Nvidia's GeForce Now brings 1600p game streaming to M1 MacBook Ars Technica

2021-12-14 14:24:01 By : Ms. koko zhou

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Scharon Harding-December 10, 2021 at 5:13 PM UTC

Nvidia's GeForce Now, like Google Stadia, allows you to stream PC games to your computer, even if it is not functional enough to run the game locally. Nvidia's data center transfers content from the cloud, which means you can play advanced games on thin and light Windows laptops or even MacBooks. When looking for a modern GPU is like looking for a unicorn, the idea of ​​game streaming starts to make more sense.

Of course, there are some caveats. There will definitely be some delay, whether it comes from delays, Internet connection issues, or excess bandwidth. Although gaming services like GeForce Now are designed to make it easier to run PC games on the Mac, users of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have to make another sacrifice: resolution.

The native resolution of MacBook Air is 2560×1600, as is the 13-inch MacBook Pro. If this looks like a strange resolution, it is because the laptop uses a 16:10 aspect ratio. 16:9 is still the most common aspect ratio in notebook computers, and 2560×1440 is also more common. GeForce Now users with MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro have to use this resolution, which is technically inferior to the original Mac resolution (4,096,000 vs. 3,686,400 pixels).

On Thursday, Nvidia announced the 2.0.36 version of its game streaming service, with updates that include the ability to play on Macs at 1600p. Of course, there is one caveat. You must subscribe to the highest level of GeForce Now.

RTX 3080 level is $100 for 6 months, while priority level and free level are $50 for 6 months or $10 a month, which limits you to one hour of game session. In other words, we tested GeForce Now's RTX 3080 layer in October and found that the performance was impressive, even at higher resolutions.

In addition to 1600p MacBook games, the RTX 3080 layer also offers the longest game session length (8 hours), a claimed frame rate of up to 120 frames per second, and support for 4K-although as of press time, this layer is in "pre-order" status . Currently, Nvidia is also launching a copy of Crysis Remastered.

Nvidia’s announcement did not mention the 2021 MacBook Pro. Their resolutions were 3024×1964 (14 inches) and 3456×2234 (16 inches). For those who keep track of it, its aspect ratio is approximately 15.4:10, making it a bit higher than the newly upgraded M1 MacBooks GeForce Now.

The latest GeForce Now update also adds some games to the service:

The Green team pointed out that it plans to add Syberia: The World Before sometime after its release in March.

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