Microsoft has announced a new collaboration with LG to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming feature to even more machines. Interestingly enough, this time around, the feature is being brought to vehicles. As part of this LG partnership, the webOS Automotive Content Platform (ACP) will have Xbox software built into it, which can then allow users to stream games directly through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
As you would expect, the device running LG’s webOS ACP needs to be connected to the Internet. The feature has also been designed with safety regulations in mind, which means that you can’t drive and play Forza Horizon 5 (and hundreds of other titles) on your car’s digital dashboard at the same time. To make use of it, the player also needs an active subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Users simply need to connect a compatible Bluetooth controller and then launch the Xbox app from the vehicle’s infotainment system. The player can then log into their Xbox account with a Game Pass subscription and start playing as soon as possible, since cloud streaming a game doesn’t require any additional time spent on downloading or installing the title.
“Whether you’re jumping back into an old favorite or discovering something completely new, Xbox Cloud Gaming and LG Electronics transforms your vehicle’s infotainment system into more than just music and movies – it becomes a full entertainment hub,” wrote Xbox in its announcement. “Whether you’re waiting at an EV charging station or trying to entertain your passengers on an extended road trip, pass the time by playing games keeping everyone entertained and making the journey feel more fun.”
Microsoft had recently expanded its Xbox Cloud Gaming offerings by bringing the feature to more PC players. “We’re expanding the ways players can experience PC gaming through Xbox Game Pass,” announced Microsoft. “As part of testing, Xbox Insiders subscribed to Game Pass Core or Standard will for the first time gain access to PC versions of select titles, giving you even more flexibility and the choice to play on a PC or Windows handheld.”
The feature makes use of the Xbox PC app, which got support for the Xbox Cloud Gaming feature back in July. As part of this update, users that have already subscribed to Game Pass have been able to access cloud streaming at no extra cost. This new push towards bringing Xbox games to more platforms than just consoles and PCs likely ties into Microsoft’s larger ambitions surrounding its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, as well as reports about console hardware sales hitting a plateau for the company.
In the meantime, Microsoft is currently getting ready to launch its own handheld devices that were built in collaboration with Asus – the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. Both handhelds will run on Windows, complete with a new UI that makes navigating with a controller simpler, and are slated to hit store shelves worldwide on October 16.
