Google Stadia finally comes to newer LG TVs

LG

It took almost a year, but Google Stadia is finally available in newer LG TVs. If you have an LG TV running on webOS 5.0 or 6.0 (which is 2020 or newer), you can use Google's cloud gaming service without using a media device or PC as a go-between. You will need a compatible gamepad, which can be a Stadia Controller or other standard console pads.

LG recommends you use it with one of its OLED TVs, citing fast response times, low latency, and 4K HDR visuals (at least for Stadia Pro users). But you can still use its other compatible televisions just fine. You can access Stadia through the LG Content Store in the 22 countries where the service exists.

Source: Engadget

Google Stadia lets you join multiplayer games without an invite

Google

It's a long time coming, but Google has finally given Stadia users the ability to join multiplayer games without needing an invite. The feature is already live on Far Cry 6, so you can invite friends to join you without having to dig into the menus and issue an invite. 

Google says the feature is available on "select games" and disabled by default, but The Verge and 9to5Google pointed out it is enabled by default. It works on the Stadia app for Android and the web version that runs on iOS.

'Humankind' brings 'direct touch' to Google Stadia on mobile

Touch controls on 'Humankind'

Amplitude Studios' strategy game, Humankind, will be bringing a new touch-focused control scheme to Google Stadia. "Direct touch" is designed around multitouch finger inputs, similar to what you get with traditional mobile games. It's a feature currently unavailable on Stadia on your smartphone as it requires a Bluetooth controller or gamepad overlay.

Humankind will also feature Stadia's State Share feature, which gives your friend a chance to pick up where you left off in a game just by sharing a screenshot or video clip with them. With this title, you can use a feature called "Leave Your Mark," where you allow your friend to play through your same world, find the ruins of your civilization, and compare achievements as they play.

Click to read more ...

Google Stadia for Web finally gets search

Google

Google Stadia is finally bringing search to the web this week. It will make it easier for you to search for your favourite titles. The Stadia team also says a new UI rolling out this week will make it easier to sort your library. It'll help you keep track of your purchased, free, and Pro games.

Aside from that, the Stadia team also teased upcoming features that will come to the service, including an activity feed where you can share your best video captures and help friends find your game states with State Share. It'll also be a way for you to find content from other players. Stadia will also let you directly access the service through an Android web browser instead of the app. And if you want to bulk delete captures, you'll be able to do so on the web soon.

Source: Google Stadia