Microsoft has been increasingly experimental, not just with the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, but going back a number of years too. Particularly interesting is Xbox’s embrace of the PC marketplace and the ways it is bringing not just PC and console together, but also how other platforms are being welcomed in via xCloud. Few could have predicted that the features Xbox is using to support xCloud would have led to the support of another platform, though, as it seems Google Stadia will soon be available on Xbox Series X.
A big update recently went out to Xbox Alpha Skip-Ahead testers. The update adds support for a key new feature in the platform, which is Microsoft’s new Edge Chromium-powered web browser. This Chromium version of the Microsoft Edge browser happens to support the browser-based version of Google Stadia, as well as other streaming options like Amazon Luna.
The upgraded Chromium Edge browser is very likely to be implemented in order for the Xbox Series X/S to support browser-based game streaming for xCloud. Browser-based streaming is already how Xbox plans to implement xCloud across other devices, specifically Apple devices. With that implementation in mind, Xbox may decide to use a more thorough integration of its browser streaming technology on Xbox Series X/S.
Of course Xbox doesn’t have to do this, as xCloud is currently only offered through Xbox Game Pass, which is already available on Xbox consoles. Even then, Xbox could offer a locked-down, non-browser app to use xCloud on Xbox Series X/S instead. That it seems to be preparing an unlocked browser which can also support Stadia and Luna implies Xbox is fully aware of what the technology can do, but is confident enough in its services that it’s not worried about opening things up to competition.
Streaming with xCloud isn’t currently enabled via browser, or via Xbox Series X/S in any way. The only platform that currently supports it is Android. The browser-based xCloud is tentatively planned to launch in the next several months, with Apple and PC specifically in mind, and it seems Xbox Series X/S users will be able to join in the fun before an official app is created.
Exactly what Microsoft’s plans are for the xCloud streaming service aren’t clear. Anything could change in the weeks and months between now and browser support launches. Even this update for Xbox’s test groups could disappear and never come back. Hopefully, Microsoft will share more information about xCloud soon.
Source: The Verge
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