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Revolutionizing GamePad Input for Chrome and Edge Users
Microsoft is making significant strides to improve gaming experiences on Chromium-based browsers by cutting down the latency of GamePad inputs on Windows 11. This enhancement comes as part of an effort to refine how web-based apps and games interact with game controllers, creating a more fluid and responsive gameplay environmentâespecially important for browser-based gaming enthusiasts.
Historically, gamers using controllers like the Xbox GamePad with browsers such as Chrome or Edge experienced noticeable delays between input and on-screen reaction. This issue stemmed from the browsersâ polling-based method of detecting GamePad actions. While functional, it was far from seamless, leading to a sluggish gameplay feel.
Microsoft now proposes a major shift in how input is captured. By replacing the traditional navigator.getGamepads() polling system with a new event-driven model called rawgamepadinputchange, browsers will be able to respond instantly to user actions. This change promises to make controller performance on par with the near-instantaneous response typically enjoyed with keyboard and mouse inputs.
The benefits extend beyond casual browser gaming. Game streaming platforms that rely on precise input replication will gain from this upgrade, as every controller input can now be captured and transmitted with minimal delay. Additionally, Chrome users can expect improvements in HDR video rendering, with richer, more vibrant color reproduction rolling out in version 24H2 of Windows 11.
This development signals Microsoftâs broader commitment to enhancing web-based user experiences and optimizing cross-platform compatibility in gaming and multimedia scenarios.
What Undercode Say:
Microsoftâs overhaul of GamePad handling in Chromium browsers marks a forward-thinking step in web gaming evolution. The problem with latency in GamePad input has long stood in contrast to the high-speed performance users expect from keyboards and mice. Although the lag wasnât debilitating, it certainly created a perceptible disconnect for gamers who value precision and speed.
The move to shift from a polling-based detection method to an event-driven system is a classic example of improving performance through smarter programming paradigms. Polling is inherently inefficient in latency-sensitive environments because it checks for input in fixed intervals. This means even if you press a button instantly, the system may wait a few milliseconds before registering the action. In gaming, especially in fast-paced titles, that can be a game-changing disadvantage.
By implementing rawgamepadinputchange, Microsoft is allowing input events to be registered in real-time. This mirrors how operating systems detect and act on keyboard or mouse input, and applying it to GamePads essentially levels the playing field between input devices. It also makes browser gaming more viable for titles that require tight control responses, such as platformers, racers, or even rhythm games.
But beyond just gameplay, this update matters to the broader web-based application ecosystem. Many modern services, especially those related to cloud gaming and virtual desktop infrastructure, are browser-dependent. Applications like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Google Stadia (before its shutdown) all illustrate the growing reliance on browsers for rich, interactive content. Reducing latency in this environment translates directly into improved user experience.
The upgrade is especially vital as more devices integrate controller-based navigationâeven smart TVs and touchscreens now support controllers. If browsers become as responsive to GamePads as they are to keyboards, this could change how we interact with web apps across devices.
The timing aligns well with another Microsoft-backed improvementâHDR optimization in Chrome. While HDR support is not directly linked to GamePad responsiveness, both fall under the umbrella of performance enhancements aimed at elevating multimedia consumption on Windows 11. Better visuals and smoother controls may finally make Chrome and Edge the default environment for more than just casual browsing.
Ultimately, Microsoftâs contribution reflects a trend in which browsers evolve beyond static content rendering into powerful runtime environments capable of delivering console-grade interactivity. And with Chrome adopting the changes soon, users across platforms will benefitânot just Edge loyalists.
Fact Checker Results:
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Microsoft is indeed replacing polling with rawgamepadinputchange in Chromium
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The new input method is designed to reduce latency across Chrome and Edge
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HDR video improvements in Chrome are also confirmed for Windows 11 24H2 đźđșâĄ
Prediction:
As Microsoftâs low-latency GamePad API rolls out, expect to see a spike in browser-based gaming adoption and development. More developers will begin designing web games with controller support in mind, and services like Xbox Cloud Gaming may become even more seamless through the browser. Furthermore, this could open the door for native support of more complex input systemsâincluding VR controllersâwithin Chromium browsers.
References:
Reported By: www.windowslatest.com
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