Microsoft starts inviting select gamers in the US, UK, and Korea to join its new game streaming service, ‘xCloud’
- xCloud is available to users who signed up for the service in US, UK, and Korea
- Titles include the newest Halo, Gears of War, and Sea of Thieves
- Microsoft says that demand will exceed capacity for the test program
- To use the service one needs an Android phone or tablet and an Xbox controller
Microsoft is now giving some people the chance to test its nascent game-streaming service, xCloud.
Gamers in the US, UK, and Korea have all been invited by Microsoft to join a beta for xCloud, the company’s upcoming streaming platform that will allow users to stream console games anywhere.
Those who singed up for xCloud’s preview last month can now stream a select number of Xbox titles that include Gears 5, Halo 5: Guardians, Killer Instinct, and Sea of Thieves.
Microsoft’s xCloud is the company’s first-ever game-streaming service and has begun a testing phase in the US, UK, and Korea
‘Public preview is a critical phase in our multi-year ambition to deliver game streaming globally at the scale and quality of experience that the gaming community deserves and expects,’ said Microsoft’s cloud gaming chief Kareem Choudhry, in a statement.
‘It’s time to put Project xCloud to the test in a broader capacity, with a range of gamers, devices, network environments and real-world use-case scenarios.’
While Microsoft started to let users sign up for the service last month, those who missed the sign-up can still register here.
The company said demand is likely to exceed capacity for the initial test phase, so those that are interested and haven’t already signed up are advised to hop on the registration from ASAP.
In order to test the service, however, one will need to already have an Android phone or tablet, a Microsoft login, and a Bluetooth-enabled phone and Xbox controller.
As for any data-intensive task on one’s tablet or phone, users must also have access to a relatively high-speed internet connection.
The Verge reports that Microsoft has already struck partnerships with 5G telecom companies in South Korea and technical partnerships with T-Mobile in the US and Vodafone in the UK to help deliver the service.
At a major event in November, Microsoft will likely have even more news on its nascent streaming platform
Microsoft says it plans to expand the number of games as the service grows and will offer more details at its marquis even in London this November.
‘This is just the beginning. We’ll continue to improve, innovate, invite more of you in, add more content, and do it with the community in an open and transparent way,’ wrote Choudhry.
‘We can’t wait to hear your stories and share more at X019!’