Project xCloud is aiming to be the future of Xbox gaming

Project xCloud is aiming to be the future of Xbox gaming

Microsoft will start public trials for its rival to Google Stadia next month, with games including Sea Of Thieves and Gears 5.

What Microsoft refers to as public previews for Project xCloud will start this October in the U.S., UK, and South Korea, and you can sign up for them from today.

Project xCloud, which is just a codename, was first unveiled this time last year and is a way of playing any Xbox One game on any digital device, by streaming it online as you would Netflix.

We got to try it out at E3 in June but theres nothing you can really learn from that, as the real test will be whether it works using ordinary home broadband. And thats exactly what the previews intend to find out.

How to sign up for Project xCloud preview

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To take part in the preview youll need a phone or tablet running Android 6.0 or higher with Bluetooth 4.0, a Microsoft account, a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One wireless controller and, ideally, a phone mount to attach your phone to the controller (like you see in all the videos).

Microsoft will start sending out invites in the coming weeks, although only a small number of participants will be able to take part at first, with Microsoft adding more over time. If you want to put your name on the list though all you need to do is click here.

Youll be asked to fill in an online registration form, which will ask for details like your post code, make and mode of mobile device, and your mobile network provider.

How does the Project xCloud preview work?

The public preview will include the games Halo 5, Gears 5, Killer Instinct, and Sea Of Thieves, although more titles, including third party games, will be added as the preview goes on.

Content will be available through Microsofts new Game Streaming app, which will be launched on Google Play in the next few weeks. Anyone can download it but only those that are part of the preview will be able to sign in.

Vodafone is Microsoft UKs main partner in the UK but you should be able to use xCloud with any network.

Theres no specific start date in October and theres also no indication of when the testing will end and the service will go live for everyone.

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According to Microsoft, The preview will continue until customers are consistently reporting a great, fun experience and the technology meets our internal quality standards.

More: Gaming

That implies it could be quite a long time before xCloud launches for everyone and perhaps not this year. Rival service Stadia does plan to launch this autumn, but since theres been no public testing yet they may be risking a more unreliable service at first –Read More – Source