Google Stadia and GeForce Now streaming services come to LG smart TVs
LG embraces the cloud
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LG TVsare getting a massive boost in cloud gaming support, with theOLED TVmaker confirming that bothGoogle StadiaandNvidia GeForce Nowwill be coming to its screens in the coming months.
Both of these game streaming services – which allow players to stream games over an internet connection, rather than deal with massive downloads – would be notable news by themselves, but bringing both in the same year is certainly a big play.
GoogleStadia launched to no small amount of hype in 2019, though its growth has been somewhat slow, with a limited lineup ofStadia gamesand a pay-per-title business model rather than an all-you-can-eat buffet (though you can getDestiny 2,Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, andCyberpunk 2077, among others). You can get 1080p streaming and stereo sound on the free / base tier, but need to pay a monthly fee to get4K resolutionand and 5.1 surround sound.
NvidiaGeForce Now launched around the same time, if because of a handful of delays – but it’s a much more accessible service up front. There’s a Free tier which enables you to stream games you already own onSteamwithout Stadia’s monthly subscription fee; the paid-for Founders edition ($4.99 per month in the US) fast-tracks you past server queues and even enablesray tracing(something you won’t get on Stadia).
Stadia has something of a sleeker interface, as well as a stylishStadia controller, but GeForce Now’s ability to stream gamesyou already ownmay tempt many to opt for it over Google’s service. Either way, the fact thatLGhas opted for both, rather than pick one service to back, will only be good for consumers in the long run – and helps cement LG’s reputation as a maker ofgaming TVs.
A long time coming
LG has made no secret of its gaming ambitions, with its 2020OLEDTVs boasting a sub-1ms input lag and featuring Nvidia’s G-Sync technology for reducing screen tears for PC-connected play.
This latter feature definitely only affected a minority of gamers, though – something our Computing Editortook a strongly negative view on. It does, however, seemed to have lain the groundwork for more fruitful collaboration between Nvidia and LG.
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There’s competition for both services, of course, withMicrosoft’s Cloud Gaming (formerlyProject xCloud) service now being bundled for free withXbox Game Pass Ultimate, and allowing you to streamXbox Game Pass gameson a multitude of different devices. If you’re in the Xbox ecosystem, it’s a no brainer, but we expect there’ll be room for more than one game streaming service in the long run (even ifPS Nowbarely gets a look in these days).
PS5andXbox Series Xgame consoles will supply competition too, with LG’s 2021 OLED TVs coming with fourHDMI 2.1ports, VRR (variable refresh rate), and a “Game Optimizer” function to keep input lag below 1ms.
Both Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now are slated to land onLG TVsin the second half of 2021. We’ll be sure to update you when more specific timings are announced.
Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former News & Features Editor for TechRadar, where he specialized in home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, projectors, soundbars, and smart speakers. Other bylines include Edge, T3, iMore, GamesRadar, NBC News, Healthline, and The Times.
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