Microsoft announces plans to put Xbox into smart TVs so you can play games without a console

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MICROSOFT says it is working with major TV brands so that gamers can play Xbox games through web-connected tellies – without a console.

The US tech titan announced Thursday that players of the new system will not require any extra hardware other than a controller.

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Microsoft wants to turn your telly into an Xbox

Xbox is also building its own streaming devices for cloud gaming to reach gamers on any TV or monitor without the need for a console.

The company, which launched two models of its Xbox gaming consoles last year, has also been focusing on developing its cloud gaming service.

It’s hoped that GamePass will attract casual gamers with the promise of cutting ties to the living room.

The $9.99 per month subscription service boasts titles such as “Alien Isolation” and “Gears 5”.

Players of the new system will not require any extra hardware other than a controller

It can be played on Xbox consoles, Android devices and PCs, and is seen as a weapon for cutting into the dominance of rival Sony’s PlayStation platform.

“With Game Pass coming to the browser, the value of the subscription is going to transcend from the console to the PC to mobile,” Chief Executive Satya Nadella said in a pre-recorded video.

“I am looking forward to how we continue to invest in Game Pass, to add more content and bring the service to even more geographies,” he said.

Cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, available in dozens of countries, will be launched in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan later this year.

Xbox, which is exploring new subscription offerings for Game Pass, is also working with telecom companies to allow consumers to buy both a console and Game Pass for a low monthly price.

Currently, they have to splash that cash up front.

Gaming has received a boost since the beginning of the pandemic as over half of gamers in North America and Western Europe spent more time gaming, according to a report by gaming analysis firm Newzoo.

It will likely work a bit like cloud gaming platform Google Stadia, which launched in 2019

Xbox plans to release at least one new, first party game into Game Pass every quarter.

More than 23 studios worldwide are creating games for the platform.

“We will unlock the ability for anyone on the planet to enjoy the gaming experiences that relatively few have had the access to before,” said Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.

 

In other news, HOAR’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.

Check out the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.

And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.

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