xCloud Xbox game streaming shown off on the web, and its preview is coming soon
By going through a browser rather than the App Store, Microsoft seems set to deliver xCloud game streaming to iOS and iPadOS.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’s cloud streaming platform, codenamedProject xCloud, has been seen in action within a web browser. According to a report fromThe Verge, Microsoft started testing xCloud through the web ahead of its upcoming public preview.
With browser support, xCloud game streaming will be an option for more platforms and devices, most notably the iPhone and iPad running iOS and iPadOS. Microsoft is not able to getxCloud onto iOS devicesthrough the App Store in a way that it’s happy with. To have an xCloud app in the App Store, Microsoft would have to submit all games to Apple for review.
It was already known that xCloud was on its way through the web, but now we have screenshots of it in action. We also know, thanks to The Verge, that the preview is “getting very close” to rolling out.
Game streaming through xCloud works as you’d expect. You need anXbox Game Pass Ultimatesubscription to play within a browser. The web version has a game launcher and launches games in fullscreen mode. The Verge notes that you’ll need a controller to play the web version of xCloud. That shouldn’t be difficult, considering Xbox Series X|S controller support isin beta for iOS 14.5. Older Xbox One controllers are already supported.
By moving xCloud game streaming to the browser, Microsoft can deliver game streaming to iOS devices, as well as other devices with supported web browsers. According to The Verge, the web version of xCloud is currently limited to Chromium browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
This should all look familiar, as it’s extremely similar to how xCloud game streaming works on Windows 10. We’ve already gonehands-on with xCloud Xbox game streaming for Windows 10. The web version of xCloud game streaming will be bundled into the Xbox app for Windows 10 in the future.
Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold in one
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to dozens upon dozens of games for one monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also adds Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass for PC to the package so you can play online, as well as cloud streaming on mobile devices and, eventually, PC!
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
