Microsoft knows that cloud gaming is the future, as it will allow anyone with a screen and an internet connection to play. In other words, it will expand the target audience of their services to billions of potential customers.
Microsoft today presents a new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface that includes the social features and user interface normally found in the Xbox interface. The new interface includes access to a web version of Xbox Party chat, so you can use a browser to join a call with friends instead of the Xbox desktop and mobile apps.
The updated web interface also includes the ability to search and manage Xbox friends, send messages, view user profiles and achievements, and even access notifications. Microsoft is initially testing this with Xbox Insiders before rolling out this interface to all Xbox Cloud Gaming users.
What is Xbox looking for with this new cloud interface
As this new interface is part of Xbox Cloud Gaming, most of it will also be available on smart TVs and Meta’s Quest virtual reality glasses. However, the Xbox Party chat feature on the web is not yet available on smart TVs.
The Xbox Cloud Gaming interface had already been modeled after the Xbox console’s home screen user interface, so the additional Guide features are a significant improvement.
Most of this functionality was only available once you started a game on the Xbox cloud, so being able to start an Xbox party chat on the web and have it continue between gaming sessions will be very useful for Xbox Cloud Gaming players.
As always, Microsoft is only showcasing this new interface today, so it may take a few months before all Xbox Cloud Gaming users can access these new features.
In a few years, none of us will have a console at home, everything will be through the cloud and subscriptions. If you don’t believe me, we’ll see each other right here in five years, to see if you’ve changed your mind.
