Apple’s newly revised App Store guidelines, issued Friday, technically pave the way for cloud-based gaming services like Microsoft’s xCloud and Google Stadia to launch on iOS. But the new rules, which include a requirement that individual games be offered as stand-alone apps in the store, still seem onerous enough that Microsoft and Google won’t want to jump through Apple’s hoops.
The guidelines would mean that Microsoft, which is launching its Xbox streaming service xCloud on Sept. 15 on Android but not iOS, could offer a “catalog app” listing all the games users can play. However, each game must still be available as an individual app downloaded from the App Store; the catalog app could only link out to them.
“All the games included in the catalog app must link to an individual App Store product page,” the guidelines say. Stadia and xCloud would also have to let users sign in with their Apple ID, and allow customers to pay for their subscription through an in-app purchase — which, of course, generates a cut for Apple, typically 30%.
Polygon reached out to Microsoft and Google to ask for their reaction to the revisions, and whether they find them feasible. A Google Stadia spokesperson declined to comment; a Microsoft representative said they were looking into the issue. Apple made the changes in advance of the release of iOS 14, which is expected later in September.
In early August, Microsoft had strong words for Apple in discussing the company’s previous position forbidding cloud services like xCloud and Stadia from Apple devices. “Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass,” a Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge at the time.
xCloud will be included as part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate program. The cloud-based service allows players to stream games from Game Pass’ library to devices such as smartphones and tablets. Stadia, which launched at the end of 2019, works on a variety of devices, including phones with the Android 10 operating system or later, but is not compatible with iOS devices.
CNBC, in reporting on the App Store revision Friday, noted that each of the 251 games currently available to subscribers of Xbox Game Pass would need to have some functionality when downloaded from the App Store, and that each game would require its own developer relationship with Apple.
The lockout of Stadia and xCloud, and Apple’s insistence on control that other platform holders don’t expect — oversight that the company doesn’t require for nongaming services, such as Netflix — is somewhat related to the company’s row with Epic Games. In both cases, Apple is requiring any transaction to be processed through its systems.
Apple says it does this to ensure that the App Store is “a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps.” Epic Games belittled that argument, saying it processes millions of transactions through Fortnite securely on other platforms. In August, Epic began offering a payment option for Fortnite’s premium currency that circumvented Apple’s in-app payment requirements. That led to the game’s removal from the App Store, and the lawsuit that Epic immediately filed in response.
With regard to Stadia and xCloud, Apple has pointed to its prerogative to curate and approve every game available to App Store customers, effectively giving users an endorsement that the product works and is trustworthy. Critics say that’s another self-serving variation covering the real motive — again, a 30% cut of revenue, in exchange for access to a marketplace of more than 1.4 billion iOS devices worldwide.
There have been exceptions to Apple’s proscription on streaming services to its devices. The PlayStation 4 Remote Play app, which launched in March 2019, and Valve’s Steam Link, neither of which involve subscriptions or extra purchases, work on iOS devices. But Steam Link originally launched in 2018 without Apple support, over a vague conflict with Apple rules at the time.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
