Microsoft's Project xCloud Game Streaming Preview Launches In US And UK
Microsoft has launched the preview of the Project xCloud game streaming service. The xCloud preview opened yesterday afternoon and is available for gamers in the U.S., U.K., and Korea. The caveat is that players must be invited to the beta, and invites are going out now.
The xCloud beta kicks off with streaming limited to Gears 5, Halo 5: Guardians, Killer Instinct, and Sea of Thieves during the initial preview of the service. Microsoft's Kareem Choudhry, cloud gaming head, says that the xCloud test will allow Microsoft to test in a broader capacity with a range of gamers, devices, network environments, and real-world use scenarios.
Halo 5 via ProjectXcloud captured on my Galaxy S10. pic.twitter.com/0uq8YEZX2v
— Ⓜasterchiefin (@Masterchiefin21) October 15, 2019
Last month, Microsoft was signing users up for a chance to participate in the preview. To participate, gamers need an Android phone or tablet that is running Android 6.0 or higher. Gamers' devices also need 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 support, a Microsoft account, and a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controller to play on Project xCloud. More games will be added to the content catalog over time.
Microsoft also notes that it is working with carriers to test the game streaming service. In Korea, Microsoft is working with SK Telecom, and it has partnerships in place with T-Mobile in the States and Vodafone in the UK to optimize xCloud for mobile networks. Microsoft is putting in significant effort to ensure that the Project xCloud service is optimized for the widest range of network configurations possible.
Proud of the #ProjectxCloud team for launching the public preview – it’s an exciting time at Xbox. Invitations are rolling out now and will continue over the coming weeks. We’re excited for all of you to help shape the future of game streaming.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) October 14, 2019
There is still time for fans to sign up to participate in the preview by registering here. Microsoft previously said that gamers won't need to own an Xbox since the games are streamed from the cloud.
