Microsoft’s gaming head for Xbox, Phil Spencer has stated that the company is working with TV manufacturers to launch an Xbox app lets gamers access services like Game Pass, without the need for a console.
With its proprietary xCloud technology underneath, Microsoft is essentially trying to introduce the Xbox Game Pass service to everyone who don’t own a PC or console or don’t have it anywhere near them.
During an interview with Stratechery (via The Verge) smart TVs users will only need a controller or a gamepad to play the 100-plus games that can be found on Xbox Game Pass.
A subsequent press release for the announcement states that “Xbox is working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Xbox experience directly into internet-connected televisions with no extra hardware required except a controller.”
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Microsoft’s CVP of Gaming Experiences & Platforms, Liz Hamren has also stated during a media brief (via EuroGamer) that it is currently working on an Xbox app plug-in streaming device — think Amazon Fire Stick or the Mi TV Stick — for dumb TVs that can’t do app. That means players will not have to upgrade their TV or own a console to access Xbox games.
““Cloud is key to our hardware and Game Pass roadmaps, but no one should think we’re slowing down on our core console engineering. In fact, we’re accelerating it. We’re already hard at work on new hardware and platforms, some of which won’t come to light for years. But even as we build for the future, we’re focused on extending the Xbox experience to more devices today so we can reach more people,” Hamren said.
There’s no time as such yet for when Microsoft will be rolling out its Xbox app onto Smart TVs or when it will release the plug-in device for older TVs. There’s no release window either or price hint yet.
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