Changing Channels
It’s a plain and simple fact that the Xbox Game Pass subscription service has turned the future of video gaming on its head. Offering fantastic new and old releases for a relatively modest price, Xbox Game Pass is not only a hit with PC and console players, but might also prove successful with TV owners too.
Microsoft first announced its intention to bring the subscription service to “Smart” TVs back in the summer of last year. The initiative — part of Microsoft’s “Xbox Everywhere” gameplan — was not given a release window at the time, but new rumors suggest that we could see the TV streaming service launch as soon as late 2022 to early 2023.
According to frequent industry spoiler Jeff Grub, (of website GamesBeat), Microsoft may launch Xbox Game Pass TV as a plug-in USB service, similar to the dongle used by Amazon Fire and the Roku service. Once connected to the TV, (and signed up to the service, of course), then owners will be able to stream Xbox Game Pass games directly to their screen, much like Google’s own game streaming service, Stadia. The report also suggests that Samsung TV owners will not need a dongle, as Microsoft is supposedly working with the manufacturer to develop a built-in app.
While the TV streaming service itself is a sure thing, the launch window is not. The technology already exists, and Microsoft will be looking to increase its hold on the subscription service community as soon as possible, (especially with the redesigned PlayStation Plus service waiting in the wings). If the publisher knuckles down, then it’s easy to picture the new TV service launching within the next year. And given the overwhelming success of Xbox Game Pass to date, it will likely prove to be an incredibly lucrative prospect for the black-and-green brand.
Xbox plans to launch a streaming puck and Samsung app in next year [GamesBeat]
