Microsoft Begins Testing Game Streaming From Xbox One Consoles
Microsoft is in the process of testing its xCloud game streaming service, but that’s not the only way to get your Xbox games on more devices. The company has also launched a test of its new Xbox game streaming service. This streaming option has more hardware requirements, but it won’t require subscribing to a whole new service.
Microsoft’s xCloud relies on a server someplace online to render games and stream the video to your devices. The upshot there is you don’t need to have an Xbox running to play Xbox games. The new Xbox Console Streaming feature does require you to have an Xbox One, and that piece of hardware does all the rendering and streaming. If you already have a big game library, that could make your streaming experience much better.
Currently, the Xbox Console Streaming test is available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings, but only those in the US and UK. Once enabled, the streaming test lets you load up and render your library of games on the Xbox One you already have, and the console streams to your mobile device.
The game streaming preview only works on Android devices running 6.0 Marshmallow or higher. You’ll also need a wireless Xbox controller with Bluetooth support. Microsoft also strongly suggests you pick up a controller mount for your phone. On the phone side, you need at least 4.75 Mbps down, but Microsoft still says 10 Mbps is preferable.
Interestingly, Microsoft doesn’t mention anything about the local network conditions, and that suggests it won’t support direct streaming when you’re at home. It’s targeting game streaming to your phone while you’re out in the world. So, you might not get any latency benefits while you’re on your home network.
Microsoft will expand the test to more regions and testing groups down the road. First, it wants to see how it works for Insiders.
Continue reading
PS5 Outperforms Xbox Series X in Tests as Sony Promises More Consoles
Two interesting pieces of news today: The PlayStation 5 continues to punch above its weight class against the Xbox Series X, and Sony is pledging that it will get more consoles in stock and into consumer hands, pronto.
Every CPU, GPU, and Console Debut This Fall Was Effectively a Paper Launch
Every CPU, GPU, and console launch since midsummer has effectively (if not technically) been a paper launch for the majority of consumers who wanted the hardware.
Diablo II: Resurrected Arrives on PCs and Consoles This Year
Blizzard is remaking Diablo II, with a number of quality of life improvements. Revisit one of the greatest hybrid RPG titles ever made. Fight the Lords of Hell. Then, kick back, stay awhile, and have yourself a listen.
There’s a Ticking Time Bomb Inside Older PlayStation Consoles
The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 have a mandatory online check-in feature that could make life difficult for video game history preservationists down the road.