Latest news with #cloudgaming


The Verge
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Xbox cloud games will soon follow you across Xbox, PC, and Windows handhelds
Microsoft is starting to test updates to the Xbox PC app and Xbox consoles that will allow cloud games to follow you across devices. A new play history section of the Xbox PC app and Xbox console home UI will also display cloud games as part of the recently played titles list and this will follow you across Xbox consoles, PCs, and handhelds. Cloud-playable games are now starting to show inside play history or the library on the Xbox PC app. 'This includes all cloud playable titles, even console exclusives spanning from the original Xbox to Xbox Series X|S, whether you own the title or access it through Game Pass,' explains Lily Wang, product manager of Xbox experiences. Your recent games, including cloud ones, will soon follow you across devices, too. So if you played an Xbox game on your console that's not natively available on PC, it will still show up in your recent games list and be playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows. Cloud-playable games on the Xbox PC app can be found from a new filter in the library section, and a new 'play history' section will appear at the end of the jump back in list on the home screen of the Xbox PC app. 'While the large tiles highlight games you've recently played on your current device, the play history tile shows games you've played across any Xbox device, making it easy to pick up where you left off,' says Wang. This same play history section will appear on the main Xbox console interface, too — which could mean we'll eventually see PC games listed here and playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft currently uses the chips from Xbox Series X to power special server blades for Xbox Cloud Gaming, but internal emails in the FTC v. Microsoft case in 2023 revealed that Microsoft has been investigating streaming PC games over the cloud. With Microsoft moving Xbox and PC closer together for its next-gen consoles, I'm expecting to see Xbox Cloud Gaming support PC games and provide better bitrates and resolutions, too.


Geeky Gadgets
09-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How To Use Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac (2025)
Have you ever imagined playing your favorite Xbox games on a Mac without needing a console? It might sound like a tech dream, but thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming, it's now a reality. By harnessing the power of cloud technology, Mac users can stream a vast library of games directly to their devices, skipping the hassle of bulky hardware or expensive setups. Whether you're a casual gamer looking to unwind or a dedicated player chasing the latest releases, this innovative platform offers a flexible, high-quality gaming experience that feels almost too good to be true. But how does it all work, and what do you need to get started? That's exactly what this step-by-step walkthrough from Aldo James is here to reveal. In this guide, Aldo James explains everything you need to transform your Mac into a gaming hub, from setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming to optimizing your gameplay for smooth performance. You'll learn how to navigate the platform's extensive library, connect a controller (if you prefer), and even install the service as a web app for seamless access. Along the way, we'll share practical tips to ensure your gaming sessions are as immersive and frustration-free as possible. Whether you're new to cloud gaming or curious about how it performs on a Mac, this walkthrough will equip you with the tools and insights to dive in confidently. After all, gaming isn't just about playing—it's about discovering new possibilities. Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac What You Need to Get Started To begin using Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Mac, ensure you have the following essentials: A Mac with a stable and reliable internet connection. An active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Optional: A compatible controller, such as an Xbox or PlayStation controller, or a third-party alternative. While a controller is recommended for most games, some titles support keyboard and mouse input, offering flexibility in how you play. A strong internet connection is crucial for smooth gameplay, as streaming performance depends heavily on network stability. Step-by-Step Setup Guide Setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Mac is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started: 1. Access the Platform: Open Google Chrome, the recommended browser for Xbox Cloud Gaming, and navigate to 2. Sign In: Use your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account credentials to log in and access the game library. 3. Install as a Web App: For quicker access, install the Xbox Cloud Gaming page as a web app. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select 'Install App,' and follow the prompts. This creates a dedicated app icon on your Mac for easy access. 4. Connect a Controller (Optional): If you prefer using a controller, pair it with your Mac via Bluetooth or a USB connection. Most modern controllers are compatible, and the system will indicate whether a game supports controller or keyboard/mouse input. Once these steps are complete, you're ready to explore the platform and start gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming on Apple Mac in 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in Cloud Gaming by checking out these recommendations. Tips for Optimizing Your Gameplay To ensure the best possible gaming experience, consider the following tips: Maximize the Window : Play in full-screen mode to eliminate distractions and fully immerse yourself in the game. : Play in full-screen mode to eliminate distractions and fully immerse yourself in the game. Use the Search Bar : Quickly locate specific titles or browse curated categories like 'Popular Games' or 'Recently Added.' : Quickly locate specific titles or browse curated categories like 'Popular Games' or 'Recently Added.' Explore Recommendations : Take advantage of Xbox Cloud Gaming's recommendation system, which suggests games based on your preferences and friends' activity. : Take advantage of Xbox Cloud Gaming's recommendation system, which suggests games based on your preferences and friends' activity. Sort by Genre: Use sorting options to discover new titles that match your interests, whether you prefer action, strategy, or indie games. These features make it easier to navigate the platform and customize your gaming experience to suit your preferences. Key Features and Limitations Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac offers several notable features, but it's important to understand its limitations to set realistic expectations. Features: Access to a diverse library of games, including blockbuster hits and indie favorites. The ability to stream owned games, expanding your library beyond Game Pass titles. Support for single-player gameplay with responsive controller input. Limitations: Only one controller can be connected at a time, restricting local multiplayer options. Performance may vary depending on your internet connection, particularly for fast-paced or graphically intensive games. By understanding these features and limitations, you can better prepare for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Making sure Smooth Performance A stable internet connection is essential for uninterrupted gameplay on Xbox Cloud Gaming. The platform recommends a minimum download speed of 10 Mbps, though higher speeds will provide a more consistent experience. To optimize performance: Use a Reliable Network : Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable for a more dependable connection. : Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable for a more dependable connection. Close Background Applications : Shut down any apps or programs that may consume bandwidth and impact streaming quality. : Shut down any apps or programs that may consume bandwidth and impact streaming quality. Be Cautious with 5G: While 5G networks can be fast, they may experience occasional lag during high-speed gameplay. By prioritizing your network setup, you can minimize disruptions and enjoy smoother gameplay. Exploring the Game Library Xbox Cloud Gaming's library is regularly updated, offering a wide variety of games to suit every type of player. You can: Check Games Leaving Soon : Ensure you don't miss out on limited-time titles by exploring the 'Leaving Soon' section. : Ensure you don't miss out on limited-time titles by exploring the 'Leaving Soon' section. Discover New Releases : Stay up-to-date with the latest additions and popular games in the catalog. : Stay up-to-date with the latest additions and popular games in the catalog. Use Search and Sorting Tools: Navigate the extensive library with ease by using search functionality and sorting options to find games that match your interests. Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures, strategic challenges, or indie gems, the platform's diverse selection ensures there's always something new to explore. Media Credit: Aldo James Filed Under: Apple, Gaming News, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


Gizmodo
07-07-2025
- Gizmodo
This Is the Best Gaming Controller for Your PC, and Now It's 45% Off for Prime Day
You don't have to use a PlayStation or Xbox controller to play on your computer. Gaming accessories being so trendy, it shouldn't have been surprising to see Amazon jump in and create its own controller. Now, the Luna wireless controller is maybe the most popular option on the market and for Prime Day, it's reaching a record-low price. This deal is exclusive to Prime members, so if you're not already subscribed, you'll need to take advantage of Amazon's 30-day free trial to access the offer. Currently, the Luna controller sells for as low as $39, down from a normal price of $69: That's a massive 43% savings which is a great buy if you're looking for a quality controller at a budget price. See at Amazon The Luna controller was designed specifically for Amazon Luna, the company's cloud gaming platform but its use is compatible far beyond that. You can use it with Windows and Mac PCs, Fire TV, Fire tablets, iPhones, iPads, Chromebooks, and Android devices. Such widespread device support means being able to play switch easily between your PC, tablet, and even phone, which means it's easy to play anywhere. With Cloud Direct technology, the controller can connect directly to Amazon's game servers via Wi-Fi for ultra-low latency for responsive gameplay on Luna. If you're gaming on another platform, you can play via Bluetooth to any supported device or by a USB cable for a direct plug into your Windows or Mac computer. This is an option where you're never limited by how you'd like to play. The controller has offset thumbsticks that fit comfortably in your hand, easily accessible bumpers, precise triggers and responsive action buttons. Its four-way directional pad is a breeze when navigating menus or executing complex maneuvers in your favorite games. The other advantage is seamless screen switching gaming on Luna. You can suspend your game on one platform and pick up where you left off on another without any issues: This works perfectly if you want to jump between your TV and tablet or your laptop and phone without having to worry about losing your progress. Don't forget, this Prime Day deal is only available to Prime members. See at Amazon


The Verge
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
What is an Xbox?
Microsoft's 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign in November always felt a little too early. If you ask a friend or family member what an Xbox is, the response is likely going to be 'it's a game console.' Xbox is ingrained in popular culture as a box under your TV that you play games on, but Microsoft's ads over the past six months have been attempting to redefine the Xbox as a platform that spans across phones, laptops, TVs, handheld gaming PCs, and even VR headsets. The ads did a great job of drawing attention to the platform, but the perception of the Xbox brand as just a console is still a huge challenge that Microsoft needs to overcome if its latest strategy is going to be successful. I can already sense some trouble ahead. Ever since Microsoft unveiled its ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices earlier this month, I keep hearing from friends that are asking about an 'Xbox handheld.' YouTubers with millions of followers have positioned these handheld gaming PCs as 'the first Xbox handheld,' which is true if you believe in Microsoft's marketing, but false in reality because they don't natively run Xbox games, only PC versions. Microsoft's answer to this potential confusion is that the Xbox Ally devices will be able to stream your library of Xbox games from the cloud or another Xbox console. That's not the type of experience I want when I'm spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of hardware that's capable of running games without an internet connection. In reality, I get the sense that Microsoft is willing to gamble on the potential confusion here, because what it really wants to do is turn Xbox into Steam. The Xbox Ally devices are the beginning of a next-generation gaming platform — a platform that looks increasingly like it will revolve around Windows. Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed last week that Microsoft's next console is 'not locked to a single store,' just like Windows isn't. Bond went even further, revealing that Microsoft wants to ensure 'Windows is the number one platform for gaming.' Microsoft has also started calling the Xbox app on Windows simply 'Xbox PC,' in a clear bid to position it as a Steam competitor or alternative. This Xbox PC branding has appeared in trailers for games in recent weeks, but even Microsoft can't decide whether it's 'Xbox PC' or 'Xbox on PC' as it has used both recently. Either way has risk: Microsoft rebranded its Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription to just PC Game Pass four years ago because people were getting confused, so Xbox PC feels like it could be another source of confusion. Bond's video also shed some light on how the Xbox PC initiative will allow you to play Xbox games. While Bond largely talked about an AMD partnership for co-engineering silicon, she also confirmed that this next generation of Xbox devices includes 'maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games.' That's a promise that Microsoft hasn't been able to deliver for the Xbox Ally devices, and it makes it seem like the company is confident it will deliver some form of Xbox game emulation on Windows for its next generation of devices. Bond's video wasn't the only interesting Xbox release last week. AMD CEO Lisa Su also appeared in a short video and essentially laid bare Microsoft's next-gen Xbox strategy: 'Moving forward, AMD will go beyond building custom chips for Xbox consoles to designing a full roadmap of gaming-optimized chips, combining the power of Ryzen and Radeon for consoles, handhelds, PCs, and the cloud,' Su said. That sure sounds like AMD and Microsoft are co-engineering chips for Microsoft's own next-gen Xbox console, as well as third-party devices that will also be branded as Xbox consoles. Su also specifically revealed these chips will include the hardware support needed for backward compatibility, which suggests that you'll need one of these chips for whatever emulation solution Microsoft is working on. I fully expect these next-gen chips will also form the basis for how Microsoft plans to license the software powering this Xbox experience to OEMs. It feels like this future work with AMD is really what Microsoft means when it says, 'This is an Xbox.' It's an ambitious vision where Xbox games can be played across multiple devices, all with cloud saves so you can pick up where you left off. It's also a clear reaction to SteamOS and the fact that OEMs are starting to show interest in Valve's efforts to span its game library across console-like devices. The challenge for Microsoft is making its own vision a reality and learning from its mistakes of challenging Steam in the past. In 2006, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates outlined a similar vision for Xbox dubbed 'Live Anywhere,' where Xbox experiences would come to Windows-based PCs. It was a response, at the time, to Valve's launch of Steam a few years prior. Microsoft launched its Games for Windows Live initiative with Windows Vista in 2007, designed as a way to unify the gaming experience across PC and Xbox 360 with achievements, online multiplayer, a friends list, and marketplace. Microsoft shut down the service six years later, after lackluster ports of Xbox titles and DRM mechanisms left PC gamers building up their library in Steam instead. Nearly 20 years later, a lot of what Microsoft is saying today sounds like Bill Gates' vision for Windows and the Xbox 360. The big difference this time around is that Microsoft isn't in a position of strength in the console market like it was with the Xbox 360. That means it has to take a more open approach to overhaul what an Xbox is, like embracing rival stores on its next-generation devices or allowing OEMs to build their own Xbox devices. Microsoft's opportunity here is to boot millions of Xbox devices into its own Xbox PC store and try to sell games and subscriptions directly to people instead of them turning to Steam. There's a clear revenue benefit to Microsoft here, especially if it can convert even a small percentage of Steam users into buying games from its own store instead of handing over a 30 percent cut to Valve. It will all come down to the console-like experience, with the Xbox 'full screen experience' on Windows being a big first test. If Microsoft can pull off this big bet of changing what an Xbox is, then these 'This is an Xbox' ads will look like a prophecy. If it fails, then Microsoft risks damaging its last successful consumer brand, potentially beyond repair. The stakes for Xbox couldn't be higher. There won't be a Notepad issue next week as I'll be out on vacation, but I'm always keen to hear from readers, so please drop a comment here, or you can reach me at notepad@ if you want to discuss anything else. If you've heard about any of Microsoft's secret projects, you can reach me via email at notepad@ or speak to me confidentially on the Signal messaging app, where I'm tomwarren.01. I'm also tomwarren on Telegram, if you'd prefer to chat there. Thanks for subscribing to Notepad.


Gizmodo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Why Pay for a DualSense When This Luna Controller Costs Half the Price for Early Prime Day?
Amazon may not be the first name that comes to mind for gaming, but it's definitely a major player in the industry. With Twitch at the heart of streaming and its own cloud gaming service, Luna, Amazon is everywhere for gamers. The company has also designed a controller specifically for Luna but it's far more than just a cloud gaming accessory. In fact, most people use the Luna Controller as a universal gamepad for a wide range of devices—PCs, Sony PlayStation, Xbox, and more. Right now, the Luna Controller is available at its lowest price ever on Amazon: For just $39, that's a hefty discount from its $69 MSRP (43% off) and much less expensive than buying multiple Xbox or Sony DualSense controllers which cost between $50 to $100 per controller. See at Amazon The Luna Controller is a gaming controller with offset thumbsticks for gaming comfort, bumpers within easy reach, accurate triggers and responsive action buttons. The 4-way directional pad adds to its classic controller shape so it'll be ideal for playing all types of games. The controller's ergonomic design ensures that it will be comfortable to hold, even for long gaming sessions. It has a rugged construction with a premium finish that's comparable to more expensive controllers. Designed to work in perfect tandem with Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service, it offers a direct connection to Amazon's custom-built game servers using Cloud Direct technology. That provides for low-latency gaming which is important for responsive, lag-free gameplay. But the usefulness of the Luna Controller extends far beyond Luna: It can connect to pretty much any device via Bluetooth, from Windows and Mac computers to Fire TV, Fire tablets, iPhones, iPads, Chromebooks, and gaming consoles. If you prefer a wired connection, the controller also supports USB. Amazon's Luna Controller is proof that Amazon is serious about gaming. Do not miss the opportunity to have a multi-use controller in your hands before the sale ends. See at Amazon