Trial version of xCloud arrives on iPhone
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Microsoft's xCloud service for cloud games will officially arrive on iOS and PC tomorrow, April 20. The service works via device browsers, allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play Xbox games on iPhones, iPads and computers.
Although Microsoft keeps this beta version somewhat limited, it requires players to be invited to participate in the testing phase. The service can be accessed via the Xbox website, where Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who have been invited to the beta will be able to play Xbox games through Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari.
Over 100 games are available, and testers will be able to use a Bluetooth or USB-connected joystick or use dedicated touch controls. Catherine Gluckstein, Director of xCloud Service, said: The limited beta is a time to test and learn, and we are continuously sending more invitations to players in all 22 supported countries, evaluating comments, continuing to improve the experience, and adding support for more devices.
She added: Our plan is to work quickly and open up to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the coming months so that more people have the opportunity to play Xbox games in completely new ways.
It is noteworthy that it is the first time that the Xbox cloud gaming service is available via iOS devices after the service was launched exclusively on Android phones and tablets last year.
Microsoft was unable to offer xCloud on iPads and iPhones during the initial launch of the service again in September due to Apple's restrictions on cloud gaming applications. Apple and Microsoft both fought a public war of words for xCloud, and Apple initially insisted that Microsoft should provide the games individually for review.
Ultimately, Apple offered a compromise to allow cloud gaming apps to run across iOS devices with individually reviewed games, but Microsoft described it as a bad experience for consumers.