Microsoft's Cloud Gaming Service, Project xCloud, Expands to iPhones in Beta Test

A limited number of iPhone owners can now try out Microsoft’s upcoming cloud gaming service, Project xCloud.

Since last fall, the company has been inviting gamers to test out the cloud gaming service, which promises to let you enjoy Xbox games without connecting to the console. With Project xCloud, customers will be able stream their favorite titles to a phone, tablet or PC, as long as they have access to a 10Mbps or higher internet connection.

Previously, the Project xCloud preview was only been available to users on Android phones and tablets. But on Wednesday, Microsoft announced it will finally expand the beta tests to Apple’s iOS devices.

The free trial will be conducted through Apple’s Testflight service, which caps the number of test users to 10,000. So interested gamers should sign up quickly. “We anticipate that demand will exceed our capacity and we will be unable to accommodate all applicants. We’ll distribute invitations to participate on a first-come, first-served basis,” Microsoft said in the announcement.

For now, the beta test for iOS is only available to users in the US, UK and Canada. The other caveat is how invited participants will have access to just one title, Halo: The Master Chief Collection. An additional requirement is the need for a bluetooth-enabled Xbox One wireless controller. To learn how to sign up, the company’s blog post has detailed instructions on registering as an iOS participant.

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Microsoft’s goal is to make the service also available on Windows PCs. The company plans on launching Project xCloud as a finalized product later this year, putting it in competition with the game streaming services from Google and Nvidia.  

What xCloud will cost remains unclear. But according to Microsoft, you'll be able to to stream games you already own on your Xbox without needing to buy the products all over again. Another perk is how Microsoft plans on bundling xCloud to the $9.99 a month Xbox Game Pass as an additional feature.

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