Nvidia Announces Native Linux and Fire TV Apps for GeForce Now

Nvidia has finalized the rollout of its RTX 5080 hardware for the GeForce Now cloud gaming service. With this infrastructure upgrade complete, the company is shifting focus to software expansion. New native applications are planned for Linux and Amazon's Fire TV platforms.

These updates are designed to broaden the service's reach. The Linux app specifically addresses a highly requested feature from the user base. Previously, Linux users had to utilize unofficial apps or browser tweaks to access the service. The upcoming native support aims to streamline this experience significantly.

In addition to the operating system updates, Nvidia is introducing flight control support for the cloud gaming service. The rollout will begin with a beta version for Linux, specifically targeting Ubuntu 24.04 and newer versions. This expansion marks a significant step in making cloud gaming more accessible across diverse hardware setups.

The foundation for these new features is the successful deployment of Nvidia's latest silicon. The RTX 5080 rollout for the GeForce Now service is now fully complete. This hardware upgrade ensures that the cloud gaming infrastructure is ready to support the increased demand and new features announced.

With the backend hardware secured, Nvidia is pivoting to client-side accessibility. The company is leveraging the new hardware capabilities to enhance the user experience across different devices. This includes optimizing performance for the upcoming Linux and Fire TV applications.

The completion of the hardware upgrade serves as a catalyst for the software announcements. It signals that the service is stable enough to branch out into new operating systems and device categories. Subscribers can expect the new features to roll out in the coming months.

Perhaps the most significant announcement for the open-source community is the development of a native Linux application. This has been identified as a highly requested feature by the GeForce Now subscriber base. Until now, accessing the service on Linux required workarounds.

Users have historically relied on unofficial apps or various browser tweaks to get the service running. The native app will eliminate the need for these third-party solutions. It represents a commitment by Nvidia to support the Linux gaming ecosystem officially.

The initial release will be a beta version. It is scheduled to support Ubuntu 24.04 and newer distributions. This specific versioning suggests Nvidia is targeting the most current and widely used Linux environments first.

Alongside the desktop Linux expansion, Nvidia is also targeting the living room. Plans are in place to launch a native app for Amazon's Fire TV devices. This move aims to bring the cloud gaming experience directly to television screens without the need for external hardware like PCs or consoles.

Fire TV integration allows subscribers to play high-end games on their TVs using the Fire TV Stick or set-top boxes. This expands the utility of the service beyond traditional computer monitors. It positions GeForce Now as a direct competitor to other TV-based gaming platforms.

The combination of Linux and Fire TV support demonstrates a strategy to cover both productivity and entertainment environments. Whether on a Linux desktop or a Fire TV in the living room, users will have official access to the cloud library.

Further diversifying the service's capabilities, Nvidia is adding flight control support. While the source text does not detail specific peripherals, this feature typically refers to support for specialized input devices such as flight sticks, yokes, and rudder pedals.

This addition is crucial for simulation enthusiasts. Games like flight simulators require precise input that standard controllers cannot provide. Native support ensures that these devices work seamlessly with the cloud-streamed game.

The inclusion of flight control support highlights Nvidia's focus on catering to niche gaming genres. It ensures that the cloud infrastructure can handle the specific latency and input requirements of complex simulation hardware.

Nvidia is aggressively expanding the accessibility of GeForce Now. By completing the RTX 5080 rollout, the company has laid the groundwork for a multi-platform future. The introduction of native apps for Linux and Amazon Fire TV addresses key market segments that were previously underserved.

The move to support Linux natively removes barriers for a dedicated community of users. Simultaneously, the Fire TV app opens up cloud gaming to a broader audience in the living room. The addition of flight control support further cements the service's versatility.

As the beta for Ubuntu 24.04 approaches, subscribers can look forward to a more integrated and seamless experience. These developments signal a maturing cloud gaming market where platform exclusivity is becoming less of a barrier.