Microsoft has upgraded its servers with custom Xbox Series X hardware and increased game streaming quality to 1080p60. Xbox cloud gaming is now also supported in iOS and Windows browsers.

Imrpoved game streaming
Microsoft has announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming (née xCloud), which lets you stream Xbox games to a compatible device without the need for a console, is now powered by Xbox Series X hardware, up from Xbox One hardware.

- "We’ve been upgrading Microsoft datacenters around the globe with the fastest, most powerful Xbox hardware to give you faster load times, improved frame rates, and an experience of a new generation of gaming. To ensure the lowest latency, highest quality experience across the broadest set of devices, we will be streaming at 1080p and up to 60fps," said Catherine Gluckstein, Head of Product, Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Game streaming quality has increased from 720p to 1080p at up to 60fps, depending on your device and internet connection.

You still need a physical Xbox Series X console to enjoy 4K, 120fps, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.



Xbox streaming in browsers
Xbox game streaming is now also available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers through the Edge, Chrome and Safari web browsers on Windows 10 as well as iPad and iPhone. It was already supported on Android.

To get started just point your browser to xbox.com/play.

The company has made it clear that it sees game subscription, Xbox Game Pass, as the future of Xbox. Game streaming is one way to make its subscription service more widely available – no console required. Google has also jumped into game streaming with Stadia while Sony seems reluctant to go all-on its platform, PlayStation Now.

Microsoft recently announced that an Xbox app, which will be compatible with game streaming, is coming to Smart TVs in the near future.