GeForce Now Coming to iOS via Browser, Stadia and xCloud Will Follow

The premise behind the service cloud gaming It's actually quite simple: with only a fast and stable internet connection, customers can play various games game AAA made for PC as well as consul through a variety of devices, including smartphone and tablets.

But if we stop by the site belonging to the three services cloud gaming the biggest one out there – GeForce Now, Stadiaand xCloud (Xbox Game Pass) - apparently what was meant smartphone and tablets does not cover platform iOS at all. No, this doesn't mean that all three are pro-Android, but rather because policies that Apple sets for the App Store, which basically doesn't allow the existence of the app cloud gaming.

In order to reach iOS users, service providers cloud gaming actually only have two options: 1) list one by one game offered to the App Store, which means each game have to go through the procedure review standard App Store, or 2) offer its services in the form of web app which can be accessed via browser (Safari).

The three services apparently decided to take the second option, regardless of the different business models implemented by each service. Nvidia was the first to get started; As of November 19, 2020, iPhone and iPad users (in supported countries) can access GeForce Now by visiting the site play.geforcenow.com of Safari.

This isn't actually the first time GeForce Now is available as a web app, because previously this service was already available for Chromebooks using a similar technology.

If it can be accessed from browser, then why should there be a separate application? Well, web app it is not without drawbacks. Its biggest drawback by far is the lack of support for connecting mouse and keyboard due to limitations framework WebRTC used. As a result, a number of game specifically designed to be played with mouse and keyboard should be removed from the GeForce Now for iOS catalog.

Interestingly, the presence of GeForce Now in Safari also means that Fortnite will be back on iOS through the service once it's official kicked out since last August. Nvidia is even preparing a special version so GeForce Now users can play Fortnite on iOS devices without assistance controller nor gamepad.

From Google, they confirmed they are busy brew Stadia version web app for iOS device users to enjoy. If all goes according to plan, Google intends to release it a few weeks from now.

Turning to Microsoft, they have so far not had an official statement regarding the availability of xCloud on iOS, but in last October, Business Insider reports that Microsoft already has the intention to offer xCloud also in the form of web app. Even newcomers Amazon Moon Even from a long time ago, he had confirmed that his service would be available on iOS via email browser.

Does this mean iOS device users will get the experience cloud gaming different from Android users? It seems so, because in terms of application performance native often superior to web app, not to mention about limitations such as the absence of compatibility mouse and keyboard that was it.

It seems like imposing, but in reality, the iOS device market share is quite large, especially in countries where these services are available. Will it be like this next? Will Apple change its mind and allow apps in the future? cloud gaming on the App Store? We'll see how it develops later.

Sumber: Engadget and Nvidia.