Microsoft has been making several changes to its cloud gaming service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, since the summer. In July, the company introduced a free version of the service supported by advertisements, but with restrictions on how long users could play. Then, in early September, Microsoft announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming on Game Pass would be limited to 15 hours per month, even for users on the most expensive subscription plan, which had previously offered unlimited access. This new limit will take effect on November 3. Additionally, users with Samsung televisions released in 2020 will no longer be able to access Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows playing Xbox games via streaming without needing a console. Jez Corden, chief editor of Windows Central, owns one of these 2020 Samsung televisions. On September 30, he received an email from Microsoft stating that the Xbox application would no longer be available on these models starting November 3. Affected users will need to use a different screen or upgrade their television to continue using the service. Just months ago, Microsoft was promoting the idea of console-free gaming, even using the slogan "This is an Xbox" to highlight that games could be played on various screens, including Samsung's connected refrigerator. Xbox Cloud Gaming was available on Samsung televisions as early as June 2022 through the Samsung Gaming Hub, a gaming portal built into these devices. In its explanation, Microsoft said that updates to the technology behind Xbox Cloud Gaming are no longer compatible with the operating system on the 2020 Samsung models. However, Jez Corden is skeptical. He points out that in cloud gaming, the game runs on Microsoft's servers, and the television only displays the video and sends control inputs. He compares the Xbox app to streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video, which are not expected to disappear from these same televisions. Corden suggests a more cynical possibility: that removing support for 2020 Samsung models might help Microsoft reduce bandwidth costs, as these devices are among the most commonly used third-party screens for Xbox Cloud Gaming. According to Windows Central, Xbox Cloud Gaming may not be profitable under its current model. If you own a Samsung television, it is important to check its release year before November 3. For models from 2020, Microsoft recommends using devices listed on the Xbox website, such as newer Samsung televisions, PCs, smartphones, tablets, or Xbox consoles.