The latest version of Microsoft Edge has made the browser even better for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Microsoft Edge version 103 introduced two new game modes to your browser. These are Clarity Boost and a new Efficiency Mode, and both seem to be perfect for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Microsoft announced the additions through its Windows Experience Blog (opens in new tab) – although the new game options have been in testing since March. But finally, the features have come to the latest public version of Microsoft Edge, which you can update now.
Both Clarity Boost and Efficiency modes are unique Edge features. Clarity Boost is described by Microsoft as a “spatial upscaling enhancement” and makes the image appear clearer and sharper when playing over the cloud in your browser. Check out the image below to see the difference Clarity Boost makes in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The latest version of Edge also sees the addition of the aforementioned efficiency mode. This reduces the resource load on your browser when playing cloud-based games, leading to an increase in performance. This feature can be turned on or off in Edge’s system and performance settings tab.
Microsoft Edge: The Gamer’s Browser?
These latest Edge updates show that Microsoft is serious about making its browser the top choice for gamers. This is especially true if you have the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription required to access the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
With the subscription, you don’t even need an Xbox console to access the service’s games. If they can be played on the cloud, they can be accessed on a Microsoft phone, tablet or web browser. These new performance options should make cloud gaming much more affordable on a variety of hardware and look much nicer to boot.
Of course, Xbox Cloud Gaming can also be accessed through other browsers, including Google Chrome and Safari. However, the new performance-enhancing features can only be found in Microsoft Edge.
We don’t think these game-centric updates to Edge will be enough to drive people away from other popular browsers en masse. But it’s nice to see Microsoft finally give its browser the upper hand (no pun intended) when it comes to accessing cloud games without a console.