Xbox believes its TV app with Samsung – and no doubt future partnership – will be crucial in making streaming video games via the cloud a mainstream pastime.
TV, TV, TV. It's at the heart of Xbox's vision for the future. Yes Microsoft has said it is developing another Xbox console, but the longterm plan is for the TV app to replace the Xbox console.
Xbox said: "Xbox believes its TV app with Samsung – and no doubt future partnership – will be crucial in making streaming video games via the cloud a mainstream pastime."
Cloud-only Xbox is better for the environment and it means the expensive outlay is no longer a barrier to entry for casual gamers. Everybody who has enjoyed and benefited from Xbox Game Pass is part of the success story that has helped Microsoft accelerate its move to cloud-only Xbox.
Yes, the TV is essential to the game experience. So why not include the app with a TV and eliminate the need for the console altogether? Thats a pretty savvy move from a business standpoint. I personally want the box because I prefer having my games local and not streaming from the cloud. I will always want the box. But there are millions of potential customers out there who dont care about buying and hooking up a console to their TV. Not to mention shortages and rising costs for said box. An app on the TV is much more convenient and will open up gaming to many more people. I wouldnt be surprised to see some of these TVs have Xbox branding and be sold with a controller and Gamepass sub included.
One thing that doesnt get brought up much is multi-console owners and how this affects them. I typically have a box in each room in the house by the end of a console generation. This basically eliminates the need to own multiple consoles. I can just pick up my game on any TV in the house without the need for a console in each room. Thats pretty sweet honestly. As long as the cloud holds up, this has massive potential!
I see the tv app as just another option and part of the evolution of gaming. Just as netflix is part of the evolution of movies and spotify is evolution of music.
In each one, they evolved from a different form of delivery / consumption. They didnt replace... just coexist, as you can still consume the old fashioned way if you want.
These conveniences are aimed at a specific demographic and should not be seen as threatening.
I'd say Sony TVs are very likely to support this once they expand beyond Samsung - aren't Sony TV's typically Android OS? They'll definitely have an Android app.
I dont think it will ever replace, there are too many who still want to own the box. I will never give up my consoles. If Xbox doesnt make them then I will happily own the box of whatever company does.
I assume you’re going to need to buy a remote control for the tv app another one is connection not everyone have a corporate wired internet connection in their home or the router next to their tv. In this day and age we all have everything from robot vacuum to doorbells/ locks connected to the internet 🤷🏿. Best of luck to Microsoft on the 8 billion gamers( their words in the article 8 billion gamers) chase but I hope they’ll remember that they can’t have it all without attracting the other consoles players and highly educating the casuals.
Surprisingly, the cloud works really great on a standard wi fi connection. Ive got a 150 connection, nothing too fancy, and weve got dozens of devices hooked up at any given time. I have tried the Gamepass streaming on my phone using a controller and really put it to the test by having everything connected and on: multiple netflix streams, while downloading a game on the console, while everyone is on their phones. I was still able to run every cloud game almost perfectly on my phone during all of this. I was shocked it was holding up with no significant glitches!
I have been hesitant to accept cloud gaming as the future, but they are somehow pulling it off. I will always prefer to have my games local with a wired connection for any online gameplay, but whatever voodoo they use to get this working is pretty insane. I have played several full online matches over the cloud and never felt like I was at a disadvantage. Thats something I would have scoffed at even last year. But it is happeneing now.
The issue is 4K content. I've used the xCloud on my phone (3 months for £1) and it was good, but it was 720P content which is insignificant compared to the demands of 4K.
I too use xcloud on my phone (now i use it on steam deck) and the 720p is perfect for the small screen. when i use it through an xbox it is 1080. It was a trip to play flight sim on an old VCR xbox one.
I cant speak for everyone but my dvr/cable box sits under my TV and it has an ethernet port on it that connects directly to my Home PNA. I just ran a cable from it to my smart tv and boom... tv is on a wired internet connection.
Wow, I guess it is really more about the quality of the connection than the speed. A solid 45-50 is better than a spotty 200 all day! Im happy with my Spectrum at a solid 150. It says I only get 100mbps but with my wi fi 6 gaming router I get 150 so I cant complain. Its very solid and almost never has any hiccups.
You might be in the minority who think that, my guy. 15 years ago, I would tell you LG is overpriced and not competing on actual value in the market. They are definitely the big name in that market now, and their quality, luckily, dictates it.
I dont feel any lag on my 45mbps connection. I assume those with faster wouldnt feel the lag as well. Havent tried anything slower so I dont know the real answer.
I'm not afforded the best internet in my area; it's good, but not insane; and I can still admit it keeps up and I can have a solid experience streaming, if I choose to.
I typically use it to try out a game before choosing to download it. My friend works at a call center and we constantly play with each other at night, and he's just using his phone.
I think people don't get Microsoft has a fairly better streaming infrastructure than the competition. It will never be better than running ok native hardware, but they have it in a good spot.
Makes sense. In terms of the general population, most people have smart TVs, barely any have consoles.
They just need to expand it beyond Samsung and onto LG as well as popular entry level TV brands.
Fortunately now when they talk about TV it isn’t 2013 Xbox One “TV, TV, TV”.
As long as this tv app idea doesnt replace an Xbox console.
I assume you’re going to need to buy a remote control for the tv app another one is connection not everyone have a corporate wired internet connection in their home or the router next to their tv. In this day and age we all have everything from robot vacuum to doorbells/ locks connected to the internet 🤷🏿.
Best of luck to Microsoft on the 8 billion gamers( their words in the article 8 billion gamers) chase but I hope they’ll remember that they can’t have it all without attracting the other consoles players and highly educating the casuals.
Also need faster internet and no data caps. In Murica, can’t assume either.
I will never buy another Samsung TV again after owning several high end LGs. It’s no contest in terms of quality and functionality. Period!