FPS in most games and low resolution is just pure horror on a PC.

PlayStation Now is in the same boat. For what it's worth, I can tolerate PS Now on my PC--but that's me. I think many other users (those who don't have cutting-edge PCs) will be grateful just to have an avenue to play the games through their computer. At the same time, I can understand why the limitations of the old consoles on the back end of the service don't appeal to everyone.

They (both Microsoft and Sony) should aim to upgrade the back end hardware as soon as possible, for a multitude of reasons.

Really glad xbox is investing in cloud streaming.

I really dont want to buy an xbox. But they have a handful of games here and there through the generation that I do want to play, especially with bethesda now.

That's how I feel. If they can roll this out at a decent price, then I'd be on board.
 
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