Microsoft has released a new Xbox app that would let iOS users stream Xbox games to their iPhones and iPads.

After months of tension with Apple, Microsoft has finally allowed Xbox gamers to stream games on iOS devices. The company has released a new Xbox app with a remote play feature. With this feature, you can stream Xbox games on your iPhone or iPad. 

Microsoft’s New iOS Xbox App

The Verge reports that this iOS service is not the same as Project xCloud. With xCloud, you stream games from Microsoft’s servers, not your Xbox. However, the iOS app will let you stream from your console, not xCloud’s servers. So, this app is more like Sony’s PS4 Remote Play feature for Android and iOS.

If you get this app, you can stream Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S games. However, you can’t stream Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. 

What Else Can the Xbox App Do?

With this app, you can also access your Xbox using Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G. You can use your phone to control your console, and you can even boot it up while you’re still outside your house. If you do this, your Xbox will start silently and without the Xbox’s front light. When you disconnect, the machine returns to standby mode. 

Should I Get This App?

The Verge also says that the new iOS app is a lot faster than the previous version. Moreover, the new app matches the Xbox’s new UI design and dashboard. However, this new app doesn’t mean you can use xCloud for iOS. 

Apple had wanted to allow cloud gaming from xCloud and Google Stadia. However, Microsoft and Google would have to submit hundreds of games as separate apps to Apple’s review. So, Microsoft wasn’t happy about that.

The post Microsoft Rolls Out Xbox App for Streaming Games on iOS first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Both Sony and Microsoft are releasing digital-only versions of their next-gen consoles. It’s the PS5 Digital Edition for Sony, while for Microsoft, it’s the Xbox Series S. While digital-only consoles are cheaper, they do come with hidden costs.  

Upgrade to Expensive SSDS

Lifehacker says that most PS5 and Xbox Series X games need at least 50GB of storage, with some gameseven coming at 100GBs. Moreover, massive games should take up even more SSD space. If you buy a digital-only console, you can store your games only on its internal SSD drive. 

If you want to build a vast game library, you’ll need to upgrade your console’s SSD drive. The only problem is that new SSD drives are costly, too. For the PS5, compatible 1TB SSD drives might cost around $230. On the other hand, 1TB SSD drives for the Xbox Series X and S could cost about $220.

Next-Gen Games Won’t Run on External Drives

Even if you use an external HDD for your next-gen console, you can’t play the latest next-gen games from those drives. You can only run old PS4 or Xbox One and 360 games from external drives. 

However, you can move your PS5/Xbox Series X/S game data to an external drive if you want to clear out your SSD. 

Get Better Internet

Since you own a digital-only console, you’ll need to download all your games. You can only install the games after downloading them. As huge as all next-gen games should be, you’ll need decent internet to download them quickly. You’ll also need to consider your ISP’s data caps if you buy a digital-only console. 

So, before going all-in on digital-only consoles, you need to think hard about the long-term costs.

The post Digital-Only Next-Gen Consoles Could Still Cost You first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Are you planning to rush the stores for the Xbox Series X this November? Before you buy, you might want to take a first look at Microsoft’s next-generation console. Microsoft is launching both the Xbox Series X on November 10 for $499. 

First Looks at the Xbox Series X

The Verge offers a neat first look at the Xbox Series X. Measuring 5.9 inches wide and 11.8 inches tall, the Xbox Series X might be too big for your usual TV stand. You might have to rearrange your living room to fit the new console, especially if you have several other consoles around.

A first look at Microsoft’s new Xbox Series X console https://t.co/EdidyNQsDT pic.twitter.com/8iJlpy0iOM

— The Verge (@verge) September 11, 2020

According to the Verge report, you could let it stand like a PC tower if you don’t feel like tucking it away. All of Microsoft’s promo materials show the Series X standing tall, anyway.

The Series X’s cheaper cousin, the Xbox Series S, measures 275mm tall and 63mm wide when standing. The Verge report also shows some side-by-side photos of the two consoles for comparison. 

Other Xbox Series X Features

You can also find two USB ports at the rear of the console, sitting beside an Ethernet port. Also, in the back, you can find a storage expansion slot and an HDMI 2.1 port. Turning to the front, you can find one USB port and the console’s 4K Blu-ray drive. If you’re worried about your console overheating, you can check out the top of the Xbox to see its fan.

The Verge reports that the fan is supposed to be “whisper quiet,” but only testing out full review units could confirm that. 

When Can I Buy the Xbox Series X?

You can preorder the Xbox Series X beginning September 22, ahead of its official launch on November 10.

The post Here’s a First Look at the Xbox Series X first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Rob Sterling

If you can’t wait to play your Xbox games on mobile, Microsoft is launching a game streaming service for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. With the launch, Microsoft is revealing the full list of games you can play on Android devices.  

Cloud Gaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Before you can play games on mobile, Kotaku says you’ll need a 5G phone and a reliable controller. Starting now, you can go to your Xbox Game Pass Android app to stream several games from the Game Pass library. 

Here are the 172 Xbox Cloud Streaming launch games: https://t.co/bruxsThYYZ pic.twitter.com/MPupqDTNJO

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) September 14, 2020

Stream These Xbox Game Pass Titles

In a blog post, Microsoft has revealed the full list of 172 games available to stream at launch. Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate if you want to get in on the action.  Some of the games include:

•     Batman: Arkham Knight
•     Darksiders III
•     Dead Cells
•     Fallout 76
•     Gears of War 4 & 5
•     Halo 5: Guardians
•     Middle Earth: Shadow of War
•     NieR: Automata
•     The Elder Scrolls Online
•     The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
•     Yakuza 0

How Do I Play These Xbox Game Pass Titles?

Microsoft says that new members can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for $1 for the first month. After that, the monthly rate rises to $14.99. Once you’ve subscribed, just download the Xbox Game Pass app from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

You can also buy a Samsung Gaming Bundle that includes a new Galaxy device, a three-month Game Pass subscription, and a new Power A MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth Controller that you can clip to the phone.

If you don’t have an Xbox One and you want to play these titles, you can now do so on your mobile device. 

The post Xbox Launches Cloud Gaming on Game Pass Ultimate first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

This year’s console wars are heating up again. With Microsoft and Sony both launching their next-gen consoles this year, it looks like Microsoft plans to shake up its release schedule. Leaked photos of a next-gen Xbox controller imply the existence of an Xbox Series S.

Earlier, rumors have already spread of Microsoft revealing another next-gen console this month. With two consoles releasing this year, Microsoft looks to overtake Sony’s PS5.

The Xbox Series S Leaked Photos

The Verge reports that leaked photos of a white next-gen Xbox controller mentions the Xbox Series S in its box. In the packaging, the Xbox controller is supposed to work with both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Twitter user Zak S was able to buy the controller on a resale site, and he uploaded the photos.

https://twitter.com/zakk_exe/status/1292602854990065670?s=20

While the Verge confirms that the photos are real, Microsoft has not yet announced the Xbox Series S. The company also has not announced a white next-gen Xbox controller.  

What We Know about the Xbox Series S

A leaked Microsoft document in June seems to confirm the existence of another next-gen console, codenamed “Lockhart.” On this other next-gen Xbox, the Verge guesses that it would be cheaper than the Series X. 

The Verge also says that the Lockhart console has the same CPU as the Xbox Series X. However, this new console will be weaker than the Series S, with only 7.5GB of RAM, and a GPU performance of 4 teraflops. 

Xbox Series S Reveal

The leaked photos seem to confirm the rumors that Microsoft will release the Xbox Series S in August. Moreover, the Series S might come bundled with Microsoft’s All Access subscription plans.

The post Leaked Photos Confirm Microsoft’s New Xbox Series S first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Ahead of their holiday releases, Microsoft continues stoking the appetites of Xbox gamers all over the world. The company has released the dashboard and U for the Xbox Series X. While both might look like the Xbox One’s interface, Microsoft has also promised faster speeds and better design elements.

The Xbox Series X’s New Dashboard and UI

The Verge reports that while the Xbox Series X’s new interface looks pretty much the same as the Xbox One, the Series X’s home screen will load 50% faster. Microsoft has also reduced the latest Xbox’s memory load by 40% by shrinking the footprints of its Store, home screen, and guide. 

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X dashboard has a new rounded design and speed improvements https://t.co/qoJL4yJFm3 pic.twitter.com/FztGJUCTlT

— The Verge (@verge) August 20, 2020

In a blog post, Microsoft has also made Series X’s design easier on the eyes. They have made the text more readable. Also, they have made the design elements on screen easier to understand.  

What About the Speed?

Microsoft’s upgrades mean that gamers can quickly switch games whenever they want. After all, the Xbox Series X’s home screen loads faster than current consoles by a third. The Xbox One’s dashboard has caused some speed issues over the years. But Microsoft’s tweaks to its interface could boost the Xbox Series X’s performance.  

Could Xbox One Users See These Updates?

While Xbox One gamers can see these updates, only Xbox Series X gamers can fully enjoy them. Microsoft plans to release its next-gen console in November, perhaps a month ahead of the Sony PS5.

The post Microsoft Tweaks Xbox Interface to Boost Speed first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Microsoft is preparing gamers for the launch of Project xCloud on September 15. People who want to see what cloud gaming is all about could head to the Google Play Store to download xCloud’s beta version. Cloud gaming allows people to stream full console games on their phones through wi-fi.

Project xCloud’s Public Beta

As the launch date approaches, Microsoft wants gamers to experience a smooth transition to the full Project xCloud. However, only subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can enjoy the public beta version. Xbox Insiders can only preview the app. 

Microsoft said that Project xCloud would only be available on Android. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play around 30 titles on xCloud’s beta version. Gamers can play 100 games on the full version of Project xCloud, which include:

•     Destiny 2
•     Forza Horizon 4
•     Gears of War 4
•     Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
•     Minecraft Dungeons
•     Halo 5: Guardians
•     Yakuza Kiwami 2
  

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can try xCloud in beta today https://t.co/zX4fNSGrRE pic.twitter.com/Lt0r6Eti7Q

— Engadget (@engadget) August 11, 2020

What Else Can I Do?

Once you get the full Project xCloud, you can play games across your platforms without hitches. For example, you can start a game on your tablet or phone, and then pick it up again on your Xbox. Project xCloud allows players a new way to experience their favorite Xbox games. Your achievements also reflect on all your devices. You also get to keep your friends list, controller settings, and game saves. 

When Can I Play?

If you want to try Project xCloud’s beta version, you can download it now on the Google Play Store. Again, though, you will have to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $15 a month to play the games.

Project xCloud’s preview period will end on September 11.

The post Microsoft Launches Project xCloud Public Beta first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

With Project xCloud not on iOS devices, Microsoft now blames Apple for denying its users from streaming games to their mobile devices. Microsoft had begun beta testing for Project xCloud for iOS using Apple’s TestFlight, but the testing period ended this week.  

Project xCloud: Microsoft vs. Apple

Gizmodo reports that Microsoft used to be hopeful that Apple would allow Project xCloud “and other cloud gaming services” on iOS devices. However, with iOS beta testing over, Microsoft now blames Apple for the lack of cloud gaming services on iOS. 

In a statement, Microsoft said that it doesn’t see a way to bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to iOS gamers. The company also accused Apple of applying a double standard against gaming apps. 

As of now, Apple doesn’t support Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce, or Project xCloud.

Apple is denying consumers cloud gaming, Microsoft claims https://t.co/PgKrT8Ugta pic.twitter.com/GTMR9uFB8X

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) August 7, 2020

Project xCloud: App Store Policies

According to Gizmodo, App Store policies prevent some apps from appearing in the store. One of these policies is submitting games to Apple for individual review. This policy hinders cloud gaming apps that offer dozens of titles. 

Apple told Business Insider that Project xCloud and other cloud gaming apps violate App Store policy. The company added that Microsoft doesn’t submit each game on Project xCloud to Apple review, so it blocked the app itself.  

Project xCloud: Apple’s Antitrust Issues

Apple has faced charges of blocking out potential rivals from the App Store. For Apple, allowing Project xCloud might threaten its game subscription service. However, the problem is that Microsoft is not a team of indie devs, but a tech giant with the resources to fight back.

Project xCloud will launch on Android devices only on September 15.

The post Microsoft Blames Apple for Shutting Out Project xCloud first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Xbox gamers who want to try out Microsoft’s Project xCloud on their iOS devices might have to stick with Android for a while. Microsoft has announced that it has closed xCloud’s testing period for iOS. Project xCloud will come out on Android devices on September 15. 

Project xCloud Not Allowed on Apple’s App Store

The Verge reports that Apple’s rules for the App Store may have barred Microsoft from testing the xCloud app. Following the App Store’s policies, Microsoft was only able to check  Halo: The Master Chief Collection for only 10,000 people. 

Microsoft isn’t the only tech giant facing roadblocks at the App Store. Project xCloud’s rival, Google’s Stadia, only offers a Stadia management app for iOS devices. Gamers can’t stream games on this Stadia app. 

Even the Steam Link app, from Valve, waited a year before Apple approved it for the App Store. The Verge says it’s unclear why Steam Link had to wait for a year since the app only streams games from home PCs to iOS.

Xbox's new streaming service doesn't look likely for iPhone, iPad users. https://t.co/GPyHvGl5cl pic.twitter.com/KBgVDJl8Yw

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) August 6, 2020

Possible App Store Roadblocks for Project xCloud

Kotaku also says that the App Store has a lot of policies that could have limited Microsoft’s xCloud testing. From those policies, the Verge says Microsoft could have faced difficulties with the App Store’s rules on in-app purchases. Apple also forces “remote desktop clients” to connect to another user-owned game console. Both the phone and console should be connected to the same network, too. 

Microsoft could work around the in-app purchase rule, but they probably could not overcome the “remote desktop client” rule. 

Project xCloud on Android Devices

On September 15, Microsoft will officially launch Project xCloud as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Android devices only.  

The post Microsoft’s Project xCloud Won’t Come Out on iOS After All first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Play your favorite console games on your phones and tablets with Microsoft’s Project xCloud, releasing this September 15. Only Android devices can stream games through xCloud on launch day.

Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can test out the new feature when it drops. The cloud gaming service for Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass for PC and console. Even with xCloud, a Game Pass Ultimate subscription still costs $14.99. Microsoft announced the game streaming platform in 2018. 

Project xCloud: Stream Console Games on Mobile

Polygon reports that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on Android can play “more than 100 games from the cloud.” Gamers on Android can sign up for Project xCloud’s beta testing period before Microsoft rolls it out worldwide.

Gamers on iOS devices will have to wait for Microsoft to finish testing iOS versions. The company had begun testing Project xCloud for iOS in February.

Microsoft’s streaming service, xCloud, launching in September https://t.co/HuF2hl7Yln pic.twitter.com/sQSnYO9FG2

— Polygon (@Polygon) August 4, 2020

Project xCloud: PC Gamers Can Enjoy It, Too

On the other hand, Microsoft won’t keep PC gamers hanging. If you can’t wait for the PC ports of your favorite console games, Microsoft will bring over the project to Windows 10 PCs this year. 

Project xCloud: What Games Can I Stream?

Microsoft hasn’t released its full catalog of games on the platform yet, but Polygon lists some of the games you can play on launch day:

•     Destiny 2
•     Forza Horizon 4
•     Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
•     Gears of War 4
•     Halo: The Master Chief Collection
•     Minecraft Dungeons
•     The Outer Worlds
•     Yakuza Kiwami 2

European gamers, along with players from Canada, South Korea, the UK, and the US can access Project xCloud upon launch. If you’re still in the free preview period, you’ll have to end your trial by September 11.   

The post Microsoft Sets Project XCloud Launch Date on September 15 first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold