- Integration of Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) in vehicles with LG webOS Automotive.
- Requires Game Pass Ultimate, car data plan, and Bluetooth controller.
- Cloud catalog with Forza Horizon 5, Gears of War: Reloaded and more.
- Kia is tipped to be the first brand in Europe to offer ACP-compatible models.
Microsoft's next cloud gaming venture is targeting the dashboard: Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) will be integrated into select vehicles equipped with LG's webOS Automotive Content Platform (ACP). To use it, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and an in-car data plan will be required , similar to other connected car features.
The Xbox app will allow users to stream compatible cloud-based titles, including notable games like Forza Horizon 5 , the recent Gears of War: Reloaded , and the highly anticipated The Outer Worlds 2. Regarding safety, Microsoft states that the system complies with regulations, limiting its use to passengers and/or situations where the vehicle is stopped to avoid distracting the driver.
How it will work in vehicles
Access will be similar to using a TV or mobile device: simply log in to the Xbox app available on the webOS ACP infotainment system and pair a compatible controller via Bluetooth. From there, you can launch the game from the cloud without local installation , provided there is good data coverage in the car.
The experience is designed to allow passengers to make the most of downtime, such as recharging at a station or taking a break en route. To prevent misuse, the vehicle's interface and restrictions prioritize playback only when it won't distract the driver , and may even limit viewing to rear-seat passengers, depending on the manufacturer.
Performance will depend on connection quality, so a stable network is recommended to minimize latency and interruptions. Microsoft notes that the service remains in Beta , with ongoing improvements to compatibility and stability as it rolls out to more models and regions.
Availability and brands involved
Neither Microsoft nor LG has yet announced a specific launch date for the Xbox app within webOS ACP, but all indications suggest that the first cars in Europe could be Kias. LG has an agreement with the brand to integrate its platform into models such as the EV3, EV4, EV5, and the new Sportage , which would facilitate the arrival of the Xbox app to these vehicles once the rollout is complete.
The proposal fits with the entertainment offering already available on ACP, where apps like Netflix , Disney+ , and YouTube are already offered. LG's goal is to provide an in-car screen experience as close as possible to that of a smartphone or smart TV , with easy access to content and cloud services.
Available catalog and cloud gaming
With Game Pass Ultimate, you can stream a wide selection of games from the Xbox Cloud Gaming catalog, including blockbuster titles and recent releases. Microsoft specifically mentions Forza Horizon 5 , Gears of War: Reloaded , and The Outer Worlds 2 as examples, in addition to the ability to stream some titles already purchased from your personal library.
Among the user-owned games mentioned are Bugsnax , Don't Starve, and Mafia: The Old Country , provided they are enabled for cloud gaming. As with other devices, the compatibility list may change over time , so it's advisable to check the official list of Xbox Cloud Gaming-compatible titles if you're looking for a specific game.
Requirements and recommended configuration
For a smooth experience, in addition to an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you'll need a vehicle data plan with good coverage, a compatible Bluetooth controller, and the Xbox app installed on the webOS ACP system. In practice, the process boils down to three steps: sign in, pair the controller, and select the game.
- Game Pass Ultimate active to access the cloud.
- Car data connection with adequate speed and stability.
- Bluetooth controller compatible with the Xbox app.
- Car model with webOS Automotive Content Platform (ACP) from LG.
Just like with mobile phones and TVs, visual quality and latency depend on the network. If multiple devices in the car are sharing data simultaneously, it may be advisable to prioritize bandwidth for the Xbox app, if possible, within the system settings.
Security and usage scenarios
Microsoft emphasizes that the priority is to avoid distractions while driving. The features are designed for when the car is stationary or for passenger entertainment, with implementations that, according to the manufacturer, restrict playback on screens visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
Beyond the journey itself, the proposal fits into very specific contexts: waiting at a charging station, accompanying a long trip from the back seat, or taking advantage of a rest stop on the road. In all cases, the integration aims to transform the vehicle into a small, connected entertainment center , without replacing other options such as music or video on demand.
Strategy: Play wherever you are
The alliance between Microsoft and LG aligns with the idea of bringing games to more platforms, following their rollout on mobile devices, PCs, and televisions. "We want to be where the gamers are and bring the fun to more places and experiences ," summarizes the Xbox division's approach to this integration.
With cars joining the list of devices compatible with the Xbox cloud, the company is reinforcing its commitment to ubiquitous gaming and an ecosystem that extends beyond the console. The key will continue to be balancing ease of use, performance, and the safety regulations imposed by the automotive environment.
If the deadlines are met and the rollout begins in the planned models with webOS ACP, passengers will gain a new way to enjoy the catalog in the cloud, with the added benefit of Game Pass Ultimate and no installation required. With a Bluetooth controller, a good data plan in the car, and the Xbox app, the "play anywhere" experience now extends to the vehicle's interior.
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