Microsoft improves Xbox Cloud Gaming performance on the iPhone and iPad

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft says it has improved the performance of its cloud gaming service. The cloud game streaming service, formerly known as xCloud, was accessible from the web browser on the iPad and iPadOS. While the web browser version isn't as full featured as a dedicated app, Microsoft is improving its performance for Apple's mobile devices.

Improvements include improved video output and network data transmission on all supported devices.

Major performance improvements should reduce input lag overall, or the delay between you moving a thumbstick or pressing a button and that action appearing on-screen. Over the past year, Microsoft has been gradually improving the service, and now it is powered by custom Series X hardware.

Microsoft moved to 60 frames per second for Xbox Cloud gaming last year, but it still doesn't support 4K streaming. 4K gaming at 60 or 120 frames per second has been delivered by the GeForce Now RTX 3080 tier. It's the best example of game streaming right now, because you need the lowest latency if you're playing on a keyboard.

Microsoft is working on a dedicated app for TVs that will allow Xbox players to stream games without a console. It is likely that we will see the resolution of the Xbox Cloud gaming increased once Microsoft is ready with its TV plans.