- Microsoft is building an Xbox TV app and hardware stick to expand the xCloud game streaming service.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming datacenter getting upgraded with Xbox Series X hardware.
- The company is trying new ways to reach more people to get into games.
Ahead of the E3 2021 event, Microsoft revealed that it is working with various TV manufacturers to bring an Xbox app to smart TVs. The idea is to build an experience that connects to the company’s xCloud streaming technology to allow users to play Xbox titles without needing a console (just a controller) using the Xbox Games service. Furthermore, the software giant is also planning to build a dedicated streaming stick to reach even more gamers on any screen.
In the announcement, the company said: we are “working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Xbox experience directly into internet-connected televisions with no extra hardware required except a controller.” And we’re building “streaming devices for cloud gaming to reach gamers on any TV or monitor.”
Microsoft is not providing a lot of details, so at this time, it’s unclear what smart TVs will come embedded with the Xbox experience, nor how the streaming stick looks like and its technical specs or any release dates.
Alongside this announcement, the company also says to be exploring a new subscription offering for Xbox Game Pass for gamers around the world, and it’s adding Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan to the list of countries that get the Game Pass Ultimate service. In addition, now, there will be a try before you download the feature for the Xbox app on PC.
Finally, the company is also in the talks to various telecommunications providers to allow more accessible access to purchase both a console and Game Pass for a low monthly fee, rather than paying for everything upfront.
In another related news, Microsoft has announced that it is in the process of upgrading its Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) datacenter with Xbox Series X hardware to improve the overall experience, including frame rates and load times. And it’s graduating the streaming service on the web out of beta, meaning that those on Apple devices will finally be able to play games on their iPads and iPhones.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a monthly subscription service that includes the same benefits as the Xbox Live Gold membership. However, you also get unlimited access to download and play over 100 high-quality games on your Xbox One or gaming PC. You can join the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate following this link.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].