Xcloud (or Project Xcloud, as it was once referred to) is Microsoft’s new streaming service that allows you to play a select number of Xbox games on many devices. Project xCloud was the name of our public cloud gaming technology preview and was the first chapter of a multi-year journey. Starting September 15, we will offer our cloud gaming technology as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate memberships at no additional cost. As we move to this next chapter, we are closing registration to Project xCloud (Preview) starting August 4, and will formally close the public preview. Microsoft previously tested xCloud on iOS as an app, but had to cancel the project due to Apple's App Store guidelines. Once the new service exits beta testing, users will be able to play Xbox.

Apple Revises Its xCloud Ban, but Microsoft Isn't Happy. Apple now allows game streaming services on the App Store, but the new rules are strict. Recently, Microsoft expressed its dismay when Apple banned Project xCloud from the App Store. Now, Apple has revised its guidelines to allow game streaming services, but Microsoft isn't pleased with.

Microsoft has extended its xCloud, the cloud-based game streaming service, to iOS and iPad devices as well as PCs and Macs across 22 countries.

Ina blog post on Monday, Microsoft announced that streaming over xCloud is now set to 1080p at up to 60 frames per second with a decent internet connection, powered by Xbox Series X consoles.

As an invite-only beta, Microsoft xCloud has been included in Xbox Game Pass since mid-April 2021. As of right now, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it and more than 100 games anywhere they have an iOS device, a PC, or a Mac.

Catherine Gluckstein, vice president & head of product of Xbox Cloud Gaming, expressed in a blog post,

“Today marks a key milestone in our journey to bring the Xbox experience to all gamers, and we can’t wait for you to begin playing. I remember about three years ago, the first time I picked up a phone and played a cloud game, using nothing but touch controls. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, where the beauty of the graphics mixed with the creativity of technology to create something truly magical. So, from Team Xbox to you, we hope you experience more joy and connection through gaming anywhere and everywhere.”

According to Microsoft, the xCloud on iOS will act as a web-based app through Safari, and it is allowing the users to choose between a controller or touch controls for particular games. While on PCs, xCloud will act through the Edge browser and Chrome. Similarly, for Macs, the xCloud service will be supported by Microsoft Edge and Safari.

Microsoft is also making significant changes to the overall gaming experience. Xbox cloud gaming now will be powered by custom Xbox series hardware. Microsoft is also keen to upgrade the datacenters around the globe to provide users faster load time and improved frame rates.

In February, Microsoft had begun testing its xCloud game streaming through a web browser. The report shows that employees were, at that time, testing xCloud on a web browser ahead of a public launch.

Apple’s App Store guidelines had been offering resistance to Microsoft for bringing xCloud on iOS. It wasn’t long before Apple caved, allowing them to run “through the web.” In September last year,new rules have been put in place by Apple’s App Store to address many of the issues raised over the management of the iPhone-specific digital storefront.

After having to scrap its plan to offer an iOS app due to Apple’s App Store policies, Xbox is officially moving ahead with the web-based xCloud public beta for iOS. The release comes after an early preview last year that gave a first look at xCloud running on iPhone, iPad, and more.

The first Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to start playing titles on iPhone, iPad, and PC tomorrow, April 20, via the web. Xbox announced the news in a blog post today (via The Verge). For now, xCloud for iOS and PC is an invite-only beta but it is a notable step forward after the early preview that Microsoft offered.

Project Xcloud Macbook Pro

Starting tomorrow, if you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can check to see if you’ve been invited to public xCloud beta and access it for iOS and PC on Xbox’s landing page here.

Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin sending out invites to select Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to start testing the Xbox Cloud Gaming limited beta for Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets via web browsers.

While the early preview for iOS started with just Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the official public beta will feature access over 100 Xbox Game Pass titles.

What Is Project Xcloud

The xCloud beta works with Safari, Chrome, and Edge. In testing back in February, my colleague Bradley Chambers found it truly felt like a beta with considerable lag, but found it impressive and convenient to play console games on iOS. All in all, it looks like xCloud for iOS has a lot of potential.

Microsoft says it will continue inviting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to the beta and open up xCloud on iOS and PC to all subscribers “in the coming months.”

Project Xcloud Beta Ios

While a compatible USB or Bluetooth controller is needed to play all available xCloud games, 50 titles will work with custom touch controls.

Project Xcloud Mac

The limited beta is our time to test and learn; we’ll send out more invites on a continuous basis to players in all 22 supported countries, evaluate feedback, continue to improve the experience, and add support for more devices. Our plan is to iterate quickly and open up to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the coming months so more people have the opportunity to play Xbox in all-new ways.

Xbox Project Xcloud Iphone

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