Google to launch video-game streaming platform Stadia
Google says it plans to launch a video-game streaming
platform called Stadia, positioning itself to take on the traditional
video-game business, AP reported.
The platform lets gamers playing Stadia jump across devices
operating on Google’s Chrome browser and Chrome OS, such as Pixel phones and
Chromebooks.
Alphabet Inc.’s Google says playing video games will be as
simple as pressing a “Play Now” button, without anything to download. There is
a dedicated Stadia controller that is optional.
No launch date or pricing was announced but the company says
Stadia will be available in 2019 in the US, Canada, the UK and parts of Europe.
Video game streaming typically requires a strong connection
and more computing power than simply streaming video. Google says it is leveraging
its data centers to power the system.