As insider Tom Henderson reported recently, Microsoft is partnering with Samsung to bring its Xbox app to 2022 Samsung Smart TVs. This will allow for accessing “hundreds” of titles in the Game Pass Ultimate library on one’s TV without a console (with Fortnite not requiring a subscription). The app will be available on the Samsung Gaming Hub/Media Hub on June 30th. Just log into your existing account, connect a Bluetooth controller and start playing.
Microsoft also announced it’s bringing the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta to Argentina and New Zealand. Along with playing Game Pass titles via the cloud on Apple and Android devices, Windows PCs, Xbox platforms and Samsung Smart TVs, Fortnite will also be accessible without a subscription.
Windows 11 is also getting some updates for gaming like optimization for windowed games to improve latency, auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (which the Windows Insider program is currently testing). An HDR calibration app for improved accuracy and a Game Pass widget to discover games are also coming. There will also be a Controller Bar for game launcher shortcuts, recent games played, accessing cloud games without a mouse and keyboard, and more.
Finally, Microsoft Edge is receiving some Xbox Cloud Gaming integration like a new personalized home page for gaming; built-in Clarity Boost when playing cloud titles in the browser; Efficiency Mode for improved performance on Windows 10/11 while ensuring reduced resource usage by the browser; and more. Stay tuned for more details when these features go live.