Microsoft and Samsung Announce Collaboration on xCloud Game Streaming

Last night Samsung introduced new smartphones Galaxy S20 и Galaxy z flip, and also simultaneously expanded its partnership with Microsoft. They are now working together on a cloud-based game streaming service and this will likely lead to xCloud coming to Samsung devices in the future.

“This is just the beginning of our gaming partnership with Xbox,” explained Samsung US marketing chief David S. Park as he unveiled Microsoft's Forza Street game for Galaxy smartphones. “Both Samsung and Xbox have a shared vision to bring a great gaming experience to players around the world. With our 5G devices and Microsoft's rich gaming history, we're working closely to create a quality cloud-based streaming experience. You'll hear more details later this year.

Microsoft confirmed the partnership in a statement to The Verge, but both companies unfortunately provided minimal details. “Engaging partners to provide players with high-quality game streaming services is of the utmost importance,” said Microsoft Project xCloud Director Kareem Choudhry. “We've received positive feedback from Project xCloud pre-testers on a number of Galaxy devices, and the quality of service will only improve as we continue to work closely with Samsung to improve the technology. Project xCloud is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to sharing more about our collaboration with Samsung later this year.”

It is clear that this has something to do with the development of xCloud, and not with the partnership, which was the case with Sony, when Microsoft gave the Japanese company access to its Azure architecture for streaming games. Last year, Microsoft and Samsung partnered to better integrate Android and Windows with apps like OneDrive and Your Phone pre-installed on smartphones.

Microsoft is expected to fully launch its xCloud game streaming service this year, closer to the release of the Xbox Series X. The service will support PCs and even Sony DualShock 4 controllers. xCloud is currently in open beta, and Microsoft is regularly expanding number of available games (already more than 50), intending to expand beyond the US, UK and South Korea.

Source: 3dnews.ru