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Microsoft will flip the switch on its cloud gaming system in September, just two months or so before bringing its new Xbox Series X console to market.
The software giant last year began testing Project xCloud, which streams video games to tablets, smartphones and other devices. No word on how much the service will cost, but it will include the game "Halo: Infinite," among the 100-plus games playable, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox for Microsoft, announced Thursday in an online post.
"Halo Infinite," unveiled last year, is expected to hit the market concurrently with Microsoft's new console.
Microsoft will add Project xCloud free at no additional cost for those who pay for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service ($14.99), which gives subscribers access to online multiplayer gaming and 100-plus video games to stream, Spencer said. "So when 'Halo Infinite' launches, you and your friends can play together and immerse yourselves in the Halo universe as Master Chief – anywhere you go and across devices," he said.
Video games in 2030:Will I still need a console game system? That depends
'The Last of Us Part II':Video game advances accessibility options for gamers who have disabilities
Cloud gaming and the subscription service can also give players access to new games, "even if you choose to stay with your current console for a while," he said.
The new Xbox Series X will have four times the processing power of the current Xbox One X console, Spencer said.
Microsoft will reveal more details about upcoming Xbox Series X games on Thursday, July 23.
MILWAUKEE – This was supposed to be the week that reintroduced Milwaukee to the world, with 50,000 visitors, round-the-clock parties and the nomination of the Democratic presidential contender to take on President Donald Trump in the fall.
Instead, it's become the week that wasn't.
The Democratic National Convention was due to gavel in July 13 in Milwaukee. Instead, the coronavirus pandemic upended everything.
Now, Democrats, at least a few of them, are due in town Aug. 17-20.
The scale, shape and content of the event remain in flux.
Here's what we know.
Out: Fiserv Forum
In: Wisconsin Center
It's not going to be at Fiserv Forum, the original main venue. That was scratched when Democrats moved to a more virtual event. Still, the owners of the facility received millions of dollars in payments from the convention's host committee.
The Wisconsin Center is now the main venue, with the convention itself, such as it is, expected to take place in the facility's third-floor exhibition area.
If you've been to a car show, you know what that space looks like.
We do know that the area can accommodate a big political event.
Back in 2012, in the final days of the fall campaign, thousands of people attended a rally for then-President Barack Obama, with pop singer Katy Perry also performing.
More:Republicans fear coronavirus will force scaling back Trump's Florida convention
Not happening: Parties for thousands of delegates, media and volunteers
Probably happening: Protests
There likely will be no delegates. They have been asked to stay away because of the pandemic.
And as for media, it's going to be a small contingent, not the thousands that were once expected.
No one has officially offered an estimated crowd count, but Milwaukee Common Council members have thrown out numbers like 1,000 or 1,500.
There's no telling how many protesters might show up, but the Milwaukee Police Department has ordered plenty of equipment in preparation.
Not happening: Celebrity sightings
Supposedly happening: Joe Biden
Conventions make for great people watching. Back in 2016, Lady Gaga gave an invitation-only concert for Democratic delegates.
Democrats also heard from, among others, comedian Sarah Silverman, actress Elizabeth Banks, director Lee Daniels, and TV stars America Ferrera and Lena Dunham.
Of course, celebrities can make their pitches to the delegates from the comfort of their homes. But it won't be the same.
At least a couple of major politicians are looking to make the trek to the convention.
Presumptive nominee Joe Biden intends to accept the nomination in Milwaukee. His vice-presidential pick is also due here.
What else will be happening: Tough to say
A typical convention has plenty of prime-time speeches plus hundreds of other official and unofficial events, from fundraising to caucusing to networking.
This convention will be anything but typical.
In late June, convention planners said that the "host city Milwaukee would anchor the events for the week, and that programming would include both live broadcasts and curated content from Milwaukee and other satellite cities, locations and landmarks."
Details are still being ironed out.
The main business of the convention will be conducted virtually, with each delegate receiving an individual ballot. The state parties will collect the ballots.
Voting on convention business will begin Aug. 3 and end Aug. 15. Convention week will consist of four nights of programming.
Of course, everything is still subject to change, based on the coronavirus pandemic, with cases surging across the country, including Wisconsin.
Not happening: Wisconsin's moment on the national stage
Happening: There's still 'something about Milwaukee'
One thing is clear: The event has become a huge missed opportunity for Milwaukee.
The city's hopes and dreams will go unrealized.
The convention is a shell of what it was supposed to be, the Ryder Cup is pushed back a year, the Milwaukee Bucks won't be playing for an NBA title at home, the Brewers will be playing baseball in front of no fans, and Summerfest and the State Fair are off.
The software giant last year began testing Project xCloud, which streams video games to tablets, smartphones and other devices. No word on how much the service will cost, but it will include the game "Halo: Infinite," among the 100-plus games playable, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox for Microsoft, announced Thursday in an online post.
"Halo Infinite," unveiled last year, is expected to hit the market concurrently with Microsoft's new console.
Microsoft will add Project xCloud free at no additional cost for those who pay for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service ($14.99), which gives subscribers access to online multiplayer gaming and 100-plus video games to stream, Spencer said. "So when 'Halo Infinite' launches, you and your friends can play together and immerse yourselves in the Halo universe as Master Chief – anywhere you go and across devices," he said.
Video games in 2030:Will I still need a console game system? That depends
'The Last of Us Part II':Video game advances accessibility options for gamers who have disabilities
Cloud gaming and the subscription service can also give players access to new games, "even if you choose to stay with your current console for a while," he said.
The new Xbox Series X will have four times the processing power of the current Xbox One X console, Spencer said.
Microsoft will reveal more details about upcoming Xbox Series X games on Thursday, July 23.
MILWAUKEE – This was supposed to be the week that reintroduced Milwaukee to the world, with 50,000 visitors, round-the-clock parties and the nomination of the Democratic presidential contender to take on President Donald Trump in the fall.
Instead, it's become the week that wasn't.
The Democratic National Convention was due to gavel in July 13 in Milwaukee. Instead, the coronavirus pandemic upended everything.
Now, Democrats, at least a few of them, are due in town Aug. 17-20.
The scale, shape and content of the event remain in flux.
Here's what we know.
Out: Fiserv Forum
In: Wisconsin Center
It's not going to be at Fiserv Forum, the original main venue. That was scratched when Democrats moved to a more virtual event. Still, the owners of the facility received millions of dollars in payments from the convention's host committee.
The Wisconsin Center is now the main venue, with the convention itself, such as it is, expected to take place in the facility's third-floor exhibition area.
If you've been to a car show, you know what that space looks like.
We do know that the area can accommodate a big political event.
Back in 2012, in the final days of the fall campaign, thousands of people attended a rally for then-President Barack Obama, with pop singer Katy Perry also performing.
More:Republicans fear coronavirus will force scaling back Trump's Florida convention
Not happening: Parties for thousands of delegates, media and volunteers
Probably happening: Protests
There likely will be no delegates. They have been asked to stay away because of the pandemic.
And as for media, it's going to be a small contingent, not the thousands that were once expected.
No one has officially offered an estimated crowd count, but Milwaukee Common Council members have thrown out numbers like 1,000 or 1,500.
There's no telling how many protesters might show up, but the Milwaukee Police Department has ordered plenty of equipment in preparation.
Not happening: Celebrity sightings
Supposedly happening: Joe Biden
Conventions make for great people watching. Back in 2016, Lady Gaga gave an invitation-only concert for Democratic delegates.
Democrats also heard from, among others, comedian Sarah Silverman, actress Elizabeth Banks, director Lee Daniels, and TV stars America Ferrera and Lena Dunham.
Of course, celebrities can make their pitches to the delegates from the comfort of their homes. But it won't be the same.
At least a couple of major politicians are looking to make the trek to the convention.
Presumptive nominee Joe Biden intends to accept the nomination in Milwaukee. His vice-presidential pick is also due here.
What else will be happening: Tough to say
A typical convention has plenty of prime-time speeches plus hundreds of other official and unofficial events, from fundraising to caucusing to networking.
This convention will be anything but typical.
In late June, convention planners said that the "host city Milwaukee would anchor the events for the week, and that programming would include both live broadcasts and curated content from Milwaukee and other satellite cities, locations and landmarks."
Details are still being ironed out.
The main business of the convention will be conducted virtually, with each delegate receiving an individual ballot. The state parties will collect the ballots.
Voting on convention business will begin Aug. 3 and end Aug. 15. Convention week will consist of four nights of programming.
Of course, everything is still subject to change, based on the coronavirus pandemic, with cases surging across the country, including Wisconsin.
Not happening: Wisconsin's moment on the national stage
Happening: There's still 'something about Milwaukee'
One thing is clear: The event has become a huge missed opportunity for Milwaukee.
The city's hopes and dreams will go unrealized.
The convention is a shell of what it was supposed to be, the Ryder Cup is pushed back a year, the Milwaukee Bucks won't be playing for an NBA title at home, the Brewers will be playing baseball in front of no fans, and Summerfest and the State Fair are off.
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