It appears that Microsoft is not resting on its laurels with Project xCloud – the streaming technology that allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to play a selection of titles remotely.
First, Windows Central heard from “trusted sources” that improvements to the Xbox cloud streaming servers are showing solid results, with the resolution going from 720p to 1080p. Here is a screencap sent with the developer overlay showing all the relevant statistics.
Their quality, of course, may vary. Just as Netflix can get a little soft if your internet connection is suddenly slow, xCloud can lower your resolution if it helps performance. That’s what Windows Central found out when they tried the same test and were stuck at a more disappointing 720p, reasoning that they were just too far from a data center running the 1080p test.
The increase to 1080p aligns Microsoft’s offering with the free Google Stadia tier – although that service is facing its own initial problems with the closure of its two primary game studios and a limited number of AAA titles currently on the schedule.
But Microsoft did not end there. The Verge managed to get its hands on an internal test of the Xbox Game Streaming app for Windows and found some interesting changes. The app not only adds support for home streaming from Xbox Series X and S consoles, but also introduces xCloud streaming to Windows PCs.
scoop: here’s a look at Microsoft’s unreleased xCloud app for Windows. This app allows you to stream Xbox games from an Xbox Series X / S console or from xCloud. Full details here: https://t.co/ymyjQDmaeH pic.twitter.com/V3U3PXe7LOFebruary 27, 2021
Support for Xbox Series S and X works the same as for Xbox One: you can remotely activate the console, sign in and play on your Windows desktop, laptop or tablet.
Interestingly, Microsoft seems to be considering specific problems with the latter, and now includes support for a touchscreen that allows you to play without a controller. In addition, there is also an option to enable the gyroscope controls – although it is an option that currently appears to do nothing when activated. Still, it is clear that the company is looking for ways to ensure that tablet users do not have to support their devices during the game.
Not to be outdone, the PS5 has a version of this called Remote Play, which allows you to stream from PS5 or PS4 to Android, iOS, Windows or MacOS over WiFi or LAN connection (you can even stream from PS5 to the PS4 if you want how to waste electricity). PlayStation Now also allows you to stream a selection of PS2, PS3 and PS4 games for $ 9.99 a month, but phones or tablets are not supported at the time of writing.