In 2019, Microsoft released a preview of its ambitious game streaming service called Project xCloud. The service targets to provide games to any kind of screen, be it in PC, gaming console, or mobile. The service was initially released to Android users, but today Microsoft launches the Project xCloud preview to iOS devices through the TestFlight program of the Cupertino company.
Project xCloud's iOS Preview
On Twitter, Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb shared some details of the Project xCloud preview on iOS devices. The TestFlight program on Apple for the game streaming service of Microsoft started on Wednesday. But, the iOS preview would be a little bit different from the Android due to program policies, says Hyrb.
Differences between Android and iOS Project xCloud
According to Hyrb, the iOS preview of Project xCloud is only available in the UK, the US, and Canada. Because of the App Store policy, Hryb noted that the TestFlgiht preview would start with one game, which is the "Halo: The Master Chief Collection." Additionally, because the preview is on iOS TestFlight, only 10,000 testers would be allowed to try. Moreover, unlike in the Android preview, the iOS preview does not include Xbox Console Streaming, reported Hyrb.
How To Participate in the Project xCloud Limited iOS TestFlight Preview
To participate in the limited iOS TestFlight Preview of Project xCloud, one should have a Microsoft account linked to the user's Xbox gamertag. One should also have an iPad or iPhone on iOS 13 or higher with Bluetooth version 4.0. Moreover, the user must have an Xbox One Wireless Controller, which is Bluetooth-enabled to participate in the TestFlight.
There must be a mobile data or WiFi connection of at least 10 Mbps bandwidth. If the user uses WiFi, there must be at least a 5 GHz connection. For optional but recommended a requirement, the user must have a third-party controller if he is a phone-based player.
Xbox Series X
A few days ago, Xbox Boss Phil Spencer said in an interview that he does not think of PlayStation 5 or Nintendo as a direct competitor of the Xbox Series X. The Xbox boss reveals that Xbox Series X is preparing to take on Google and Amazon on their game streaming service. With the launch of the Project xCloud on iOS, it looks like Spencer's statement is shaping up as early as now.
Game streaming is not yet mainstream in the industry. But, it is a multi-billion dollar industry with a promising potential that attracts a lot of big names in the tech and gaming industry.
