Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox will focus on ‘XCloud’ game streaming
- Thread starter Rollins
- Start date
As I already pointed out.
Duh.
And even that's not truly mandatory, because the box itself is just optional. If you don't like it, buy the other one. That's not at all what the "original Xbox vision" was. That was one-size-fits-all, and if you don't like it, go f*ck yourself.
I cant even stand playing outside of game mode on my tv let alone the wild west of streaming. Then if your internet slows/hiccups you get a nice dose of lag along with those awesome macroblocking artifacts I still get with YouTube and netflix...
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I really don't think its 100% streaming. I really think they are finding ways to figure out the problem that people fear the most.
My guess I think they are going to make this small box and only download some core files and let the cloud do the rest.
I still believe that we are still in control of the game as far as response. I think that is still on our end.
I think we get the core and foundation of the game but the layers are done over the cloud.
My guess I think they are going to make this small box and only download some core files and let the cloud do the rest.
I still believe that we are still in control of the game as far as response. I think that is still on our end.
I think we get the core and foundation of the game but the layers are done over the cloud.
Getting technology fit for general purpose usually takes time and multiple iterations. I wouldn’t pigeon hole the potential based on the past.
The infrastructure is still being worked on. While I’m bullish on its long term potential, most inudstry experts don’t think the internet will be good enough for streaming in the US to the masses until 2025. It will get there eventually.
It won’t ever be as good as local but the gap can close enough that it’s not perceivable. 120fps is better than 60fps but most gamers can’t tell the difference between 120 and 60. Infrastructure has to improve enough that latency is low and consistent...which it’s not today.
I’m very low on the potential in 2020 but high on its potential in 2025. Unless you live in a big city and close to a Microsoft data center, expect the streaming device to suck in 2020 but gradually improve over time. Even based on Microsoft’s hybrid approach, it’s not going to be a good experience until they fix the s***ty internet highway in the US.
Not even necessarily if your internet locally slows down, what if along the route outside of your ISP's network there becomes issues? It is the internet after all and it is 100% UNPREDICTABLE. I also totally agree with the Game Mode thing.
I don't think anyone is really arguing otherwise, honestly. I think we are just commenting on these stories because they sound like these guys think it's imminent. We are bringing up the hurdles as they are, and the real issues it faces. It is tough, given any real world example, to see it as viable outside of extremely close hub proximity. Even then, latency from some TV display modes is too much for some of us. 60fps doesn't mean much if control inputs have to travel many (even hundreds) miles to the renderer and back as video.
Obviously over time that will improve, but it ain't happening on a large enough scale any time soon, with the very real possibility of just plain 'ol physics getting in the way...
It is though. Remember what all the Kinect defending got us. Mandatory Kinect the following gen. The fact that there are people out there who still believe Microsoft's original vision was the future and could have been a good thing only tells me they'll try it all again. It starts with a choice, you choosing to buy the hardware and then it ends with something mandatory. All i'm saying is i'm not falling for their tricks. What's not to say they offer the option of a cloud streaming only console alongside the traditional console and then pull the traditional hardware model 2 years into next gen when things are going smoothly?
I'm telling you. All this pro-consumer nonsense is just a ruse to get on people's good side again and then when Microsoft is killing it with sales or whatever stupid stat they use these days like user engagement that's when they'll strike. I'm not buying in. I'll stick with Sony and Nintendo consoles until Microsoft proves to me that they've changed. As of right now my X1 is a glorified Roku. They're all about the money and their unhealthy obsession with dominating the living room. Remember, Xbox was only created to stop Sony from taking over the living room. Now they want to own cable television or something with all that TV talk at the start of the gen. What's next?
So you're saying that this is a setup, and 10 years from now, when the generation after next rolls around, MS will then make it mandatory. I guess we'll have to revisit the issue then, if that happens. At this point (or rather, in 2020), it's not happening. I don't really buy the long-range conspiracy, "it's a trap" type thinking.
They had all the TV stuff for that one presentation 5 years ago... yet Sony is the one trying to push PlayStation Vue ™ on their console and pushing Crackle on other platforms right now.
If you're going to complain about stuff, at least be consistent and if Sony releases another streaming based console, I'll look forward to seeing your disdain there as well.
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How has that manifested outside of that presentation?
Besides the console working amazingly well with pass-thru...
https://m.windowscentral.com/xbox-game-streaming
Microsoft's Xbox 'XCloud' game-streaming service: Everything we know
1 Aug 2018
Microsoft is working on an ambitious new Xbox game streaming service, backed by the power of its cloud technologies. Although firm details on the project are limited, we already have an idea of what this Netflix-style service could offer. Here we break down everything we know so far from announcements and various accompanying leaks.
Xbox Scarlett: Everything we know about Microsoft's next gaming console
Building a new generation of cloud gaming
At E3 2018, Microsoft wrapped up its annual press conference with a tease of products to come. Alongside the first mention of the next Xbox consoles, Xbox head and Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming, Phil Spencer touched on its plans to debut "console-quality games streaming" in the years ahead. Microsoft engineers are already building the backbone of the upcoming cloud service, with the aim of delivering high-quality gaming "everywhere you want to play."
Work on the mysterious streaming service has been underway for some time, with initial prototypes dating back to 2013. An internal demonstration saw Halo 4 running on Windows Phone and PC, with the Xbox 360 game running solely in the cloud. Microsoft reportedly reduced latency to just 45 milliseconds on a Lumia 520 handset, showcasing its flexibility for low-end hardware. Reflecting on the technology, Spencer later admitted the service was too costly for the time, with recent progress on Microsoft Azure "changing the economics and quality level."
Related: How Xbox 'Scarlett' and 'XCloud' game streaming aim to expand Microsoft's reach
Microsoft drastically scaled its cloud gaming efforts over the following five years, appointing Xbox veteran, Kareem Choudhry, as the head of its new Gaming Cloud division. The newly-assembled team has been tasked with building gaming technologies for Microsoft Azure while supporting major partners like Ubisoft, PUBG Corp., and Tencent. This same team is building the streaming service, with job listings already surfacing for the project.
We hear that Microsoft is now looking to merge four custom Xbox consoles stripped-down into modular server blades for its newly-proposed solution. These cloud systems are expected to first launch for developers to build games for the service, ahead of the later public release. This is a similar implementation to Sony's PlayStation Now, which also leverages specialist variants of its consoles.
The power of XCloud is promising
Microsoft is no stranger to streaming, with several recent instances of low latency broadcasting for games. Familiar to most, the Xbox One already features game streaming to Windows 10 over local networks, although this doesn't account for the complexities of the internet. Microsoft's recent investments in Mixer are also notable, with working examples of low-latency video streaming online and shared controller inputs.
Several reports now indicate that Microsoft plans to approach game streaming with a new hybridized solution, delivering a blend of both local and cloud-based processing. The system would see latency-sensitive aspects of a game handled locally, such as inputs and collision, while other parts, such as graphics-intensive outputs, would be backed by the cloud.
Various rival services have attempted and failed to gain traction over the years, with major flaws still present in current technologies. Most services stream raw video data and controller inputs over the internet, which causes notable latency even on top-tier networks. Microsoft's rumored solution would prioritize the basics locally, without compromising on graphical fidelity. Although developers would likely need to accommodate for XCloud, this could push the service beyond competitors.
Take your games on-the-go
Microsoft's plans to use game streaming to expand beyond the living room and reach as many gamers as possible. Specific mentions of Xbox, PC, and mobile were made at its E3 2018 showcase, with solutions expected for all three platforms.
The game streaming service is rumored to tie into the release of "Scarlett" – the upcoming duo of Xbox devices in development. It's unclear what scope of variety we should expect from the Scarlett family, though these will likely be tailored to separate gaming audiences. While a high-end console could draw enthusiasts, a low-cost unit similar to the canceled "Project Hobart" is expected to go hand-in-hand with streaming. Our sources have told us that early versions of the Scarlett XCloud units might feature fiber-optic internet ports to help developers test and simulate different types of networking environments too.
If a low-cost, lightweight Xbox console hits the market, we could see applications of game streaming for various uses. While such a console could deliver budget gaming with few compromises, PC and mobile support is ideal for gamers on-the-go.
Xbox XCloud game streaming release date
Microsoft is yet to discuss release dates for its game streaming service, though we can firmly say its launch is expected several years away. In 2017, Phil Spencer estimated the Xbox streaming service will hit the market "in the next three years" setting its release date for 2020, or prior. With indications of a 2020 release for Xbox Scarlett, we could see the service release in tandem with accompanying hardware. If true, more details on game streaming could appear at E3 2019.
Microsoft's Xbox 'XCloud' game-streaming service: Everything we know
1 Aug 2018
Microsoft is working on an ambitious new Xbox game streaming service, backed by the power of its cloud technologies. Although firm details on the project are limited, we already have an idea of what this Netflix-style service could offer. Here we break down everything we know so far from announcements and various accompanying leaks.
Xbox Scarlett: Everything we know about Microsoft's next gaming console
Building a new generation of cloud gaming
At E3 2018, Microsoft wrapped up its annual press conference with a tease of products to come. Alongside the first mention of the next Xbox consoles, Xbox head and Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming, Phil Spencer touched on its plans to debut "console-quality games streaming" in the years ahead. Microsoft engineers are already building the backbone of the upcoming cloud service, with the aim of delivering high-quality gaming "everywhere you want to play."
Work on the mysterious streaming service has been underway for some time, with initial prototypes dating back to 2013. An internal demonstration saw Halo 4 running on Windows Phone and PC, with the Xbox 360 game running solely in the cloud. Microsoft reportedly reduced latency to just 45 milliseconds on a Lumia 520 handset, showcasing its flexibility for low-end hardware. Reflecting on the technology, Spencer later admitted the service was too costly for the time, with recent progress on Microsoft Azure "changing the economics and quality level."
Related: How Xbox 'Scarlett' and 'XCloud' game streaming aim to expand Microsoft's reach
Microsoft drastically scaled its cloud gaming efforts over the following five years, appointing Xbox veteran, Kareem Choudhry, as the head of its new Gaming Cloud division. The newly-assembled team has been tasked with building gaming technologies for Microsoft Azure while supporting major partners like Ubisoft, PUBG Corp., and Tencent. This same team is building the streaming service, with job listings already surfacing for the project.
We hear that Microsoft is now looking to merge four custom Xbox consoles stripped-down into modular server blades for its newly-proposed solution. These cloud systems are expected to first launch for developers to build games for the service, ahead of the later public release. This is a similar implementation to Sony's PlayStation Now, which also leverages specialist variants of its consoles.
The power of XCloud is promising
Microsoft is no stranger to streaming, with several recent instances of low latency broadcasting for games. Familiar to most, the Xbox One already features game streaming to Windows 10 over local networks, although this doesn't account for the complexities of the internet. Microsoft's recent investments in Mixer are also notable, with working examples of low-latency video streaming online and shared controller inputs.
Several reports now indicate that Microsoft plans to approach game streaming with a new hybridized solution, delivering a blend of both local and cloud-based processing. The system would see latency-sensitive aspects of a game handled locally, such as inputs and collision, while other parts, such as graphics-intensive outputs, would be backed by the cloud.
Various rival services have attempted and failed to gain traction over the years, with major flaws still present in current technologies. Most services stream raw video data and controller inputs over the internet, which causes notable latency even on top-tier networks. Microsoft's rumored solution would prioritize the basics locally, without compromising on graphical fidelity. Although developers would likely need to accommodate for XCloud, this could push the service beyond competitors.
Take your games on-the-go
Microsoft's plans to use game streaming to expand beyond the living room and reach as many gamers as possible. Specific mentions of Xbox, PC, and mobile were made at its E3 2018 showcase, with solutions expected for all three platforms.
The game streaming service is rumored to tie into the release of "Scarlett" – the upcoming duo of Xbox devices in development. It's unclear what scope of variety we should expect from the Scarlett family, though these will likely be tailored to separate gaming audiences. While a high-end console could draw enthusiasts, a low-cost unit similar to the canceled "Project Hobart" is expected to go hand-in-hand with streaming. Our sources have told us that early versions of the Scarlett XCloud units might feature fiber-optic internet ports to help developers test and simulate different types of networking environments too.
If a low-cost, lightweight Xbox console hits the market, we could see applications of game streaming for various uses. While such a console could deliver budget gaming with few compromises, PC and mobile support is ideal for gamers on-the-go.
Xbox XCloud game streaming release date
Microsoft is yet to discuss release dates for its game streaming service, though we can firmly say its launch is expected several years away. In 2017, Phil Spencer estimated the Xbox streaming service will hit the market "in the next three years" setting its release date for 2020, or prior. With indications of a 2020 release for Xbox Scarlett, we could see the service release in tandem with accompanying hardware. If true, more details on game streaming could appear at E3 2019.
https://m.windowscentral.com/why-microsoft-xcloud-streaming-right
Why Microsoft's Xbox 'XCloud' may finally do game streaming right
Matt Brown12 Aug 2018
Microsoft's E3 2018 Xbox press conference wrapped up with big promises, offering a tease of ambitious gaming developments on the horizon. Xbox head and Microsoft Executive Vice President of Gaming, Phil Spencer, touched on plans to deliver its cloud-based "XCloud" game streaming platform, committing to "console-quality games" on any device. It's a big promise, with many having tried and failed in the space, and some major hurdles to overcome.
However, Redmond's proposed solution could deliver a significantly more viable solution to what's on the market today. Microsoft is approaching the technology from a vastly different viewpoint, backed by its colossal cloud infrastructure and nearly two decades of consoles. Here's how the XCloud service comes from a unique place, and why Microsoft can set itself apart from the competition.
Microsoft's Xbox 'XCloud' game-streaming service: Everything we know
Taking control of the cloud
The rise of cloud computing and Microsoft's Azure platform has defined the company's future going forward. Huge investments have been matched with comparable revenue every quarter, sparking a substantial boom in Microsoft's market cap. Roughly 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies now leverage Azure among the fierce competition, easily making it as one of the company's greatest success stories.
Although Microsoft's focus continues to shift toward enterprise, consumers can still see the benefits today. In gaming specifically, its touted the adoption of its cloud technologies across a variety of major studios. Ubisoft, Tencent, and PUBG Corp all back multiplayer with Azure, while titles like Crackdown 3 show tighter integration to drive its physics engine.
As a firm leader in cloud computing, Microsoft now looks drive its upcoming game streaming technologies internally. Reports claim that its cloud teams hope to merge four custom Xbox consoles stripped-down into modular server blades, creating the backbone for the new service. Building on strong foundations, it's one of few companies uniquely positioned to build a solution from the ground up. When paired with its team of gaming wizards, Microsoft's cloud expertise goes a long way.
The huge challenges Microsoft faces with 'XCloud' Xbox game streaming
Microsoft, it's not your first rodeo
In its current state, latency is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome for streaming.
This isn't Microsoft's first effort in the cloud streaming space, with several instances of proven technologies that could influence XCloud development. Work on the streaming service can already be traced back to 2013, where an internal demonstration showcased a full-fledged cloud solution for previous generation titles. Microsoft managed to stream Halo 4 for Xbox 360 to both Windows Phone and PC, reducing latency to only 45 milliseconds on a low-cost Lumia 520. In a later interview, Spencer admitted the service was too costly for the time, but recent progress on Microsoft Azure has changed "the economics and quality level."
Last year's acquisition of Mixer (formerly Beam) also hints at a promising future for game streaming, featuring industry-leading low-latency video broadcasting. Using the service's faster-than-light (FTL) setting, streamers can reach audiences in milliseconds, further pushing the service's interactive feature set. Controller sharing even made its debut this year, making it feasible to play games with broadcasters over the internet. It's hard not to draw parallels between these technologies and how Microsoft's learnings with Mixer could be pivoted to XCloud.
Where the money matters
As seen across many services, monthly subscription models are seemingly the way forward for monetization. Firms have realized that not only does this secure dedicated revenue for the future; consumers can receive regular updates and support for a flat price. Its arrival has been contested in gaming, yet "games-as-a-service" titles are becoming a norm in the industry.
Microsoft has seen no shortage of success with this model, even adopting core products like Windows 10 and Office 365 to a live service. Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass, and EA Access are now major pillars of Xbox and even tightly integrated into the Xbox One OS. The same goes for Microsoft Studios-published titles with Halo, Gears of War, and Sea of Thieves seeing similar post-launch support under this vision.
Xbox Game Pass is the archetype of this approach and has the potential to influence the game streaming service. Nearly 200 titles are now among the service's dynamic library, making its $9.99 asking price a strong value proposition for new Xbox One gamers. It's unclear how Microsoft plans to monetize its XCloud service, though Xbox Game Pass could be a strong foundation for the system.
Your thoughts
What are you hoping for from an Xbox game streaming service? Drop into the comments section and share your opinion. In the meantime, be sure to check out our comprehensive overview of all the XCloud details so far.
Why Microsoft's Xbox 'XCloud' may finally do game streaming right
Matt Brown12 Aug 2018
Microsoft's E3 2018 Xbox press conference wrapped up with big promises, offering a tease of ambitious gaming developments on the horizon. Xbox head and Microsoft Executive Vice President of Gaming, Phil Spencer, touched on plans to deliver its cloud-based "XCloud" game streaming platform, committing to "console-quality games" on any device. It's a big promise, with many having tried and failed in the space, and some major hurdles to overcome.
However, Redmond's proposed solution could deliver a significantly more viable solution to what's on the market today. Microsoft is approaching the technology from a vastly different viewpoint, backed by its colossal cloud infrastructure and nearly two decades of consoles. Here's how the XCloud service comes from a unique place, and why Microsoft can set itself apart from the competition.
Microsoft's Xbox 'XCloud' game-streaming service: Everything we know
Taking control of the cloud
The rise of cloud computing and Microsoft's Azure platform has defined the company's future going forward. Huge investments have been matched with comparable revenue every quarter, sparking a substantial boom in Microsoft's market cap. Roughly 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies now leverage Azure among the fierce competition, easily making it as one of the company's greatest success stories.
Although Microsoft's focus continues to shift toward enterprise, consumers can still see the benefits today. In gaming specifically, its touted the adoption of its cloud technologies across a variety of major studios. Ubisoft, Tencent, and PUBG Corp all back multiplayer with Azure, while titles like Crackdown 3 show tighter integration to drive its physics engine.
As a firm leader in cloud computing, Microsoft now looks drive its upcoming game streaming technologies internally. Reports claim that its cloud teams hope to merge four custom Xbox consoles stripped-down into modular server blades, creating the backbone for the new service. Building on strong foundations, it's one of few companies uniquely positioned to build a solution from the ground up. When paired with its team of gaming wizards, Microsoft's cloud expertise goes a long way.
The huge challenges Microsoft faces with 'XCloud' Xbox game streaming
Microsoft, it's not your first rodeo
In its current state, latency is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome for streaming.
This isn't Microsoft's first effort in the cloud streaming space, with several instances of proven technologies that could influence XCloud development. Work on the streaming service can already be traced back to 2013, where an internal demonstration showcased a full-fledged cloud solution for previous generation titles. Microsoft managed to stream Halo 4 for Xbox 360 to both Windows Phone and PC, reducing latency to only 45 milliseconds on a low-cost Lumia 520. In a later interview, Spencer admitted the service was too costly for the time, but recent progress on Microsoft Azure has changed "the economics and quality level."
Last year's acquisition of Mixer (formerly Beam) also hints at a promising future for game streaming, featuring industry-leading low-latency video broadcasting. Using the service's faster-than-light (FTL) setting, streamers can reach audiences in milliseconds, further pushing the service's interactive feature set. Controller sharing even made its debut this year, making it feasible to play games with broadcasters over the internet. It's hard not to draw parallels between these technologies and how Microsoft's learnings with Mixer could be pivoted to XCloud.
Where the money matters
As seen across many services, monthly subscription models are seemingly the way forward for monetization. Firms have realized that not only does this secure dedicated revenue for the future; consumers can receive regular updates and support for a flat price. Its arrival has been contested in gaming, yet "games-as-a-service" titles are becoming a norm in the industry.
Microsoft has seen no shortage of success with this model, even adopting core products like Windows 10 and Office 365 to a live service. Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass, and EA Access are now major pillars of Xbox and even tightly integrated into the Xbox One OS. The same goes for Microsoft Studios-published titles with Halo, Gears of War, and Sea of Thieves seeing similar post-launch support under this vision.
Xbox Game Pass is the archetype of this approach and has the potential to influence the game streaming service. Nearly 200 titles are now among the service's dynamic library, making its $9.99 asking price a strong value proposition for new Xbox One gamers. It's unclear how Microsoft plans to monetize its XCloud service, though Xbox Game Pass could be a strong foundation for the system.
Your thoughts
What are you hoping for from an Xbox game streaming service? Drop into the comments section and share your opinion. In the meantime, be sure to check out our comprehensive overview of all the XCloud details so far.