Totul despre Xbox Cloud gaming (beta)

[razvanrazy]

Bun. Deci vor incerca sa gaseasca o metoda pentru asta, nu se dau batuti

[paul]

Facebook is joining Microsoft in condemning Apple’s App Store policies today. The social media company is launching its Facebook Gaming app for iOS — primarily an app used to watch streamers play video games — but has had to remove the app’s mini games feature to pass Apple’s strict App Store approval process. Facebook isn’t happy about the compromise.

“Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the standalone Facebook Gaming app — meaning iOS users have an inferior experience to those using Android,” said Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer in a press statement given to The Verge. “We’re staying focused on building communities for the more than 380 million people who play games on Facebook every month — whether Apple allows it in a standalone app or not.”

Facebook says it has had the Facebook Gaming app rejected multiple times by Apple in recent months. The company says Apple has cited App Store guideline 4.7 to justify the rejections, claiming the primary purpose of the Facebook Gaming app is to play games. Facebook says it shared usage data from its Android Facebook Gaming app that showed 95 percent of activity is watching streams, but this didn’t change Apple’s stance.

Apple unveiled an appeal process for situations like this at WWDC back in June, but Facebook says it tried this and failed to convince Apple to overturn its decision. “We even appealed the guideline under the new app review process announced at WWDC,” says a Facebook spokesperson. “We did not receive a response.”

Facebook has now been forced to give up and remove games entirely from the standalone app launching on iOS today. The Facebook Gaming app is primarily used to watch streams of games, much like Twitch is used on both iOS and Android. But on Android, the app also includes a number of mini games from Facebook’s Instant Games platform. That’s what Apple won’t allow.

This isn’t the first time that Facebook has run into App Store issues, either. “Even on the main Facebook app and Messenger, we’ve been forced to bury Instant Games for years on iOS,” explains Facebook Gaming chief Vivek Sharma in a statement to The Verge. “This is shared pain across the games industry, which ultimately hurts players and devs and severely hamstrings innovation on mobile for other types of formats, like cloud gaming.”

Apple is facing growing criticism from rivals and the gaming industry to loosen its App Store restrictions. Microsoft was forced to cut its xCloud iOS testing earlier this week, after App Store policies have been preventing the company from launching the app for months. Microsoft took the unusual decision to condemn Apple yesterday, saying “Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.”

Apple has defended its decision to block cloud gaming services like xCloud, Stadia, and GeForce Now from the App Store. “Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search,” said an Apple spokesperson in a statement yesterday.

Apple’s argument is that the company can’t individually review games offered on streaming services, but the company doesn’t seem to have the same issues with services like Netflix or YouTube that stream millions of videos, TV shows, and movies to Apple’s iOS devices that Apple can’t possibly review.

Apple’s latest weak App Store excuse comes just months after the company was embroiled in a bitter battle over the new Hey email app. Apple eventually approved the app after the initial rejection drew widespread condemnation from lawmakers and developers. Apple is part of a number of US tech companies currently facing potential antitrust action. The EU has also opened up a formal antitrust investigation into Apple’s App Store and Apple Pay practices. With Microsoft and Facebook openly criticizing Apple, the company is bound to face even more questions over its App Store policies in the months ahead.

Facebook slams Apple’s App Store policies, launches Facebook Gaming on iOS without games - The Verge

[paul]

"This item is not available in your country."

Microsoft is allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to try its new game streaming feature (xCloud) early tomorrow, August 11th. The software giant will launch a new version of the Xbox Game Pass beta app for Android, which includes game streaming. While the game streaming feature, known previously as xCloud, will be officially available on September 15th, anyone can grab the beta app from the Google Play Store and try it early from tomorrow onward.

“As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, we’re entering a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android,” explains a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to The Verge. “Existing Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app users will get the opportunity to test a subset of the available titles as we ready the experience for broader availability next month. This limited beta is critical to providing the best possible experience for members at launch and should not be considered indicative of the final experience or library.”

Microsoft opens xCloud game streaming beta early on August 11th - The Verge

[paul]

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Facebook (FB.O) and Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) grievances over how their gaming apps appear on Apple’s (AAPL.O) App Store may feed into an EU investigation into the iPhone maker’s business as EU antitrust regulators said such concerns are on their radar. [...]

The European Commission in June opened four probes into Apple, three of which are into its App Store and its restrictive rules, including requirements that app developers use its own in-app purchasing system.

U.S. social media giant Facebook and Microsoft are the latest companies to voice concerns about the rules, which have drawn criticism from app developers who say they create an uneven playing field to compete with the iPhone maker.

Asked about Facebook and Microsoft’s issues with Apple, Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podesta said in a statement: “The Commission is aware of these concerns regarding Apple’s App Store rules.” [...]

Facebook last week said its gaming app was only available on Apple’s App Store as a streaming service and that users will not be able to play games.

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said the company had to remove gameplay functionality entirely to secure Apple’s approval of its Facebook Gaming app.

Microsoft, which has a game-streaming service called Project xCloud said: “Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.”

“It consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content,” it added in an emailed statement.

Facebook, Microsoft gripes with Apple's App Store on EU's antitrust radar - Reuters

[paul]

[...] Recently, we saw evidence that Microsoft is gearing up to lift this restriction on Xbox Live, allowing you to have multiple points of presence across different devices and platforms.

You'll still only be able to launch games on one device at a time using your account, but this new system means that you'll be able to play the best Xbox One games via cloud streaming on your phone, without being signed out of your consoles. This means you'll be able to continue using streaming apps and services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or Microsoft's own Movies & TV on the same account, while using Project xCloud on your phone. [...]

Xbox users will soon be able to sign into multiple devices simultaneously

[paul]

xCloud on a smartphone - Nintendo Switch:
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Streets of Rage 4
- Untitled Goose Game

[paul]

Teoretic pare posibil, developerii trebuie sa-si faca propriile apps pentru jocuri, iar incasarile in-game merg prin Apple, care ia 30%, pe care si Microsoft ii vrea. Daca cere tot 30%, developerul ar ramane cu 40%. Cam putin. S-ar multumi Microsoft cu 5%-10%?

Apple now says that game streaming services, such as Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud, are explicitly permitted. But there are conditions: Games offered in the service need to be downloaded directly from the App Store, not from an all-in-one app. App makers are permitted to release a so-called “catalog app” that links to other games in the service, but each game will need to be an individual app.

Apple’s rules mean that if a streaming game service has 100 games, then each of those games will need an individual App Store listing as well as a developer relationship with Apple. The individual games also have to have some basic functionality when they’re downloaded. All the games and the stores need to offer in-app purchase using Apple’s payment processing system, under which Apple usually takes 30% of revenue.

Apple App Store new rules will affect Google Stadia, Microsoft xCloud
Update cu raspunsul Microsoft:

“This remains a bad experience for customers. Gamers want to jump directly into a game from their curated catalog within one app just like they do with movies or songs, and not be forced to download over 100 apps to play individual games from the cloud. We’re committed to putting gamers at the center of everything we do, and providing a great experience is core to that mission.”

[paul]

Asta ne-a scapat:
ZeniMax's 'Orion,' and how it will boost Microsoft's Xbox xCloud streaming tech | Windows Central
Bethesda's Orion tech demo:

WHAT IS ORION?
Orion is technology that enhances the experience of a streamed game. Orion technology reduces latency and bandwidth while streaming a game, making streamed games accessible to more people, in more areas, at higher quality.
Orion is a game- and platform-agnostic technology that optimizes game engines for streaming. In contrast to game streaming services that focus on hardware solutions to stream games, Orion is a game engine-level software solution. Integrated within the game engine itself, Orion can achieve dramatic latency reductions of up to 20% per frame as well as up to a 40% reduction in required bandwidth.

TRY ORION
We want you to experience this powerful technology yourself as we test and refine it. For a chance to be among the first in the world to stream DOOM 2016 using Orion technology – for free – all you need to do is join the DOOM Slayers Club and register for Orion.

FAQ
What is Orion?
Orion is patented game streaming technology that optimizes game engine performance in the cloud. It is game engine and cloud platform agnostic.

Who is it for?
Orion technology will make streaming games better for everyone. Orion was designed to improve the player experience by mitigating latency and reducing bandwidth requirements. Orion was also created for publishers, streaming providers, and developers to lower their streaming costs and ensure that games perform at the high quality they intended. Orion makes it possible for streamed video games to reach more players in more places without compromising quality.
For players, Orion means enjoying high-speed performance with imperceptible latency even in a twitchy shooter; lower usage against ISP bandwidth caps; and a wider availability, making quality play available to players living far from data centers.
For developers, the Orion SDK is easily integrated into a game, which means they can be confident in delivering a best-in-class streaming experience to players, with minimal additional effort.
For streaming providers, Orion means reaching a bigger audience, at reduced costs, with a superior level of service. Orion makes possible substantially reduced capital investments in data centers, and can materially lower the cost in operating a streaming service.

How can I get more information?
Sign up to receive more information by registering at SlayersClub.com.

Where can I try it?
Bethesda will continually run public trials on multiple platforms . For a chance to be among the first in the world to test this new game streaming technology with DOOM (2016), register at SlayersClub.com.

What is the Slayers Club?
The Slayers Club is the official DOOM fan club. It's a celebration of the fans, passion, and creativity surrounding DOOM over the past 25 years. Becoming a member is free, easy, and grants fans access to exclusive giveaways, streams, content, digital items for DOOM Eternal, and more!

Which platforms can I use in Orion public trials?
Orion public trials will be on Apple devices running iOS 13 or higher as well as Android and PC. All Slayers Club members can sign up for Orion updates and receive Slayers Club points at SlayersClub.com.

How are you choosing who gets invited to Orion public trials?
Participants will be selected at Bethesda’s discretion from Slayers Club members who register for the test and own devices with trial-appropriate operating systems.

How will I know if I’ve been selected for an Orion public trial?
You will receive an email with trial details containing a redemption code and download instructions.

If I am selected for an Orion public trial, will I be able to play all of DOOM (2016)?
If you are selected to participate in the trial, you will be able to play through the entire DOOM (2016) single player campaign and Arcade Mode. Multiplayer, and SnapMap, will not be available during the first public trial.

Orion | Bethesda.net

[paul]

Cum o sa fie si Luna:

Microsoft's gaming boss Phil Spencer told employees at an all-hands meeting on Wednesday the company is planning to bring Game Pass to Apple's iPhone and iPad, targeting 2021 for the potential release of a "direct browser-based solution," Business Insider has learned.

"We absolutely will end up on iOS," Spencer told employees, according to two people with direct knowledge of his comments. Microsoft did not comment at the time of publication. Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Microsoft told employees it plans to bring Game Pass to iPhone, iPad - Business Insider

[razvanrazy]

Asa vor face toti, dar nu este ideal din multe motive.

[paul]

Here’s the list of games featuring Xbox touch controls available beginning today:

- Dead Cells
- Gucamelee! 2
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Hotshot Racing
- Killer Instinct
- New Super Lucky’s Tale
- Slay The Spire
- Streets of Rage 4
- Tell Me Why
- UnderMine

Xbox Touch Controls on Mobile Come to More Games, Giving You More Ways to Play - Xbox Wire

[paul]

In an interview with Stratechery, Spencer discusses the potential for additional tiers of Xbox Game Pass, which could include a free bundled TV stick to play xCloud games.

“I think you’re going to see lower priced hardware as part of our ecosystem when you think about streaming sticks and other things that somebody might want to just go plug into their TV and go play via xCloud,” says Spencer. “You could imagine us even having something that we just included in the Game Pass subscription that gave you an ability to stream xCloud games to your television and buying the controller.”

Spencer also teases the potential for an “Xbox Game Pass Platinum” with guaranteed access to new Xbox hardware. Microsoft has been bundling Xbox subscriptions and hardware together in something called Xbox All Access, which includes access to Xbox Game Pass and the latest Xbox Series X and Series X consoles. It’s a bundle that Spencer is obviously keen to experiment with in the future.

Xbox chief hints at TV streaming sticks for xCloud - The Verge

[BizZare]

Ya it’s called a Chromecast ....desi nu stiu cat timp o sa mai functioneze pana va fi restrictionat.
https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/1/2...adia-streaming


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[paul]

Summary
- We’re excited to bring cloud gaming to Australia, Brazil, Japan and Mexico through the Project xCloud Preview program.
- Gamers can register beginning today and the Preview will become available on November 18.
- In each of these four markets we’ll begin with this Preview to test, iterate, and gather your feedback.

Cloud gaming heads to Australia, Brazil, Japan and Mexico November 18 - Xbox Wire

[paul]

Exclusive: First hands-on video with xCloud Xbox game streaming for Windows 10 PC | Windows Central

[paul]

Cloud gaming (beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate coming to iOS and PC in 2021

Expanding Xbox to new players is central to our ambition of helping games and developers find an easy path to the world’s 3 billion gamers. We are doing this by embracing multiple devices and providing a consistent Xbox experience wherever you log in, whether that’s on your Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, Android device or – starting in Spring 2021 – your Windows PC and iOS device from the cloud.

In Spring 2021, we will take the next step in our journey to reach more players around the world by making cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate available on Windows PCs through the Xbox app and browser, and iOS devices through mobile web browser. By adding over a billion devices as a path to playing in the Xbox ecosystem, we envision a seamless experience for all types of players; whether it’s playing Minecraft Dungeons with your Xbox friends using touch controls on an iPhone, or jumping into a Destiny 2: Beyond Light strike on a Surface Pro when you have a break between meetings.

Whatever screen you choose, we want to make it easy to continue your game and connect with your friends.

Finally, we’ll bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to new markets, including Australia, Brazil, Japan and Mexico, where we recently began our limited Project xCloud preview program.

We can’t wait to share more early next year about our cloud gaming ambitions and how you can expect to take your gaming experiences further.

Players Drive Record Engagement as Xbox Expands Cloud Gaming to More Devices in 2021 - Xbox Wire

[kkkotto07]

Are cineva xbox game pass pe mobil android? Ma intereseaza si nu stiu ce sa cumpar, ce sa instalez.

[paul]

Today we’re embarking on a new journey for the backward compatibility program: Taking it to the cloud. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now tap into a collection of favorites from the past in a whole new way — right on mobile devices, turning them into retro handheld game systems. 16 original Xbox and Xbox 360 games are now available on Android phones and tablets, with more games coming soon.

So now you’ll be able to play a range of games on mobile, from original Xbox titles like Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, to Xbox 360 hits Banjo-Kazooie, Fable II and Fallout: New Vegas. We’re also enabling touch controls for Jetpac Refuelled, Viva Pinata, and Viva Pinata TIP, allowing you to tend to your garden with ease. With games connected through the Xbox network, you’re able to bring past saves with you and play along with gamers from around the world.

Backward Compatible Games Playable with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)

- Banjo-Kazooie
- Banjo-Tooie
- Double Dragon Neon
- Fable II
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War: Judgment
- Jetpac Refuelled (touch controls enabled)
- Kameo
- Perfect Dark
- Perfect Dark Zero
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- Viva Piñata (touch controls enabled)
- Viva Piñata: TIP (touch controls enabled)

Backward Compatibility Reaches the Clouds for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members - Xbox Wire

Xbox Wire: What do you say to those very smart people that believe Viva Pinata an absolute masterpiece that everyone should play?

Craig Duncan: Lots of people love Viva Pinata so they must be smart people! When it came out there was nothing like it and it still looks and sounds amazing to play today. In the original concept, there was a lot of thinking about playing on the go and the type of game does lend itself to a mobile experience (and back in the day Rare made a version for the Nintendo DS called Pocket Paradise). Now, the thought of people being able to experience the full Xbox 360 version of the original Viva Pinata and the sequel Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise on their phone through the power of backward compatibility and Cloud Gaming is magic. I hope everyone tries it out.

Rare's Craig Duncan Talks Backward Compatibility and Cloud Gaming - Xbox Wire

[paul]

Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin sending out invites to select Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to start testing the Xbox Cloud Gaming limited beta for Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets via web browsers. We’re launching xbox.com/play where invitees can play over 100 Xbox Game Pass titles through Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari.

Xbox Cloud Gaming for Windows 10 PC and Apple Phones and Tablets Begin as Limited Beta for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members - Xbox Wire

[paul]

With billions of potential customers being left unable to access their service, they looked to us for a solution. As such, we cut the proverbial Gordian knot with the Rainway SDK. Our solution not only brings Xbox Cloud Gaming to Safari on macOS, iPad OS, and iOS devices. It also brings it to modern web browsers on Windows, Chrome OS, and even Linux. No extensions, no plugins, and most importantly no downloads.

Our SDK handles all the complex cross-platform media presentation, input, and browser interoperability so that Microsoft’s engineers can focus on building a fantastic product user experience. In contrast, Rainway’s team of engineers handles the logistics of making sure streams are smooth, and as some have described making gameplay “indistinguishable from being native.”

How We Helped Xbox Cloud Gaming Reach Billions of New Devices | Rainway